Türkiye is a sensory wonderland. From its bustling streets to its scenic coasts, you'll find an endless array of cultural quirks and delights that will not only captivate you but will also keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re just visiting or planning to stay for an extended period, here are 14 things you’ll get addicted to in Türkiye.👇
14 Things You’ll Get Addicted to in Türkiye: From Hammams to Delights
0
1. Keyif (The Art of Doing Nothing)
Türkiye takes relaxation to a new level with the concept of keyif, a word that encapsulates the bliss of idle enjoyment. It’s not just about taking a break, it’s about savoring moments of stillness, whether it’s with a cup of tea by the Bosphorus or lounging in a seaside café, letting the world slow down. Turkish culture encourages this practice, making it feel perfectly acceptable, even celebrated, to sit back and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
2. Baby-soft skin after a hammam
The hammam experience isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s a ritual. After just a few visits, you’ll become hooked on the exfoliation and purification process. Your skin will glow, and you'll feel renewed every time. Regular visits to a traditional Turkish bath will have you addicted to that fresh, baby-soft skin, thanks to the natir (bath attendant) who takes pride in scrubbing away layers of dead skin. And the best part? The feeling of being absolutely refreshed and cleansed afterward is beyond words.
3. The all-seeing nazar boncuğu
Even if you’re not superstitious, there’s something reassuring about the nazar boncuğu which are known as the iconic blue evil eye charms. They’re everywhere in Türkiye, from homes to cars, and even worn as jewelry. These talismans are said to protect against the “evil eye,” and whether you believe it or not, they’ll start to give you a sense of comfort. You’ll find yourself picking one up, not just as a souvenir, but as a tiny bit of reassurance in a bustling, unpredictable world.
4. Turkish coffee fortune-telling
It’s not just about drinking the coffee; it’s about what’s left behind. Once you’ve sipped your Türk kahvesi, you’ll flip the cup, let the grounds settle, and start the fascinating ritual of coffee fortune-telling. Friends will gather around, deciphering the shapes and symbols in the dregs to reveal insights into your future. Whether it’s fish (a sign of good luck) or teardrops (an emotional time), this quirky practice will soon become one of your favorite post-coffee traditions.
5. Barber shop entertainment
A trip to a Turkish barber isn’t just a haircut; it’s an experience. Picture this: a flame-wielding barber lightly singeing away fine facial hair, or massaging the neck and shoulders in rhythmic, almost hypnotic strokes. It’s part grooming, part performance art. Watching a tourist’s wide-eyed reaction to these barber techniques is always amusing, but soon you’ll realize the barbershop is as much about community and tradition as it is about grooming.
6. Restaurant hospitality that won't let you leave
In Türkiye, meals are an experience to be savored. One of the most charming (and addictive) aspects of Turkish dining is the hospitality. It’s not unusual to find yourself lingering at the table for hours, with waiters continuously offering tea or dessert. The reluctance to present the bill is a subtle way of saying, “Stay, enjoy.” You’ll love the relaxed atmosphere that makes you forget all about rushing through your meal.
7. Ordering off the menu: Even when it's not available
You’ll quickly learn that the Turkish determination to make guests happy knows no bounds. Order something that’s not available? No problem. You might see a waiter discreetly dash out to another store or market to fetch exactly what you requested. It’s this kind of above-and-beyond service that makes dining out in Türkiye feel special, even when the kitchen’s out of stock.
8. Cherry season bliss
If you’ve never had Turkish cherries, you’re in for a treat. In the summer, markets are flooded with plump, juicy cherries that are simply irresistible. Whether you’re snacking on them fresh or indulging in cherry tarts from Istanbul’s famed patisseries, the addictive sweetness will have you counting down the days until the next cherry season.
9. Kumpir: The king of baked potatoes
Forget about plain baked potatoes. In Türkiye, kumpir is a meal in itself. A massive potato is baked until soft and fluffy, then loaded with a dizzying array of toppings. Everything from olives to pickles, sausage, corn, and more. You get to customize your kumpir to your heart’s content, and after one taste, you’ll never look at baked potatoes the same way again.
10. Endless glasses of çay (Tea)
Turkish tea, or çay, is more than just a drink, it’s a cultural institution. Served in dainty tulip-shaped glasses, çay is offered at every social occasion, from business meetings to casual chats with friends. It’s nearly impossible to refuse, and once you get into the habit, you’ll find yourself craving that warm, slightly astringent flavor at all hours of the day.
11. Feeding the street cats
If you’re a cat lover, Türkiye will feel like paradise. Cats are an integral part of Turkish life, roaming freely through streets, parks, and even restaurants. You’ll soon find yourself “adopting” a local cat (or two) near your favorite café, ordering a plate of food just for them, and enjoying their graceful company as they curl up nearby.
12. Kolonya (Generally lemon cologne) refreshment
When in Türkiye, a refreshing splash of kolonya (lemon cologne) is offered after meals or as a welcome gesture. Its bright citrus scent and antiseptic properties give a cooling, invigorating feeling, especially during hot summer days. Don’t be surprised if you start carrying a bottle with you everywhere for that instant pick-me-up.
13. The morning call to prayer (Ezan)
While the early morning call to prayer may initially wake you up, over time it becomes a comforting part of the rhythm of life in Türkiye. It signals the start of a new day, often while you’re still nestled in bed, knowing you can snooze for a while longer. The melodic voices of the muezzins, especially in more historic cities, will start to feel like the soundtrack of your mornings.
14. Pide: Türkiye’s answer to pizza
You might be a pizza purist, but once you try pide, Türkiye’s version of flatbread, you’ll be hooked. It’s typically topped with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. It may not replace Naples-style pizza, but it will carve out its own place in your heart and stomach.