Turkish Names and Forms of Address
Turkish naming conventions and how to address people depend on age, relationship, and formality. First names are common among peers, but respect titles are important with elders and in formal settings.
Usage contextsocial
Do
- Use 'Bey' (Mr.) or 'Hanım' (Ms./Mrs.) with last names formally
- Address elders as 'Teyze' (aunt), 'Amca' (uncle), 'Abi' (brother), 'Abla' (sister)
- Use professional titles: 'Hocam' (teacher/professor), 'Doktor', 'Müdür' (manager)
- Ask how someone prefers to be addressed
- Use first names with peers and friends
- Show respect to age through forms of address
Don't
- Don't use first names with significant elders unless invited
- Don't use 'sen' (informal you) with elders - use 'siz'
- Don't mispronounce names - ask for correction
- Don't skip titles in formal/professional settings
- Don't assume Western name order (in Turkey: First Name + Last Name)