After the global interchange of TV dramas occurred, we learned about many different cultures of various countries. Hailing from India, I know my fellow citizens can’t resist learning more about Turkey and its tradition.
Especially after the release of the infamous Turkish drama, Feriha, in 2015. We have shared best practices, picked up cooking their food, and adapted their routines, among other things.
In the following blog, I will discuss the factors that bring together Turkish and Indian cultures.
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Beverages
The topmost similarity between Turkey and India is beverages. Indians are known for their special drink, Chai (Tea). Likewise, Turkish people also love having Çay (Tea), often during the day. Both countries adore tea and have the significance of sharing it with their guests.
Another such drink is Ayran in Turkey, identical to the Indian summer drink called Lassi.
Notably, both countries are fond of these natural beverages instead of Soda or Chemical aided drinks.
Cuisines
Turkey and India share a great history of spices and cuisines. Both enjoy using herbs, yogurt, onion, tomato, pepper, cumin, coriander, and many ingredients when cooking. Even if their cooking methods differ, they nevertheless have a lot of characteristics.
The rolls seen in North Indian cuisines are somewhat comparable to Turkish kebab, Turkish pizza, or Dürüm. Similar to the Raita in Indian cooking, Turkey has cack.
Indian eggplant curry is comparable to the Turkish köpolu or ak?uka. And the Turkish köfte is somewhat similar to Indian Koftas. Also, the widely popular leaf-stuffed Indian dish resembles the Turkish Dolma and sarma (veg or non-veg). Yumurtal Soan Kzartmas is quite similar to Indian cuisine’s onion pakoras.
When it comes to culinary, Turkey and India genuinely have a lot in common.
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Marriage Above All
Just like Indians, Turkey also has a great sense of marriage. Both have some common wedding traditions. For example- the bride and groom must wear a Henna before marriage that symbolizes positive spirits and good luck.
Moreover, the groom is not allowed to see his bride before the wedding. It may bring bad luck to their relationship (according to traditions in both countries).
However, the custom of arranged marriages, which is quite prevalent in India, is not as relevant in Turkey. Turkey is relatively secular when it comes to marrying any person as long as they don’t belong to close blood relations.
Living With Parents
Because family culture is so prevalent in Turkey and India, children of all ages often live with their parents unless they study or work in another town.
Turkish culture, like Indian culture, is strongly family centered. People firmly believe they should keep in touch with their relatives and care for their parents and elders until they die.
Unlike other developed countries, Turkey and India have no qualms about living with their parents because they believe that by caring for them, they are repaying them.
Buying Golds
Indian families are more obsessed with wearing gold. Every year, India uses 700-800 tonnes of gold, with purchases propelled by tradition, festivals, and other important family and societal events. The same applies to Turkey, where solid cultural traditions drive gold demand.
Both Turkish and Indian people traditionally store gold in their homes rather than banks, believing that such items should be kept on hand in case of an emergency.
Language
Numerous words in Hindi/Urdu and Turkish are interchangeable, including Duniya, Kismat, Hava, and many others. Several Indian languages, including Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kashmiri, Oriya, Marwari, Bhojpuri, and Urdu, can be traced back to the Anatolia region of Turkey. In fact, both languages have more than 9,000 similar terms.
Hence, it won’t be difficult for Hindi speakers to learn Turkish as many things are identical.
Nazar or Evil eye
Both nations’ citizens practice Nazar or the evil eye. They do, however, have a unique technique for averting it. Turkish people use blue stone, while most Indians use lemon and chilies.
Another such practice is throwing water behind the vehicle after one has left. This tradition may not be popular in India, but some people from North India follow it.
The superstition of pouring a glass of water over the ground or a mirror before going on a journey is based on the notion that the person would travel without difficulty and return in excellent health.
Not wearing shoes inside the House
Both Indians and Turks believe that their home is a temple or mosque and that they should refrain from bringing in negativity and impurity of the outside world & avoid making it dirty. Because of this, they take care not to wear shoes or slippers inside the house.
Relevance of Bazaar
Local markets or bazaars have existed for many years in both nations. Citizens still favor shopping in these locations. Additionally, if you’re a visitor, you might be tempted to roam around and buy antique and traditional stuff.
Secular Country
India is a secular country, where citizens are free to practice any religion.
Similarly, Turkey’s citizens can also practice any faith. Although most of Turkey’s population follows Islam, they don’t mind having other religions in their vicinity.
Sufism
Sufism is another thread that connects the two nations on a musical and cultural level.
The central idea of Sufism is that everyone can experience “personal knowledge” or oneness with God in their lives.
In India, as well as in other countries, there are numerous Sufi schools. Most of them can trace their ancestry back to the early years of Islam, to the time of the Prophet Muhammad.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that culturally Turkey and India are siblings. However, with globalization, many things have changed.
Indians enjoy watching Turkish dramas over OTT platforms and vice versa. Also, both countries are known for their incredible hospitality.
India has yet to develop in many aspects, but we all must learn to live with change.
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