Hosting Guests (Misafir Ağırlama)
Hospitality (misafirperverlik) is central to Turkish identity. Hosts go to great lengths to make guests comfortable, offering food, drinks, and attention. 'Misafir Allah'ın konuğudur' - Guest is God's guest.
Usage contextsocial
Do
- Prepare plenty of food and drinks
- Keep offering refreshments throughout visit
- Make guests feel extremely welcome
- Give guests the best seat
- Accompany guests to door/gate when leaving
- Insist guests stay longer (even if they must go)
Don't
- Don't let guests feel unwelcome
- Don't serve minimal or cheap food
- Don't ignore guests or focus on other tasks
- Don't let guests leave hungry
- Don't let guests help with cleaning (though they'll offer)
- Don't discuss how much food/preparation cost