My Istanbul Experience

ISTANBUL

Yes, Istanbul is safe to visit, nothing to be worried. It's a peaceful city.

I'm going to share some stories about Istanbul based on my experience of living here for a month. If you're considering traveling or living in Istanbul, this can give you a general overview of the city. However, please note that these are my personal experiences and observations, and others may have different perspectives. Contrary to the negative stereotypes I had heard about Turkish before coming here, I've found that they don't align with reality. This is just the beginning of my journey in Istanbul, so consider it the story of an "Istanbul newbie."

 Let's begin!

1) Friendly but don't smile: "They are hot-tempered"

I must say that Turkish hospitality is truly remarkable and has pleasantly surprised me as a visitor. The way they welcome and treat guests makes us feel at ease and appreciated. This culture of hospitality is evident not only when visiting someone's home but also in restaurants. Starting with the warm greeting of "Hos geldeniz" (Welcome) and the kind wishes of "Afiyet olsun" (Enjoy your food), among many others, it genuinely makes us feel glad to be here. Even in shopping places, despite the language barrier, they will go out of their way to assist you in finding what you're looking for. While they may not speak English fluently, they will make every effort to help you understand, sometimes using Google Translate or reaching out to friends who can speak English. I've noticed this culture of hospitality everywhere I go - at my university, in mosques, and even with random people on the street. Of course, there may be individuals who are less inclined to help, but I believe that it doesn't reflect the overall Turkish attitude. Moreover, the uplifting wishes and greetings they share, even after a shower with the wish "sıhhatler olsun," can really brighten our day.

This attitude is actually a part of their expressive cultural norms, where emotions are often openly expressed. This includes moments of anger as well. It's not uncommon to witness people screaming at each other on the road, on buses, or in public places. Quarrels can happen between anyone, regardless of age or gender. It may seem strange, but even bus drivers sometimes take a moment to express their frustration at people on the street. Interestingly, these arguments often end with prayers for each other's well-being, such as "Allah razi olsun" (May God bless you) or "Kolay gelsin" (May it be easy for you). It's a humorous yet real aspect of their culture that has caught my attention and kept me observing.

And let's not forget about the honking! Istanbul is an incredibly busy city, and the sound of honking is constant. As soon as the traffic light turns green, the honking symphony begins and doesn't seem to stop. It's something you'll experience and get used to while being here.

To Malaysians, especially, it's important to note that although Turkish are friendly, it's best not to smile at strangers, even to older individuals. It may come across as strange to them. Even a small, polite smile that we often offer as a sign of respect might be seen as unusual. I remember on my first day here, I smiled at the uncles who were cleaning the road, but they didn't respond and looked at me strangely. So, please refrain from doing so. Smiling may give the impression that you know them or want to engage in conversation, and it could be misunderstood as showing romantic interest. Rest assured, not smiling at people here won't be considered arrogant.

2) Smart people but 'Oh My English!'

Istanbul, known not only as a tourist city but also as a hub for students and employees, is a place where Turks pursue education and livelihoods. Many of them are well-educated, but English is not their strong suit. Only a few can speak English fluently, and it's rare to encounter English speakers in public places. I must apologize, but the majority of people here have very limited English proficiency.

Allow me to share my experience from the first few days of living here. I found myself lost and unable to find my way back to my dormitory. I had forgotten the directions, and to make matters worse, I had no idea where Google Maps had led me. I happened to bump into an uncle who was also walking nearby. He could see the worry on my face and tried to help. However, we faced a language barrier. It was like two completely different languages trying to communicate—neither of us could understand a word the other was saying. So, how did it end? I resorted to calling my Turkish friend, who could speak English, to act as our translator for a brief five minutes. I found myself talking to the man next to me with the assistance of my friend, who was kilometers away.

In summary, while Istanbul is home to intelligent individuals, the language barrier can be quite challenging.

3) Beautiful and Appreciate the Beauty

Turkey is undeniably a breathtakingly beautiful country! From its waterfront cities to the blend of historical and modern architecture, and the stunning natural landscapes, Turkey's beauty is truly mesmerizing. When it comes to Istanbul alone, there are numerous places of remarkable beauty that should be on your must-visit list.

What sets Turkey apart is that its people also value and appreciate this beauty. These stunning locations are well-maintained, clean, and accompanied by warm hospitality. You can find food stalls where you can sit, have tea, and enjoy the scenery at reasonable prices. Even in places without food stalls, there are street hawkers selling tea, bread, and other snacks.

Visiting these places not only allows you to indulge in their captivating views but also provides an opportunity to take a break, relax, and savor a cup of tea. You'll truly feel that your visit is worthwhile, as you immerse yourself in the beauty and have a refreshing tea break along the way. 

4) Healthy but not healthy lifestyle

"I must say, if you're looking to lose weight, Turkey is the ideal destination. It's a place that encourages a lot of walking! In Turkey, a 30-minute walking distance is still considered nearby. It's a common sight to see pedestrians on the streets since public transportation is widely used by almost everyone. Whether it's traveling from one transportation hub to another or simply getting around town, walking is the preferred choice, partly due to the relatively high taxi and Uber fares.

However, there is one aspect that I find bothersome: smoking while walking. Unfortunately, this is something I don't particularly like about Turkish culture. It seems like cigarettes are treated as a regular snack. No matter where you go, you're bound to inhale cigarette smoke. It's prevalent among both men and women, regardless of age, and they even extend the "courtesy" of sharing the smoke with others. This can be quite frustrating and detracts from the otherwise pleasant atmosphere. It's quite common to see people smoking in front of others, even in the presence of children. It's an aspect of Turkish culture that you'll have to bear with during your visit.

5) Efficient but random

Management in Turkey is commendable for its efficiency, and professionalism. The staff members at train stations, shopping malls, universities, and other places are not just employees but true helpers who go above and beyond to assist visitors. They possess extensive knowledge about the location and can provide immediate answers to our questions. If they don't have the information, they will make the effort to obtain it from their colleagues or make phone calls. Even security guards at universities have a good understanding of internal management, such as specific office locations and contact details, making it easier for students to navigate registration and other matters. At public places like small restaurants, dormitories, and cafeterias, the staff is fast, efficient, and dressed professionally in uniforms that deserve respect. They appear smart and dedicated to their jobs, not to mention diligent cleaners.

Now let's discuss public transportation. In Turkey, public transportation is highly efficient, even if you don't know the Turkish language. You can easily navigate using various modes of public transportation with a single Istanbulkart. Prior to your journey, it is necessary to purchase the Istanbulkart from machines or designated shops, as it serves as a contactless payment method for transportation (no cash accepted). The card can be topped up at machines located at any station. One card can be shared among multiple people for each ride. If you're traveling with family or in a group, you can purchase one card and load it with a sufficient amount. The schedules of each mode of transportation are available online, and the displayed arrival times are usually accurate. Additionally, you can use special apps or Google Maps to find directions and determine the appropriate transportation options for your destination.

Now, let's touch on a more random aspect of Turkish culture. Turkish driving can be described as random and 'crazy.' The behavior of drivers on the road can be quite intense, with little regard for driving distances or patience. If you're considering driving in Istanbul, especially as a Malaysian woman, think twice, as you may find yourself frequently honked at by other drivers. The same goes for pedestrians. Crossing the road requires courage, given the presence of these spirited drivers. Imagine navigating a road filled with daring drivers while being a pedestrian – you'll need to be brave indeed!

6) Food  :)

Turkey is a food lover's paradise with its diverse and delicious cuisine. Don't miss the famous Turkish breakfast, featuring fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, cheese, jams, and more. Indulge in kebabs, stews, and mouthwatering street food. Treat yourself to heavenly sweets like baklava and künefe. Exploring Turkish food is a culinary adventure you won't forget.

Turkish breakfast at my Turkish friend's house

7) Muslim friendly but...

Before we begin, it's important to note that Turkey is not an Arab country. Turkish people are not Arabs and they speak Turkish, not Arabic. Turkey is a unique nation that spans both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with Istanbul serving as a prime example of its geographical position. While some parts of Istanbul are in Europe, others are in Asia. 

Religion plays a significant role in Turkey, as it is a predominantly Muslim country. For Muslim travelers, Turkey is a hospitable destination where it is easy to find prayer facilities and feel comfortable wearing a headscarf or niqab without attracting unusual attention. Mosques, known as "camii" in Turkish, can be found throughout Istanbul, even within shopping malls, offering a welcoming environment. The call to prayer, known as the "azan," adds to the cultural ambiance during prayer times.

However, it's worth mentioning that Istanbul can also present a unique and sometimes contradictory atmosphere. It is a place where it's best not to judge people based on their appearance, especially women. Here, it is not uncommon to see hijabis (women who wear headscarves) smoking or observing other behaviors that might differ from common assumptions. Some Muslims in Turkey may drink alcohol or engage in public displays of affection.

Overall, Istanbul is a city that should be on everyone's travel list at least once in their lifetime. It offers a captivating blend of beauty, warm-hearted people, and a rich historical heritage that can leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Enjoy your trip to Istanbul!