Istanbul is where East meets West, and nowhere is this more evident than in the historic Sultanahmet district. Beyond the iconic monuments lies a vibrant local culture waiting to be discovered. This guide will help you experience the authentic side of Istanbul during your stay at Oldtown Sultanahmet Suites.
Understanding Turkish Culture and Etiquette
Greetings and Social Customs
Basic Greetings:
- Merhaba (mehr-hah-bah) - Hello
- Günaydın (goon-eye-duhn) - Good morning
- İyi akşamlar (ee-yee ock-shaum-lar) - Good evening
- Teşekkür ederim (tesh-eh-kur eh-deh-reem) - Thank you
- Lütfen (lewt-fen) - Please
Social Etiquette:
- Turks are generally warm and hospitable
- Handshakes are common in business settings
- Remove shoes when entering homes (and some restaurants)
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques
- It's polite to accept offered tea or coffee
Mosque Visiting Etiquette
When visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (now a mosque again), or other religious sites:
For Everyone:
- Remove shoes before entering (bags provided)
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees
- Speak quietly and respect prayer times
- No flash photography during prayer
For Women:
- Head covering required (scarves provided at entrance)
- Long skirts or pants preferred
- Shoulders and arms should be covered
For Men:
- Long pants required (no shorts)
- Shoulders should be covered
Prayer Times: Mosques close to tourists 30 minutes before each of the five daily prayers. Check prayer times daily.
Traditional Turkish Coffee Culture
The Ritual of Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee isn't just a beverage - it's a cultural experience with centuries of tradition.
How It's Different:
- Ground to finest powder
- Brewed in a special pot called "cezve"
- Served unfiltered with grounds settling at bottom
- Sweet, medium, or plain (ordered at preparation)
Where to Experience:
- Historic cafés near the Grand Bazaar
- Traditional coffeehouses in Sultanahmet
- Authentic neighborhood cafés away from tourist areas
Coffee Fortune Telling: After finishing your coffee, turn the cup upside down on the saucer. Let it cool, then a fortune teller can "read" the patterns left by the grounds - a fun tradition!
Pro Tip: Don't drink the grounds at the bottom! Stop when you reach the thick sediment.
Turkish Tea Culture
Çay - The Social Glue
Turks drink more tea per capita than any other country. Tea (çay, pronounced "chai") is offered constantly:
Tea Culture Basics:
- Served in tulip-shaped glasses
- Always offered to guests
- Refusing might seem rude (but okay if you explain)
- Usually served strong and very hot
- Common to have 5-10 cups per day
Best Tea Garden Settings:
- Park tea gardens with natural surroundings
- Rooftop terraces with sea or mosque views
- Traditional neighborhood tea houses
Tea Etiquette:
- It's polite to accept at least one cup
- Sip slowly - tea is about conversation
- Sugar is on the side (add to taste)
- Can say "şekersiz" (sheh-ker-seez) for no sugar
Traditional Turkish Baths (Hamam)
The Hamam Experience
A hamam (Turkish bath) is an essential cultural experience. It's part spa treatment, part social ritual, and wholly rejuvenating.
What to Expect:
- Change into provided towel (peştamal) and wooden clogs
- Relax in hot room (similar to sauna)
- Lie on heated marble platform (göbektaşı)
- Attendant scrubs you with rough mitt (kese)
- Foam massage follows
- Rinse and relax in cooler room
- Tea or sherbet served
Types of Hamams:
- Historic Ottoman-era hamams with centuries of tradition
- Tourist-friendly hamams with English-speaking staff
- Local neighborhood hamams for a more authentic experience
Tips:
- Separate sections for men and women
- Book appointments in advance
- Bring or buy swimsuit if modest (optional)
- Tipping attendants is customary
Best Time: Mid-week mornings for fewer crowds
Traditional Music and Dance
Whirling Dervishes
The Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes perform a sacred ritual called the Sema ceremony:
Where to See:
- Cultural centers in Sultanahmet area offering nightly shows
- Historic venues throughout the city
- Mevlevi houses and museums with occasional ceremonies
Understanding the Ceremony:
- Religious ritual, not entertainment
- Represents spiritual journey toward perfection
- Spinning symbolizes orbiting around divine truth
- White robes represent death shroud, tall hat represents tombstone
- Photography usually not allowed
Tickets: Book in advance as shows often sell out
Traditional Turkish Music
Fasıl Music: Traditional Ottoman classical music, often performed in meyhanes (taverns)
Where to Experience:
- Waterfront fish restaurants often feature live music
- Traditional meyhanes (taverns) in Beyoğlu
- Concert halls and cultural centers for classical performances
Local Markets and Shopping Culture
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets:
General Information:
- Open Monday-Saturday, 9 AM - 7 PM
- 61 covered streets, 4,000+ shops
- Easy to get lost (that's part of the fun!)
- Save your hotel address on your phone for taxi return
What You'll Find:
- Turkish carpets and kilims
- Ceramics and tiles
- Leather goods
- Jewelry (especially evil eye charms)
- Spices and Turkish delight
- Traditional lamps
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar)
What You'll Find:
- Turkish spices (za'atar, sumac, Urfa pepper)
- Saffron
- Turkish delight (lokum)
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Turkish coffee
- Herbal teas
Good to Know:
- Vendors often offer samples to taste
- Vacuum packing available for travel
Traditional Turkish Cuisine Experiences
Meyhane Culture
A meyhane is a traditional Turkish tavern serving meze (appetizers) and rakı (anise-flavored spirit).
The Experience:
- Order rakı (mixed with water, turns milky)
- Order many small meze dishes
- Eat slowly, drink slowly
- Live fasıl music creates atmosphere
- Main dish comes later
- Dessert and tea to finish
Popular Meyhane Areas:
- Waterfront districts with many options
- Side streets in Beyoğlu neighborhood
- Traditional tavern areas throughout the city
Meze Must-Tries:
- Haydari (thick yogurt with herbs)
- Arnavut ciğeri (Albanian-style liver)
- Çiğ köfte (spicy vegetarian bulgur patty)
- Imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant)
- Deniz börülcesi (sea beans - if available)
Street Food Culture
Morning:
- Simit - Sesame bread rings (very affordable)
- Börek - Savory pastries
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice
Lunch/Snacks:
- Balık ekmek - Fish sandwich at Eminönü
- Kumpir - Loaded baked potato at Ortaköy
- Kokoreç - Grilled intestines (adventurous eaters!)
- Midye dolma - Stuffed mussels (be careful with hygiene)
Evening:
- Islak burger - "Wet burger" (late night)
- Tantuni - Wrapped meat dish
- Künefe - Sweet cheese pastry dessert
Food Safety:
- Choose busy stalls (turnover = freshness)
- Watch food preparation
- Bottled water for sensitive stomachs
- Avoid mussels in summer heat
Local Festivals and Events
Religious Holidays
Ramazan (Ramadan):
- 30 days of fasting (sunrise to sunset)
- Iftar (breaking fast) is special - join public iftars
- Festive atmosphere in evenings
- Special foods and sweets
- Shops may have altered hours
Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha):
- 4-day religious holiday
- Most businesses closed
- Family-focused celebration
- Meat traditionally shared with poor
Şeker Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr):
- 3-day celebration after Ramadan
- "Sugar Feast" - sweets everywhere
- Children receive gifts and money
- Family visits and celebrations
Secular Holidays
Republic Day (October 29):
- Celebrates founding of Turkish Republic
- Fireworks, concerts, parades
- Atatürk commemorations
- Festive atmosphere citywide
Istanbul Festivals:
- Istanbul Film Festival (April)
- Istanbul Music Festival (June)
- Istanbul Jazz Festival (July)
- Istanbul Biennial (September - odd years)
Connecting with Locals
Language Tips
Learning basic Turkish helps immensely:
Essential Phrases:
- Nasılsınız? - How are you?
- Çok güzel! - Very beautiful!
- Ne kadar? - How much?
- Yardım eder misiniz? - Can you help?
- Anlamıyorum - I don't understand
- İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz? - Do you speak English?
Numbers:
- Bir (beer) - One
- İki (ee-key) - Two
- Üç (ooch) - Three
- Dört (durt) - Four
- Beş (besh) - Five
Conclusion
Experiencing Istanbul's local culture transforms your visit from sightseeing to living. Whether sipping tea in a historic café, bargaining in the Grand Bazaar, or sharing a meal with locals, these authentic experiences create lasting memories.
The best travel experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Be open, be respectful, and Istanbul will welcome you like family!