Turkey: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (Culture Smart!)

Standing astride two continents and stretching from Europe tothe Middle East, Turkey is both feared by the West and wooed by it.Travelers have always been drawn to its glorious cultural heritageand heroic landscapes, and today, thanks to its burgeoning economy,growing geo-political importance, and young population, it isattracting more foreign visitors than ever. This new, updatededition of Culture Smart! Turkey reveals a nation in transition.Over the last two decades living conditons have improved greatlyand Turkey is now classified as a developed country with anemerging market economy. Viewed by many as a model foroutward-looking Islam, it is a country with laws to protect againstreligious paternalism, where restaurants are open during the fastof Ramadan, and where headscarves or no scarves can be worn inuniversities, schools, and public offices. Turkey continues to seekEU membership, but the road to accession has been full of twistsand turns and the outcome is uncertain. The country is rapidlymodernizing. The cities are being transformed with skyscrapers andgated communities. Politically, Turkey has changed dramaticallyover the past decade and today society is polarized betweensecularists and traditionalists. While Turkey is in many waysWestern and modern, Islamic tendencies are strong. The situationcan vary widely between, and even within, different parts ofsociety, and, across the board, there are still forms of behaviourthat are taboo. One thing is certain. Turkey’s culture and sociallife are changing. Culture Smart! Turkey is an invaluable guide tothe intricate ins and outs of a rich and complex society. Whetheryou are planning a vacation or traveling on business, it is vitalto be aware of appropriate behavior in different situations, and ifyou show a genuine interest in their culture and respect for theirvalues, you will win the lasting friendship of your hosts.