At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey hosts a multi-layered cultural tapestry. Increasing visitation has led to challenges at archaeological sites, however, as Zeynep Akture discusses.
A strong sense of loyalty to family and social groups permeates Turkish culture. This is evident in the hospitality of Turks who are often generous with their time and resources.
Architectural Wonders
Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a land of cultural convergence. Millennia of historical influences have shaped its enduring traditions, leaving their imprint in the archaeological treasures of Troy and Cappadocia, and in the architectural feats of Topkapi Palace and Istanbul’s Grand Mosque. The cosmopolitan spirit of the country is also reflected in its vibrant festivals and traditions, from dynamic camel wrestling events to Nevruz celebrations to classical Ottoman symphonies and spirited folk melodies.
The Turkish architectural landscape is a tapestry of historical wonders that seamlessly blend ancient splendor with modern brilliance. The country is home to 15 sites of cultural significance on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including the Historic Areas of Istanbul and the archeological sites of Troy and Pergamon.
In the early 20th century, Turkey began to break free from its suffocating isolation, allowing its architects to be inspired by their counterparts around the globe and to create a style that was uniquely influenced by both western and Anatolian elements. This era of creativity was known as the First National Architectural Movement. The dazzling Ziraat Bank Headquarters designed by Giulio Mongeri and the Ankara Central Station are both prominent examples of the style. The second national architectural movement emerged in the 1950s, marking the transition from an Ottoman past to a new republic. This period saw the rise of Mimar Sinan as one of the most prolific and celebrated Ottoman architects. Among his many landmarks in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque is undoubtedly the most striking.
Even though Turkey has laws that protect its cultural heritage, the country faces challenges in preserving these sites. The sheer volume of ancient materials that need to be documented has overwhelmed the government’s agencies, which lack the manpower and resources to properly protect these sites. The official registration of a site is crucial to its protection, as it ensures that it will be protected from construction or development projects.
Nonetheless, there is cause for hope. With the help of international experts, Turkey is slowly working to improve its policies and better protect its cultural heritage. This effort is particularly important given the country’s recent decline in religious freedom, human security, and broader democratic rights—an issue reflected in Freedom House’s latest annual report on Turkey.
Artistry
Turkey’s storied artistic legacy includes many visual and performing arts that might make you consider a tour of Turkey. The country boasts 17 cultural properties inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
These include the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the Aya Sofia Mosque and Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, the Beylerbeyi Palace in Ankara, the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Sadullah Pasha Yali and the Kuleli Barracks in Ankara, among others. Throughout the years, architecture has evolved from the Neo-Classical to the Baroque and Rococo styles. During this time, Ottoman-influenced architects such as the Balyan family developed an architectural style known as “First National Architecture” with a mix of Turkish, Islamic and Western influences.
Painting and sculpture also flourished in Turkey. A variety of Turkish paintings can be attributed to the masters of the “Edebiyyat-i Cedide” (New Literature) movement and the Fecr-i Ati (Dawn of the Future) and Milli Edebiyyat movements. These artists aimed to create a new national style with Turkish values, as well as a new form of art that would be popular with the people.
The Ottomans nurtured a rich music and poetry tradition as well. The asik/ozan (“poet-singer”) tradition continued almost exclusively orally until the 19th century. Some of the better-known asiks include Koroglu (16th century), Karacaoglan (circa 1606?-1689?), Dadaloglu (1785?-1868?) and others. They were essentially minstrels who traveled throughout Anatolia singing and playing the baglama, a two-stringed instrument that has religious significance in Alevi/Bektashi culture.
Another notable form of handicraft is ebru, which is the art of creating colorful patterns by sprinkling pigments on a pan of oily, condensed water and then transferring the pattern to paper. The most common ebru patterns are floral and geometric.
Calligraphy is a significant feature of Turkish culture, with a specialized script called Diwani Script that’s characterized by complex lines and close juxtapositions of letters. Illumination and gold leafing are also important aspects of this art, as are miniature paintings.
Turkish folk arts and crafts continue to thrive today. For example, handmade dolls are made from regional fabrics and reflect the clothing styles of the time. Embroidery, the art of making patterns and designs with threads, and carpet weaving are also traditional forms of Turkish art and crafts.
Traditional Attire
The clothing traditions in Turkey reflect its seven geographical regions as well as the people within each region. Men’s attire was traditionally influenced by their profession, while women’s clothing often indicated their social status. Today, clothing in Turkey reflects traditional styles as well as modern trends.
Throughout the centuries, the clothing styles in Turkey have changed dramatically. While the country is a secular society, the style of dress often reveals information about a person’s religion, ethnicity, class and culture.
In the past, the Ottoman Empire greatly influenced the Turkish clothing traditions. Today, men’s clothing often reflects a European influence and women’s clothing tends to be more casual than what was once typical. However, the country still has its traditional roots as well as a rich cultural heritage.
While it is possible to find some clothing items that are more traditional in Turkey, most Turks now prefer a more modern look. This is particularly true in large cities like Istanbul. In fact, most Turks wear whatever they feel comfortable in as long as it is not too short or too revealing. When visiting religious monuments, it is a good idea to be covered up rather than showing too much skin.
It is also important to note that dress code rules vary from one part of the country to another. For example, it is a good idea to cover up when visiting some villages in Eastern Turkey. In this area, men should wear a fez and a scarf or shawl while women should cover their heads.
In urban areas, the dress code is less restrictive. For example, men can usually wear shorts and a t-shirt in the city and women can wear dresses and skirts. The same goes for most of the other larger cities in Turkey.
If you are in the city, you will notice that the fashion is more European than it is in the rural areas. This is especially true in Istanbul, where women frequently wear skirts and dresses. However, if you are planning on visiting the rural areas or religious sites, it is recommended that you wear a head covering and a skirt or dress.
Hospitality
Turkey is home to 16 of UNESCO’s 869 Cultural Properties, but the country’s wealth in heritage isn’t limited to just these ancient structures. Turkish culture is rich in hospitality and a deep sense of honour that makes it a welcoming and friendly place for all to enjoy.
This is evident in the way Turks treat their guests, as well as strangers from afar. Throughout my time living in Istanbul, I was often invited into locals’ homes to share a meal or cup of tea with them and chat about life. I would be told to make sure that I had a seat and take my time. The hospitality of the people I met is a true testament to Turkey’s unique cultural identity and I will always remember it fondly.
Hospitality is so deeply rooted in the country’s culture that it is not just a practice, but a lifestyle for many Turks. In fact, it’s a part of their everyday lives and they take pride in sharing their culture and values with others. In villages and towns, it’s common to see elder men sitting in teahouses (cayhane) playing board games with their friends and neighbours all day. Similarly, it’s also common to find women visiting their neighbours for a chat about family news and gossip.
This socialization and the willingness to help those around them is a part of what a lot of foreigners come to love about the country and its culture. This is also seen in how Turks prioritize relationships and friendships above all else. They have a strong loyalty to their families, communities and the country as a whole and often have close-knit bonds with each other.
These close connections between people is a part of what has allowed Turkish architecture to grow and flourish. It has helped create an architecture style that is uniquely Turkish, blending elements of both eastern and western styles. This has created a truly beautiful and recognizable aesthetic that is easily recognized from a distance. Whether you are at a restaurant, cafe or even at one of the country’s beautiful beaches, you are sure to notice a hint of this architecturally distinct style.
