10 Things Turkish People Do Better Than Americans

Positioned between the continents of Asia and Europe, Turkey has long been a cultural and political crossroads. Its landscape and civilization are both unique and resilient.

Here are 10 things Turkish people do better than Americans.

Number 10. Reuse buildings. A prime example is the glorious, 14 hundred-year-old Hagia Sophia. It was built as a cathedral, converted to a mosque, and is now enjoyed as a museum. Americans don’t have such a long and storied history to consider and tend to put up new buildings.

Number 9. Hot air ballooning. Sure, there’s a lot of it going on in many locations across the US. In Turkey, what makes the hot air ballooning unique is the landscape. In a town called Cappadocia, while you are soaring above ground, you can't help but admire the beauty of rock formations down on the surface. These are are home to underground cities dating back to the 4th century. Not surprisingly, it's often rated the world's best location for a hot air balloon ride.

Number 8. Tea tradition. Tea is more than a beverage in Turkey, it's part of the social fabric of the society. While coffee or soda may be a beverage of choice for many in the US, for folks in Turkey, Turkish tea rules the land. Sipping it while conversing with family and friends is a cherished tradition.

Number 7. Avoid gun violence. In a ranking of developed countries based on United Nations date on ‘gun related murder rates’, Turkey came in 3rd with the US in 1st. In a different data compilation, the US came in first on both guns per capita and total firearm deaths.

Number 6. Full-Service Steam baths. Known as hamams, they often include extras such as being buffed, lathered, and massaged. While in the US its customary to follow such services by quickly being on one’s way, in Turkey people can stick around and relax as long as they’d like.

Number 5. Breakfast. Pop Tarts, stale bagels, and microwave breakfast sandwiches get the job done, but they really don’t satisfy quite like a Turkish morning meal. Among the most popular menu items is an egg dish made with seasoned dried beef and sausage.

Number 4. Expand the residences of the powerful. US Presidents may get to decorate the White House here and there, but that’s about it. Ottoman Sultans who lived in the Topkapi Palace got to add on entire wings, halls, gardens, and gardens.

Number 3. Keep sweet traditions. Candy trends come and go so quickly in the US it’s hard to keep track of all but a precious few offerings. The gummy, sugared confection known as the Turkish Delight has, on the other hand, been a mainstay since the 1770s.

Number 2. Shopping. With 5 thousand shops, Istanbul’s 500-year-old Grand Bazaar makes even the Mall of America look like a mini mart. Also setting it apart is that inside one will find a bevy of unique and handcrafted goods.

Number 1. History. Granted not exactly a fair comparison since the US is a relatively new country but Turkey's history is one of its great treasures. Over the course of centuries, many powerful rulers left their mark here. Walk around in any one of its historic areas and you will feel the extraordinary rich past of this nation.