Traveling to Muğla, Turkey: Cultural and Etiquette Tips

Welcome to Muğla, a beautiful region on the southwestern coast of Turkey! To make your visit more enjoyable and respectful, consider these cultural and travel etiquette tips:

Dress Code

• Modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should wear long sleeves and avoid shorts or skirts above the knee. Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.
• Swimwear is acceptable on beaches but should not be worn elsewhere in public areas.

Greetings and Interactions

• A firm handshake is common when meeting someone new.
• Use “Tek Tek” (pronounced “teck-teck”) to greet people, which means “one by one.” This is a traditional Turkish greeting where you tap the other person’s index fingers together.
• Titles are important in Turkey; address adults and authority figures with the appropriate title followed by their last name (e.g., “Doctor Smith”).

Dining Etiquette

• Meal times are usually leisurely, so be prepared to spend some time enjoying your food.
• Waiters may bring a selection of appetizers for you to choose from, rather than listing items on a menu.
• It’s customary to decline the first offer of tea or coffee multiple times before accepting.

Hospitality and Gifts

• Hospitality is highly valued in Turkish culture, so your hosts may go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
• If invited to someone’s home for a meal, it’s polite to bring flowers, sweets, or chocolate as a gesture of gratitude.
• Refuse offers multiple times before accepting food, drinks, or gifts, as this shows politeness and humility.

Social Norms and Customs

• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
• Turkish people tend to be quite friendly and curious, so don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation with you.
• Always ask permission before taking photographs of individuals or private properties.
• Respect the local customs and traditions, particularly during religious holidays such as Ramadan.