Moi, Suomi People- Info For ISTANBUL

I was in Finland for 5 months and it is my first English essay for you about Istanbul/Turkey. Firstly, i must say that i love Finnish People and your country. I will never forget your country. I want to give some info about my country Turkey, especially for Istanbul. I will start with Sauna

1-Do not enter places called SAUNA!!!

When i was in Lahti, i took a look around and I noticed something that i laughed it a lot. The thing i noticed was  “sauna” writing at the top of a building. I know that sauna is a lifestyle for you. But in Turkey, saunas are not the saunas like in Finland.  in Turkey, saunas are like “whorehouse”. And these places are not safe. So, when you see a label like “Sauna” around, do not enter.

But, If you are in a gym in a hotel and sauna is being served, you can use sauna of course.

2-Paying your Bill is a cultural thing. Do not get angry!

I know, when you go outside with your friends or with your fiance, everybody pays their own bill.  And you are getting angry when someone paid your bill. But in Turkey, you are a guest for your Turkish Friend(s) and your turkish friend(s) will pay your bill. In Turkish culture, people pay their friends’ bill if they are guest for them. Personally, i also pay my guests’ bill as well as i can afford.

3-Do not leave your shoes in a Mosque

Before entering mosque, you must take your shoes off. But, do not leave your shoes on a Mosque Enterance Gate,  because your shoes might be stolen. So, put your shoes in a package and be with you just in case.

Btw, for women, you must wear scarf before entering mosque. Sometimes I saw foreign people entering in a mosque with covered head wearing mini skirt or mini short and t-shirt without sleeves. Because you are tourist, no one will warn you in a rude way but you must wear suitable when you plan to go to a mosque. For instance, in summer time, you must wear trousers. But if you wear t-shirt without sleeves, you must wear something covering your arms.

Of course, you do not need to wear scarf in Turkey. If you think that you have to, forget about reading this writing.

4-Find a Turkish people who knows English

Unfortunately, finding a person knows English is not an easy job. If you come to İstanbul or elsewhere in Turkey, find a person who can help you. But i must warn you that do not find a person from internet. It is not so safety way. Maybe you can ask your friend if your friend knows someone in Turkey.

You can write me if you have any questions about Istanbul, of course. Finnish people are always welcome!

And do not forget taste RAKI and Turkish Coffee

Moi moi!