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Top ten tips

1 When you visit a Turkish house, the host will say ‘Hoşgeldiniz!’ (welcome). You should reply, ‘Hoşbulduk’.

2 Turks are naturally inquisitive about visitors to their country and are keen to hear your impressions of Turkey. Shortly after meeting, you may be asked where you are from, as well as more personal questions about your family life. They may also invite you for further discussion over tea or Turkish coffee.

3 It is totally normal for women or men to kiss each other on the cheeks and hug. It is also normal for people to walk arm in arm or with their arm around someone, regardless of gender. It is a natural expression of affection, along with often touching a person’s hand or shoulder during a conversation.

4 Turkish people do not tend to share the bill in restaurants; the person who has extended the invitation will pay. It is polite to offer to share but you shouldn’t insist.

5 When drinking Turkish coffee, never drink to the bottom of the cup. It’s ground coffee which leaves a thick sediment, like non-filtered espresso! It’s a popular superstition to read your fortune in the shapes created by the coffee dregs – simply turn your coffee cup upside-down onto the plate when you’re finished, swirl it, and leave it to dry.

6 When greeting people, shake the hands of the eldest person first. You will also see younger people kiss an older person’s right hand and then put it on their forehead. If you are the eldest in the group, be prepared for this, especially from the kids!

7 Shoes are removed when entering someone’s home. You shouldn’t point the sole of your foot towards anyone, especially an older person, as this can be considered disrespectful.

8 Turks love talking about current affairs, but approach religious and other sensitive political matters with caution – there may often be strong viewpoints on both sides of the debate.

9 If you are invited to somebody’s home, it is polite to take a small gift such as a dessert, especially if you are invited for dinner.

10 While in the company of Turkish people, if you are snacking on something (such as a bag of crisps or a packet of biscuits) it is very rude not to offer some to the people around you. If you are not going to offer it to others, do not eat it in front of them! It is also courteous to refrain from eating and drinking in public in fasting hours during Ramadan.