1. Greetings and Key phrases
What are the most common greetings in your culture?
Greeting: Merhaba
Meaning: Hello/ Hi
Pronunciation: Merhaba
Greeting: Hoşgeldiniz
Meaning: Welcome
Pronunciation: Hoshgeldiniz
Greeting: Teşekkürler
Meaning: Thank you
Pronunciation: Teshekkuurler
What is a typical local phrase?
Phrase/ Sentence: Günaydın
Meaning: Good Morning
Pronunciation: gooneyedi
Phrase/ Sentence: Görüşürüz
Meaning: See you later
Pronunciation: goorooshooruz
Phrase/ Sentence: İyi Günler
Meaning: Have a good day
Pronounciation: eegoonlair
2. A day in your city
What are the most famous landmarks?
Which are your personal favourite places in the city (insider tip)?
Kadıköy – It is an old town
Ortaköy – Bosphrous view with an oriental atmosphere
Pera/Beyoglu – Churches, historical buildings, picturesque arcades and fine restaurants
Kuzguncuk – is a neighborhood in the Üsküdar district on the Asian side of Istanbul. The neighborhood is centered on a valley opening to the Bosphorus and is somewhat isolated from the main part of the city, being surrounded by nature preserves. It is a quiet neighborhood with streets lined with antique wooden houses
Galata – Area with its sweet narrow streets housing a variety of lovely cafes and restaurants. CAFÉ PRIVATO – in old town Galata know for the best traditional breakfast and turkish cuisine in town
Is there any interesting way to get around in your city/country?
Ferry through the Bosporus
What items should I not forget to bring when traveling to your country?
- Sunglasses
- Mosquito Repellent
- Istanbul Card for Public Transportation
- Turkish Lira
- Umbrella (depending on the season)
What should I avoid when travelling to your country?
- Smoking in certain places
- Taking photographs near military or official places
- Not dressing modestly when visiting a mosque
3. Culture
What is the traditional and the modern costumes/dress for men and women in your country?
The traditional salvar suits are a part of Turkey’s culture dating back to the Ottoman era. The salvars are of varying degrees of bagginess and are gathered at the ankle. Bright colours and flowered prints are favoured by rural women. The total female ensemble includes the gomlek (chemise), salvar and entari (robe)
Do schools require uniforms in your country? If yes, what do they look like?
Generally, in Turkey, middle school boys wear gray uniforms with white shirts and a dark blue blazer, and the girls wear white shirts and grey skirts
What music (and dances) represent your local culture?
Turkish Folk Music
Turkish Classic Music
Turkish Pop Music
Turkish folklore dancing
Belly dancing
One fun fact about your country
Istanbul nightlife
What are famous inventions of your country or what is something that people might find interesting that is originally from your country?
- Turkish coffee
- Turkish delights
- Turkish baths
What are the special colours in your country/culture (and why)?
The Turkish flag has a red background with a crescent moon and a white star at the center. The Turkish national anthem refers to it as al bayrak, meaning the red flag
It is accepted that a star and crescent was reflected on the blood of soldiers, because of that the colour of the Turkish flag is the colour of blood. So many people spilled their blood to save the government
What are the lucky and unlucky numbers in your culture (and why)?
There are no lucky or unlucky numbers in Turkey
- These superstitions are believed to bring bad luck or lead to bad things happening:
Black cat crossing your path - Cutting nails at night time
These things are believed to bring good luck or lead to good things happening:
- Getting out of bed from the right side
- Getting in the middle of two friends bearing the same name, and making a wish
4. Food
What are your favourite local dish that I should try in your country?
Where do local people usually buy food ingredients?
- Spice Bazar
- Eminönü
5. Souvenirs
What gift should I bring back to friends and family; and where can I buy it?
- Turkish ceramics
- Evil eye
- Turkish towels
- Colorful mosaic lamps
- Handmade soaps
- Handmade rugs and carpets
- Pottery from Cappadocia
- Scarfs
You can buy all these kind of gifts from Grandbazaar