Using the toilet in Istanbul is very similar to using the toilet in other parts of the world. You will typically find clean, modern bathrooms, including western-style toilets, in all larger hotels, airports, bus and train stations, shopping malls, and other public spaces.
Outside of these common areas, you may also find squat toilets, which are common in Turkish homes and businesses.
To use a squat toilet, you will need to position yourself over the hole in the ground. Squat toilet users should remain either barefoot or wearing flip-flops, as it is important to avoid making contact with the exposed surfaces.
However, if you are unable to squat, many of these toilets also come with a platform you can stand on.
In Turkish homes, public bathrooms, and other non-western-style toilets, you may also find a small hose connected to the wall in the bathroom. This is used to clean oneself after using the toilet, and you should use the same procedure as described above when using it.
It can vary from home to home, but most households provide soap to use with the hose.
When using the toilet in Istanbul, it is important to always flush the toilet when finished. In Turkish homes and public bathrooms, you may also need to use a small bucket of water to pour down the toilet after flushing to ensure it is fully flushed.
Overall, using the toilet in Istanbul is very similar to using the toilet elsewhere, but it is important to be aware of the differences, such as the prevalence of squat toilets, and to be prepared for using a small hose in public bathrooms.
Can you put toilet roll down the toilet in Turkey?
No, it is not recommended to put toilet roll down the toilet in Turkey. Doing so can lead to clogs and other plumbing issues. The Turkish sewer system is not designed to handle toilet paper, so it is best not to flush it down the toilet.
If you need to dispose of the toilet paper, the best way is to put it in the waste bin. It is also recommended to use two-ply toilet paper if you can, as it is less likely to clog the drain pipes.
Does Istanbul have public toilets?
Yes, Istanbul does have public toilets. While there are not as many toilets as in some other cities, you can find them in several places. You can find public toilets at Taksim Square, Sultanahmet Square, Beyazit Square, Eminonu and other places in the city.
You can also find toilets at popular tourist attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Museum. For a small fee, you can also access private toilets at parks, malls and some restaurants. Sometimes they may be located inside restaurants so you will have to purchase something to get access.
Do people in Turkey use toilet paper?
Yes, people in Turkey typically use toilet paper just like in other countries around the world. Toilet paper has become an integral part of the daily bathroom routine in many places and Turkey is no exception.
Most people in Turkey use 2-ply or 3-ply toilet paper that is often provided in public restrooms. In some rural areas, however, it is still more common to find traditional toilets with basins and a container of water for hand washing and cleansing instead of toilet paper.
Additionally, it is also common to find bidets in some homes in Turkey, which are used to clean genitals, buttocks and the area around the anus. Although toilet paper is used in Turkey, many people still regularly use water for cleaning and it is often seen as a more hygienic and cleaner way than using toilet paper.
Can you wear a bathing suit in Turkey?
Yes, you can wear a bathing suit in Turkey, but it depends on where you are in the country and what you are doing. If you are lounging on the beach or taking a dip in a hotel pool, then it is perfectly acceptable to wear a bathing suit.
However, if you are in more conservative areas, such as in a village or rural area, it would be more appropriate to cover up with clothing. In Turkey, it is also generally expected to wear modest clothes in public, so avoid anything too revealing when possible.
Can you drink tap water in Turkey?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Turkey, but it is recommended to drink bottled water instead. The tap water in Turkey is generally safe to drink, but it depends on the regional supply and the quality of treatment.
The tap water may have some chlorine odor and taste, so drinking bottled water may be more pleasant. In some areas the tap water can be salty, which makes it impractical for drinking. Additionally, due to the large number of tourists from all over the world, there is a higher chance of diseases being spread through the water, as Turkey may not have the same stringent water quality regulations as other countries.
Therefore, if you don’t know the source or quality of the water, it is best to drink bottled water to be on the safe side.
Are there public toilets in Turkey?
Yes, there are public toilets in Turkey. Most of the larger cities, such as Istanbul and Ankara, have public toilets available. These public restrooms are typically found in parks, public squares, and other public spaces.
There are also some public toilets located in restaurants and some supermarkets. Generally, the public toilets in Turkey are clean, safe, and well-maintained. However, it is recommended to bring your own toilet paper, as the toilet paper provided may not be the best quality.
Additionally, some establishments may charge a small fee for using the public toilets.
Can unmarried couples share a room in Istanbul?
Unmarried couples can share a room in Istanbul, though in most hotels the couple may have to provide proof of identity to prove they are not married. Some hotels in Istanbul may also require that unmarried couples provide a ‘marriage certificate’ as additional proof.
This certificate states that the two people registering are in a platonic relationship and that they are travelling together. If a ‘marriage certificate’ is required, the Couple will need to go to the nearest City Hall or wedding hall and fill out the necessary paperwork.
Many hotels also have unwritten policies about non-married couples sharing rooms. Therefore, it is best to check with the hotel before booking a room. Additionally, if you’re staying in rented accommodation, the homeowner may have their own rules about unmarried couples occupying the same room.
Therefore, it is important to check with the landlord before booking. With the right preparation and research, there is no reason why you won’t be able to share a room in Istanbul as an unmarried couple.
Can you wear leggings in Istanbul?
Yes, you can wear leggings in Istanbul. Istanbul is a modern and dynamic city, so there is no strict dress code. Leggings are widely accepted in Istanbul and could be seen being worn in social, professional, and recreational settings.
However, while they are accepted, in general it is recommended that women cover up in public; so leggings should be paired with a top that covers the chest, hips, and buttocks. It is also important to consider the occasion; for more formal occasions, such as a job interview, it is better to wear a more conservative outfit such as trousers or a dress.
In general, leggings can be worn in Istanbul, but women should use their discretion to ensure their outfit is appropriate for the context.
What is not allowed in Turkey?
In Turkey, certain activities and behaviors are strictly prohibited. These include engaging in prostitution, taking or selling illegal drugs, consuming alcohol in public, insulting the Turkish flag or national anthem, insulting the nation or national emblem, displaying insults to the government, advocating violence, racist behavior, participating in a political party while in the military, and distributing political propaganda.
Additionally, those under the age of 18 cannot consume alcohol, tobacco, or psychotropic substances, nor enter some gambling businesses or establishments. Hunting is strictly regulated and very limited in certain areas.
Additionally, taking photographs of certain military zones is strictly forbidden. Lastly, it is illegal to bring any type of weapons or hazardous materials into the country.
How do Muslims wipe?
Muslims generally use their left hand and water to wipe themselves when performing ritual cleansing, known as ‘wudu’ or ‘ablution’. This ritual is performed before each of the five obligatory daily prayers.
It is essential to use the left hand and plenty of water so that all parts of the body are cleansed, according to the teachings of Islam. All rituals are carried out in clean places and with a respectful attitude.
The process involves washing the face, rinse the mouth, clean the nose, wash the right arm, then left arm and finally the feet. Any dust and dirt should be washed off before using a wet hand towel to wipe the entire body, starting from the forehead and going down to the neck, then from the right arm and shoulder to the left and down to the two feet.
This process should be repeated three times and the person should feel clean and refreshed when finished.
Do Muslims use deodorant?
Yes, most Muslims use deodorant. Many people believe that Islam discourages the use of anything that masks a person’s natural scent, but in reality, the Koran does not specifically forbid the use of deodorant or antiperspirants.
In fact, many Islamic scholars have commented on the importance of personal hygiene and looking presentable, which suggests that deodorant or antiperspirant use could be seen as a form of self-care. As long as the use of deodorant does not cause any harm to the user, it is accepted as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Generally speaking, using deodorant or antiperspirant is more of a personal choice, and it may depend on the tradition and culture of the Muslim. Ultimately, it should be viewed as an act of self-care and a way of presenting oneself in a pleasing manner.
Do Muslims wash their pads?
Muslims do not typically wash their pads, as this kind of cleaning does not fulfill the requirements for proper wudu, or Islamic ritual purification, during prayers and other devotional acts. Muslims do need to ensure that all of their external body parts are free of dirt and impurities before prayer, but this can be achieved simply by washing hands, legs, and face, which are all that are required for proper purification.
What do Muslims do on their period?
Muslims observe the same period related practices as other faiths, including abstinence from certain prayers and activities. The five practices Muslims typically undertake during menses are:
1. Prayers: Muslims are not allowed to pray or make prostration during their period, as performing prayer during menses is considered a form of impurity. Muslims should instead engage in spiritual practices like reading Quran or dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
2. Fasting: Muslims should not fast during their periods and make up for those days afterwards.
3. Sexual Activity: Sexual activity is considered haram (forbidden) during the period due to the physical conditions and emotional state that women experience when menstruating.
4. Baths and Ritual Cleansing: Muslims are encouraged to take a bath and regularly keep the area around their genitals clean, especially before and after using the restroom. This type of cleansing is important to maintain a level of purity and personal health and hygiene.
5. Modesty: Last but not least, Muslims should show modesty and dignity when dealing with their period and its related issues, by avoiding sharing personal details and conversations about their menstrual cycle with the opposite gender.
This includes avoiding any jokes and comments that might be seen as disrespectful.
How do Muslims clean after menstruation?
Muslims clean after menstruation by performing a Ghusl, an Islamic form of full body cleansing. Ghusl is mandatory for both men and women after sexual intercourse, after any type of discharge, and after menstruation.
It consists of washing the entire body with water while saying a specific prayer.
The prayer to be said while performing Ghusl is as follows:
“Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. I make wudu (ablution) for Allah, the most High and with His name I begin. O Allah, make my Ghusl accepted.”
The processes for performing a Ghusl for a menstruating women differs slightly from performing an ablution for prayer. Generally, it includes washing the entire body including the hair and every area between the parts of the body.
The left side of the body should be washed before the right side, except for hands and feet; these should be washed from the elbows down and from the ankles down, respectively.
After performing the Ghusl, it is recommended to dress in clean clothes, preferably clothes that don’t stick to the skin or have restrictive clothing. It is also preferable to use a different set of clothes that are designated specifically for during menstruation and post-menstruation Ghusl.
Ghusl can be performed in any place that is permissible according to religious guidelines, as long as the water being used is clean. Finally, it is important to remember to clean and purify one’s body as hygiene is very important in Islam.