Turkey is a country that harmoniously combines ancient traditions, luxurious landscapes and modern amenities. However, many travelers encounter myths when planning a trip that can mar their experience or lead to wrong expectations. Imagine looking at a coin and wondering about its true value, such as the 1983 penny value, which can hide unexpected details, just like Turkey: behind the facade of stereotypes lies a rich and multifaceted culture that is worth exploring and trying for yourself.
So, here we would like to debunk some of the most common myths about Turkey and give you tips that will make your trip exciting and comfortable.
Nature and Travel
Myth 1: Turkey Is Always Hot
Many people think that Turkey is a country of eternal summer. After all, we are used to seeing it in photos, where blue sky and scorching sun seem to be a constant background. But in reality, Turkey is a country with a diverse climate. On the coasts of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas it is really warm almost all year round, but in other regions the climate differs significantly. The eastern part of the country is covered in snow in winter and temperatures can drop to -20°C. In central areas, such as Ankara or Cappadocia, summers are hot, but winters are quite cold.
Tip: If you are planning a trip in winter, don't forget warm clothes, especially if you are going to visit the eastern regions. For a comfortable stay in warm weather, choose spring or autumn, when the temperature does not exceed +25°C and nature is still brightly colored.
Myth 2: All of Turkey Is All-Inclusive Beaches and Hotels
Many tourists perceive Turkey exclusively as a country of beaches and all-inclusive resorts. But the reality is a little different from common perceptions. Turkey is one of the few countries in the world where you can walk through the ruins of an ancient city and go to a ski resort in one day.
Turkey's resorts such as Antalya, Bodrum and Kemer are indeed popular, but the country offers so much more. In Cappadocia, for example, you can spend a night in a hotel carved into a rock or enjoy the sunrise from the top of a hot air balloon. Ancient Ephesus will reveal the secrets of the ancient world, and Pamukkale will surprise you with natural terraces resembling frozen waterfalls.
Tip: Plan your itinerary in advance to include different types of vacations: beaches, historical excursions and natural attractions.
Myth 3: It Is Not Safe to Travel Safely on Your Own in Turkey
Many people believe that traveling to Turkey without a tour operator will be inconvenient and even dangerous. However, Turkey is one of the most comfortable countries for independent travel. There is a developed infrastructure, a lot of convenient bus routes, and the railway network connects major cities. In addition, Turks are very hospitable and always ready to help foreigners.
However, this does not mean that you can jump in headfirst and arrive unprepared: use route planning apps such as Moovit or Google Maps in advance. If you do not know Turkish, learn a few basic phrases, and in tourist areas you will be easily understood in English and German.
Culture and Traditions
Myth 4: Turkish Cuisine Is All About Kebabs
Kebabs are certainly popular, and because of this it gives the impression that they are the centerpiece of Turkish cuisine. But overall, Turkish cuisine is surprisingly diverse. Breakfasts, soups, vegetable dishes, and desserts all make up the country's unique gastronomic map. For example, boreki (layer cakes) and pide (Turkish pizza) will delight bakery lovers, and baklava will be a sweet ending to the dinner.
Tourist recommendation: If you are traveling in Turkey, you should try the local breakfast of kahvalti, which consists of a variety of snacks including cheese, jam, olives and fresh bread. And if you are based in Istanbul, you have the opportunity to order and sample balik ekmek, a fish sandwich sold near the Galata Bridge.
Myth 5: Turks Treat Foreigners Badly
There is a perception that Turks are indifferent or even negative towards tourists. But you should not worry because hospitality is the basis of Turkish culture. Turks often offer tea to guests, even if they see them for the first time. In small towns, locals will gladly tell you about their region and help you get oriented.
Interesting fact: Turkish hospitality originates from the ancient tradition of caravanserais, where every traveler would receive a night's lodging and food.
Myth 6: Turkish Bazaars Are Chaos and Deception
Many people think that bazaars are a place where vendors inflate prices and sell fakes. But in reality, trading in bazaars is akin to an art form where you not only can but should bargain. It is part of the local culture and is accepted as such, so do not be afraid to haggle and knock down the price.
Tip: In the bazaars you will find not only souvenirs, but also unique items with history, such as ancient jewelry, ceramics or even rare coins. Before making a purchase, inspect the goods carefully and do not be shy to ask the seller questions about their origin.
Money and Economy
Myth 7: Turkish Lira Is Unstable, Better to Use Euros or Dollars
Some tourists believe that it is better to pay with foreign currency to avoid conversion. Of course, this position has its “right to life”. Although euros and dollars are accepted in tourist areas, the Turkish lira is more favorable for settlements. Local stores and cafes outside the tourist areas work only with lira, and prices are lower than in the tourist areas.
Tip: Exchange a small amount of money into Turkish Lira as soon as you arrive so that you always have the local currency for payments in cafes, markets or transportation - this will help you avoid unfavorable conversion rates that may be offered in tourist areas. Besides, if you like original souvenirs, pay attention to old coins or banknotes, which can be found in antique shops. Such finds will become a unique reminder of the trip. And to better understand their value or history, use the Coin ID Scanner app (it will help you find out basic information, features, rarity and value of the coin).
Myth 8: Everything in Turkey Costs a Penny
This myth is common among those who are traveling to Turkey for the first time or have heard stories about incredibly cheap vacations in the resorts. It is believed that everything in Turkey - from food and transportation to souvenirs and excursions - costs literally pennies, especially compared to prices in European countries or the United States.
Prices in Turkey are indeed lower than in some Western European or North American countries, especially when it comes to local food or public transportation. For example, a cup of freshly brewed Turkish tea will cost you 10-15 Turkish Liras, and a bus ride is even cheaper. However, not everything in Turkey is so affordable.
Turkey is among the top 10 most popular countries for budget tourism, but it is also among the top ten leaders in the number of premium resorts. Turkey is a country of contrasts, where you will find both affordable local markets and ultra-luxurious resorts with Maldives-level prices.
Tip: To make your vacation in Turkey really worthwhile, buy food and souvenirs at local markets or stores for locals, not in tourist areas, and avoid obviously touristy restaurants, especially those with menus in English. Look for places where locals eat - it will be tastier and cheaper.
Turkey is not just a country, but a whole world that opens up to those who are ready to go beyond stereotypes. Let your trip become not just a vacation, but an exciting exploration of its multifaceted culture, nature and traditions.