Cyborlink · International Business Etiquette
Europe / Middle East · Country Profile

Doing business in Turkey

A working reference on Turkish business etiquette, culture, and cross-cultural communication — updated for the contemporary workplace.

TurkeyCapital: Ankara
Language: Turkish
Currency: Lira (₺)
§ 01 — Orientation

Introduction

Turkey (officially Türkiye) straddles two continents — with the vast majority of its territory in Asia (Anatolia) and a small European portion (Thrace) separated by the Bosphorus strait. With a population of approximately 86 million, Turkey has the 19th-largest economy in the world. Ankara is the capital; Istanbul, spanning the Bosphorus, is the commercial capital and largest city with over 15 million people. Turkish is the official language; English is spoken in business circles but is not universal.

Turkey occupies a unique position as a bridge between Europe and the Middle East — culturally, geographically, and commercially. It is a NATO member, a long-standing EU candidate, and a G20 economy. Turkey has a large, young, and well-educated workforce with a median age of approximately 33. Key industries include automotive manufacturing (a major hub for European carmakers), textiles, electronics, agriculture, tourism, and construction. Istanbul has emerged as a regional hub for finance, logistics, and technology startups.

Turkish business culture blends European professionalism with Middle Eastern relationship-orientation. Personal connections (torpil) are important for navigating the business environment. While Turkey is a secular republic founded on the principles of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Islamic culture and values remain influential, particularly outside Istanbul and major cities.

Fun Fact

Turkish tea (çay) is more than a beverage — it is the cornerstone of Turkish business culture. Refusing tea offered during a business meeting is considered rude. Turkey is one of the world’s largest per capita consumers of tea, and the ritual of sharing tea signals hospitality, trust-building, and the beginning of a relationship. Business discussions rarely begin before the first glass is poured.

§ 02 — Cultural Analysis

Hofstede Analysis

Turkey — Six-Dimension Scores
Power Distance
66
Individualism
37
Masculinity
45
Uncertainty Avoidance
85
Long-Term Orientation
46
Indulgence
49
Source: Hofstede Insights. Scores on a 0–100 scale.

Turkey’s Hofstede profile reflects a society navigating between European and Middle Eastern cultural values. High Uncertainty Avoidance (85) is the dominant dimension — Turks prefer clear rules, structured processes, and detailed planning. This manifests in thorough bureaucracy and a preference for formal agreements.

Moderate-to-high Power Distance (66) indicates respect for hierarchy and authority, though less extreme than many Middle Eastern nations. Low Individualism (37) reflects a collectivist orientation where family and group loyalty are central to both personal and business life. Low Masculinity (45) suggests a culture that values consensus and interpersonal harmony alongside achievement.

Moderate Long-Term Orientation (46) and Indulgence (49) place Turkey near the midpoint on both dimensions — balancing tradition with pragmatism, and restraint with enjoyment of life.

Read the full Hofstede framework →

Religion.  Turkey is approximately 98% Muslim (predominantly Sunni), though the republic was founded as a secular state. The degree of religious observance varies enormously — Istanbul and western Turkey tend to be cosmopolitan and secular in business practice, while central and eastern Anatolia are more conservative. During Ramadan, be sensitive to fasting colleagues; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in front of those who are observing the fast. Alcohol is widely available in Istanbul and tourist areas but may be absent in conservative regions.

§ 03 — Dress & Presence

Appearance

Dress, clothing,
body language
& gestures
  1. Dress formally for business — dark suits with ties for men, conservative professional attire for women. Istanbul is fashion-conscious; appearance signals status and seriousness.
  2. Women in business in Istanbul and Ankara dress in modern European styles. In more conservative regions, modest dress with covered shoulders and knees is advisable.
  3. Remove shoes when entering a mosque or a private home. Follow your host’s lead.
  4. Avoid showing the sole of your shoe or foot to anyone — it is considered disrespectful.
  5. Turks stand closer together in conversation than most Northern Europeans or Americans. This is normal and not a sign of aggression.
  6. The “OK” hand gesture (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) is considered vulgar in Turkey. Avoid it.
§ 04 — Conduct

Behavior

Dining, gifts,
meetings &
general conduct
  1. Relationships drive business in Turkey. Turks prefer to work with people they know and trust. Expect multiple meetings before substantive business is discussed.
  2. Meetings often begin with tea and extended small talk. Never refuse tea — it is a gesture of hospitality and relationship-building.
  3. Punctuality is expected of visitors, though your Turkish counterpart may arrive late. Be patient and do not show frustration.
  4. Decision-making tends to be centralized with the most senior person. Even if subordinates participate in discussion, the boss makes the final call.
  5. Negotiation is expected. Initial offers are rarely final, and bargaining is part of the culture. Be prepared for extended negotiations conducted with warmth and persistence.
  6. Gift giving is appreciated but not essential. Quality items from your home country, sweets, or pastries are good choices. If invited to a home, bring flowers, chocolates, or pastries for the host.
  7. Dining is an important part of business culture. The host pays — do not argue over the bill. Reciprocate on a future occasion.
  8. Turkish cuisine is renowned. Complimenting the food is always appreciated.
  9. Tipping is customary — 10–15% in restaurants.
§ 05 — Communication

Communication

Greetings,
introductions &
conversation
  1. Turkish is the official language. English is spoken in Istanbul business circles and among younger professionals, but is less common outside major cities. An interpreter may be needed.
  2. A firm handshake with direct eye contact is the standard greeting. Between friends, men may exchange kisses on both cheeks; follow your counterpart’s lead.
  3. When greeting a group, address the most senior or eldest person first.
  4. Use titles — Bey (Mr.) after the first name for men, Hanım (Mrs./Ms.) after the first name for women. For example, “Mehmet Bey” or “Ayşe Hanım.”
  5. Communication blends directness with diplomacy. Turks may be more direct than many Middle Eastern cultures but more indirect than Americans or Germans. Pay attention to nuance.
  6. Good conversational topics include Turkish culture, history, sports (particularly football), food, and family. Turks are proud of their history and culture.
  7. Avoid discussing the Armenian genocide, Kurdish issues, Cyprus, and internal Turkish politics unless your counterpart raises these topics. Also avoid comparing Turkey to Arab countries — Turks have a distinct national identity.
§ 06 — Further Reading

Resources

Government & Data

News & Culture

Cultural Framework