What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Istanbul?

We asked people in Istanbul if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Istanbul. It is considered rude to show the soles of your feet, so it is best to avoid sitting with your feet pointing towards someone or putting your feet up on furniture. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to eating and drinking. For example, it is considered rude to eat or drink while walking in public. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making any negative comments about them," remarked another expat who made the move to Istanbul, Turkey.

"I wanted sour cream. Didn't know Turks don't use it. Could not find it. So I got a grocery store manager, stood at the dairy counter, and said "Moo!" loudly and stuck out my tongue, grimacing. A customer then said "you won't find sour cream in Turkey."," explained one expat living in Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Istanbul?

If you live in Istanbul, newcomers to Istanbul would love to hear your answer to this question.