Sometimes visiting countries that belong to other religions, and therefore other cultures, can turn into an inter-galactic experience. Especially if you are a woman. Since you cannot go there unprepared, because you’ll be laughed at immediately, here are 8 travelling to turkey as a woman tips for safe holidays. Turkish people love socializing, and Turkish merchants love to negotiate. So keep your smiles on the face where everybody can see them, and get ready for the most useful surviving Turkey tips.

1.   Don’t wear a mini skirt and a cleavage when visiting their mosks

They are very religious, and their mosks are their most sacred territory. You cannot go in there dressed like a trendy American or European. It is disrespectful. They not only take their shoes off when they go into a mosk to pray, but they are absolutely silent and humble in front of their mighty Allah. They keep their women covered from head to toe, so don’t defy them in a western-world-manner, even though you may find their tradition ridiculous.

2.   If you are travelling with a guy, and he’s talking to a Turkish man, don’t try integrating yourself into their conversation. Chances of success are minimal.

Turkish men believe women aren’t men’s equals. Not physically, nor intellectually. So when 2 men are having a serious conversation, there’s no place for a woman there. It’s as if they’ve unconsciously trained their ears not to hear feminine opinion. So don’t take it personally if this happens to you.

3.   Don’t smoke, even if men are doing it near you. You’ll be taken as a prostitute in a tick.

No faithful Muslim is allowed to smoke. Well Christians aren’t allowed either, but this is another thing. Well a woman with a cigarette is the least appealing thing for a Turkish man. Moreover you are likely to be confused with a prostitute, as their smoking is sometimes used as a clue.

4.   Wear a sponge bra

Well this one is self-explanatory. Just do it!

5.   Short hair will make a women feel just like a zoo monkey

Long hair is a symbol o feminity and therefore a woman should never have her hair cut. Well they’ll probably think you’re sick or something

6.   If it’s the Ramadan, try to avoid eating delicious things like chocolate on the streets. Most of the Turkish are very faithful to Allah and have to abstain from any kind of food until sunset as long as the celebration lasts.

The Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims worldwide fast all day long, every day of the month. This name stands for scorching heat or dryness.

7.   If you see a group of Turkish men drinking tea in the shade, don’t go over there, expecting to be served one as well. You’ll not be respected for that.

Women have their own universe that seldom cuts across men’s interests. They are mainly housewives and their husbands tend to spend their free time far from them.

8.   If a Turkish guy claims to know you from a “discussion” you apparently had a few hours ago, don’t bite it. He probably wants to clench you to go to his restaurant.

They are very dedicated to promoting their business. They are born merchants, so it’s basically in their blood to attract every person they see on the street They are also pretty inventive, and their making up all sorts of stories to get you to listen to them is far from being out of their league.  This might be annoying at first, but once you get used to their way of being, you’ll fall in love with their disclosure and love for commerce.