This article is for those of you out there who want to hear it straight. No beating around the bush! I am telling you the truth about my own country and its people without any sugar-coating or holding back. Guidebooks, other websites, writers, bloggers, I mean almost everyone who gives advice on facts about Turkey just doesn’t seem to be courageous enough to me. So, I have prepared my list of unspoken facts about Turkey.
I believe visiting this country aware of these insider tips I’ve shared below can only help you be more prepared and insightful with respect to Turkey, as of 2022, shall we say Türkiye?
MOST TURKISH PEOPLE ARE MUSLIMS, BUT TURKEY IS NOT AN ISLAMIC COUNTRY
Turkey is a unique country in that it is a predominantly Muslim nation, but it is also a secular country with a strong constitution. This means that the country’s laws and government are not based on Islamic principles, and the state is officially neutral in matters of religion. While most Turkish people identify as Muslims, many do not strictly adhere to Islamic rules and practices.
For example, many people in Turkey consume alcohol and buying alcohol is as easy as it is in the West, despite the fact that it is forbidden in Islam. In general, religion is more of a cultural identity in Turkey, and people are often more relaxed about religious practices than in some other Muslim-majority countries.
However, it is worth noting that there is a growing conservative movement in Turkey, particularly under the current ruling party, AKP, led by the strong leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Some people in Turkey are becoming more religiously conservative, and this can be seen in certain aspects of Turkish society, such as the increasing popularity of wearing the hijab and the rise of religious schools across the country.
Despite this, it is important to recognize that Turkey is not a Middle Eastern or Islamic country in the same way that some other countries in the region are. It is a unique blend of Muslim and Western influences, with a rich cultural history and a modern, secular government.
TURKEY IS NOT A CHEAP COUNTRY.
Contrary to popular belief, Turkey is not a cheap country to visit. Many travelers are surprised to find that the cost of food, transportation, entrance fees to museums, alcohol, and gasoline can be quite high. Additionally, the continuous devaluation of the Turkish Lira against major currencies like the Euro and the Dollar has not led to a relative decrease in prices for visitors. Instead, many services and attractions have seen their prices soar.
For instance, the entrance fee to the iconic Galata Tower has experienced a significant increase from 2020 to 2023, as seen in the table below:
| Year | Price (Turkish Lira) | Price (US Dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 35 | 7 |
| 2021 | 100 | 12.5 |
| 2022 | 175 | 11.67 |
| 2023 | 650 | 23.21 |
This trend of rising prices is not confined to entrance fees alone. The costs of dining at restaurants and hotel accommodations have also surged, making the overall experience costlier for both locals and tourists.
Alcohol is also heavily taxed, between 63 and 220 percent depending on the type of drink, with an additional 18% value-added tax, which, coupled with the increased prices of other essentials, further elevates the cost of living and visiting Turkey. Entrance fees to museums and historical sites have risen, previously ranging from 5 to 10 Euros and now reaching 15-20 Euros per attraction.
The inflation in prices extends to the culinary scene, with meal prices at restaurants rising sharply over the last 2 years. Historically known for its reasonably priced food, Turkey‘s dining costs, while still not exorbitant, are no longer as low as they once were. Particularly in touristy areas, visitors should anticipate paying a fair price for meals, reflecting the current economic trends.
Overall, travelers should not expect Turkey to be a budget destination and should plan accordingly to avoid any financial surprises during their trip. Amidst the economic challenges faced by the country, the allure of its rich history and vibrant culture continues to draw visitors, albeit with a higher price tag.
TURKEY (ISTANBUL IN PARTICULAR) IS TOURISTY AND CROWDED.
Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. In 2022, more than 39 million people visited Turkey, making it the 6th most visited country in the world, behind France, the USA, China, Spain, and Italy.
| Year | Number of Visitors |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 37,969,824 |
| 2018 | 46,112,592 |
| 2019 | 51,747,198 |
| 2020 | 12,734,213 |
| 2021 | 24,712,266 |
| 2022 | 44,564,395 |
| 9/2023 | 39,212,967 |
As a result of its popularity, it can be challenging to find local, non-touristy restaurants and cafes in some areas. However, with a little bit of research and exploration, it is possible to discover hidden gems and authentic local experiences. This website can be a valuable resource for finding accurate information about Turkey and its culture.
– TURKISH PEOPLE ‘LOVE’ FOREIGNERS!
Turkish people are known for their warm hospitality towards foreigners, but unfortunately, this may not always be the case if you are poor or unattractive. While it is true that many Turkish people are genuinely friendly, the country’s tourism industry has created a culture where some individuals see foreigners as potential customers to exploit.
For example, some salespeople may try to sell overpriced rugs or carpets to wealthy American tourists, while some ‘Cassanova-wannabes’ may try to use their charm to seduce naive Japanese visitors. Unfortunately, this can lead to sleazy behavior and constant harassment in certain areas, with restaurant staff and others trying to persuade you to pay for their services.
It is important to be aware of these issues and take precautions when traveling in Turkey. Despite these challenges, however, there are still many welcoming and friendly Turkish people who will be happy to help you enjoy your stay in this beautiful country.
– TURKISH ECONOMY IS IN SHAMBLES
The Turkish economy has been grappling with formidable challenges, including soaring inflation rates, currency devaluation, and a substantial current account deficit. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and strained political relations with other countries have further compounded the economic uncertainties that Turkey has been facing in recent times. As a consequence, the minimum wage in Turkey had to be quadrupled to address the rapidly increasing costs and expenses.
The Turkish government has been implementing various economic policies to address the challenges facing the economy, such as reducing interest rates and increasing government spending to boost demand. Additionally, efforts are being made to attract foreign investment, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.
Morever, the recent earthquakes in February 2023 have added to the challenges, and the government’s response to the crisis will likely be a critical factor in the upcoming elections.
Despite these challenges, Turkey has a resilient economy and has shown the ability to rebound from difficult situations in the past.
Read our article: TURKISH ECONOMY IN SHAMBLES (2023)
In conclusion, Turkey is a complex and diverse country with a rich history and culture. While it is true that Turkish people are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists, there are certain unspoken facts about the country that visitors should be aware of. For example, Turkey is not a cheap country, and visitors should expect to pay higher prices for things like food, alcohol, and museum entrance fees.
Additionally, while most Turkish people identify as Muslims, the country is unique in that it is also a secular nation with a government and legal system that are not based on Islamic principles. While there is a growing conservative movement in Turkey, especially among the younger generation, it is important to recognize that Turkey is not a Middle Eastern or Islamic country in the same way that some other countries in the region are.
Bu gönderiyi Instagram’da gör
Overall, visitors to Turkey should approach the country with an open mind and a willingness to learn about its rich history, culture, and unique blend of influences.
And if you’d like a deeper dive-in, here’s Caspian Report’s take on Turkey‘s unique geopolitical mindset.
So, if you’re looking at this list, you’re probably a tourist with plans to visit Turkey. Unless you’re an observant Muslim, it sounds great. Bring your money so you can take home some souveniers and gifts (and do The Other Tour), don’t plan to drink a whole lot, look good, be friendly and have fun. Sounds good to me!
Citizens of Turkey are really friendly and kind but one thing that confuses me the most is that when I was back home in South Africa, I was told that dating was forbidden especially in public but you will find couples in parks hand in hand and kissing which is considered as sin and the fact that we cant wear revealing cloths is really ridiculous…….does anyone know where I can do my dreadlocks in Konya or Istanbul?
You can easily be dating and loving on the streets of Istanbul. I do it all the time!!
wow!….:*
I was amazed of that Unspoken Facts about Turkey…. I am not really mistaken…Turkey was a great great place that I wanted to visit ….hope that I can go there soon…
completely agree with th complaint about alcohol costs, but then again, its a smokers paradise pricewise so you know, it all evens out.
Loved the post, keep up the good work guys!!:)
Nice read
thanks bro
thanks bro
Hey the turks are Muslims right? But Muslims don’t drink alcohol. How is it allowed for Muslims here? And Muslims celebrate eid. I’ve watched many turkish dramas but never have they ever whispered a festival. Instead they celebrate new year lavishly. What’s with the religion here actually? (No offence in any manner )
Generally, Turkey has a Muslim population, similar to the predominantly Christian demographic in the U.S. This vast society encompasses a wide range of beliefs and talents. It’s a society that values secularism, democracy, progress, and innovation in various sectors, yet is significantly shaped by its religious majority. Grasping Turkey’s diverse nature isn’t too challenging, given its role as a Muslim nation at the edge of Europe for around a millennium.
Furthermore, following World War I, Turkey was essentially compelled to adopt Western values and systems. This transition steered the nation towards developing a dualistic nature in both its governmental and societal frameworks.And other than that, after WWI, Turks were practically forced to embrace Western values and systems which pushed the country in the direction of establishing a two faceted structure both its state and social structures.
Ok so Christmas is supposed to be a religious holiday but it’s celebrated differently nowadays. They used to go to Church now all they do on this day is against there religion. It’s the same for Muslims, they believe in their religion but still make mistakes because they are humans.
I would love to visit turkey❤️
Turkey is great country i accept but not Islamic country after the era of Ata Turk this men had changed the whole senario.I came to know abt Secular turkey after watching series of turkish dramas.May allah guide them all.
I am now into watching Turkish TV drama. I love it by the way.
I was confused about their religion. Now, I am not.
Thanks
I may find my way there one-day!
Hey are muslim tourists allowed alcohol too in turkey?
Yes.
Of course.. It’s a SECULAR country and Turkey has no official religion.
Turkish people, also tourists are drinking alcohol.
(Check out: RAKI is Turkey’s national alcohol drink)
I love Turkey so much and 2 of my very close friends are Turkish. In America and in my experience, only those 2 Turkish friends are the good Turkish people I’ve met. I meet many Turkish people here and I realized that they are so dramatic and love gossiping and lie a lot. At first I thought I was wrong but then everyone agreed with me including my Turkish friends. Yes all they talk about is how open minded and westernized they are which shows and act of insecurity. Going to school, I met older Turkish people and I would say that they are so respectful and very smart. And yes I would go to Turkey when I have the time. Every country has positive and negative things to look at. Here in the US we are always taught that we are the best at everything and that is clearly not true. The crime rate and hate rate is the highest.
I just wanna know one thing….do turkish people strongly believe in horoscope or zoodiac signs? I hope you will reply! I want to visit turkey! So kindly reply ❤
They really do – and I don’t like it 🙂
Hi Fethi,
I am planning to visit Istanbul during the Eid, 14-17 June 2018. Do the monuments or places of visits, restaurants, bars remain open for tourists as I understand it is the end of Ramadan and people usually go out with family and everything should be shut down.
I’m a Muslim American, my wife is Catholic. Our daughter’s are still figuring out which religion to follow. We are a very happy, and loving family, and all have a strong desire to visit Turkey. What will be the “general,” attitude toward our inter-faith marriage? I realize all people are different as individuals. So, what would be the “collective/national attitude towards us?
Wow! How ignorant was I After reading this it really opened up my eyes about Turkey for the first time. Started watching Turkish movies (love them)and wondered so many questions about them being Muslim but acting westernised. Females not all covered up etc.
When we went on our Mediterranean cruise was too scared to disembark at Kusadasi but did with persuasion. If only I knew what I know now
Maybe one day I will have another chance of seeing more of this beautiful country and people
Great article! I love turkey & been there twice. Planning my third visit soon (hopefully in august). Why dont you write more about “casanova wannabe”? People need to be warned anout this…
I was pursued by this turkish man I met in Pergamon. He doesnt contact me everyday, but he makes sure that I wont forget him by calling & texting me once in a while. After a month he asked me to buy him a return flight ticket to south east asia to visit me, which I denied, of course. The funny thing is, eventhough I told him that I wouldnt give him any money/gift whatsoever, he said that was OK. He never asked for anything again (& he’s still contacting me). He asks me to visit him (I buy my own ticket, of course) & tells me that I dont have to pay for anything else while I am in Turkey. He is relatively polite; our conversations dont mention anything about love/lust. I know that he is a university graduate with basic salary & he knows from my istagram that I travel the world & fly business class. How can I know which one is genuine & which one is scam? Should I meet him in Turkey?
He’s a human just like anywhere else… if you like talking to him and want to have a better relationship, go meet him.
Go with ur gut, mine is saying don’t engage with him
because the founder of my country, the Republic of Turkey, is GREAT LEADER MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK.
Republic forever…
Is Turkey really safe right now with what’s going on in Israel and Lebanon?
Hey Karl. Thanks for the question. I’m receiving the very same questions from guests that are arriving in a few days. To be completely honest with you, Turkey remains a generally safe destination for travelers, as it is not directly involved in the current conflicts in Israel and Lebanon. However, like with any international travel, it’s important to stay informed, follow local news, and heed any travel advisories. Turkey continues to welcome tourists, and most areas, especially major cities like Istanbul, remain peaceful and secure.