

Grace Thoen presents
The Culture of Turkey
Customs/Beliefs:
Traditionally in Turkish Culture, men dominate, and over the past century they have, but gender inequality continues to decrease little by little. Old customs suggest that women must stay home and even avoid being seen by outsiders but now some have jobs in businesses and coorporations. Another custom was arranged marriage in Turkey, but according to the New Family Law, all marriages must have consent from both husband and wife to be. Although many of their customs have changed over the years, they still have many holidays and celebrations they practice every year.
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New Years Day(January 1st)
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National Soveriegnty Day(April 23rd) Celebrates the first meeting if the grand national assembly)
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National Children's Day(Also April 23rd)
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Youth and Sport Day(May 19th) Celebrating Atuturks birth
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Victory Day(August 30th) Turkish Independence Day
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Republic Day(October 29th)Commemorating Atuturks claiming of Turkey as a republic
Republic Day Parade
Traditions/Folk Culture:
DANCING:
Traditional dancing is done at almost all social occasions, there are special dances for each part of Turkey. Some of the most popular are the Horon, Zeybek, Kilic Kalkan, and Kasik Oyuno.
MUSIC:
There is mainly two major branches off Traditional Turkish music, the Ottoman Military style and the lively happy music that was passed on without being written down. The Military style is very rhythmic and is supposed to mimic the sounds of war, while the lively contrast is for celebrations and happy gatherings.
FOLK HEROES:
"Nasrettin Hoca" and "Karagoz" are both heroes known for their comic relief and humorous actions, while "Yumus Emre" was known for his universal and friendship values. "Koroglu", another hero, was known for his heroic and brave actions and adventures.
THEATER:
Karagoz and Hacivat: Traditional Puppet Theater
Meddah: One act play where narrator imitates characters
Orta Oyuno: Very much like Karagoz and Hacivat but with live actors
Village Plays: Plays put on telling stories in relation to a specific area
Cultural Icons/Symbols:
Kaftan: A traditional mens tunic
worn in Turkey(and other countries).
Beykoz Glass: Special glassware made
in the district Beykos in Turkey.
Turkish Tea: A black tea made with
leaves harvested by the black sea, it is
served at breakfast mostly and social
gatherings.
Simit: A Turkish Bagel that is sold from
carts in the street and is an easy
breakfast on the go, served often with
turkish tea
Iznik Tiles: Beautiful ceramic tiles that
represent the Ottoman empire from
the 15th and 16th centuries.
Istavrit: Mediterranean Horse
Mackerel that is very popular in Turkey. All common symbols seen in Turkey
Religion and Ethnic Groups:
Religion: Turkey is 99.8% Muslim and .2% other religions(Christians and Jews)
Ethnic Groups: Turkish 70-75%, Kurdish 18%, other 7-12%
Family Life:
The traditional Turkish family consists of the woman staying with the children and the husband providing for the family. It is also seen as an honor for the woman to have a son so the family name is stronger. Boys and girls are raised close to the mother but after/during puberty boys develop themselves as a sort of second father while the girls stay close to the mother and continue learning from her. This type of family is dominant in Turkey but we are starting to see more families with both parents working and even some not having kids at all.
Education:
Formal Education: Includes Primary, Secondary, and College/University level education. Students must take the OSS test(similar to our SAT or ACT) to get into the colleges they want to go to.
Mass Education: Apprenticing, County education centers, and open universities and colleges.













