Cultural Guidelines

This area is unlike the rest of Turkey. Of course, that is one of the reasons that you are visiting it. It is not only the diversity of historic sites that make the area worth visiting, but also its cultural wealth.

At Nomad we aim to keep that culture intact, and not to let tourism change a way of life that has been unspoiled for centuries. As a result, we never accept more than 8 guests at a time in any village setting, although we can accommodate many more.

You can also contribute to keeping the culture of the Kurdish tribes in the Southeast of Turkey unspoiled. The following guide lines will help you to help us.

  • You will be staying in people’s homes. Remove your shoes at all times before entering the house. The same rule applies if treading on carpets which have been put outside to create a seating area.
  • While the area is not religious, it is extremely conservative. Men should not wear shorts, although short sleeves are acceptable.
  • Women should dress with care. Head covering is not required, except when visiting mosques or other Islamic buildings. However, conservative dress is highly recommended. Long skirts are preferable to trousers. Shorts or short skirts are unacceptable. Loose fitting t-shirts are the best choice for tops.
  • You are welcome to take any photographs that you like of your host family and their homes. However, when traveling the area always be sensitive when photographing others, especially women.
  • Children the world over are naturally curious, and you will be the object of great interest to children in every location that you visit, simply because tourists are rare. This can become a little difficult to handle, especially if you are trying to take photographs, read a book quietly, or just sit and admire a view. It pays to remember that you are probably the most interesting thing that those children have seen in some time. At Nomad we want you to help us to discourage the begging which can unfortunately result from such cultural encounters. Please, never give any gifts to children that come to you.
  • You will be given a welcome talk upon arrival in your village accommodation which will help you to gain a clear understanding of Kurdish culture.

Above all, try to respect the different culture in which you will find yourselves immersed. By doing so, you will get a great deal from it.