Cultural & Religious Norms for Au Pairs in Turkey
Respecting Traditions and Daily Customs
Türkiye is a modern and secular country where you can feel completely safe. Its secularism is even protected by the Turkish constitution. Because it isn't ruled by Islamic law, Türkiye holds a special place among other Muslim countries.
Historically, the Ottoman Empire was always associated with Islam, but after the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Türkiye began to be ruled by European laws. This shift established a secular system that separates religion from state affairs.
This is why you can see all types of people in Türkiye where some people followed more the modernity Ataturk has brought and some other not but still everyone is free to believe what they want and to act or dress as they wish. People also differ greatly depending on which city or region they are from. For instance, people in the eastern part of Türkiye have different norms and values than those in the northern Black Sea region. The western and coastal areas, including all major cities, are closer to Europe tend to be more modern.
Major Cultural Groups in Turkey
Mediterranean & Aegean Lifestyle Families
Modern Big City Families
Traditional Anatolian Families
Black Sea Families
What Norms and Values to Expect When Living with a Host Family
Despite these differences, some norms and values are shared by all Turkish people. These include removing shoes when you enter a home, taking care of personal hygiene, valuing family, eating well-cooked food at home instead of ordering out a lot, and a great love for children and cats. You can find more information here about Turkish families and their dynamics here if you are interested.
This is why, when you match with a host family, it's important to figure out what kind of family you're matching with. With the help of the Au Pair in Türkiye team, you can determine if they are more traditional or more open-minded, as this will have a major impact on your stay.