Turkish Culture, Essay Example

For the purpose of determine the different cultures that exist around the world, my roommate was generous enough to sit down and explain to me the type of culture that exists in Turkey.  Throughout the discussion, I was able to learn very much about the climate and the weather as well as the general behavioral customs that are typical for the area.  Religion and holidays are a very important part of the culture in Turkey and are highly revered by the people there.  There is also a different type of educational system that exists in the country from that typically found in the United States.  All of these differences were very interesting and showed that while there are differences between the two cultures, there are also several similarities that exist in our common values and how we show appreciation for the groups of people that matter.

First of all, the climate is very different from the United States.  The winter is extremely cold and it snows almost all the time in Turkey during this time of the year.  However, the spring and summer seasons are usually very dry and hot.  There is a lack of seas or lakes around the country, so most of the heat is very dry instead of humid like many parts of northeastern and middle United States.  In the fall, the weather is usually rainy and the winds can become very treacherous.

Many of the Turkish people greet friends by giving them a hand shake and a kiss.  This is not a kiss on the lips, instead the head motions towards one another and makes the motion of a kiss.  Strangers and acquaintances are usually greeted by only a hand shake.  Also, the clothing is left up to the individual to decide what to wear.  There is no traditional clothing in Turkey, so everyone typically wears very casual clothes.  There are no double standards for men and women; everyone is able to choose what he or she would like to wear.

Marriages are usually arranged marriages in Turkey where the parents of both the son and daughter determine who is to be married.  The western part of the country is less traditional because they have more of a European influence on the customs; therefore, there are very few traditional marriages in this area.  Even though the eastern part of the country has a more traditional viewpoint on marriages, many of the Turkish citizens are against having arranged marriages.  This is a debate that continues and is usually based on a family-to-family opinion whether or not the tradition should be upheld.  Nevertheless, after a couple is married the family and friends usually give gifts of gold jewelry to the bride and groom.  The wedding is usually followed by a massive celebration with food, music, cake and other traditional celebratory items.

After the couple has been married, the general custom is that the man will be the supplier for the family and the woman will stay at home to take care of the children.  Many families are giving the woman more freedom to choose whether she would like to work or stay at home.  However, the traditional male role in the family has largely remained the same as it is frowned upon if the woman makes more money than the man.

Finally, the religious views within the country are very important to the culture as a whole.  Turkey is primarily an Islamic country, but there is a large part of the Turkish population that is Christian or Jewish.  Because of these religious views, there is usually a religious ceremony held for anyone that has passed away.  The burial is ceremonious and then following the proceedings, the friends and family will eat a meal at the house of the individual that has passed away.  Most of the families are very close to the immediate and extended family members, so when one person passes away there is usually a very large showing to honor the individual and to mourn their loss.