Every country has myths that are believed by foreigners. In this post I am going to bust all those travel myths that you have heard about Turkey. I dare any reader to prove me wrong.
1 – Midnight Express. Many travelers who have announced their plans to visit Turkey, have heard the rather stern words of “have you never seen Midnight Express?”
If you are one of those who believe that Midnight Express happened exactly how it was told, then congratulations for being had by the mainstream media. Movie makers love people like you, who believe everything that you see and hear.
The film tells the story of how traveler Billy Hayes ended up in a Turkish jail in the 70’s for being caught in possession of hash. It portrays Turkish people in a very bad light and both Billy Hayes and the screen maker Oliver Stone admit that they twisted facts to sell the movie.
It worked as it grossed over 2 million in sales. The problem however, is that it left foreigners with a very bad impression of Turkish people.
2 – You should not travel around Turkey if you are a single female. Really why not? Traveling around Turkey is just as safe as traveling around your home town. When it comes to your safety, it is all down to common sense, the same common sense that a female would use anywhere in the world including where she lives.
Turkish people have seen foreign females before you know. I have heard foreign females complaining about attention that they receive from wanna be Turkish lovers, one look at the girls cleavage and bum cheeks hanging out explained exactly why they received attention.
If a Turkish man displays an interest in you, and you are not interested then a simple “no” is sufficient. Remember as well, that if you are showing more skin than clothes, a man will always look at you. No matter whether he is Turkish, Dutch, Chinese or a romantic Italian. Take a look at this article from another female traveler who traveled the world on her own.
3 – Turkish water is dirty and will make you sick. Turkish water is not dirty. Obviously if you start drinking out of puddles on the road side, then yes, your stomach will show signs of disagreement. Drinking the Turkish water will also upset your stomach but this is only because the water has extremely high amounts of calcium compared to the water in foreign countries. It is very hard water and has a bitter taste. Nothing to do with it being dirty though.
4 – The capital of Turkey is Istanbul. No it is not, and not has not been for about 80 odd years. Istanbul is the largest city in turkey however the capital is Ankara. You should of paid more attention in history class.
5 – Turkish men have more than one wife. This practice was outlawed over 80 years ago, and if you speak to Turkish men, they will all joke about how they could not handle more than one wife.
Yes, one Turkish man out of every hundred may have a mistress, but then again, don’t western men?
Men, there is no need to worry that your wife or daughter is going to be abducted and placed into some Ottoman style harem.
So that is five Turkish travel Myths busted. There are a lot more to tell, however anyone who is putting off coming to Turkey because of stupid myths that have materialized over the years, is missing an experience of a lifetime.
Have you heard of any other travel myths that should be busted and laid to rest?
serhat says
atheey, a nice blog; thanks for mentioning Turkey in such a good way 🙂 don t worry everyone, there is nothing to be afraid in Turkey. The salesmen will of course try to sell you something so badly as the places that the tourists go are already the places for them, so that they can enjoy it 🙂 but my advice for you, always find a Turkish friend who can travel with you around. For example, i m staying in a dorm so i can t host you but i m in istanbul, so if you come i can guide you all around Istanbul or i ll tell my brother, a proffessional guide; but I am at least for free 😀 take care
Natalie says
atMrs Adams – Yes, everything that you say still happens. Including the lemon in the coke. The cologne is still handed over or you get lemon wipes. Shorts in the tourist resorts are a normal thing now but in the smaller villages, still a rare sight.
MrsAdams says
atNice article. I lived in Turkey for five years when I was young and I loved it. We lived in Ankara but traveled all over. I would love to go back. The food is excellent and I especially miss iskender and dondurma. I remember they didn’t put ice in your Coke but added a lemon and I often make it that way at home and they also freshen your hands with lemon juice when you leave a restaurant.
I remember back then that if you wore shorts you may attract attention but it’s because shorts were not a part of their dress culture. It attracts the same amount of attention as someone walking down a beach in Florida in a ski suit or lederhosen, right?
Anyway, I love Turkey and I’ve been dying to go back for a visit. Maybe someday!
Natalie says
atHi Slava, I took a look at your blog. There are some fantastic pictures on there.
Re the Turkish men and “no”. It has always worked for me. Not when they are trying to sell me something but certainly when I need to let them know that I am not interested.
Obviously if you are in a bar, and the beer is flowing then a man would have to be told more than once that the answer is no, but I don’t tend to visit bars on my own so always have friends to back me up.
Slava says
at“…a simple “no” is sufficient. ”
Seeing that I’m a guy – that advice isn’t for me, but still… it’s hard to imagine a simple “no” would stop Turkish people. I mean – I’ve seen them trying to sell you something. They just won’t stop until you leave their sight.