Business in Turkey

Most business entertaining will take place in restaurants and bars. You probably will not get the chance to act as host since your Turkish colleagues may insist upon doing [and paying for] all of the entertaining. When your colleagues invite you to a restaurant, you will not be allowed to pay for even part of the meal. DON’T INSIST! Only when you issue the initial invitation to a meal will you be allowed to pick up the tab–and even then you may have to resist your colleague’s efforts to take the check. If they insist, try not to give in, as it is common for guests to insist loudly and strongly many times before finally giving in.

Turks do not usually order the entire meal at once. Instead they order one course at a time, deciding what to eat next only after finishing the last course. The ‘continental’ style of dining is a must: the fork is held in the left hand the knife in the right. Turks may smoke between courses. Let them know that you are disturbed by the smoke, they will not take it personally. They also do not know that it is rude to do so in foreign countries, so take it lightly. A toothpick is usually offered at the end of the meal. You may use it at the table, but ensure that you to cover your mouth with your hand. Tea is one of the national drinks, alongside Turkish Coffee. It is is poured into small, tulip-shaped glasses and is very hot. You should hold the glass by the rim to avoid burning your fingers. Sugar may be added to tea, but never milk. Turkish coffee is very strong, and is usually consumed as an after dinner drink. You will be asked to indicate whether you want it plain (sade), with little (az sekerli), medium (orta sekerli), or lots of sugar (sekerli) . It’s a mistake to drink all of the cup, since there will be coffee grounds at the bottom. Milk is not added to Turkish coffee but is generally offered with instant coffee (Nescafe).