Culture in Turkey | 6 Guides

Turkish culture weaves together the threads of Byzantine Christianity, Ottoman Islam, and modern secular society into a tapestry unlike anywhere else on Earth. Our guides take you beyond the tourist performances to experience living traditions—the rhythm of the call to prayer echoing across Istanbul's skyline, the ritual of Turkish tea served in tulip-shaped glasses, the bustle of bazaars where merchants use sales techniques perfected over centuries. Discover the hammam traditions that turn bathing into social ritual, the music that ranges from Sufi mysticism to contemporary pop, and the hospitality customs that make strangers feel like honored guests. We share how to participate respectfully in cultural experiences, where to find authentic rather than tourist-oriented interactions, and the historical context that helps you understand what you're witnessing.