Culture of Business in Turkey
Topics
Culture
 Brief history of trade and business
 Business Culture
 Do’s & Don’ts
 Body Language

Eat sweet talk sweet!
Customs & Habits
Festival celebrations
Military service farewell
Wedding Celebration
Circumcision
WE ARE A FAMILY!
Elementary family
Extended family
Corporate family, club family, etc.
Every guest is;
“Tanrı Misafiri”
&
served the best
food.
Talk goes on till
midnight
Guest of God!
…
Religion
Kanun by Goksel Baktagir
Sema with Symphony Orchestra
Music nourishes the soul!
Traditional & Modern Art
The art of “Ebru”
The art of “Hat”
Lighthouse by Bedri Rahmi Eyuboglu
Silk Road
AHILIK SYSTEM
Founded by Ahi Evran in
13th century
Selcuks and Ottomans
Training of Professionals
and Scientists
Code of conduct: Honesty,
Mysticism
Grand Bazaar
One of the earliest Shopping Malls in the world
Transformed to Business
Chambers today
Today’s Business Environment
Grand Bazaar
CBD @ Levent
Turkish Business Culture
A blend of traditional and modern values
 Family is of utmost importance
 Many businesses are family run
 Business is personal
 Hospitality determines business etiquette
 Dining is part and parcel of Turkish business culture
 Closeness not meant to be rude
 Receiving at the first point of entry and accompanying
till to the end

Do’s and Don’ts
Shake hand firmly
 Build sincere relationships
 Address eldest or most senior member first
 Have basic knowledge of the Turkish language
 Ideally have a Turk “on your side” that generates trust
 Engage in small talk before beginning business discussion
 The concept of sharing a bill is alien. Host pays!
 Ask questions about culture, history and food
 Religious sensitivity
 Patience is key

Body Language
THANK YOU!