Part of the fun when you visit Turkey is to delve into the world of Turkish traditions. Turkey has many traditions that can help you to gain an insight into this wonderful country and at the same time, ensure that you have a truly unique holiday. There are far too many Turkish traditions to list here however we have named the top three, that you can do within the local bars and restaurants. There is no need to go off the beaten track as experiencing these Turkish traditions in a local environment is easy and cheap to do.

The Nargile Pipe

The nargile pipe is a truly exotic item that is based around the art of socializing and relaxing. Turkish people love to catch up with the daily gossip from their friends and family while lying on comfy cushions and smoking a nargile pipe. You may also hear of it referred to as a water pipe or the Hubble Bubble Pipe.

If you enter a café at night time and order a nargile pipe, you will be asked to choose from a variety of delicious flavors such as apple, raspberry or strawberry. The staff will prepare the nargile pipe ready for you to relax from a busy day sightseeing. The nargile pipe is also sold as a traditional Turkish souvenir and makes a great addition and focal talking points in any household.

Raki

This Turkish tradition can be done while ordering your meal in a restaurant. Raki is the Turkish national drink and the taste is very similar to the Greek ouzo. The smooth drink makes a wonderful accompaniment to a fish dish. To experience this Turkish tradition to the full, the drink must be sipped slowly after water has been added. This results in a white liquid that has also been nicknamed lion milk. A quote by the famous Turkish leader called Mustafa Kemal Ataturk is that “The best accompaniment to Raki is good conversation”, so tempt your friends and family into tasting this drink and enjoy a slow, relaxing evening that is a great Turkish tradition to learn.

Meze

In Turkey, great emphasis is placed on food and good company so one way to kick start your meal is to surround yourself with great friends and order a selection of mezes. This is a variety of delicious starters that will build up your appetite to enjoy a great main course. A favorite meze dish is fava which is beans that have been crushed then mixed with olive oil, dill and lemon juice.  Also let your taste buds explore the delights of Cacik which is cucumber, garlic and yogurt that is mixed together and either served as a cold liquid soup or in thick consistency so that it can be placed on bread.

So Raki, mezes and the nargile pipe are our three favorite Turkish traditions that we recommend you try when visiting this wonderful country. To have a wonderful evening combine all three and enjoy a meze selection of starters, accompanied with the tempting taste of Raki. After your meal retire to the cushions with friends and end a perfect night by smoking a traditional nargile pipe.  

Natalie Sayin, My Destination Antalya
July 2011