Istanbul stands as a city where civilizations have converged for centuries—from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, and into the modern Turkish Republic. This layered history is deeply reflected in its social etiquette and cultural customs. Today, Istanbul is a city where traditional values blend harmoniously with contemporary lifestyles.
Greetings and Forms of Address
Istanbul locals are generally warm and hospitable, but social interactions are shaped by mutual respect.
Greetings: A handshake is the common greeting between men. When greeting a woman, wait for her to offer her hand first—otherwise, a polite nod is sufficient.
Forms of Address: It’s respectful to use honorifics like “Bey” (Mr.) or “Hanım” (Ms.) after someone’s first name—e.g., “Ahmet Bey”, “Elif Hanım”.
Respect for Elders: Offering a seat, using formal language, and showing deference to older individuals is a strong cultural norm.
Dress Code and Appropriate Attire
While Istanbul is a modern and fashion-forward city, modesty is still appreciated in certain settings.
Daily Attire: Shorts, t-shirts, and dresses are widely accepted in urban areas.
Religious Sites: Women are expected to cover their hair, shoulders, and knees before entering a mosque. Men should avoid wearing shorts. Scarves are often provided at the entrance.
Entering a Mosque: Shoes must be removed; silence is appreciated. Avoid walking or taking photos during prayer.
Swimwear: Wearing bikinis or swimsuits is fine on beaches, but walking around town in such attire is inappropriate.
Public Behavior and Transportation Etiquette
In a crowded city like Istanbul, public behavior plays an important role in social harmony.
Give priority seats to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with children.
Keep your voice down in public transportation; use headphones for music or videos.
Respect queues in banks, stations, and shops—cutting in line is considered very rude.
Littering is both culturally frowned upon and legally punishable. Help keep the city clean.
Visiting Mosques and Sacred Places
Istanbul is home to countless mosques, many of which welcome tourists. However, respect for religious practice is essential.
Remove your shoes at the entrance. Plastic bags or shelves are usually available.
Stay quiet and avoid flash photography, especially during prayer times.
If you enter during prayer, wait quietly in the back and refrain from walking through the space.
Fridays and religious holidays (like Eid) are particularly busy; plan your visit accordingly.
Hospitality and Private Invitations
Hospitality is central to Turkish culture, and receiving an invitation is considered an honor.
Bring a small gift, such as sweets or flowers, when visiting someone’s home.
Shoes are removed at the door, and indoor slippers are often provided.
Refusing food or drink repeatedly may be seen as impolite—it’s best to accept at least a small portion.
Maintain polite table manners and avoid loud or confrontational topics during meals.
Personal Space and Respect for Privacy
While Istanbulites are friendly, they also value personal boundaries.
Public displays of affection (hugging, kissing, etc.) should be kept modest, especially in conservative areas.
Avoid touching or standing too close to strangers, particularly women.
Uninvited personal questions or physical contact may cause discomfort.
Verbal or physical harassment, especially toward women, is illegal and strongly condemned.
Shopping, Tipping, and Bargaining Culture
Understanding local commercial customs can enhance your experience.
Bargaining is acceptable in traditional markets like the Grand Bazaar but not in supermarkets or chain stores.
Tipping (10% or less) is appreciated in restaurants and cafés.
Small gratuities for taxi drivers, porters, or hotel staff are considered polite.
Religious and Cultural Sensitivities
Certain cultural topics are deeply rooted and should be approached with care.
During Ramadan, it is respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking openly in public during daylight hours.
Mocking religious symbols, local customs, the Turkish flag, or Atatürk (the founder of modern Turkey) can result in serious offense and legal repercussions.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in religious or rural areas.