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:

• 1^st January, New Year's Day
• 23^rd April, National Independence and Children's Day
• 19^th May, Ataturk Comemoration and Youth Day
• 30^th August, Victory Day
• 28^th -29^th October, Republic Day
• Some time in September and October, Ramadan
• Some time in December, Kurban Bayrami