TURKISH ALPHABET: tourist-class version

“Know-how” article for newcomers

by Tatsiana YANUTSEVİCH

What is Turkey? Do you know something about this country accept the information from promo flysheets about see coasts of Antalya? Or maybe you think that it’s an extremely religious country, where every woman should wear scarf and it is hot everywhere and every time? If there are exact things which are on your mind this article is personally for you. Below you can find 6 key-points about Turkey, Turkish people, food, religion and some other things which will be really useful for European incomers.

Tourism. It’s out of question that Turkey is a kind of touristic Mecca for most of European people.  I’m sure that you couldn’t even imagine that not so many years ago (let it be for example in 1991) tourist flow was not bigger than 5 millions tourists in a year and the number of hotels was, probably, 1/50 from one which Turkey has now. Now the number of airlines which are flying to Turkey is equal with the number of hamburger eaten in MacDonald’s. They fly even more often, than you go to shopping, laugh or kissing.

Urban-style. If you think, that all Turkish cities are something different from European or American ones you are completely mistaken. At least, Ankara looks like quite urban and modern city. Just get out of the metro and plunge into the buzz crowd of people. Feeling similar to one which you can have in such mega polices, as London or New York. For example Kızılay is a twenty-four-hour life-epicentrum of street venders, cab-drivers, clubbers and shopaholics. Such big cities as Istanbul and Ankara have subway and tramway, active nightlife and full amount of all kinds of entertainment – what more can you expect from a big city?

Religion. Most of Turkish people are Muslims. So, these girls with scarfs in the streets are not terrorists (it’s one of typical stereotypes among European people) – scarf is just a kind of their religious tradition. Another unfamiliar thing for Europeans is a strange (and even a little chilling) song which loudly sounds 5 times a day for the whole city.  Do not be afraid – it’s just a religious praying. Moreover you will exactly get used to in in a few days. But at the same time nobody will force you to do the same things – so, just be tolerant to their Muslim traditions.

Kebabs are like a visiting card of Turkish cuisine. It is the most famous (and for someone maybe the most delicious) kind of fast food in Turkey (and actually not even in Turkey). In general it’s fried meat which is placed on a spit and may be grilled for as long as a day. It can be eaten with lavash, tomato, cucumber or with some other vegetables. Beans and rise with vegetables are another common meal in Turkey. Ayran, tea and Turkish coffee are most common drinks. What’s about alcohol and cigarette, they are not cheap in Turkey. So, if you come to Turkey by plane, get advantage of Duty-free shops as much as your quota allows.

Environment. By the way, does Turkey belong to Asia? Or to Europe? But what does it matter!? Let’s forgot about this geographical convention. The most important thing is that Turkey has four seasons, four sees and lots of places to visit (it completely explains the first point of this article). About weather, it is generally warmer than in Europe (but do not think that it is an endless summer – be prepared to see even a snow here). Early autumn in Turkey is like a mid-summer in Europe. When we got back to Turkey from Belarus on September, we had sweaters and jackets on us. It's strongly NOT recommended!

Yok  which means “no” in Turkey. Must-Know word if you are white European girl. And even if you are not white and not a girl you also should remember these three letters. Who knows, what kind of offers some kind of Turkish guys can make you. Anyway, it’s better to deny their requests. Do not think that I want to make you think bed about Turkish people. In general, they are very kind, friendly and hospitable. Just remember one golden rule: “Be careful and have head on shoulders. Wherever you are”.

Collect the first letters from all this 6 points together and voila – TURKEY as it is! At least this little introduction can help foreigners to understand and become friends with this unique country.