Living and Working Within the Muslim Community

If you’ve been living all your life among Christians, then you cannot know exactly what the Muslim lifestyle is until you see it with your own eyes and live in their society. It’s different! It’s not worse or better, but most non-Muslim people will find it very different.

Most of the time, we observe their customs and traditions, and we act very surprised and sometimes even bothered by their behavior towards us without knowing and understanding the essence of their beliefs. We judge without knowing the truth about Islam, and we assume we are better and we know better.

I was lucky to have had this amazing opportunity to live this special month (Ramadan month, read more here) right in the heart of Turkey, in one of the most conservative cities that there is left.

The shift of change is right on their door, too, but they need to let time pass, and generations change before we can see any changes or adapt their customs to the new age, which is coming for the Western countries from Europe.

Although some young people do not follow tradition and religion, most of the time, they are invisible to the simple eye of the tourist. But you might get lucky if you decide to visit the mall (Oh yes, there are two shopping malls).

I must draw attention to the fact that what may seem natural or normal in your country or culture may be seen here as taboo or forbidden.

Such topics can include relationships, love, or social behavior between lovers who are not married, alcohol use, or personal development plans that the family doesn’t support.

Saying “hello” should always be followed by a handshake, no matter your gender or relationship with that person.

It’s forbidden to take photos of the people praying in the mosque, and all women should put a scarf over their heads when entering a sacred place. And don’t forget to leave your shoes at the door when you visit your Turkish friends.

And if you are a young woman (and unmarried) try not to smile too much to Turkish men, and avoid being too friendly as you would be with your friends from back home.

Most of them can take it in the wrong way. So don’t call them “dear” or text them “kisses”, because they will understand you are interested in a romantic relationship.

Women in society

I’m sure when you think of Muslims, in your head immediately pops the image of a woman wearing a scarf over her head or even women wearing long black clothes, revealing nothing but the eyes.

Of course, this preconception has its roots in the true Muslim essence, but nowadays, women have the option of choosing how they want to demonstrate their religion and personal beliefs.

On the streets are all kinds of women: the more emancipated ones, the ones who have traveled and changed their ways of demonstrating their beliefs, the traditional ones who still wear a scarf, and the most traditional ones who cover themselves as if it were winter time.

Even the most modern ones avoid uncovering their legs, preferring long pants or skirts, but do wear T-shirts or sleeveless blouses. Shoes were not an issue, and there was a large diversity of choices, from what I’ve seen on the streets.

Youth and religion

You all know how big Turkey is. There is also the one city in the world that is spread over two continents (Istanbul, “The Door of Orient,” is a city in Europe and Asia at the same time, with a population of over 14 million), and you may have some questions about how religion and economic growth can join each other.

On the one hand, there are Western cities and influences, such as Istanbul, Izmir, and the tourist ones, and there are the more conservative and traditional communities in the center and east of Turkey.

Kayseri is such a city where a huge percentage of the population still relies on religion, and some of the elders watch with a critical eye the youth and foreigners (like tourists or even us) not obeying traditions. Nevertheless, the city is a wonderful mix of traditions and customs, with religious women not wearing a scarf, youth praying (or not), and still believing in this divine force watching upon us all.

All in all, the experience is amazing, as long as you keep in mind that different doesn’t necessarily mean bad.

I am very thankful for this amazing opportunity to experiment with such a different culture and religion, and I truly believe it will help me in my future development.