Business+etiquette

__**Istanbul Dress Code**__ Business dress is the same as in Europe or North America, though it is advisable for women to wear business suits with long skirts (below the knee) and jackets, to avoid causing offense. Much of Turkey is visited by tourists and the population has become accustomed to the casual way that many Westerners dress. Despite this, there are still certain situations where it is advisable to dress in accordance with Islamic beliefs. When visiting mosques or holy sites, it is prudent to dress modestly and wear nothing that is too revealing. Also, when entering a mosque, always take off your shoes. //Source: @http://www.worldexecutive.com/locations/europe/turkey/istanbul/business_tips.html//

During the Islamic rule of the Ottoman Empire (up until 1923) the Turkish greeting was highly formal. Turkey is no longer ruled by Islam and although Islam is still the predominant religion, the highly formal greetings are not quite the elaborate affair that they used to be. Now a handshake and exchange of business cards is perfectly adequate. //Source: @http://www.worldexecutive.com/locations/europe/turkey/istanbul/business_tips.html//
 * __Greeting Someone in Istanbul__**

When addressing a Turk, the most common method is to call a man by his first name followed by 'bey' [pronounced bay]. So, Ertan Gonca would be Ertan Bey. Similarly a woman's first name would be followed by 'hanim' [pronounced ha-num].Wher e professional titles exist, such as Doctor or Professor, always use them either on their own or before the first name. Curiously, this is also the case with many other professions such as lawyers 'Avukat' or engineers 'Muhendis.' Within Turkish companies and organisations, senior ranking staff will be addressed accordingly. A common example is Mr. Manager, 'Mudur Bey.' A common phrase you will hear Turks using is 'efendim' [literally 'my master']. You may hear this from a waiter, a secretary, taxi driver, doorman, shop staff and many others. It is simply a polite way of addressing people you are not familiar with. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//
 * __Addressing others with respect__**

At initial meetings, it is a good idea to get to know your Turkish counterpart on a personal level. Ask about his/her family without prying. Questions about children will be welcomed. Find out about their work, role and company. The Turks are proud of their country and will enjoy answering questions on their culture and history--although be sure to avoid political history. Most Turkish men love football [soccer] and usually support one of three teams: Galatasaray, Beşiktaş or Fenerbahçe. Asking after their team's recent fortunes will always produce lively and animated responses. Turks follow current affairs closely and will usually be opinionated. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//
 * __Welcome topics of conversation__**

Avoid giving opinions over sensitive issues involving Turkey, especially Turko-Kurdish relations, the Cyprus issue and EU membership. Turkey has had a turbulent political history which may be best left in the past. Try and avoid this subject as a whole. There is a West-East divide in Turkey on the issue of Islam. Generally, the Eastern Turks are a lot more conservative due to their closer adherence to Islamic values. Western Turks, especially those in Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir are usually a lot more westernized. Islam takes on more of a cultural feel rather than a religious one. Depending on where you are, be careful how you approach any topic about Islam. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//
 * __Topics to Avoid__**

When meeting, shake hands firmly. When departing, it is not always customary to shake hands--although it is practiced occasionally. Friends and relations would greet each other with either one or two kisses on the cheek. Always respect elders by kissing their right hand then placing the forehead onto the hand. When entering a room, if you are not automatically met by someone, greet the most elderly or most senior first. At social occasions, greet the person closest to you, then work your way around the room or table anti-clockwise.
 * __Acceptable public conduct__**

Greet people with either the Islamic greeting of 'Asalamu alaykum' [peace be upon you] or 'Nasilsiniz' [How are you? Pronounced na-sul-su-nuz]. Other useful phrases are
 * 'Gunaydin' [Good Morning, pronounced goon-ay-dun]
 * 'iyi gunler' [Good Day, pronounced ee-yee gun-ler]
 * 'Memnun Oldum' [pleased to meet you]

Smoking is practically a national past time in Turkey. Although a law was passed banning smoking in offices, very few comply with the regulations. Luckily, all bus companies, cinemas and some shopping malls are a lot stricter.

When seated opposite someone, try not to sit with your legs apart. Keep them together or cross your legs. Holding hands with someone from the opposite sex is acceptable in the cities and beach resorts. In rural Turkey and the East, this would be frowned upon. The Turkish gestures for 'yes' and 'no' can at first be quite confusing. 'Yes' is indicated with a nod of the head upwards, while 'no' is also an upward nod but accompanied by the raising of the eyebrows. A sure sign that a 'no' is meant is if it is accompanied with a hissing of the teeth ['tsk']. To wave down a taxi or bus, stretch out your right arm and move your wrist inwards repeatedly.

Queues do not seem to operate along the same basis as they do in the US or Europe. It is not uncommon for people to jump queues or even go straight to the front. It is best to be patient. If frustration gets the better of you, politely point out you were in the line before them--although most of the time this will make little difference. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//

In Istanbul, business hours are 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday. In Summer, the Aegean and Mediterranean government offices and many other similar establishments are closed during the afternoon. //Source: @http://www.worldexecutive.com/locations/europe/turkey/istanbul/business_tips.html//
 * __Istanbul Business Hours and Banking__**

Arrange appointments in advance. Try to do so via telephone and confirm it with a letter or an e-mail. It is a good idea to call a few days before to check that it is still convenient. Business and banking hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Friday is the traditional Islamic weekly holiday, although this is now Sunday in Turkey. Many Turkish males will attend the Friday congregational prayer - Cuma Namazi [pronounced juma namz-uh] which will take place from about 1-1:30 p.m.
 * __Making appointments__**

Times to avoid traveling to Turkey on business are the main summer months of June, July, and August since most Turkish businesspeople take extended vacations to spend time with family. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//

Gift giving has no real place in business relationships or etiquette. Relationship building and the like will usually take the form of dining or sight seeing trips rather than lavish gifts. However, if a gift is given it will be accepted graciously. It is always a good idea to bring gifts from your own country such as food stuffs or craft items. Be aware that Turkey is a Muslim country. Before giving alcohol to anyone, be 100% sure that they drink.The only time you would need to give any great thought to gifts would be if you were invited to a Turk's home for dinner. The most common gifts to take are pastries, [especially 'baklava'] and decorative items for the home such as ornaments or vases. Flowers are not usually taken to a host, but can be if felt appropriate. It is best to ask a florist for advice on what is best to take. If the host has children, take some expensive sweets or candy. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//
 * __Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift__**

Always come to Turkey knowing two things. Your success is defined by your ability to build effective personal relationships combined with a clearly outlined and well presented proposal. Business is personal. Although this is changing with the influx of big multi-nationals and a more corporate culture in some of the larger companies, many businesses are still family owned and run. Turks will want to do business with those they like, trust, feel comfortable with and with those that can provide a long term relationship. If they feel you are hiding something or there is an element of suspicion about your motives, you may not get very far. Building a relationship with your Turkish counterpart[s] is therefore critical. The first meeting should be solely focused on getting to know each other. Once a relationship has been established, you can safely move on to business matters. As well as looking to the person, Turks are also astute businesspeople. Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates the mutual benefit and profitability of any agreement or partnership. Turks are primarily oral and visual communicators, so in addition to written statistics, projections and the like, try to present information vocally or with maps, graphs and charts. Decision making can be slow. It is most likely that you will meet and negotiate with less senior members of a family first. Once you are seen as trustworthy and your proposal financially viable you will then move on to meet more senior members. A decision is ultimately made by the head of the family/company.
 * __What you should know before negotiating__**

When negotiating, the Turks will start at extremes in order to gage your response. Prior to negotiations know your target figure and work slowly towards it through meaningful concessions. When conceding, ensure you present this as a favour and a decision made out of respect and liking for your counterpart[s]. Try to concede only once you have gained agreement on a reciprocal concession on a separate or related issue. Do not use deadlines or pressure tactics as the Turks will use this to their advantage and reverse the tactic by threatening to cancel agreements or end negotiations. Be patient. It may not always be necessary to focus on financial benefits when negotiating. It is just as useful to point to areas such as power, influence, honour, respect and other non-monetary incentives. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//

Most business entertaining will take place in restaurants. Turks enjoy food and the meal is a time for relaxing and engaging in some good conversation. The protocol of Turkish hospitality dictates that the host always pays for the meal. The concept of sharing a bill is completely alien. You may try and offer to pay, which may be seen as polite, but you would never be allowed to do so. The best policy is graciously to thank the host, then a few days later invite the host to dinner at a restaurant of your choice. It may be a good idea to inform the restaurant manager that under no circumstances are they to accept payment from your guests.
 * __Entertaining for business success__**

Evening meals may be accompanied by some alcohol, usually the local tipple called Raki [pronounced rak-uh]. The meal will comprise of a few courses with the main course always meat or fish based, accompanied by bread and a salad. Turks smoke during meals and will often take breaks between courses to have a cigarette and a few drinks before moving onto the next. Tea or Turkish coffee is served at the end of a meal, sometimes with pastries. Turkish coffee is a national drink and should at least be sampled. It comes either without sugar, a little sugar or sweet. Turkish coffee is sipped and allowed to melt into the taste buds, so do not gulp it down as you would instant coffee. Never drink to the bottom of the cup, as it will be full of ground coffee and taste awful. //Source: @http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Turkey//