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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
• The traditional Muslim greeting is "A-salaam a-laykum" ("Peace be upon you"), to which the reply is "w-laykum o a-salaam" ("And upon you be peace").
• Titles are preferable to first names, especially in the case of elders or superiors. The word "haji" can be used for a Muslim who has been on pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Normally, one should be prepared to remove one's shoes before entering a building or a home. When one removes one's shoes, the soles of the shoes are placed together, preventing the sole from being pointed at anyone. Also, among Muslim Turkmen, one should never show the bottom of one's feet as it is considered offensive. Be sure not to walk on prayer mats, which will likely be present within homes.
• One should expect to see the Yurta, or traditional tent, which is constructed in the front yard of homes and used as a summer house of sorts. The Yurta has a wooden frame which can easily collapse, and it is covered by reeds and felt. This ancient symbol of the traditional Turkmen nomadic home is still used today.
• Turkmen are noted for their joviality and kind hospitality to visitors. If one is invited into the home of a Turkmen, it is customary to take a gift to the host or hostess. Baked goods, chocolates, or a bag of sweets, are good choices. More elaborate offerings, such as a beautiful ornament, possibly from one's own country, would constitute an acceptable gift between business associates. A finely made compass, symbolizing the direction of Mecca to a devout Muslim, would constitute a thoughtful gesture on the part of the giver, and would most assuredly be treasured by the recipient.
• Expect to partake of many vegetarian dishes in Turken cuisine. Some of these include herb-filled pastries and cornmeal pancakes, which are common in the markets. (Note that haggling in the markets is customary). Porridges with mung beans, or cornmeal and pumpkin, or rice, milk and yogurt, are also commonly consumed. Note that due to economic stagnation, restaurants in Turkmenistan are rare, and in those that do exist, sources suggest that their offering is usually not the best example of tasty Turkmen cuisine.
• There are also a number of prohibitions and customs involving food that one should adhere to in a Muslim country. For example, one should also note that the consumption of alcohol or pork is disallowed.
• One should always use the right hand in preference to the left. The left hand is considered unclean in the Muslim world and as such, one should never eat with the left hand. Likewise, one should avoid gesturing with the left hand while making sure that gifts are received with the right hand. Of course, it is acceptable to use both hands when one is insufficient. One should also avoid pointing at another person, and one should never use the North American "thumbs up" gesture as is considered to be vulgar throughout the Muslim world.
• In conversation, good topic choices include Turkmen history, current or modern achievements, sports and culture. The best possible choices, however, would be to show interest in Turkmenistan's famous Akhal-Teke horses. Turkmenistan is renowned for the breeding and training of these horses. Questions about Turkmenistan's beautifully woven carpets is also a good topic. Generally, discussions about politics or religion, while not prohibited, are not recommended among new friends. Before embarking upon any kind of business discussion, one should ask after one's counterpart's health and life. Men should be careful not to bring up the subject of women unless one's counterpart does so first.
• For many people of Turkmenistan, especially those outside the urban centers, life revolves around their rural traditions, their (aforementioned) Akhal-Teke horses, and their ceremonies. Showing an interest in these aspects of life is suggested protocol for visitors.
• In urban centers, expect the prevailing Soviet penchant for bureaucracy to be present, even in the post-Soviet era. Much of the Turkmen infrastructure and services follows the old Soviet processes. Have patience and be good humored about this reality.
• In the realm of personal protocol, one should not enter a room or home without knocking or coughing to announce one's presence. One should also not shout, laugh too loudly or sing during meal times. Note that it is appropriate to cover the mouth when laughing.
• Generally, visitors are urged to acquaint themselves with the calendar and traditions of Islam, such as the fasting, daily prayer and practices. Praying five times daily, for example, is customary and affects the schedule of all events and practices in countries with Muslim populations. During the period of Ramadan, for instance, fasting and prayer is mandatory for Muslims.
• Turkmenistan is a predominantly Muslim culture and although it is not considered to be a fundamentalist Islamic country, clothing should be appropriate to this environment. Business wear is typically more conventional; suits are the norm for both men and women, although more casual attire may also be permissible. Western women should try to be more restrained in regard to makeup and jewelry. Both men and women should dress modestly. Tight, revealing clothing is simply not acceptable, while shorts, bikinis and short hems are objectionable. Necklines should be high and sleeves should come to the elbows. Hemlines should be well below the knee, if not ankle length. While the rules for men's attire is not as strict, men must keep their chest covered in public and should never wear shorts in public.
• Local Turkmen will likely wear traditional dress. For men, this means wearing high, shaggy, sheepskin hats and red robes placed over white shirts. For women, this means wearing long sack-like dresses over narrow trousers, which are often decorated with bands of embroidery at the ankle. Headdresses, bracelets and brooches are usually decorated with silver jewelry and semi-precious stones. The decorative patters of these pieces of apparel and jewelry (and even carpets!) can often denote particular tribal affiliations.
• Following local traditions, single women will be distinguished from married women by the fact that their hair is braided in two, using a scarf, while married women wear their hair in single braids.
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