13 Facts about life in Turkey, as different from ours as night from day

Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But, in fact, many travelers who have already visited its picturesque resorts and attractions have no idea what everyday life is really like in the country, outside the tourist places. However, Turkey is a unique country where secular traditions coexist with progress and modernity.

we, from awesome.club, we love to know the peculiarities of different countries. Our selection today reveals the secrets of life in Turkey that we found very interesting and would like to share with our readers.

Most Turkish women admit to prefer waxing. Even 15-20 years ago, when many still used to shave with a razor, Turkish women were already removing the “undesirable” hairs from their bodies using methods similar to depilatory wax.

Many Turkish women are ruthless when it comes to cleaning the house. They alone drag the furniture and pull the appliances to clean in all the hidden corners. But an interesting fact is that Turkish women tend to clean according to the “one piece at a time” rule. This means that before starting to clean the next room, they first clean one completely: sweep, vacuum, mop furniture surfaces and the floor. Then they put a damp cloth under the door (a kind of sign that means “no entry”) and only then go into another room.

This habit is also about cleanliness. To keep the house clean for longer, Turkish housewives often use covers, tablecloths and napkins, which are widely used to cover furniture and appliances!

Most Turkish families, especially those where the wife works full time, hire a domestic helper. This service is not considered a “luxury” and can be found in many Turkish homes. This is common practice.

Finding tampons in the country is a big challenge, as most women opt for tampons and daily pads. While up to 70% of Western women prefer tampons, many Turkish women have never used them.

In Turkey, as in other countries, many gynecologists are men. However, examination of patients usually takes place in the presence of a nurse. This makes it possible to protect the women from embarrassment and the doctor from possible accusations of inappropriate behavior.

Many Turks love multi-layered clothing. So, even when going to bed, they wear pajamas or a nightgown over their underwear. Some women admitted to rarely taking off their bra, even to sleep.

Turks are true bread experts, they love to make and consume it. It is not for nothing that Turkey is known as the “bread basket of the world”. A Turkish meal without bread wouldn’t even be considered a real one. Many locals also enjoy the luxury of snacking on something considered unhealthy, for example soft drinks, sweets and fried foods.

Turkey is far from the leading countries in the number of divorces. The average is 22% of the total number of marriages, while in Germany it is 44%, and in Spain it can reach 65%. This can be the result of cultural and social aspects, but it is also worth noting that the divorce process in the country can take years. If the spouses cannot agree on the division of assets or custody of the children, or if one of the parties does not agree to end the marriage, the bureaucratic process can take up to five years. It is not uncommon for court hearings to be postponed and each new next date is not scheduled until months later.

Today, toilets of the type we are familiar with have already been installed in most bathrooms. However, it is not very difficult to find the traditional ‘Turkish basins’. It’s a hole in the ground and to relieve yourself you have to crouch. Many argue that this position is anatomically correct. On the other hand, toilets like the Turkish ones are more hygienic, as long as they are not shared.

Most Turkish women have long, voluminous hair, which makes it very difficult to comb or brush. That’s why many women often go to the salon just for that several times a week. Turkish hairdressers charge cheaply for this service, which makes it accessible to almost everyone.

In modern times, Turkish brides also follow the tradition of throwing the bouquet, but in addition to that, in Turkey there is another, more exotic custom. They usually write the names of the bridesmaids on the soles of the bride’s shoes. The one who goes out first will be the next to get married.

Lovers exchange rings on their engagement day, celebrated with a small party. According to tradition, the groom presents the bride with expensive jewelry made of diamonds or other precious stones. The rings are placed on the ring finger of the right hand of the bride and groom. On the wedding day, they are just transferred to the same finger on the left hand.

Have you ever been to Turkey? What impressed you most about this country? Share with us in the comments!