Relationships
Turkish Family and Peer Relationships
- Turkish society is strongly family-oriented. Generations often live together in the same home or nearby, making family a central theme of Turkish identity and culture.
- Respect for elders is a fundamental principle in Turkish culture. The words "abi" for older brother and "abla" for older sister are used not just for siblings, but also for older relatives and close family friends.
- The concept of "mahalle" (neighbourhood/community) is important in understanding social relationships in Turkey. The neighbourhood is often seen as an extended family.
Friendship and Courtesies in Turkish Culture
- Friendship is highly valued in Turkish society. Turks often have large circles of friends and spend a great deal of time socialising.
- Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality. Guests are treated with utmost respect and are often offered the best of everything.
- The phrase "hoş geldiniz" is an important Turkish greeting meaning "welcome", highlighting the importance of hospitality ingrained in the culture.
Turkish Religious and Hierarchical Relationships
- The main religion in Turkey is Islam. It informs many aspects of identity and culture, including interpersonal relationships, social norms and practices.
- Social hierarchy plays a significant role in Turkish social structure. It's considered important to show respect for those in positions of authority, including elders, teachers, and bosses.
- The phrases "efendim" (sir/madam) and "sayın" (honourable) are commonly used to show respect to others, especially those higher in the social hierarchy.
Romantic and Marriage Relationships
- In traditional Turkish culture, marriages often involved matchmaking or arranged unions, but in modern day Turkey, people generally get married for love.
- Many Turkish weddings follow the Islamic tradition of nikah, a wedding ceremony conducted by a religious official or imam.
- With urbanisation and western influence, the dynamic in romantic relationships has evolved but family approval remains highly valued in marriage decisions.
Relationships in Turkish Language
- The Turkish language reflects the significance of relationships in its linguistic structure. There are different forms of 'you' (sen and siz) used based on familiarity, respect and formality.
- Turkish has many kinship terms to indicate specific family relationships beyond just 'aunt', 'uncle', 'grandmother', and 'grandfather'.
- The use of affectionate nicknames or terms of endearment like "canım" (my life) and "sevgilim" (my love) are common, further emphasizing the warmth in Turkish relationships.