Middle EastMiddle East: typical Arabian habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in the Middle East
Arabic habits, food customs and remarkable philosophies in the Middle East
Turkish habits, customs and lifestyle
Turkey is a beautiful country, where a visit to the country will be more than worthwhile. Like all other countries, Turkey is also known for many things. Perhaps good to know before you visit the oh so beautiful vacation country!
Asking for photos
Don't be surprised if in Turkey you are asked for a nice picture. In many places in Turkey there are mainly people of Turkish origin and therefore they find it quite special, as soon as someone with a different origin walks past them.
Unexpected visit
In Turkey, receiving unexpected visitors is very normal. In Turkey, the inhabitants are very hospitable and receiving visitors is something they hold in high esteem. You are not seen as a stranger, but as family. For that reason it is not common that they often indicate that they want to come along. Whether the visitors come super early in the morning or stay until late at night, this is all normal. Often they even offer to stay the night and this is not something strange to be surprised about.
Turkish tea
Something that can't be missed in Turkey is drinking Turkish tea. It is sometimes seen as rude if you refuse to drink Turkish tea (for example when visiting). Keep in mind that the locals often don't stick to one cup and will refill your cup despite your indication that you don't want any more. Putting your teaspoon on the cup is a sign that you really do not need to fill it up again, this is an often used tactic to indicate in a polite way that you do not want to drink any more.
Deceive customers
Currently, the economy in Turkey is not doing well and many locals see only a way to cheat people in order to provide a (good) income. As soon as they notice that you are from abroad, you need to be extra careful. Often the prices are not mentioned on the product and you have to ask how much it costs. If you come from abroad, you will be asked a much larger amount. Try to take someone with you who speaks the language and/or avoid these kinds of stores and only buy in stores where the prices are already listed.
Ice Cream Man
Want to get some ice cream from the ice cream man? Then be ready for a fight with the ice cream man, because you don't always get that ice cream just like that! The ice cream men in Turkey often play pranks, this is what they are known for. Once you want to take the ice cream, this does not always go as you had hoped. On YouTube you can find nice movies of how people, often children, are fooled by the ice cream man. 1 thing is certain: being an ice cream man in Turkey cannot be seen as a boring job!
Point system (school, study & profession)
In Turkey they do not have the luxury of being able to make many choices regarding their school, study and profession themselves, it is all based on a points system. You score an amount of points when you take an exam, based on the number of points scored, you are offered a number of options of educations that you may study. After choosing an education, you often end up in a draw first: it is not certain whether you can take that education. Even if you succeed in being admitted to the education, you are not there yet, because within the education there are also exams based on points that determine the direction you may/must take within the education. A small example is if you are training to be a 'police officer', you are not allowed to just stand everywhere like a cop. The more dangerous your position as a police officer is, the more points you need for this. In addition to the fact that you can't just choose an education and pursue a particular profession, you also don't have the option to choose a school or the location of your work. You give a number of preferences, to study and/or work in certain cities in Turkey and then they will look to see if there is a place there for you as a student and/or employee desired. Many students find the whole points system to be poorly work and unfortunately this is reflected in practice. Finding work is incredibly difficult, so much that even many students who have completed university are retracing a new university education in the hope that they will be able to find work that way. At a young age, children already live with a great deal of stress because there is nothing but uncertainty about studying and working in Turkey.
Family
Family is incredibly important, specifically when it comes to parents. People spend a lot of time with family and everyone has a lot of respect for each other. There are no flaws in caring for the parents and older people in the family, as they deserve good care from the family members and this cannot be handled loosely. They feel it is important that their honor is not affected and they contribute to this together.
Cats
Cats are very popular animals in Turkey, they are also seen as beautiful animals in Islam. You will often see residents giving cats something to eat, often you will see trays with food and water ready for the cats. You can also pet them, they often do nothing and love to be loved.
The bus
Want to catch the bus? Then keep in mind that sometimes the buses drive off with the doors open. Do not stand near the door and pay close attention to this as well.
The army
It is mandatory for men in Turkey to enter the army for a certain number of months. By doing this, you get a salary and the great title of "soldier" for this. Being a soldier, is seen as something honorable and important. Parents are therefore prouder than proud. Once their son enters the army, they proudly calling themselves 'the parent of a soldier'.
Going out in the evening
In Turkey, it is not the case that it is better to stay at home during the evening hours due to safety concerns. Due to the heat that is least tolerable during the day, many locals tend to congregate outside only after sunset. Until the beginning of the night you see that everywhere is full with many families sitting together. Moreover, there is also a different kind of fine ambiance in the evening hours, therefore do not feel withdrawn to try this out.
The weather
The weather in Turkey can be quite different. Winter is known for being colder than cold, there is so much rain and snow that there is often severe weather. There are small annual floods in various places and some people can't even leave their homes because of the height of the snow that has fallen on their doorstep, which can be meters high! The summers on the other hand are often very hot, with temperatures around 40/45 degrees. It is not recommended to walk outside in the afternoon, because the sun is at its strongest. The three most important things to pay attention to are sunscreen, avoiding the sun as much as possible and drinking enough water.
Throwing garbage on the street
Don't be surprised if you see people throwing trash on the street instead of in the trash can. Throwing trash on the street is seen as normal and certainly not as the end of the world. Sometimes, when asking for a trash can in the neighborhood, people will even indicate that you can just throw it on the ground somewhere.
Hospital
If you become unexpectedly ill while in Turkey, you can expect to receive a serum when you visit the hospital. In Turkey, a serum is often administered directly in the hospital as a first resort. This serum is intended to make you feel well again as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of being administered.
Production of food
Every province/city in Turkey is known for producing something to eat. For example, the city of Malatya is known for the best dried apricots. Around summer time, if you visit this city, you can find apricots everywhere, openly dried on the ground under the sun. This total work usually takes about three/four months of time, this is then sold in the market and/or to big suppliers for abroad. Many people do not have the opportunity to work and see this as their chance to make money, annually for several months they are busy all day with heavy physical work under the sun. This is also the money they have to live with for the year, but don't underestimate this: this often yields a lot of money!
What are typical Mediterranean habits, food customs and remarkable philosophies?
Typical Mediterranean habits, food customs and remarkable philosophies
The Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by 16 countries. Of these 16 countries, 6 are in Europe, 5 are in Africa, 4 are in Asia. The 6 European countries that border the Mediterranean are Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, and the island country of Malta and Turkey. The 5 African countries are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco; the 4 Asian countries are Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Cyprus. Since the Mediterranean area is quite big, it is difficult to generalise, but let's try for a change.
To me the Mediterranean is famous for food. Often people speak about the Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet consists food that is found in the region like fresh vegetables, local herbs and spices, fish and seafood, lentils, poultry, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, nuts. Consume with (a moderate amount of) wine and plenty of water. Many nutrition experts recommend the Mediterranean diet for health reasons. There is hardly any red meat in the diet.
General
- A Mediterranean habit is everything in moderation and it was coined by the Greek philosopher Cleobulus. It is key in living well.
- Everyone eats late.
Habits in Cyprus
- Family is a priority in Cyprus. Parents take care of their children. When parents grow old, children will take care of them. Old people take care of their grandchildren. Family is everything!
- People Cyprus are generally slow and they postpone things until the next day. Nobody is in a hurry and try to enjoy every minute of life.
- The meze is a selection of small dishes, like tapas. The meze is a good formula to enjoy multiple flavors and to socialize over a long meal.
- Some people in Cyprus believe in the evil eye, which brings bad luck, there are charms to keep you protected.
Habits in Egypt
- The hot climate has defined the Egyptians' national character - calmness. People in Egypt like to take it easy. They are often late and spend a lot of time to make a decisions. Non-punctuality and slowness are justified by the habit of living by the "Egyptian time". It is from the Mediterranean habit to relax. Egyptians' favorite word is "Bukra", which means "tomorrow". Which reminds me of mañana mañana.
Habits in France
- Fresh and homemade are the two words that describe home cooking in France. Most meals are freshly prepared meals. Everything made from scratch from salad dressings to bread. It is a daily practice for many Europeans. The French are famous for drinking wine with their dinner. All in moderation, then it is even good for health!
Habits in Israel
- Israeli diet is considered the healthiest of the world. It totally fits the Mediterranean diet, it is the Mediterranean diet! A lot of vegetables, lemon, chickpeas, moderate amounts of dairy and meat, and all with olive oil. All meals are served in small portions.
Habits in Italy
- I remember my time in Italy with huge meals, of multiple courses, hours and hours spent around the table dining with friends and family. One specific ingredient used in Italy is olive oil. Healthy to the max, used in small portions.
Habits in Malta
- Daily life in Malta is very laid back. No one seems to ever be in a rush.
- Many locals enjoy good conversation over a coffee. Malta is a very much family-orientated island, and you can see families spending time together.
- It is too hot during the day, especially in summer, when the sun is high on the horizon, so the shops are closed and people are resting.
Habits in Monaco
- Monacan habits are also connected to food! Daily eating habits reflect a Mediterranean heritage. French and Italian influences can be found in the local recipes. Breakfast is very small, but lunch and dinner often have multiple courses.
Habits in Morocco
- Morocco has a small part of the country, which is on the Mediterranean coast. You will find Mediterranean habits in Morocco. Family is for most Moroccans is the most important element in life. It is family before work, friends and sometimes even marriage. Many Moroccans live with their families before and after marriage. The topic family is a populair topic to talk about. It is normal to inquire about details of family relationships of a person you don't know.
- The people in the country are in general warm, open and do not have any inhibitions. A guest is a gift from Allah. People are likely to invite you to their homes.
- Dine and feed your guests even if you are starving is a proverb. The people are generous and will likely send you home stuffed and full.
Habits in Spain
- Flamengo is the example of exercise in a fun way, while dancing. Joy and sorrow threaten to overwhelm you. The raw passion of flamengo can bring you to another world. Get transformed as well and listen to:
- Pata Negra, Blues de la fontera (1987)
- Chambao, Flamenco chill (2002)
- Every one takes naps, the so called siesta. Shops are closed, people eat with family and friends and take a nap afterwards. The nap has the effect that you can't sleep early, so you work until later in the evening, since you had a siesta. You have dinner later and you sleep later.
- Mañana mañana is a word from the Spanish language that means tomorrow and morning. This word describes the period of time between midnight and noon. It means it is done sometime tomorrow, which means no stress. Take it easy. Enjoy life and relax when possible.
Please help me adding
- Algeria
- Libya
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Tunisia
What are typical Islamic remarkable holidays and holiday habits?
Islamic holidays: what to celebrate, expect, experience and visit
- Nevruz: "Nowruz" (Eurasian countries) - around March 21st
- Festival of Breaking the Fast: "Eid al-Fitr" (worldwide) - date varies
- Feast of Sacrifice: "Eid al-Adha" (worldwide) - date varies
- "Ashura" (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan a.o.) - date varies
- Islamic New Year: "Hijri New Year" (worldwide) - date varies
Nevruz: "Nowruz" (Eurasian countries) - around March 21st
Nevruz: It's Not Just a Holiday, It's a Mood
Tired of the same old winter blues? Need a reason to ditch the couch and embrace the sunshine? Well, Nevruz is your answer! This ancient spring festival is like a global party, and you're invited.
When's the Party?
Around March 21st, give or take a few days. It's like Mother Nature's way of saying, "Hey, it's spring! Let's celebrate!"
Where's the Party?
Pretty much everywhere from Iran to Turkey. So whether you're into ancient Persian history or just a good excuse to eat some delicious food, there's a Nevruz celebration for you.
What's the Vibe?
Think spring cleaning, bonfires (because who doesn't love a good bonfire?), and a whole lot of feasting. There's Sumalak, a sweet wheat germ porridge that's so thick you could probably stand a spoon in it, and Koje, a yogurt drink that's perfect for cooling off.
Top 5 Places to Party Like It's Nevruz
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan: This ancient city is like a time machine, and the Nevruz celebrations are straight out of a fairytale.
- Isfahan, Iran: Think stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a whole lot of history. Plus, the food is to die for.
- Baku, Azerbaijan: A modern city with a traditional heart, Baku knows how to throw a party.
- Konya, Turkey: For a more spiritual experience, head to Konya. You can even visit the Mevlana Museum, where you can learn about the whirling dervishes.
- Dushanbe, Tajikistan: This Central Asian gem is known for its colorful parades, traditional games, and friendly locals.
Festival of Breaking the Fast: "Eid al-Fitr" (worldwide) - date varies
Ready to Celebrate the End of Ramadan in Style?
Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," is like the ultimate party for Muslims around the globe. It's a time to feast, pray, and celebrate the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
When's the Bash?
The exact date of Eid al-Fitr changes every year, but it usually falls in late April or early May. It's like a surprise party, but everyone knows it's coming.
Where's the Party?
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the vibrant markets of Marrakesh, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with gusto in countries across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
What to Expect
- Prayer Time: People gather in mosques for special prayers, followed by festive greetings and hugs.
- Fashion Show: New clothes are a must, especially for kids who love to show off their new outfits.
- Food Coma: Indulge in a feast of delicious dishes like Kheer (a creamy rice pudding), Baklava (a flaky pastry filled with nuts), Luqaimat (sweet dumplings), Sambusek (savory pastries), and Halwa (a rich, sweet confection).
Top 5 Places to Experience Eid al-Fitr
- Istanbul, Turkey: A historical feast for the eyes and stomach. Visit the Blue Mosque for a spiritual experience, and then hit the Grand Bazaar for some serious shopping.
- Dubai, UAE: A glitzy, glamorous celebration with fireworks, lavish feasts, and world-class shopping.
- Cairo, Egypt: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt. Visit iconic mosques, explore ancient ruins, and savor traditional Egyptian cuisine.
- Jakarta, Indonesia: Experience the warmth and hospitality of Indonesian culture. Join the communal prayers, indulge in delicious local food, and witness vibrant cultural performances.
- Marrakesh, Morocco: A magical city with stunning architecture, bustling souks, and delicious food.
Feast of Sacrifice: "Eid al-Adha" (worldwide) - date varies
Ready to Celebrate the Spirit of Sacrifice?
Eid al-Adha, or the "Feast of Sacrifice," is a major Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and community.
When's the Party?
Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. So, the exact date changes every year, but it's typically in late June or early July.
Where's the Party?
Pretty much everywhere! Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha with great enthusiasm and devotion. From the bustling streets of Mecca to the vibrant markets of Istanbul, there's something for everyone.
What to Expect
- Prayer Time: Muslims gather in mosques for special Eid prayers, seeking blessings and forgiveness.
- Sacrifice Ceremony: Many Muslims sacrifice animals, like sheep or goats, to honor Ibrahim's sacrifice.
- Family Feast: Families and friends gather to share delicious meals, often featuring the meat from the sacrificed animal.
- Charity and Giving: Many people donate to charity and help those in need.
Top 5 Places to Experience Eid al-Adha
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia: Witness the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
- Istanbul, Turkey: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this beautiful city. Visit stunning mosques, explore bustling bazaars, and savor delicious Turkish cuisine.
- Dubai, UAE: Experience a luxurious Eid celebration with world-class shopping, stunning architecture, and delicious food.
- Marrakesh, Morocco: Explore the vibrant souks, historic mosques, and charming riads of this enchanting city.
- Jakarta, Indonesia: Discover the diverse culture of the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
"Ashura" (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan a.o.) - date varies
Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a significant day for Muslims, particularly Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
When's the Day?
The exact date of Ashura changes every year, but it's typically in late July or early August.
Where's the Commemoration?
Ashura is observed by Muslims worldwide, but it's especially significant in countries with large Shia populations like Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan.
What to Expect
- Mourning Processions: Shia Muslims often participate in mournful processions, expressing their grief and sorrow.
- Religious Ceremonies: Special prayers and religious rituals are held in mosques and shrines.
- Noheh-Khâni: A form of Shia religious music and poetry, often performed during mourning ceremonies.
- Acts of Charity: Many Muslims donate to charity and feed the poor.
What to Taste
- Ashura Porridge: A sweet porridge made with grains and flavored with cinnamon, sugar, and dried fruits.
- Local Delicacies: Explore the diverse culinary traditions of the region, including kebabs, stews, and pastries.
Top 5 Places to Experience Ashura
- Karbala, Iraq: The holy city where Imam Hussein was martyred.
- Najaf, Iraq: A major Shia pilgrimage site with stunning shrines.
- Mashhad, Iran: The second holiest city in Iran, home to the shrine of Imam Reza.
- Beirut, Lebanon: A vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture.
- Qom, Iran: A major Shia religious center with Islamic seminaries and holy shrines.
Islamic New Year: "Hijri New Year" (worldwide) - date varies
Happy New Hijri Year!
So, you're ready to dive into a new lunar year? The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, is like a cosmic reset button for Muslims worldwide. It marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, a major turning point in Islamic history.
When's the Party?
Well, unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is lunar-based. So, the exact date shifts each year. But generally, it falls in late summer or early autumn. Think of it as a surprise party every year!
Where's the Party?
Pretty much everywhere Muslims live! From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene mosques of Mecca, the Islamic New Year is celebrated with gusto.
What to Expect
- Prayer Time: Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers, seeking blessings and forgiveness.
- Family Feast: Families and friends come together to share delicious meals and exchange gifts.
- Acts of Charity: Many people donate to charity and help those in need.
What to Taste
While there isn't a specific New Year's dish, you can expect a feast of delicious local delicacies. Think sweet treats like baklava and halva, and savory dishes like kebabs and stews.
Top 5 Places to Celebrate the New Year
- Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The spiritual heart of Islam. Witness the grandeur of the Grand Mosque and join millions of pilgrims.
- Cairo, Egypt: A city steeped in history. Explore ancient mosques, vibrant markets, and savor delicious Egyptian cuisine.
- Istanbul, Turkey: A bridge between East and West. Admire stunning Ottoman architecture, indulge in Turkish delights, and experience the city's unique blend of cultures.
- Marrakesh, Morocco: A magical city with colorful souks, delicious tagines, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Jakarta, Indonesia: A melting pot of cultures. Visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and experience the diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine.
So, get ready to celebrate a new beginning, filled with hope, gratitude, and delicious food!
Countries: habits, food customs and philosophies per continent and country in the world
Habits and customs per continent, country and region
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