The vast majority of the population of Turkey - Muslims, so if we, guests in this country, don't want to violate traditional Turkish etiquette, you should meet the, how to behave in different situations. This is especially important, if you want to establish good business relationship in Turkey - knowledge of and respect for national customs and traditions can be a good basis for a strong partnership and fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation.

First of all, you need to reckon with the fact, among other religious duties, Muslims must pray five times a day - at dawn, at noon, after lunch, at sunset and late at night. Accurate prayer times are published in local Newspapers every day. Friday is the Muslim Holy day, although in Turkey it might not be so noticeable, as in other Muslim countries. But most men still try it on Friday to visit the temple for afternoon prayers.

During the Holy month of Ramadan all Muslims fast from dawn until evening's dark. During lent you cannot eat, can't drink, cigarette Smoking and even chewing gum.

Etiquette greetings when meeting

At the meeting, greet each other with a firm handshake. When parting in Turkey handshakes are less common, but quite often, when parting, they still share.

Friends and relatives may greet each other with one or two kisses on the cheek. To show respect for senior, you should kiss their right hand, and then press it against your forehead.

When you enter the room, if you did not meet someone specifically, first you should greet the eldest, by title or by job position. At social events, first of all should be welcomed in, who will be closer, and then move around the room or around the table counterclockwise.

To greet people properly or Islamic greeting "assalamu alaikum" (peace be with you) or the word "Kaipc" (pronounced "na-Sul-su-NUZ"), which means "How are you doing?".

Gifts business etiquette in Turkey.

To make gifts business etiquette in Turkey is not very customary, and generous gifts - this is not the best sign of attention to Turkish businessmen. Business relationships in Turkey are built on mutual respect of partners, and special consideration are usually in the form of a dinner invitation or for the joint visit for sightseeing, which is so rich country.

But, despite the generally accepted norms, gifts are also the place, and they will be happy. If you want to donate something to your Turkish partner or colleague, it is best to bring a gift from their own country, for example, any national gourmet treats or items of folk art.

Don't forget, Turkey - a Muslim country. Before, than to bring someone spirits, make sure, what that person is drinking, and do it, only if you're sure about it at all 100%.

The only case, when to treat present seriously and choose very thoughtfully and thoroughly, this is when you are invited for dinner at the Turkish house.

The most popular Souvenirs in this case are exclusive sweets (cakes and baklava especially) or any beautiful objects for the home, for example, vases or other decorative ornaments. Flowers for the hosts in this case is not required, but if you want to present them, they will be happy. But if you decide to buy flowers as a gift, be sure to consult with the florist, what is better to choose. If the family has children, then buy them some expensive sweets or candy.

Business relationships begin, of course, in the workplace in the office, but they are strengthened during a joint lunch, dinners and other social events.

Courtesy n courtesy is vitally important especially in a business relationship with the Turks - keep this in mind in all circumstances.

When dealing with the Turks does not require too much personal space around, so very often they can be too close to the person and thus to feel quite comfortable. This should just know - it is not rude on their part.

When dealing with the Turks should not move backwards - this can be regarded as an unfriendly gesture. When discussing business issues, the conversation can begin from a distance, quite a long time and the conversation can talk about anything and discussion of important issues to be delayed. This is the Turkish way of communicating. If you are involved in business negotiations, then you need to remember, and in any case you must not expect your Turkish colleagues to get to the point - it will be a great rudeness on your part.

If you want to ask your Turkish colleague about it (or) the family, we do this unobtrusively and without excessive curiosity. If you ask them about children, it will be especially nice to them.

The Turkish people love their country and proud of it, so happy to answer your questions about Turkish culture and Turkish history. But the questions of current national policy and political history are best avoided - in this case, the rules of Turkish business etiquette does not differ from the General rules of international business etiquette.

Most Turkish men love football and rooting for one of the three leading Turkish teams Galatasaray, Besiktas or Fenerbahce. II if you ask about the recent success of their favorite football team, then they are happy and very lively will share with you my impressions.

If you installed someone business relationship, then your contacts should be straight, directly with this person.

Dealing with the Turks, remember, which is very important during a conversation to look him straight in the eye - thus would show their sincerity.

If you want, to business negotiations with Turkish partners or colleagues took place most successfully, try to become better acquainted with the, as is customary to do business in Turkey.

Business meeting etiquette in Turkey has its own quirks. First of all, remember, that business meeting you want to assign in advance, one - two weeks, and negotiate about the best meeting on the phone.

You should know also, many residents of Turkey in July or August to go on vacation, so try not make appointments at this time. During Ramadan (Ramadan) meetings also are best avoided.

If you go to a business meeting, be punctual, but be prepared, you will have to wait.

The first business meeting with a new partner is usually rather simple to discover, than to discuss specific business issues, so as the Turks prefer to do business only with the right person, whom they know well.

Remember, what introductory talk on abstract themes at a business meeting in Turkey is absolutely necessary, so do not just "take the bull by the horns" and start discussing the main issue of the meeting.

For a detailed consideration of issues at the meeting prepare in advance and print all the materials for discussion in English and Turkish languages. If you want to make a business proposal, then think carefully about its presentation and prepare graphic materials for it. Scheme, chart, maps, that will visually illustrate your thoughts, to help you better understand your proposal.

Dress code in Turkey

Business attire in Turkey is very conservative. Going for any business meeting, remember, what should I wear a suit and tie. The women in business meeting too should be wearing a good business suit of quiet colour and conservative cut.

In the summer, especially in cities such, as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, the weather is very hot, and the humidity is very high, so at this time allowed to wear only a shirt and pants, and in most cases (but not always!) to come without a tie.

In small towns, especially in the East Turkey, and women, and men, a business meeting needs to dress more conservatively, than in the capital or the many faces of Istanbul. The woman in this case must take care, to their arms and legs were covered, and clothing was not form-fitting. Men do not have a business meeting to wear shorts.

If you want to establish business relations in Turkey, remember the most important: your success depends in Turkey, in the first place, because, will you be able to install with the Turks, trusting and friendly personal relations and, in addition, will you be able to present them your business proposal for cooperation clear, clearly and attractively.

Business - it's a personal relationship. And, despite the fact, that times are changing, and today in Turkey is increasingly influenced by major international companies, but Western corporate culture is increasingly pervasive in many of the leading Turkish firms, a lot of Turkish companies continue to stay in the family business, owned and run by the same family.

Residents of Turkey will want to deal only with those, who they like, whom they trust and with whom you feel relaxed and comfortable, and most importantly - with those, who's ready for a long partnership. And if they feel, that you have something to hide, or your behavior somehow excite their suspicion, or your motivation will be they do not understand, then you will achieve little.

The etiquette of business negotiations in Turkey are clear and logical. The most important thing in business negotiations in Turkey - to establish good relations with Turkish partners. So do not rush things - at the first meeting should be to become better acquainted with each other and not move on swiftly to discuss specific business issues. Only after, how will established a good trusting relationship, you can start to talk about business.

But Turks are not only eyeing the man as a person with a new acquaintance. The Turks are also clever and shrewd businessmen, so, introducing them to negotiating their commercial offer, do not forget to clearly describe your proposal and its profitability. Show specifically, what benefits the proposal will bring your Turkish partners and what you expect to get from your joint activities.

The Turks, first of all, take information oral and visual, so, presenting them your proposal, do not restrict yourself to printed statistics and dry numbers - to illustrate his proposal, prepare for them also chart, scheme, maps and stuff.

We should not forget about, that decisions on business matters in Turkey can be taken slowly. It's possible, you first have to conduct lengthy negotiations with the youngest member of the family. And only after, as you will be able to convince, that you can trust and that your proposal is beneficial to the Turkish side from a financial point of view, you will be able to enter into negotiations with senior members of the family - with those, who decides. It must be remembered, that all decisions are taken in Turkey only the head of the family (or company) alone.

During the negotiations the Turks can start with the extremes, to test your reaction. Knowing, what numbers should be kept the negotiations, carefully argue their case and present their views, slowly. When your partners will understand, what are you making him an offer, not only pursue their own interests, but go on serious concessions from their side only for the benefit of your future partners, they will be able to take positive action just out of respect to you and because, that they really like you.. Try to do it, and if you will make concessions only for the first time, you will achieve greater benefits and more serious concessions from their side next time, or when the next deal.

Do not install the Turks a deadline for making decisions or apply pressure on them to expedite the process of signing the contract - they can use your set dates for their own benefit, threatening to withdraw from the transaction or to terminate negotiations. Be patient, and you will succeed in your business negotiations. 

And: in the process of business negotiations in Turkey advantages for Turkish side, you want to present your Turkish partner, can be expressed not only in the form of undeniable financial benefits. Instead of profits it is possible to focus the attention of the Turkish partner on such aspects of the transaction, as consolidation of power and strengthening the influence. Honor, respect the reputation and other intangible benefits from joint ventures can also be a useful argument in negotiations.