travelguide TILMPE May. 2015 | Page 47

ZONGULDAK SHOPPING HOW TO BEHAVE How to behave in Turkey Shopping Turkish people are really hospitable towards visitors .You can feel at home in Turkey.But it is important for you to know national traditions and customs.Firstly,If you know some basic Turkish words, use them.If you don’t know the words, nod your head to say‘’Yes!’’ and if you lift your head up and backward, it means ‘’No!’’The word of greeting is ‘’Merhaba’’. It is usual to shake hands when you meet Turks. People respect the older generation so , when they meet an old person,they kiss the person’s right hand and then put his hand on the forehead. is best done in the morning when the salesmen have more time. Don’t begin your shopping before the fourth day of your visit. Try to be the first customer because Turkish shopkeepers believe that the first customer is sent by God and pleasing him brings good luck. You may strike a good bargainhere.Bargaining is quite customary, but make sure you know the price of the article before you begin. You may be offered water, coffee or tea to drink at the shop. Bargaining is a skill you must master for shopping in Turkey. Be careful as the shopkeeper may hike up the price knowing you may bargain. As a thumb rule you should start with 25% of the price you are willing to pay. You must hold back your real offer for as long as you can.The best destination for shoppingisMahmutpaşa The covered Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with 61 covered streets, and 3 0 0 0 sh o ps . Don’t forget to buy a hand made “iğne oyası”, hand made flowers with needles When you are invited to a Turkish home,take your shoes off before entering. In the street,it is better not to point at things or people with your finger.If you want to take some pictures of people,ask them first. Before visiting a mosque, women must cover their hair and their body and men mustn’t wear shorts and you have to take your shoes off.You shouldn’t take photos and you should be quiet. In public place(cinema,restaurants,hospitals and etc.),you can’t smoke because it is forbidden.If you smoke,you’ll have problems.Finally,it is better for you to have some cash.Exchange currency only in banks or in special offices.Don’t buy currency in so called ‘’black markets’’ 47