A cultural travel guide to the world

Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Türkiye

4 rules found

Cultural sensitivitiesEveryday mannersPlace-specific guidance · Türkiye

Türkiye: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day

Do

  • During Ramadan, check shop opening hours and be patient with people who are fasting

Don’t

  • Eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the day (including in a car)
  • Playing loud music, dancing or swearing

It offends people who are fasting.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

Cultural sensitivitiesDressPlace-specific guidance · Türkiye

Türkiye: dress properly in mosques

Do

  • Cover shoulders and knees; women cover their hair
  • Ask permission before photographing people

Don’t

  • Wearing shorts or a vest in a mosque or holy site

It offends local people; inappropriate dress is more likely to cause offence during Ramadan.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice

Site-specific notes 6

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Topkapi Palace

  • Don't photograph in the Chamber of the Holy Relics or in some special exhibition halls — on-site signage prevails in all cases
  • don't climb over railings or touch the Iznik tiles and openly displayed exhibits
  • never make a wasted trip on the Tuesday closure — substitute the nearby Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque into the same day instead

Turkish coffee

  • Don't stir it or drain it in one gulp (you'll get a mouthful of grounds)
  • during Ramadan, don't eat or drink openly by day in conservative neighbourhoods

Ephesus

  • Don't climb the columns or touch mosaics and fragments of murals on the site
  • no loud talking inside the House of the Virgin Mary.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

  • Enter the pools barefoot only in designated areas — shoes are banned on the white travertine
  • don't put on sunscreen before getting in, as it pollutes the water
  • don't climb or carve on the ruins.

Cappadocia

  • Don't climb the fragile tuff pillars
  • dress appropriately in religious sites still in use
  • drone flights must follow local regulations.