Turkey

This winter, join us on a journey through the heart of Turkey — from the calligraphy-lined halls of Bursa’s Ulu Cami to the snow-dusted landscapes of Cappadocia. Guided by Maulana Shibly, this curated itinerary avoids the overcrowded tourist hubs and instead focuses on the places where faith, history, and beauty meet in their purest form.

You may have read the title and instantly felt your blood boil. Turkey? The very heart of Islamic civilization for over a thousand years. The seat of the mighty Ottoman Empire. The pride of the Muslim world even today. The place millions flock to for a taste of what they believe is “true Islam”; the soaring minarets, the echoing call to prayer, the grand bazaars overflowing with history. For generations, Turkey has been painted as the ultimate Muslim travel destination, almost beyond question. But here’s the truth: that image is not the full story. Behind the romanticized vision lies a reality that every Muslim traveler needs to hear — one that may completely change the way you see your next getaway. However, before we begin, let’s be clear: I am not claiming there is no Islam in Turkey. Far from it. What I am saying is that its Islamic identity is often exaggerated — packaged and sold in a way that does not fully reflect reality. And one of the biggest reasons for this is the deep imprint of European ideas, values, and lifestyles that have shaped modern Turkey far more than many travelers realize. 1. Heavy European Influence on Turkish Culture Modern Turkey carries a strong imprint of European influence, especially in its major cities. From the architecture and fashion to the café culture and nightlife, many aspects of daily life reflect Western trends more than traditional Islamic values. Policies dating back to the founding of the Turkish Republic deliberately pushed the nation toward secularism and closer alignment with Europe, and that direction is still visible today. For Muslim travelers expecting a fully Islamic environment, this blend of cultures can come as a surprise — and in some cases, a disappointment. Why this may be the case comes down to several factors. Firstly, while many important Islamic sites are present — particularly in Istanbul and Bursa — they often feel tinged with Westernization. One example stands out from my visit to the Ulu Cami in Bursa, where a janaza for a well-known professor was taking place. My family and I joined the funeral prayer, but we couldn’t help noticing elements that felt more European than Islamic: large portraits of the deceased, numerous flower arrangements, and attendees wearing her picture as a lapel pin. It was a far cry from the Sunnah, where funerals are meant to be simple and free from extravagance. Similarly, the way the graves of pious saints were presented and maintained also felt at odds with traditional Islamic norms. Alhamdulillah, the majority of visitors observed proper etiquette at such places, but occasionally we would see someone breaking dress code rules or making unnecessary noise nearby or even in maqbara itself. Thankfully, these incidents were rare, and we still had a good experience visiting all the graves in Bursa without any major issues. These were relatively minor examples of how European customs have seeped in, but the influence becomes far more apparent in other areas. Rampant smoking is common in public spaces, the hijab is far from the norm in many urban centers — with only a minority of Turkish women wearing it — and Western fashion trends often dominate the streets. For Muslim travelers expecting a visibly Islamic environment, this can be a stark contrast to their expectations. It is important to note, however, that this should not be extrapolated to all of Turkey. I am not saying that no part of the country reflects strong Islamic values. In fact, we witnessed powerful and inspiring traces of Islam in places like Konya – where Suhayba Rumi is buried – and the Fatih district of Istanbul. What I have shared is a general observation — an evaluation based on my own experiences — and not a blanket judgment of the entire nation. 2. Islamic Heritage Comes at a Premium At first glance, this may not seem as big of a point as the first one – in which case I agree – shopping isn’t nearly as important as the environment you are in. However, Turkey several years back was championed as the place for Muslim women to buy abayas, scarves, hijabs, jewellery, and even fake purses. However, this is now no longer the case. Large brands like Modanisa once revolutionized modest wear — much like J. did in Pakistan — by offering quality clothing at affordable prices. However, when my family visited such stores across various cities, it became clear that this niche has become somewhat gentrified. Prices often matched those in the United States, while the quality was, at best, comparable. Even worse, selections did not always include the proper shapes or sizes that many women seek. This inflation is not limited to clothing. In jewelry, gold and labor costs are now only marginally cheaper than in the West. In the handbag market, even counterfeit designer purses can approach $1,000. While this is still below the market price for genuine products, it is a significant increase compared to what was once the norm in Turkey. Further still, these expenses extend to entry fees, site passes, and the so-called “foreigner taxes.” While a reasonable amount of such fees is expected, those wishing to visit all the key sites can easily spend over $1,000 per person. Thankfully, there is an option to purchase an inclusive pass covering many of these attractions for around $200 per person — an option I highly recommend. These passes can be purchased at the entrance of most major tourist sites. For Muslim travelers who once saw Turkey as a destination where faith and affordability went hand in hand, this growing cost sends a different message: in modern Turkey, the Islamic experience often comes at a premium. 3. Over-Tourism and Tourist Traps in Turkey Other countries are well known for their tourist traps — Egypt, Morocco, and even Saudi Arabia to an extent. These can take the form of inflated entry fees (as previously discussed), aggressive vendors, or pushy tourists. Turkey, however, adds