Turkish Culture

As a country situated between Europe and the Orient, Turkey boasts a very rich culture. When conducting business in Turkey, it is important to consider several aspects of Turkish culture.

Turkey: A Bridge Between Two Continents.

As a country situated between Europe and the Orient, Turkey boasts a very rich culture. Especially in Istanbul, the city spanning two continents, the cultural melting pot of Western and Oriental influences is clearly evident. Although the country has been strongly oriented towards the West politically and culturally for years and remains a popular destination for travel and holidays, some Europeans may find it somewhat unfamiliar due to certain cultural differences. However, a closer look reveals that the cultural distance is less significant than often perceived.

Key Aspects of Turkish Culture as a Foundation for Business Operations.

Culture and Values

A key aspect of Turkish culture is its high power distance. Further important cultural characteristics of Turkey can be identified using Hofstede's (2009) model of the five cultural dimensions and statistical data.

The Situation in Turkey

Empirical data is not available for all the dimensions mentioned. However, based on the existing data, the following picture emerges:

Turkey is characterized by a high power distance, meaning that existing hierarchies are accepted to a comparatively high degree.
Turkish culture appears to be characterized by low individualism and high collectivism.
Within Turkish society, values described by Hofstede as 'feminine' tend to dominate, such as caring, cooperation, sensitivity, and modesty. 'Masculine' values like competitiveness, assertiveness, and performance orientation play a more subordinate role.
Risk-taking is also relatively low among Turks, with strategies for uncertainty avoidance tending to dominate.

For Your Successful Business Presence in Turkey.

Language and Communication

Generally, foreigners are not expected to have Turkish language skills in Turkey. Politeness and respect are taken very seriously. Active listening is important, especially since directness and open confrontation are less common; a 'no' is usually not explicitly stated. A refusal should be explained with regret and a clear reason. Adhering to these basic rules facilitates professional communication while fostering a friendly and cordial conversational atmosphere.

The Turkish Language

Turkish belongs to the Ural-Altaic languages and, within these, to the Turkic languages. Throughout history, Turkish has been significantly influenced by Arabic, Persian, Modern Greek, Latin, Italian, and in the technical field, also by French.

More about the Turkish language

Foreign Language Skills in Turkey

Naturally, foreign language skills are more prevalent in cities than in rural areas, and more common among younger generations than older ones. English ranks first, followed by German. Other foreign language skills, such as French and Italian, are not widely developed.

More about foreign language skills in Turkey

Non-verbal Communication

While there are many similarities with Germany in terms of body language and gestures, daily life is also characterized by a number of important differences. These differences are evident in aspects such as dress codes, greetings, and taboo subjects.

More about non-verbal communication in Turkey

Business Etiquette in Turkey

Due to cultural differences, Turkish business etiquette differs from German business etiquette. The paramount rule is to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor. As lawyers in Nuremberg, we are happy to advise you on this matter.

More about business etiquette in Turkey

Religion, Customs, and Traditions in Everyday Life.

Islam in Everyday Life in Turkey

The majority of the population in Turkey adheres to Sunni Islam. The Republic of Turkey is the only country in the world with such a Muslim majority that is nevertheless strictly secular. The strict separation of faith and state is deeply enshrined in the constitution. Business life in Turkey is also far less influenced by religion than in other Islamic countries.

Presence of Religion in Everyday Life

In everyday life, Islam is present through the five daily calls to prayer by the muezzin. The prescribed five daily prayers are observed by few believers in the western region. Islam is most strongly perceived during Ramadan, when many believers fast and abstain from alcohol and smoking.

Influence of Islam on Business Life

Islamic regulations for business life, such as the prohibition of interest, are not common in Turkey. Furthermore, the proportion of people who insist on observing the five daily prayers during work is comparatively low. This is partly because, in Islam, performing work is considered an act of worship. Only during the fasting month of Ramadan is a more noticeable impact of religion on business life evident: people's performance and willingness to work are affected, which impacts economic productivity. Traffic becomes a real obstacle during rush hours due to the irritability of those fasting.

Customs and Traditions

The Hamam (Turkish bath) is an important part of Islamic bathing culture in Turkey. Superstitions, such as the protective eye (nazar boncuğu) or beliefs in certain rules (“when dogs howl at night, someone will die”), are common. The first sale of the day (siftah) means a lot to vendors and therefore takes place at a very favorable price. Often, the vendor asks for the money to be thrown on the ground.

Women in the Turkish Business World.

The Position of Women and Men in Society

The equality of rights for women and men is enshrined in the Turkish constitution. Since 1934, universal suffrage has also applied to women. Long before Angela Merkel was elected Chancellor in Germany, Mrs. Tansu Çiller assumed the office of Prime Minister in 1993. This made Turkey one of only ten countries worldwide to have a woman at its helm.

Legal Situation

The last inconsistencies in the Civil Code and family law that favored men were eliminated with the most recent reform in 2003. However, social life is characterized by enormous differences between West and East, urban and rural areas, and young and old.

Contradictory Development

However, this development is contradictory: while Turkey is becoming increasingly Western and modern in some respects, more and more women are embracing a strict interpretation of Islam and wearing headscarves or covering themselves even more extensively. Laws prohibit wearing headscarves when working in public offices. In business life, women are found in all sectors; for example, more female lawyers than male lawyers are admitted to practice in Turkey.

The Role of Women in the Turkish Business World

In Turkey, there is a clear East-West disparity regarding the role of women in the economy. In the western part of the country, especially in Istanbul, numerous women work as journalists, lawyers, doctors, or in education. Nevertheless, it remains true that positions of power – as in almost all countries worldwide – are still firmly in male hands: 90 percent of management positions (and even 98 percent in the private sector) are held by men.