Turkey, known as republic of Turkey is an important modernized Islamic state which is located in a geographical location that makes it Eurasian nation state. As its establishment was a result of an activist movement lead by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk after the end of Ottoman Empire, it has become a sole culture in the world that is a mix of modern Islamic civilization. Culture of Turkey is colored with the traditions of Islam, westernization, modernism, and Greek-o-roman civilization. Such a rich culture has made the life in Turkey as the one which gets appreciation of the entire world.
The social institutions in Turkey are strong contributing to the socio economic development of the country. The family institution is the basic unit which is responsible of performing the social functions of reproduction, socialization and economic support of family members. The family types found mostly in Turkey are nuclear family and the extended family system. People keep the bonds of kinship ties while living a modern life.
Although Turkey has officially declared itself as a secular state but still a modified and modernized version of Islam is practiced by the Muslims in Turkey. Women are still mostly house wives and get married at an earlier age as compare to men. Men are the economic supporters of the family. Although women can work to support the family but it has been found that most of the women are house wives. On the agriculture lands, the ratio of women laborers is higher as compare to men or women working in the urban areas.
The arts and music is highly valued by the Turkish population. For this the state has taken steps to preserve the old cultural traditions of Turkey. Cinema, music and theater are highly valued in this regard. Turkish literature expresses a vital influence of Arabic and Persian prose.
The Turkish constitution has made both, men and women equal before the law but, still law is tilted more in the favor of Turkish women. The education institution is working as a socializing agent for the members of society. The education rate is high which has reduced the birth rate in the country. The general religious customs and obligations are imposed on the Muslims by law and people willfully practice them at their own. The economy of Turkey is one of the strongest economies of the world. All the social institutions are well structured and maintained by the members of the society as well as by the state laws.
The modernized people of the republic of Turkey have a physical resemblance that is similar to both the Europeans and Arabs. The Turkish nation is the one that believes strongly in the socio economic development of the country and in the spirit of nationalism and modernism. Turkish population is portrayed as the youngest populace in Europe, as in the rest of western countries the population is going through the issue of aging. The youth is the largest stratum composing Turkish population. Although the Turkish youth has taken many aspects of western culture but still it possesses their national identities robustly. Acting as the carrier of traditions, the youth is working along with rest of the Turks to preserve rich Turkish cultural heritage. They are strong believers in self and remember their social responsibilities.
Turkish people are the well known for their hospitality and strong family ties. The Turkish people are reputed as generous hosts for the other Turks as well as for the foreigners. They welcome the guests to their homes and do not let any stone unturned in cheering their guest. Special food is cooked at the arrival of guests and is presented before them tenderly. The Turkish people prepares feast like dishes that have historical links with the Ottoman Empire and Greek-o-Muslim foods. The famous Turkish dishes are the cabbage dolma, baklava sweets, and kebabs. Many other kings like dishes are a part of Turkish diet and are loved by the tourists eating in restaurants of Turkey.
The family life of Turks is also worth praising. People have strong concerns with the family members and close relatives. Roles associated with a social position regarding family are well performed by every Turk as it is his primary responsibility. Father feels satisfaction in financially supporting his child until the child gets to an age of earning after completing his studies. The children in return are found to be committed to support parents in the old age. Modernity has not damaged the social setup and admiration of cultural self. The love and affection are also the important aspect of Turkish life. People have pride in their nationality and are patriotic towards the country.
The women are considered as significant as the men of Turkey. The women are modern and radical Muslims who value being functional for the family. The people of Turkey have western dress code and do not carry any traditional clothes. As the roles in society are clearly defined for men and women, both are committed to the perfect performance of their role. This is the secret for the smooth and gradually progressing Turkish society.