THE TURKISH EYE

A Turkish eye also known as “Nazar is an trinket with the shape of a tear drop, where you can vizualize the human eye. This amulet has the power of protection, it is use as a “talismán” that repels bad vibes.

The name comes from Turkey and it is “Nazar Boncugu” that means: against bad energies. This eye is very common in Greece and Turkey.

Turkey´s culture explains that the human being can express the madness trough their eyes because their are “the window of the soul”.

Because of this, in turkey it is very common to wear this eye as a symbol of protection.

Turkey`s Manners

Meeting and Greeting Etiquette
When meeting shake hands firmly. 

Friends and relations would greet each other with either one or two kisses on the cheek.

When entering a room, if you are not automatically met by someone greet the most elderly or most senior first.

How to Greet

Greet people with either the Islamic greeting of 'Asalamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) or 'Nasilsiniz' (How are you? pronounced na-sul-su-nuz). Other useful phrases are 'Gunaydin' (Good Morning, pronounced goon-ay-dun), 'iyi gunler' (Good Day, pronounced ee-yee gun-ler) or 'Memnun Oldum' (pleased to meet you).

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving has no real place in business relationships or etiquette. 

If a gift is given, it will be accepted well. It is always a good idea to bring gifts from your own country such as food stuffs or craft items.

Be aware that Turkey is a Muslim country. Before giving alcohol to anyone be 100% sure that they drink.

The only time you would need to give any great thought to gifts would be if you were invited to a Turk's home for dinner.

Flowers are not usually taken to a host but can be if felt appropriate.If the host has children take some expensive sweets or candies.

Dining Etiquette


Turks enjoy food and the meal is a time for relaxing and engaging in some good conversation.

The protocol of Turkish hospitality dictates that the host always pays for the meal. 

The best policy is to graciously thank the host a few days later inviting him to dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

the main course always meat or fish based, accompanied by bread and a salad

Turks smoke during meals and will often take breaks between courses to have a cigarette and a few drinks before moving onto the next course.

Tea or Turkish coffee is served at the end of a meal sometimes with pastries.

 

 Turkish coffee is a national drink and should at least be sampled. It comes either without sugar, a little sugar or sweet.  Never drink to the bottom of the cup as it will be full of ground coffee and taste awful.