Turkey has its share of fascinating traditions that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Whether religious or cultural, we have chosen some of the most exciting practices that you’re bound to encounter during your time in Turkey.
Görücülük (Courtship): According to Turkish tradition, when a family wants their son to get married, they first visit the potential wife and her family at home to inspect and (if all goes well) ask for her hand. In these courtship scenes, it’s traditional for the bride-to-be to make Turkish coffee and serve it to her future in-laws while they get to look at her.
Oil Wrestling: Oil wrestling is one of Turkey’s most traditional sports, with roots in ancient Mesopotamia. During the famous Kırkpınar oil-wrestling tournament in Edirne, held annually since 1362, the wrestlers douse themselves in oil and then wrestle until a loser is declared (when the navel faces the sky). Oil wrestling matches can go on for up to 40 minutes. For all the peculiar oiliness, it can be pretty captivating.
Adaklık Kurban (Devotional Sacrifice): At the end of Ramadan it’s traditional to sacrifice an animal and donate the meat to the poor. The adaklık kurban has become very popular in Turkey, and sacrifices can be made at other times as well, if for example, you want your daughter to get married or get a good job.
Cultural Clothes: Women's attire consists of baggy trousers or Turkish salvar, A long skirt, robe or dress, a shirt, a jacket, A wide belt, or a piece of cloth worn as a belt, a scarf, or other headdress socks and shoes. As well as in different regions of Turkey, In eastern Anatolia, women wear many layers of clothes. Men In Turkey also wear Turkish Salvar And may add a traditional loose coat, Called a Jubba, over the salvar.
Cultural Food:
Cape Malay Curry: In the 17th century, the dutch and french landed and settled in Cape Town, bringing enslaved people from Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. This, in turn, brought their spices and their traditional cooking methods. Ultimately it blended with local produce and aromatic herbs like Cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, and chili, creating Fragrant curries stews that are still popular today.
Turkish Tea: Turkish tea is not just a solid dark red brew served in a tulip-shaped glass. It’s a tradition that revolves around hospitality. Wherever you go in Turkey, it’s traditional to be offered a cup of Turkish tea as a sign of welcome
Breakfasts in Turkish cuisine: Weekday breakfast in turkey is a light, quick, yet filling meal. It has all the energy you need to get through your day without getting too hungry. Turkish breakfasts are very diverse and offer many vegetarian/ vegan options for those looking for something other than animal protein. They also provide good suggestions if someone prefers meat in their diet. Traditional Turkish breakfasts are large and plentiful, consisting of several small dishes including cheese, olives, tomatoes, butter jams and spreads, loaves of fresh bread, and an abundant flow of black tea. The rural areas and the poor are, however, most commonly soup.
Turkey