As a non-Muslim woman, would I be a welcome visitor in Turkey?

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jalapeno_kolobok

Turkey is a great honeymoon destination. Me and my wife used to vacation in Turkey all the time when I worked in various Arab countries. Arab culture is so stifling compared to Turkey. Every time my plane landed at Ataturk airport in Istanbul, I would always feel a psychological relief that I was in a normal country. No, Turkey is nothing like neighboring Arab countries. First, the leader who formed the modern Turkish state is Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He is regarded as a Hero in Turkey--you will see his statues and portrait everywhere. He brought Turkey into the modern world in the 1920's and 1930's. Ataturk mandated separation of mosque and state, changed the alphabet from Arabic to Latinic script, created laws based on a civil code--not the Quran and forbid women from wearing islamic covers (hijab) in government buildings. Even today Turkish women can't wear hijab in the university classroom. Believe me, Turkey is nothing like the rest of the middle east. In western Turkey, you can drink a beer in swimming clothes and no one will bat an eye.

Turkey is about 1/3 the cost of Europe. It is not just the cost that makes Turkey the best kept vacation secret in the world. It is an absolutely beautiful country. Amazing archaeological ruins are everywhere. I've read there are more Greek ruins in Turkey than modern Greece. The people are genuinely friendly. Lonely Planet is good guidebook for Turkey.

Here is my advice: I recommend a combined trip to Istanbul, the southern Mediterranean coast and Cappodicia. There is a lot to see in Istanbul: Haiga Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, basillica cistern, cruise out to the Princess Islands, ect. I recommend staying at the Marmara guesthouse. I stay there every time I go through Istanbul. It is a small hotel run by a real nice Turkish family. You are only three blocks from the Haiga Sofia and about two blocks from the Topkapi Palace. The Turkish family will serve you breakfast on the roof with a beautiful view of the Bosporus. You are not going to believe this, but it only costs about $40 per night. There is no where on earth where you can get a value for such a prime location and with a nice family managing the place.

Along the southern Mediterranean coast, the scenery is gorgeous with tall mountains crashing into the sea. You can take a short flight to the southwestern coast for about 45 minutes from Istanbul. You simply must sail from Fethiye to Olympos. It will be the best part of your Turkish experience. It was only 200 dollars per person for a four day sail on a Gullet (a type of Turkish Sailing vessel) when me and my wife went two years ago. The cost includes three superb Turkish meals each day. There will be about 12 other people (mostly Europeans and Australians) going along for the sail. Be sure to sleep on a mat on deck. The air is perfect. It was the best sleep I have ever experienced. The food is perfect. The company is wonderful. The old Greek ruins are amazing. The snorkeling and swimming in the warm Mediterranean is just incredible. You will depart at Olympos. Olympos is a ruin of a classical Greek city. There are many tree houses and bungalows to sleep in for about 25 dollars (with a huge evening meal and laundry service included in the price). You can also climb the hill at night to see the flaming Chimaera. Natural gas seeps through the hillside causing the blue flames to dance. It is magical. The ancient Greeks thought it was a three headed monster. I suggest you continue your journey to the old subterranean city of Cappadocia, then back to Istanbul.

Charles R

Turkey is a fabulous country. I lived there for 2 years as a boy and went back for a visit not so long ago. Turkey has a secular democratic government and very friendly people. Learn a few words like Merhaba (hello) or lutfen (please) and the people will be very pleased. In the link below are some pictures I took on the last trip.

You will not have any problems as a western woman although you should probably control public displays of affection. Holding hands is fine, extreme making out is not.

Oh Ok

Turks are waaaay open minded, what with being so close to and mixing with Europeans and all. They dress in very european clothing, and only very few women wear the traditional drapery. They won't have trouble with you being American.

You should have no problem. (*giggle*, the men are very handsome there, so you be good ;) )

Have fun on your honeymoon, girl! Congrats.

Gwen

Wow, wonderful responses!

I just want to add a recent anecdote, what happened just this week to me: I was at an international event to support our Turkish table, and while I was walking around other tables I saw a head-scarved Pakistani acquaintance at the event too. While we were talking, I said "Masallah" about her son, and she looked at me shocked -- she asked, "Oh, are you Muslim?" I muttered my usual "yes and no"s in response to that question. Later when she visited our table, she saw all of our Muslim Turkish girls -- including girls who have fasted just the other month for Ramazan and who attend the local Mescit -- none of whom sported a head-scarf. I wanted to introduce her to my husband, also Turkish, who automatically held out his hand: She very uncomfortably would not extend her hand, and she profusely apologized for the awkwardness. See, we forget sometimes that hard-core Muslim women aren't even supposed to touch *anywhere* on a guy who is not their husband. Why did we forget? Well, because even my religious relatives in Konya (which you will soon find out is re-knowned for its conservatism) do not adhere to such a rule!

You will absolutely not have any problem being un-welcome in Turkey, no matter what is your religion. I won't say more because I want you to be pleasantly surprised by your reception.

Have an awesome honeymoon!

expatturk

Of course you will be welcome.
I am an American non-Muslim woman living in Istanbul and am accepted and even befriended by my neighbors. As I walk down the street, I often hear my name called and am issued an offer of tea. When my husband was alive, he was well-respected here, and when he died, people wept publicly. My two best female friends are Muslim, one Turkish and one American. We sometimes discuss religion but have no problems with the others' choices of faith.

As for clothing, leave the sexy items at home just to avoid any hassles from silly folk. I don't wear a headscarf; many Turkish women don't.either. I do suggest being prepared to buy a few long skirts here --they are elegant, comfortable and very inexpensive. I wear them all the time -- and when I visit America, people admire them.

Turkey is a lovely place for a honeymoon trip. Those of us who live here and those who have traveled in our fascinating country can give you recommendations if you wish. My sister just returned from a tour that I had planned for her, including Goreme and Selcuk and the surrounding areas (even a day trip to the Greek island of Samos) and she now can't wait for a return trip to Turkey.
Feel free to contact me.
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials

mandy

You will have no problems whatsoever. I come from Scotland and have visited turkey many times.One piece of advice is,if you want to visit a mosque dress respectfully and cover up, they are Beautiful buildings to see. You will be made more than welcome there,they have a fantastic culture, lots of interesting places to visit, great beaches and the people themselves are friendly and help full. Enjoy your honeymoon.

crazygirl158

Ipek K- I wear jeans, sport shoes, and a white tee.. :(( T T
Nah, Im just kidding! :)
No, you will not have ANY problems what so ever. To be perfectly honest, you cant really wear relly open clothes(e.g. really short shorts, low fronts) in some parts of Istanbul( e.g. Kasimpasa) but I dont think you will even go there.. And they do not care at all especially if you are a tourist, because they respect your culture and religion.
You can guess that if turkish people cared about how open you dress, bikini wouldnt be such a big hit in Turkey. :)
Congrats on your wedding!

Stanislav A

Yes, you would be welcome

Mikaeeelaa

I was worried about that to when before I got there :) And no, turks are nice people and btw if your with your fiance, what could happen? but I would recommend covering your shoulders If you ever go to some religious places like muslimic churches etc. Have a nice trip :)

Ipek K Reloaded

Yes, you will be more than welcome since we have millions of tourists visiting our country every year. Most of them are non-Muslim.

I am Turkish and this is my picture on the Avatar. See, no scarves :) (Funny thing is, that pic is taken in Kuwait, a Sharia ruled country, still no scarves!)

One thing about the American clothing though; please don't wear jeans, sports shoes and a white Tee, it is so out of fashion. Try European designs :)

Joke aside, you will be fine and I am sure you will have a marvelous time, Congratulations on your coming wedding BTW :)

If you need any further information, please don't hesitate to ask in this section.

Kris

Yeah i went there
and felt rather welcomed into there country
you picked a good place for a honeymoon

they generally think english speaking people are 'richer'
so they may try and bargain with you in small towns

wear what you like, unless your visiting a mosque (dunno if you spell it like that) anyway you should cover up

trust me you will love it there!

~La Vie En RoSe~

You should be fine. Especially since u have a partner, I can't c how any1 can bother u. Good Luck with wedding & all :)

Keyser

its just such a shame when i see this type of question.you have more chance of getting raped in greece than you do getting any trouble in turkey.

if you go to turkey you'll come back here and apologise for asking this question,as your thoughts about turkey are waaaaaaaaaaaay off what they should be.

q127

Yes, you would be welcome as a non muslim. I have been to Turkey several times and you will notice that especially in touristic areas, like for instance Alanya or Kusadasi, people are pretty westernized / secular / modern. I would not recommend going to Turkey on a honeymoon though. The Turkish riviera is nice but there are areas in the Mediterranean that are nicer. I personally like Greece and Portugal. Greece has really terrific beaches and if you like culture, many of the Greek islands have ancient Roman and Greek sites that you can visit. The food is terrific as well. I would say better than Turkish food. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and good luck picking a honeymoon destination.

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