Turkey: First Name or Title?

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Addressing others with respect

When addressing a Turk, the most common method is to call a man by his first name followed by 'bey' [pronounced bay]. So, Ertan Gonca would be Ertan Bey. Similarly a woman's first name would be followed by 'hanim' [pronounced ha-num].

Where professional titles exist, such as Doctor or Professor, always use them either on their own or before the first name. Curiously, this is also the case with many other professions such as lawyers 'Avukat' or engineers 'Muhendis.' Within Turkish companies and organisations, senior ranking staff will be addressed accordingly. A common example is Mr. Manager, 'Mudur Bey.'

A common phrase you will hear Turks using is 'efendim' [literally 'my master']. You may hear this from a waiter, a secretary, taxi driver, doorman, shop staff and many others. It is simply a polite way of addressing people you are not familiar with.

Submit a Comment on this Article