article
by Lale Surmen Aran |
| This
is a common subject that people ask me about. To start with,
I would like to say that I am a woman, and I have been leading
tours and traveling by myself since I was 18. I do not remember
a threatening moment during all these years I have traveled
through Turkey. |
| Truth
usually hurts, but the image of Western women in the eyes of
a common Turk can be similar to what they have been watching
on the TV series and movies for decades; Dallas, Dynasty, Young
and Restless, and the list goes on… Well, misconceptions
can exist all the time, and this is not the fault of the individuals. |
| Violent
crimes are less common in Turkey compared to many Western countries.
Social traditions and customs play a major role in this. |
| Especially
as you travel in the countryside, you need to understand the
social rules and respect them. Social encounters between men
and women are more formal than in the West, and this formality
is maintained for a longer time. |
| Take
common sense precautions and observe the norms. Watch the behavior
of locals for a while, as you start any social contact. This
will tell you a lot about how you should use your gestures,
body language, and how to socialize. |
| Most
Turkish men are quite courteous, and they will not make a move
unless a woman shows interest. So you are the one to keep it
all under control. When you smile back at a man to be pleasant,
or keep direct eye contact for too long, he may misunderstand
and accept this as an invitation. No one is right or wrong here,
it is just a cultural difference. Local women usually act more
formal, and they do not smile back at a man, until they are
sure the smile will not be misunderstood. They also avoid too
long an eye contact. A nice way to exchange greetings is a polite
nodding of your head. |
| Physical
contact, even a small touch as you are talking to a man, and
not keeping an acceptable distance between you and the locals,
may as well be considered inviting. The distance I would recommend
is a minimum arms length. |
| Don’t
overreact to men showing interest in you, just walk away graciously.
Dress neatly and act reserved, and you will travel without being
bothered. Put on modest clothes, and do not expose much of bare
skin, unless you are at the beach. |
| In
remote areas in the countryside, you may attract the attention
of the locals, just because you look different. They mean no
disrespect. They are simply interested in knowing you, like
you are interested in knowing them… |
Happy
travels,
Lale
Surmen Aran |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
