Despite being located in the center of Indiana, my town has a surprisingly large international community. One group that I’ve recently learned more about is the Turkish people in my school and community. Turkey is a fascinating country where the East meets the West in a unique blend of influences from both Europe and Asia. Over the past year or so, I’ve learned a great deal about Turkish culture, customs, and religion—things I knew very little to nothing about before—and I’m constantly in awe of how deep and diverse it is.

One of my closest friends, Ilkay, often speaks about her visits to her family in Istanbul, a city that combines aspects of city life with coastal elements as well. She always describes her experiences at the bustling markets where she brings back gifts for our friends. Her favorite spot in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the world’s oldest and biggest covered markets. Ilkay describes the area as vibrant and bustling, with vendors who aren’t scared to bargain for their goods.

Another one of my classmates, Melis, shared stories about her grandparents in Turkey, where traditional customs run deep. When I asked her about her favorite memories in Turkey, she spoke about the generous hospitality of Turkish people. Her family always welcomes guests with freshly baked simit, a round bread frequently referred to as the “Turkish bagel,” and glasses of tea presented in teacups, treating them like royalty. One of Turkey’s main characteristics, according to Melis, is hospitality, and it would be difficult to find a Turkish person who doesn’t exhibit the same generosity.

I also recall Ilkay telling us about the festivals her family celebrates, like Ramadan and other Islamic holidays. She talked about the significance of getting together with her entire family, breaking the fast as a group, and exchanging treats—most likely baklava. Islamic traditions heavily influence Turkish customs, with the influence dating back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. 

Learning about Turkey from my classmates has been like opening a window into a world of rich history, delicious food, and beautiful traditions. It has shown me that although every culture is different, we all place similar importance on community, family, and hospitality.