The bridgeThe bridge between Europe and Asia between Europe and Asia -TURKEY-

-TURKEY-

TURKISH FLAG
The Flag and Anthem are very important for the Turkish people. The Flag is a respected symbol for the Turks that should always be on the top. Even there are rules and laws that protect this respect. For example It is not allowed to wear flag printed tshirts or burn the Turkish flag. It symbolizes the national independence war made between 1919 to 1923. In this period the Ottoman empire collapsed and the new Turkish Republic settled after a number of wars where many people have lost their lives. The red color symbolizes the blood and the star with moon the independence

 Motto: Yurtta Sulh, Cihanda Sulh Peace at Home, Peace in the World

Anthem : stikll Mar The Anthem of Independence

Formation Of Republic Turkey

Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, during the Battle of Gallipoli, the Turkish War of Independence was waged with the aim to unified the nation. On November 1, 1922, the newly founded parliament formally abolished the Sultanate, thus ending 623 years of Ottoman rule. The republic was officially proclaimed on October 29, 1923, in the new capital of Ankara.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

Mustafa Kemal Atatrk, founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey ( 1881-1938 )

 Independence: 29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

Republic Day: 29 October (1923) Constitution: 7 November 1982

National Flower

Tulip

 Capital : ANKARA Population : 70 million Literacy rate : 2004- 87.4 % Language : Turkish (uses Latin Alphabet) Currency : Turkish Lira ( TL )

Location : Eastern Mediterranean. Located on two continents Europe and Asia. The European part of Turkey is called Thrace, while the Asian part is called Anatolia.

 Area : 814 578 Km2 (314 500 square miles) % 3 on the European continent % 97 on the Asian continent Major Cities : Istanbul 13 million Ankara 3.7 million Izmir 3.1 million Bursa 2.1million

Religion : 99 percent of the population is Muslim. Turkey is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims. National Anthem : Istiklal Marsi ( Independence March Lyrics by: Mehmet Akif Ersoy Adopted as Turkeys National Anthem on March 12,1921

 Government : Turkey is democratic, secular and social state governed by the rule of law; committed to the nationalism of Atatrk and based on the principle of the separation of powers.
Legislative Power : The Turkish Grand National Assembly

Executive Power : President and the Council of Ministers.

Judicial Power : President and the Council of Ministers. Coastline: 8333 Km. (5000 miles)

Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest there is also an important internal sea, the Sea of Marmara, between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosporus.

 Geographical Regions : Turkey has 80 administrative provinces

and seven geographical regions. The first four of the seven regions are given the names of the seas which are adjacent to them.

- Black Sea Region - Marmara Region - Aegean Region - Mediterranean Region

The other three regions are named in accordance with their location in the whole of Anatolia.

Central Anatolia Region - Eastern Anatolia Region - Southeastern Anatolia Region

 Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.

Turkey People
Turkish culture has undergone profound changes over the last century. Today, Turkey may be the only country that contains every extreme of Eastern and Western culture (along with many compromises and fusions between the two). The Ottoman system was a multi-ethnic state that enabled people within it not to mix with each other and thereby retain separate ethnic and religious identities within the empire (albeit with a dominant Turkish and Southern European ruling class). Upon the fall of the empire after World War I the Turkish Republic adapted a unitary approach, which forced all the different cultures within its borders to mix with each other with the aim of producing "Turkish" national and cultural identity. This mixing, instead of producing cultural homogenization, instead resulted in many shades of grey as the traditional Muslim cultures of Anatolia collided with (or had imposed upon them) the cosmopolitan modernity of Istanbul and the wider West.

SOME TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS OF TURKEY

Turkeys cultural variety is so rich that we can see great cultural differences even in areas geographically quite close to each other.

FAMILY IN TURKISH CULTURE

Large Families Very Strong Relationships between family members Strong relationship between relatives and neighbours

MEETING AND GREETING

When meeting someone, shake hands firmly. When departing shake hands again. Friends and relatives greet each other with two kisses on the cheek. If you are not that close, you dont have to kiss someone. Dont be surprised if you see children kissing the hands of the elderly then placing the forehead onto the hand. It is the way of respect.

TRADITIONAL THEATRE
HACVAT AND KARAGZ This is a shadow play based on the movements of representations of people, animals and objects. The play takes name from its main characters, hacivat and karagz.

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
Two major national religious holidays Ramadan Bayrami (After thirty days of fasting there are three day ramadan holiday. It is a special time. Everyone wears their best and new clothes. Then it is time to go to mosque, visit relatives and friends. In this feast, everyone gives candies.) Kurban Bayrami (In sacrifice bayram, muslims cut sheep or cows and the meat of these animals are distributed to the poor people. Everybody exchanges bayram greetings with each other.)

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
23th April National Sovereignty and Childrens day

The founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal ATATRK dedicated April 23th to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. Unicef decided to recognize this important day as the international childrens day.

May 19, Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day in Turkey

Turkey presently accepts the date of Ataturk's arrival in Samsun as the starting date of the Turkish War of Independence. Yyoung Turkish athletes carry the national flag from Samsun, a Black Sea port from where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk started Turkeys War of Independence in 1919, to Ankara, the countrys capital.

 August 30, Victory Day in Turkey

Turkish people accept August 30 as the date of the Turkish troops overall victory.

 October 29, Republic Day in Turkey

Republic Day marks the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. After Turkeys victory in the War of Independence (1919-1923), the Turkish parliament proclaimed the new Turkish state as a republic.

NOWRUZ (Nevruz)
Nowruz is celebrated the first day of Spring on March 21th, equinox time.

HIDRELLEZ It is said that whatever you wish on that night will come true . It is celebrated as the first day of the summer.

Turkish Traditional Costumes

The traditional Turkish costume has kept on changing with the passage of time as each successive civilization brought with it its own dress sense. The use of leather and other felt materials was quite common amongst the Turks. This was primarily because of their close association with nature. They would also make their clothing and various accessories using sheepskin, fur and other woolen materials. Leather boots were also part of the costume of the Turks. They would sport them along with a mintan shirt and a special short caftan that would be hooked along with a belt. This would serve as riding trousers for them. They would be loose at the top and would narrow down as they extended towards the shoes. Leather boots and Caftan were considered to be the fashion accessories of the elite. A special kind of head covering was also worn by the Turks

Turkish Music And Folk Dances

TURKISH MUSIC AND FOLK DANCES

HORON
Horan means reaped crops after harvest, also represents the energy of the anchovy. performed in very old times in religious ceremonies

HALAY
Halay means unity, union. The dancers are accompanied by a drum. Usually it requires a minimum of three people. Both male and female hold hands and stand in a row, then creating a circle. Feet movements and combinations are important. This is performed in the open air.

SUFI DANCE

FOLK SPORTS
GREASE WRESTLNG
There are also some folkloric sports which are also occasions for celebration. They are very typical and traditional, and it is recommended that you try to witness some of these; you will find it really interesting. "Grease Wrestling" (yagli gures) is the Turkish national sport dating from Ottoman times and every year in July wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne. The contest is made more difficult by the fact that the wrestlers smear themselves with oil.

CRT
"Cirit" (javelin-throwing) is a fastpaced game played on horseback. The origin of this sport is in Central Asia, where it was developed by the soldiers in order to improve their fighting skills. Riders on fast horses throw short javelins to team mates who are also on horseback. The most important rule is to catch the javelin while flying. This game is mostly performed in Konya and Eastern Turkey.

Other Traditional Sports

The sports in this section are largely variations of wrestling ,horse race, jereed, camel wrestling, bull fighting, cock fighting, hunting etc.

FOOD AND DRINKS

Food

Turkey is a large and diverse country, best known for being the meeting point of Europe and Asia and thus the connection between East and West. Its cuisine reflects this extensive variation and cultural fusion and shares much with neighboring regions, including the Balkans and Slavic areas, as well as having heritage links to the Ottoman Empire.

It is said that travelers in Turkey, "come for the history but stay for the food".

Menemen
A speciality breakfast dish in Turkey, menemen is a combination of scrambled egg with a mix of onion, tomatoes and green peppers. Numerous variations, including the addition of black or green olives or spicy Turkish sausage, also exist.

Kebab
The element of Turkish cuisine that has been most widely exported and is therefore best known throughout the world is probably the kebab.

Baklava
In terms of desserts, Turkey is probably most renowned for baklava. It is a rich pastry dish and is made by combining filo pastry layers with nuts. It is made sweet by adding syrup or honey. It is usually prepared on large trays and then cut and served in a variety of shapes.

Turkish Delight

One of Turkey's most famous exports, lokum or Turkish delight as we know it, comes in many flavours and not only the rose, lemon and pistachio varieties which are common elsewhere. It is often served with Turkish coffee at the end of a meal

Tea

Usually Turkish tea or gay is brewed in a sort of combined kettle/ tea pot which is placed directly on the hob and has water boiling in the bottom section and tea brewing in the top so it can be made weaker or stronger as required. It is drunk from small tulip-shaped glasses, always black and usually with plenty of sugar. Unless you specifically ask for Turkish tea, hotels will assume you want English tea and often present you with a cup of boiling water and a tea bag on the side.

Coffee
Turkish coffee or Tiirk kahvesi is the perfect way to finish off a good meal. When ordering you specify whether you want it sade (plain), orta (with some sugar) or sekerli (very sweet) and it is brewed with the specified amount of sugar mixed in with the coffee granules. It is served in small cups. It is quite an art to know-when to stop drinking as one sip too many and you will end up with a mouthful of the sludgy residue which falls to the bottom of the cup.

A Turkish proverb says, 'Bir fincan kahvenin 40 yil hatiri vardir (One cup of coffee remains in memories for 40 years)'. Turkish coffee is not merely a beverage that you have in the midst of a busy day to have your daily caffeine fix. It is a way of life for the Turkish people and quite central to their social, political and religious customs.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is freely available in Turkish resorts and cities . The traditional tipple is raki, an aniseed based spirit, which is sometimes known as lion's milk. It is clear but turns cloudy when water is added. Most people do dilute it with water although some drink it only with ice. It is unusual for a Turk to drink alcohol without eating at the same time. Raki traditionally accompanies a fish meal. It may also be consumed between meals. Melon and/ or white cheese are often served alongside it Two of the biggest local wine producers are Doluca and Kavaklidere. Those who prefer beer will not be disappointed in the well-known local brand, Efes. There are also locally produced vodka, brandy, whisky and gin

Traditional wedding celebrations last three days

Henna night for a man who is leaving home for the military service.

The Nazar Bead

Nazar bead refers to a very traditional item in Turkey, Anywhere you go or any people you talk to can show you a bead in his pocket, or at home, or in his car etc. And if this Nazar bead is broken for whatever reason, it's beleived that it worked and protected you from some evil-eye that probabily you are unaware of at that moment. So this would guard you from any negative energy or from jealous looks of others for example.

The Nazar bead is usually made of blue glass, with white and yellow or white and blue again circles inside, that would be a typical Nazar Bonjuk.

The Turkish Economy:

Newly industrialized country. Dynamic blend of modern and traditional industries. Private sector is increasing.

Excellent geographical location.

 Work Force ( 23.21 Million): 2005 est.

Agriculture
Industry Services

29.5%
24.7% 45.8%

Business Hours: 9 am to 5 pm ( 1 hour Lunch) Monday to Friday

 Turkey is 7th largest emerging economy and the European unions biggest trading partner. GDP:$1.028 trillion (2008 est.) GDP Growth : 4.5% (2008 est.) GDP by Sector :

Agriculture
Industry Services

8.5%
28.6% 62.9%

 Main industries : Textiles, Food processing, Auto, Electronics, Mining (coal , chromite , copper, boron), Steel, Petroleum, Construction, Paper Exports : $141.8 billion (2008) Import : $204.8 billion (2008)

 Export Goods: Textiles, Foodstuffs, Metal Manufactures, Transport Equipment, Electronics, Home Appliances Import goods : Machinery, Chemicals. Semi finished goods, Fuels Public debt: 37.1% of GDP Revenues: $164.6 billion (2008 est.) Expenses: $ 176.3 billion (2008 est.)

Why cross culture study is imp?

Turkey is one to watch for the near future. Doing business in Turkey is rapidly being recognized as a lucrative venture. Doing business in Turkey however requires understanding

the people, culture, etiquette and approach to business.

By acquiring cross cultural skills, international business

people can maximize their prospects of success in Turkey.

Turkey- Values.
Family is the most essential social unit in Turkish culture. Family loyalty is a vital aspect of Turkish

society and one that has a major impact on

Turkish business practices.

Many businesses in Turkey are still familyowned.

Turkey- Public behavior

Shake hand firmly.

Greet the most elderly person first.

Use the word Asalamu alaykum.

Smoking is banned.
Keep your legs cross or together.

Gesture for yes or no can be quite confusing.

Turkey Appointment Alert

Arrange appointment in advance.

Business and banking hrs are 9.00 a.m to 12.00 noon

and 2.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many secular and Islamic holidays. Islamic holidays will fall upon different dates each year.

Cont.
Turks are not punctual but they will expect you to do so. Turkish roads and transport can let you down. Avoid travelling on business to turkey in summer

months of June, July and august.

Most Turkish business people are good English speaker.

Turkey- Business Dress.

Do dress conservatively.
Women must refrain from exposure of legs and

arms.
Must ensure clothes are not tight fitted.

Even on beaches never wear shorts.

Turkey- Conversation
First know your Turkish counterpart at a personal level.

Ask about his/her family.

Find out work, role and company. Ask questions on their culture and history. Ask questions on game football. Turks follow current affairs closely.

Topics To Avoid
Avoid giving opinions on issues like turkokurdish relations and EU membership. Never ask any question on turkey political history. Be careful on approaching any topic on Islam.

Turkey-entertaining For Business Success.

Meetings will take place in restaurants. Turks enjoys meals and relax during eating Host always pays for the meal. Evening meals may be accompanied by liquor.

Contd.
They smoke during meals. They serve coffee at the end of the meal. Never drink to the bottom of the cup. You just graciously thank the host and few days later invite the host for dinner.

Turkey: Business Behavior

Polychronic in nature. Islam. Turkish people addresses by profession and occupation alone. They are Informal by names. Exchange of business cards is common.

Engage in some light conversation to built rapport.

Cont
Be punctual.

Meeting time must be fitted between each of the five

daily prayer times. They have much respect for ranks, authority and education. Professional and personal relationships may over lap.

Dos and Donts:

Do maintain eye contact.

Individual greeting with Merhaba is preferred.

Dont back away if Turkish colleagues stand near

by.
Dont offer lavish gifts.

Never refuse the invitation.

 Be sure that your Turkish counterpart drink before offering.

Never put your thumb between first two

fingers. Its considered rude and insulting

gesture.
Turkish may ask personal questions to you like

age, salary, background.

Doing Business-Negotiations
Mutual benefit and profitability. Haggling Trust. Long term relationship. Vocal communication. Be patient

Contd.
Slow decision making.

Avoid deadlines and pressure tactics.

Bargaining range.

Extreme behavior.
Always give the expression that you can walk away. Be patient.

Conclusion
If you are going to Turkey to do business, know two things Your success is defined by your ability to build effective personal relationships combined with a clearly outlined and well presented proposal.

Thank you !!!

Teekkr