Did you hear the one about Turkey?
They ask when they find out that my husband is Turkish. Or when I talk about vacationing in Turkey with our kids.
Or when some Hollywood starlet says something like, “Oh, I thought Istanbul was a town.” (Yeah, I know, I winced at that one, too.)
And, you know what?
I still don’t have a good answer
Because, summing up Turkey, or any other country or culture, for that matter, is basically impossible.
It’s like asking a mom what labor’s like. (Okay, it’s not that extreme. )
Because, when you’re talking about a country as big, as diverse, and as old as Turkey, there aren’t any simple, succinct answers.
But that doesn’t stop people from having questions.
The Top 3 Questions I Get Asked about Turkey
Over the years I’ve fielded a lot of questions about traveling in Turkey. I’m not an expert but here’s my take on some of the questions I get:
- Do you wear a headscarf when you’re there?
Nope. Sure, if I’m visiting a mosque, I’ll put on one out of respect. But, in my normal goings-about, I’ve never worn, or felt pressured to wear a headscarf. Ditto for the abaya, the head-to-toe robe-like dress that some Muslim woman wear. Not that I’m adverse to wearing a kaftan at times. Hey, they’re comfortable and good at hiding belly rolls.
- Is it safe?
There’s something about Turkey that makes some people very nervous. And it’s not just Americans who get the willies. Back when I lived in Madrid and was heading out for my first trip to Turkey, a well-meaning Spanish friend tried to talk me out of going. “What if you’re kidnapped and sold off as a white slave? Or tossed into a Turkish prison like that guy in Midnight Express?”
Considering that I wasn’t a) a top model or b) a drug dealer, I wasn’t too worried. Twenty-years and two kids later, I’m even less so. I mean, really, have you seen my waistline lately?
- Is it true you have to walk several paces behind your husband?
Heck, no! And I don’t see my Turkish female relatives plodding along behind their spouses either.
Me and my trusty kaftan
Okay, that’s it for our Turkish Q & A today. I’m sure I’ll get more insights when I’m in Turkey this summer. In the meantime, I’m turning it over to you.
Got any questions of your own about Turkey? I’m all ears.
Photo courtesy of Photoxpress
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Hi Justine,
I miss your blogging!!!! I just nominated you for the “Liebster” blog award in order to bring people to your (wonderful) site. I especially love this post and have pointed people to it.
I hope all is well with you and I hope to see you on here soon!!!!!! Let me know if I can help.
Liz
Liz Cameron recently posted..Of foxes and fur shops: Karagöz negates Ataturk’s brilliant negociating lesson
hi,your blog is really awesome!
I’m from Turkey and i surprised a lot, people really ask that questions?
of course people may have worries and prejudices but why so much like this?
so I can say it at least; there isn’t any any and any Islamic pressure.
I don’t know past years Turkey cause I’m just 17 but everyone should lionize today’s Turkey.
Welcome, Sarah! I’m glad you like the post. I plan to keep blogging when I’m there this summer so you can read all about our escapades!
I’ve never been to Turkey, so I enjoyed reading about what it’s really like. Can’t wait to read about your summer adventures!
Sarah V. recently posted..Photo Friday: First Bowl of Miso Soup
I don’t remember being scared living in Turkey. There was some anti-American going on then, but not so much where I lived. The adventure is so worth it! I wish I could go with you. Your kids are so very fortunate to be able to have these experiences.
Tammy and Parker recently posted..What I feed my g-tube enhanced kid.
How cool that you lived in Turkey, Tammy! Yes, it will be an adventure, that’s for sure! I plan to keep blogging when I’m there so you’ll be able to travel virtually with us.
Yes, my kids are fortunate and, believe, I make sure they know it. 
I think it is honest articles like this that help to bridge the gap and encourage more people to think about traveling places like Turkey. I have never even thought to visit Turkey as a vacation destination and now my interest is a tiny bit piqued.
Barb recently posted..Our Family is Expanding By One More Bronco’s Fan
Hi Barb! I’m glad that my post piqued your interest in Turkey. You should definitely put Turkey on your bucket list!
I am definitely ready to take this trip. Thanks for bringing everyone up to speed!
“Is it true you have to walk several paces behind your husband?” You have no idea how much I have gotten that (infuriating) question too when people learn my husband is Muslim!
Stephanie recently posted..The Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Hi, Chrissy and welcome, Brandie! Glad you liked my post. I think I get a lot of these questions because I go to Turkey every year to see family. I’m guessing thje average tourist probably doesn’t hear questions like these. Also, I think for a long time, Turkey wasn’t really on many people’s sadar; hence, the misconceptions.
Justine Ickes recently posted..What’s it like over there in Turkey?
This was very informative. A friend of mine was an Army brat there many years ago and she loved it and goes back to vacation often but I never asked any of those questions.
Chrissy recently posted..Colorado skiers welcome winter snow deluge to the ski slopes
Very interesting stuff….I wouldn’t have thought to ask those questions, but I am glad someone else did because I learned a bit.
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) recently posted..Chocolate Chip-Coffee Muffins
Okay, Jenny, don’t give up your dessert-finding day job for a life in stand-up comedy.
Chara, I remember those slumming around Europe days. They were great, weren’t they? Too bad people scared you and your friend off Turkey but I’m glad it’s on your bucket list. What took your husband to Turkey? Fun? Work?
When I was slumming around Europe in the mid 90s everyone told my gorgeous, blond friend to skip Turkey, lest she be kidnapped. (They weren’t so worried about me… ah well.) So, I never made it there, though my husband has traveled extensively through Turkey and it’s on our to do list in permanent ink. Great list!
Chara recently posted..The Daily Yawp’s First Ever Contest
great advice. another question – does the whole place smell of turkey? (feel free to roll your eyes….now)
jenny – sugar loco recently posted..Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
This is such a good blog! I’d love to re-post as a guest blog some day if you are interested. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about Turkey and this is enlightening!
Aisha G of HartlynKids recently posted..How Much Do You Know About Chinese New Year?
Hi Aisha! Glad you liked my post and I’m glad it helped clear up some misconceptions. I’d be happy to have it re-posted on the HartlynKids site.
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