Differences in mentality

Differences in mentality between Turks and Germans

Turkey is a popular holiday nation. Many holidaymakers like to explore their destinations by hire car and this is also no problem in this country. Whereby, however, a large city such as Istanbul is not necessarily recommended. The traffic is very chaotic and those who do not know their way around and are not keen on a unique traffic experience could have a nerve-wracking day behind the wheel.

But in the holiday areas it is known to be quieter and it is always advisable to approach interesting sights independently of time with a rental vehicle. Whereby one as a German, who appreciates punctuality and order, must make some concessions in these points. The Turks are on average nice, obliging people, but there are clear differences in mentality.

It is certainly fair to say that the Turkish population is full of contradictions. Perhaps this is due to the influences that come from both Europe and Asia. The Turks are a proud people, but it is said that they also definitely combine an inferiority complex with this. This is also expressed in the example that on the one hand they have an overwhelming hospitality even towards strangers, but on the other hand they harbour strong prejudices towards other peoples. In private, many Turks have a deep need for flattery coupled with an absolute disregard for what anyone thinks of the flattering person. The Turkish personality is generally characterized by a sense of extreme disappointment. Turks often feel misunderstood especially in and by other countries. They are industrious, but they see bustle and excitement as pointless. They are serious, but they do not take everything seriously. They respect the authority of the government, but they don’t accept all decisions from it. Further inconsistencies could be listed at this point. However, it is not to give the impression that Turks are difficult to get along with. On the contrary.

Turks are immensely outgoing, nice and hospitable, and not just in holiday destinations. Even though most of them don’t have much money, it doesn’t mean everything to them. Theft is insulting to them and the most embarrassing of all possible crimes. Trustworthiness and honor are much more important. Turks also don’t like it when someone loses their control in public and can’t control their temper. Maybe it’s because of the training they received from the military, but many Turkish men actually rely primarily on trust when dealing with other people. They are characterized by a certain strictness, by orders. And especially in the military, honor is known to be of great importance. Turkish officers, mostly coming from the middle class, see themselves as the social conscience of the nation. This means, for example, when renting a car, that the dealer listens carefully to the problems and wishes of the renter and tries to meet them. This can, however, take some time due to the oriental mentality. On the other hand, many well-known hire car companies have branches in Turkey and guarantee the usual international service.

As a conclusion regarding the difference between the German and Turkish mentality, it can be said that Turks are very proud personalities and quite different in personality than people from Western Europe. Interaction with them is often very warm and cordial and honour is something Turks would never compromise. The fact that quite a few of them have family connections to Germany or even know the country from their own experience makes many a business deal easier. This is what experience teaches.