Will Turks be sleazy towards a British girl on holiday in Turkey?

If you want the honest truth, with no bias - no one can guarantee that you won't come across someone (from any background) who may let down his country by behaving like a sleaze.

Turkish resorts are mostly staffed by young men, and a proportion of them are too immature to see the difference between a girl who is inviting attention, and someone who just wants a peaceful holiday. But it's in your control to avoid these people - they're pretty easy to spot.

I have to say that part of the blame lies with girls (from various countries) whose idea of a holiday is to wear very little, drink a lot and score a little romance with a local. So the problem has evolved over time, with a little help from both sides. If women didn't react to the advances, even giving presents and money, the guys wouldn't try.

It depends on where you go in Turkey - some resorts are more family friendly than others.

If you haven't booked yet, I would recommend Olu Deniz, Turunc, Kalkan, Kaş........ perhaps avoid Marmaris, Hisaronu, Altinkum...... there's nothing wrong with those places - but it depends what you're looking for. If you lıke to party, but you also like quiet time, you could try staying in Içmeler and nipping into Marmaris when you want to party.

You will be able to judge a lot about a bar or restaurant by the kind of staff they have 'hassling' you to go in. Some will be polite and just say good evening, and invite you inside - others will be more brash. Choose which you think is best for you.

Behave modestly, enjoy conversation with your hosts (Turkish are famous for hospitality and love to have a chat), and it's highly unlikely that any man would make an approach to you while you are with your boyfriend.

In fact, 'good' Turkish men have a very strict code of honour, and would consider it very bad behaviour to talk to another man's girlfriend, without his approval. It's even a little old fashioned at times!

I think you could have a great time in Turkey - the fact that you've asked this shows that you don't want hassle, so I think your behaviour will make it very clear that you are 'off limits'. No maganda is going to waste his time on you when there are lots of single drunken girls out for a good time....

I actually think your question is a very reasonable one. Whether we would like to admit it or not, Turkey does have a problem with its reputation being spoiled by the behaviour of some of the guys. British magazines are full of stories about 'bad' Turkish men. Yes, it's a real shame, as no one wants these men to represent Turkey, and yes, the women are as much to blame (in some of the cases). But it's a fact of life.

I hope you will meet lots of genuine Turkish people, who will show you the real meaning of Turkish hospitality. I'm sure you will, and you'll probably want to go back.

One last tip - if you find yourself out on your own at any time without your boyfriend, walk confidently (even look a bit snooty!), don't make eye contact with the people you pass, and if anyone talks to you, jerk your head once in the air, making a 'tut' sound (It just means no). It may sound weird, even a little rude, but believe me, it will get the message across loud and clear, and no one will take offence. In fact, decent Turkish people respect a modest woman.

If you can't bring yourself to do it, just say 'sağ ol' (sahh ol). It means thank you/no thank you, and they will think either -

she's Turkish, better not touch (depends on your colouring)

she knows Turkish because she has a Turkish boyfriend, better not touch

she knows Turkish because she's a holiday rep, not worth messing with

she's learnt some Turkish, probably not the usual soft touch tourist

I wish you a lovely holiday - please don't worry!!!

I am a guy and have been there on holiday solo for about five weeks.

No, Turks are very Honorable people and show a great deal of hospitality. There are sleazy people all over the world and Turkey has some too. But most people there were very nice to me and the other travelers and tourists. I believe it is their tradition be nice to guests. Often, I was invited to have some tea and chat. The coastal area is very touristy and more western in nature. As you move inland, things become more conservative.

In fact, I thought some of the tourists were often kind of rude to their hosts. Remember that you are a guest in their country and should try to act appropriately. Turkey is more conservative than much of Europe. Women do not all completely cover up, but they do not get naked on the beach, or go for a run wearing short shorts and a tank top. Many Muslims do not drink. So a drunken football fan from some other country seemed out of place. Of course they do love their football.

Go to Turkey and enjoy an interesting and friendly country.

i highly doubt it.

turks are muslims and they are by far the most decent people i met. they have a thing called "gybet" or "guuybet" .

gybet is some thing you say that would the hurt the feelings of others. in islam they can not say any gybet. they cant talk behind backs. also turks people are not super religous. they also have boy and girl friends. few have them but people will not be shocked if they see you . also they wil probaly like you two so much that they will say "mashallah " so that the evil eye cant come and take away your happines .

turks are nice. they have no racism becasue of their religon.

Smelling like a goat does not mean acting like a goat!

Ok, don't listen to the guys, they don't know what a girl goes through.

In my experience, there ARE guys who bother lonely girls, but I have never seen someone harass a couple. And I can't blame some of the guys, because there ARE foreign girls trying to find a local hook up. Problem arises when the local guy doesn't measure up to the standards of the foreign girl.

Be as careful as you would be elsewhere, hold unto your wallet, keep away from creepy people, and you should be alright.

I've been to Turkey, and I wasn't harrased once. The only problem I had once was getting into a soccer game, and the security gaurd was asking me questions which I wasn't understanding, but I felt very comfortable and safe. It is a very nice country.

just behave yourself youll be fine. And don't worry Young Turk i gave you Thumbs Up for your answer. and Hanibal . you are both so right

what makes you think that? we are not mountain people you know! assault and rape is less common in Turkey than in many western countries.Just take commonsense precautions.Some men in Turkey when they see an attractive woman tourist or not they just stare, or maybe pinch ur backside . lol .or maybe sometimes comment like you are so beautiful or maybe some dirty words. ..just ignore this kind of people.they are most likely kurds anyway.. if a strange man smiles at you don't smile back at him he might think you want friendship with him. be formal.but i don't think they would bother you at all when ur bf with you

I agree with Raul and Bosphorus

No promlem for Turks. But be careful to an educated kurds.

Have nice holiday.