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New life in Marmaris: Turkish survival tips

You’ve decided life is short and you want to live in beautiful Marmaris in western Turkey. You’re now looking at property for sale in Marmaris to realise that dream villa or house. What do you need to know about Turkish etiquette to help prepare you for life in this country?

Getting to know the Muhtar

The Muhtar is the officially elected representative of the state in each district. They are typically retired and have a long association with the district and can play an important part in helping you to settle in your new area. Take time to find out who the Muhtar is and introduce yourself early into your overseas move.

Meeting Turkish people

As in the UK, you shake hands with people as a standard greeting. Men and women take note of the following:

• suits and ties are expected of men for official meetings.
• about a third of Turkish Muslim women wear a tesettür which is a headscarf as well as a coat, when going out in public. You might want to follow suit in certain situations but you’ll likely make your own decisions about what’s suitable to wear when, after a few months of living in Turkey.

As an important side note, aim to show respect for Islamic traditions as much as possible. This might involve you looking at what Turkish men or women wear in different contexts. It may help you be accepted more readily into your local society.

Indicating yes, no and don’t know

Note the following when you interact with Turkish people:

• moving your head forward and down means “yes”
• moving your head back and lifting your eyebrows at the same time means “no” and
• “I don’t understand” is communicated by shaking the head from side to side.

Hotel and restaurant charges

Whilst service charges are included in restaurant and hotel bills, you are expected to leave a small tip for the staff who serve you.

Paying taxi fares

When you pay taxi fares and tip tourist guides – do round up the bill even if the recipient refuses initially.

Finally…

These are a just few pointers – but you will undoubtedly find that they help you. Good luck with your property buy and your new life!