How to travel responsibly in Türkiye: 10 tips to be a better traveler
A bustling evening on Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul, as crowds enjoy the lively atmosphere and iconic red tram during the winter season, Türkiye, December 31, 2023. (AA Photo)
By the end of November 2024, just over 50 million tourists had visited Türkiye. It’s not surprising as the country is a popular destination with lots to see and do. However, greater numbers mean more impact on locals and the environment, not all of them good. If you want to leave a positive travel footprint, here are ten tips to travel responsibly in Türkiye.
Taking photos
Sharing selfies and images of your travels on social media is part and parcel of the tourist experience but it’s important to remember you’re a visitor in someone else’s life. Locals aren’t just part of the scenery so ask before you snap.
Some older Turks may dislike being photographed due to religious beliefs, while others worry about where you might share their image. If your intended subject does say yes, they’ll love it if you get their number and send them the photos via WhatsApp.
Shop owners are usually happy for you to use their displays for backdrops, but check first. If you do decide to rearrange things, don’t forget to put everything back where you found it. Also, don’t assume the owner of that cute little village house will welcome you just walking onto their property and sitting in their garden uninvited.
Taking photos in military zones is forbidden, even if there are no signs.
Mosque etiquette
Historical mosques in Türkiye offer gorgeous photographic opportunities but first and foremost they’re places of worship. Individuals engaged in prayer might be mourning a loss or hoping for a miracle.
Women need to don a headscarf and everyone should be respectful by wearing clothes that cover their upper arms and lower legs. Finally, don’t think it’s OK to take romantic or intimate photos inside a mosque as happened in the Hagia Sophia (yes really), unless you want to risk getting banned from visiting Türkiye forever.
Bargaining
Many tourists feel embarrassed to talk about money but Turks are no strangers to the art, especially when it comes to selling souvenirs like carpets, lamps and the like.
It’s perfectly acceptable to ask the price of something you’re interested in at several shops to get an idea of the range, but avoid entering into a protracted bargaining session unless you actually plan to buy something.
However, not everything’s negotiable. Expenses like transport fees and restaurant meals are fixed and you won’t do yourself any favours if you try to beat down the price.
What to wear in Türkiye
Dress codes in Türkiye have changed enormously in the last few decades. However, it is important to know that Turks pay attention to what to wear in specific locations. Low cut tops may not be the best idea in small towns while they are a perfect fit for holiday resorts and towns.
While it’s OK to wear sheer floaty dresses at upmarket beach resorts or many city centers, people living inland and in the east of the country may tend to dress more conservatively. Pay attention to what locals wear and if you’re a woman, consider carrying a scarf in your bag. That way you can easily cover up if you’re feeling underdressed and you’ll always be mosque ready.
Use official Turkish guides
If like many visitors to Türkiye you want to hire a guide, make sure they’re licensed. Properly qualified guides complete rigorous studies in history, culture and tradition and are members of Turist Rehberleri Birligi (TUREB), the Tourist Guides Union.
Read about Türkiye before you come
A little bit of research goes a long way, especially when it comes to travel. Reading up in advance means you’ll know Türkiye is a secular state with a majority Muslim population and not an Islamic Middle Eastern country where everyone speaks Arabic.
Live like a local
Staying in a family-run or boutique hotel in Türkiye gives you an intimate glimpse into everyday Turkish life.
The same is true of traveling by intercity bus or using public transport. They both allow for random interactions with locals that make for the best travel memories.
Follow traditions
Turks are incredibly hospitable and forgiving when visitors accidentally do the wrong thing. They’re even more thrilled when you get it right so remember, Turks don’t compliment babies for fear of invoking the evil eye and never blow their nose in public.
Remove your shoes before entering a mosque and do the same when you’re invited into a private home. Take note, saying no to another glass of tea is not an option.
Buy a gift that gives back
Souvenirs make great gifts and many handmade items in Türkiye, especially in smaller towns and villages, are produced by community and NGO-run groups supporting women and displaced people. The money you spend goes directly to them, so your present helps their future.
Eco-friendly activities
Türkiye’s landscape is a rich tapestry containing 21 world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The interior is dotted with surreal-looking peribacasi, that fairy chimney in English, sitting atop tunnels and caves carved out more than a thousand years ago.
The coast is blanketed in emerald-green pine forests studded with amphitheaters and ancient towns. To ensure future generations can enjoy them too, choose hiking or horse riding over ATV tours and jeep safaris in Cappadocia, and kayaking or sail-powered yachts over jet skis and motorboats on the Mediterranean.
