Tokat is a historic city in northern central Turkey, set along the Yeşilırmak River and flanked by dramatic hillside cliffs. Known for its Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, traditional copperwork, and fertile valley landscapes, Tokat rewards travellers who venture beyond the usual tourist trail.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove shoes before entering mosques — leave them on the shoe rack at the entrance.
Women should cover their head with a scarf inside mosques; scarves are available on loan at major mosques.
Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) when visiting religious sites.
Accept an offer of çay (tea) when made by a shopkeeper or local — declining is considered slightly impolite.
Greet with 'Merhaba' (Hello) and thank people with 'Teşekkürler' or 'Sağ ol' — locals appreciate the effort.
Avoid loud or boisterous behaviour in residential neighbourhoods, particularly during prayer times.
Photography of military installations or uniformed personnel is prohibited.
Ramadan observance: many locals fast from sunrise to sunset; eating and drinking in public during Ramadan may attract attention in conservative areas — be discreet.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with 'Merhaba' (Hello) when entering.
- Accept tea (çay) when offered — it is a social gesture and usually free.
- Ask permission before photographing local people, especially women.
- Carry small change — many local restaurants and market stalls cannot break large bills.
- Dress modestly near mosques and in the bazaar area.
- Tip taxi drivers and restaurant staff 10% as a courtesy (not obligatory but appreciated).
- Learn a few words of Turkish — locals respond warmly to any effort.
- Visit Taş Han during working hours to see copper craftsmen at work — a rare living craft tradition.
Don't
- Do not enter a mosque during the call to prayer (ezan) or during prayer itself without being invited.
- Do not photograph inside mosques during prayers.
- Do not make negative comments about Turkey, Atatürk, or the Turkish flag — these are protected by law (Article 301).
- Do not raise your voice or argue publicly — maintaining composure is valued.
- Do not photograph military installations, police stations, or border areas.
- Do not discard rubbish on the street.
- Do not buy or sell black-market currency.
- Do not remove archaeological artefacts from sites — a serious criminal offence in Turkey.
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Merhaba
Hello
mer-HA-ba
Günaydın
Good morning
goo-ny-DUN
İyi akşamlar
Good evening
ee-YEE ak-SHAM-lar
Teşekkürler
Thank you
te-shek-KOOR-ler
Sağ ol
Thanks (informal)
SAA ol
Lütfen
Please
LOOT-fen
Evet / Hayır
Yes / No
EH-vet / HA-yur
Ne kadar?
How much?
NEH ka-DAR
Nerede?
Where is it?
NEH-reh-deh
Hesap, lütfen
The bill, please
heh-SAP LOOT-fen
Çok pahalı
Very expensive (for bargaining)
CHOK pa-ha-LUH
Yardım edin!
Help!
yar-DUM eh-DEEN
Afiyet olsun
Bon appétit
ah-fee-YET ol-SUN
İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
Do you speak English?
een-gee-LEEZ-jeh bee-LEE-yor moo-SOO-nooz
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Tokat.
Items:
- Faith
- Islam (Sunni Hanafi)
- Notes
- The dominant faith. The call to prayer (ezan) is broadcast from mosques five times daily. Friday midday prayer (Cuma namazı) is the most significant weekly prayer; mosque interiors and some nearby businesses may be closed or busy during this time. Tokat has several historic mosques, all open for visits outside prayer times.
- Faith
- Christianity (historical)
- Notes
- The surrounding region was an early Christian area; Byzantine-era churches survive in nearby villages. The city has no active Christian congregation today. St. Gregory of Nyssa, an important early Church Father, was associated with the Pontus region including this area.