Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing (2024)

DO I KISS, BOW, OR SHAKE HANDS?

SHAKE HANDS

Turkish men usually shake hands with other men. The handshake is firm, brief, and accompanied by direct eye contact. Two-handed shakes are not uncommon. Handshakes are traditional at the beginning of a meeting, but not at the end.

If you are greeting a number of men, shake hands with the eldest first. Elders are highly respected in Turkey.

Turkish businessmen will usually shake hands with women, although this violates strict Muslim norms. Male visitors may wait to see if a Turkish woman extends her hand. If so, definitely shake hands with her. Businesswomen shake hands with other businesswomen.

Close friends in Turkey may greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks. However, it will take a considerable ...