Trust and familiarity are important to building business
relationships in Turkey. A direct and blunt approach will not work here. Take
the time to build a personal relationship with clients. Many Turkish businesses
are family-run and hierarchical. It can get a bit frustrating as meetings with
the top in command will only take place much later in negotiations. Some basic
things to bear in mind when working in Turkey:
- Business attire is modest and formal
- Business greeting is general a firm handshake and eye contact
- Make appointments in advance and make sure you arrive in time
- Exchange business cards with both hands
- Address people using Mr. (bey) or Mrs (hanim)
- Small talk at the start of meetings is an important way to build the
personal relationship
Beside paid leave, there are 7 national holidays:
- 1st January, New Year's Day
- 23rd April, National Independence and
Children's Day
- 19th May, Ataturk Comemoration and Youth Day
- 30th August, Victory Day
- 28th -29th October, Republic Day
- Some time in September and October, Ramadan
- Some time in December, Kurban Bayrami