Funeral and Mourning Etiquette (Cenaze)
Funerals in Turkey are serious, somber occasions. Islamic funeral rites are common even among secular Turks. The community comes together to support the grieving family, and specific condolence phrases are used.
Usage contextfamily
Do
- Say 'Başınız sağ olsun' (My condolences - literally 'may your head be healthy')
- Visit family home to offer condolences
- Wear dark, modest clothing
- Bring food to the grieving family's home
- Attend mevlit (Quran recitation) if invited
- Offer practical help to the family
Don't
- Don't wear bright colors
- Don't take photos
- Don't laugh or be loud
- Don't discuss inheritance or material matters
- Don't stay too long unless very close
- Don't say 'Geçmiş olsun' (that's for illness, not death)