Turkey Culture Social Diversity in Turkey: An Understanding of Regional Differences and Behaviours
Turkey is an interesting country from the point of view of history, Turkey culture, and diversity. Although it doesn’t have a caste system like some societies do, there are many social and cultural differences that can be observed across its regions and cities which together make up a complex tapestry. These disparities are influenced by historical events; local customs or traditions as well as economic factors among others. In this paper we will look at various parts of Turkey in terms of regionalism with emphasis on their unique social behaviours that may not be so popularly known. For more information Click on Egtevent blogs.
Turkey Regional Variations
The geographical position contributes significantly to the cultural heterogeneity within Turkey. The nation has been divided into seven regions namely Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean , Central Anatolia , Eastern Anatolia , Southeastern Anatolia , Black Sea . Each region has its characteristics in terms of customs, traditions or even norms.
Marmara Region – Istanbul; which is the largest city in Turkey falls under this category being located within Marmara region . This part can also be considered cosmopolitan due to its modernity blended with historical aspects attracting people from all corners both locally as well as internationally . Furthermore being geographically found between Europe and Asia continents makes it more diverse culturally thus acting like a melting pot for different lifestyles brought about by these influences from either side(s) .
Aegean Region – It is famous for beautiful beaches along the coastlines coupled with ancient ruins scattered around them hence creating an environment that may seem less active compared to other areas . The likes İzmir where liberal attitudes are common among citizens while arts scene vibrant too falls under this region. Besides Greek impact on their food culture through sharing recipes back then when Greeks were still living here before moving further westwards into mainland Greece itself…etcetera were some highlights worth mentioning about Aegean cuisine (Karadeniz, 2009). istanbul da etkinlik
Mediterranean Region – This part including Antalya and Mersin cities among others boasts having some of the best beaches worldwide owing to its location adjacent to Mediterranean Sea besides having many tourists’ attractions such as historical sites like ancient cities or even temples which were built during different periods of time e.g. Lycian tombs in Myra near Demre town …etcetera (Ibid). In addition people living here are said to follow a laid back lifestyle revolving around sea where fish forms major part their daily diets alongside fresh vegetables which are abundant throughout year due favourable climatic conditions prevailing over there thus making it possible for them grow crops like tomatoes , cucumbers being eaten raw most times without necessarily cooking them first before consumption hence promoting healthy eating habits within this area too.
Central Anatolia: Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and is found here in Central Anatolia. The place is quite significant historically speaking besides being an agricultural hub as well with lots of farming activities taking place there since it lies between two major rivers namely Kızılırmak River on one hand flowing through Tuz Gölü Basin while Sakarya River flows from North towards South emptying itself into Black Sea through Sapanca Lake . Most parts within central parts are conservative compared to coastal regions because people tend to be more traditional minded so they take life seriously than those staying by shores who may not care much about certain issues concerning cultural heritage etcetera …
Eastern Anatolia: This region has been home various ethnic groups including Kurds Armenians Turks among others therefore making it rich both culturally and historically speaking thus showing higher levels underdevelopment when contrasted against Western counterparts though this doesn’t necessarily imply that modernization processes have bypassed these areas altogether but rather they lag behind terms infrastructure development such roads electricity water supply systems etcetera which could have facilitated their advancement socio-economically .
Southeastern Anatolia: The region has strong Middle Eastern influences thus its social structure tends to be more traditional where kebabs baklava are some of the dishes that people like eating here . This area also exhibits close knit family ties or even community bonds so much so that weddings become communal affairs being celebrated over several days with relatives friends neighbours coming together for such festive occasions . Besides culinary traditions there is another form dance known as Horon which forms integral part any gathering within this region especially during nighttime hours when families gather around campfires chatting away till dawn breaks.
Black Sea Region: This part boasts having tea plantations among other things thus giving rise to lush green sceneries everywhere one looks hence making it different from other parts within Turkey …etcetera (Karadeniz, 2009). Additionally people living in these areas have been characterized by their hospitable nature towards strangers coupled with strong sense community spirit among themselves too . Traditional dances like Horon play significant role during social gatherings such weddings Easter celebrations Christmas parties while men women perform separate roles within society based on gender expectation etc.
Ethnicity Diversity
Turkey Culture with Turkey is a very multicultural country, with many different ethnic groups living within its borders. Apart from the Turkish majority population, there are also large communities of Kurds, Armenians, Greeks and Arabs. These groups have their own languages, customs and traditions.
Kurds: Some people in eastern and southeastern Anatolia are Kurds who have their unique cultural identity characterized by such things as traditional music or dances. They celebrate Newroz (the Kurdish New Year) with festivals and community gatherings.
Armenians: Although smaller in number than other minorities mentioned before this one also has rich cultural heritage; there being customary events like an annual trip made by Armenian Apostolic Church followers to Akdamar Island located on Lake Van where they pray for good fortune throughout the year.
Greeks: Greeks have been living in Turkey for centuries especially around Istanbul which was once called Constantinople. This has greatly influenced architectural designs seen here today among other aspects including food recipes adopted from Greek cuisine as well as religious practices inherited from Byzantine Christianity still followed up until now even though most Greeks left after 1923 population exchange treaty between Greece & Turkey). Celebrations during Epiphany feast involve diving into sea waters by young men trying catch cross thrown priest into water body signifying Christ’s baptism event ( istanbul da etkinlik ) described bible new testament book Mathew chapter three verses thirteen through seventeen. Most of the Greek people understand Turkey Culture and its language.
Arabs : The Arab presence is mainly felt along the southeastern provinces bordering Middle east countries such as Syria Iraq etcetera hence their social behaviours are largely influenced by this region’s way life . They have rich musical heritage which includes various dances with each having different meaning attached to it plus culinary arts that can be seen across these parts.
Turkey Culture differences
Social behaviour in Turkey may greatly differ depending on where you are within the country. Westernization impacts more on cosmopolitan and larger cities than rural areas which tend to be conservative due long established traditions playing significant roles.
Hospitality: People of Turkey are known for their hospitality wherever they live but different places have various expressions of this Turkey Culture. If you visit a village, it is not unusual to be invited into someone’s house by total stranger who wants share cup tea with you since they consider themselves one big family living together as community members . In cities, cafes and restaurants are common meeting points where people can socialize over drinks or meals hence they may extend their hands through such gatherings.
Events: Rural communities still uphold ancient ways life which include holding weddings harvesting festivals religious ceremonies among others while modernity has taken root urban centres thus giving rise new types event organization like fashion shows talent search competitions product launches etcetera.
Socialization: While cities may seem more sophisticated when it comes to matters socializing this does not mean that rural settings lack them altogether; in fact there are many opportunities for interaction outside formal institutions such school church mosque etcetera
Conclusion
Turkey’s cultural and social diversity is due to its rich history and geographical importance. Different parts of the country, as well as urban and rural areas, also ethnic communities, have made the nation lively with many faces. This contrast enables us to recognize special customs or social manners which are not so famous among people living in other countries but still exist in Turkey. Therefore, we can say that whether it is Istanbul’s crowded streets; quietness filled Anatolian villages or traditional-modern mix found during local celebrations throughout all these places there lies an interesting combination between new/old or ancient/fashionable trends which creates such a unique patchwork quilt called Turkey Culture here – one that never stops amazing you! EGTEVENT is a Turkish company that understands all traditions and organizes best events in Istanbul.
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