How to behave in Istanbul
1. Turkish people are very honest, but Istanbul is a big and busy city. Therefore, don’t leave your belongings unattended.
2. If you are a man, be polite and delicate with local women. Do not flirt with them. Do not look into women’s eyes for too long while talking to them.
3. Do not take pictures of women without their permission.
4. If you are a woman, do not dress too sexy.
5. It’s better to be accompanied by some other people if you are walking on internal streets of Old city district.
6. It’s better not to walk on nights on internal streets, especially in the Old city of Istanbul.
7. It’s wise to have a visit card of your hotel with you; in case if you get lost you’ll be able to get back.
8. Do not use "OK" gesture (in Turkey it has to do with homosexuality).
9. Do not clap your hand and a fist of another hand (the person you are looking at may be offended).
10. Behave accordingly, but don’t be aggressive. Respect national traditions. It is one of the most important rules of Istanbul.
11. If you enter a mosque or a private house, take your shoes off. Leave them at the entrance.
12. Do not drink alcoholic drinks outside (on the street). It is not forbidden, but it is not considered a good thing.
13. Turks are very hospitable, but talking to them, try not to show impatience or haste. They may get offended.
14. Try to learn some Turkish words. It will be helpful, Turks will be very glad.
15. It’s only allowed to oversee a mosque if there is no mess. It is a must to know how to behave in Istanbul mosques, not to have problems with local citizens.
16. It is better not to take pictures of women, who have a veil on or who is pregnant.
17. Keep money and documents in a safe-box in your room (or at reception desk) of the hotel you stay.
18. Do not drink water from the tap.
19. It’s not recommended to swim if you are on the sea-side in Istanbul. It is better to do it only on beaches.
20. In Turkey it is not accepted to spit on the ground. It is a sign of profound disrespect for other people.
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