I picked up a few books about south and west Turkey and came across some "Ways to be a Local" from one of those "essential" guides.
When in Turkey:-
Shake hands and spend a few minutes making small talk before getting down to business.
Take off your shoes when entering a mosque or private dwelling.
Accept a second glass of tea if offered, to refuse implies that the first was substandard. (go on it won't kill you, put the EFES aside for another half n hour).
Women should cover thier heads and both sexes should cover shoulders and knees when entering a mosque (don't enter during prayer times).
Lift your head backwards to say no, nod down to for yes, shake it from side to side if you don't understand. (Therefore do not do head and neck stretching exercises whilst talking, they will end up more confused than you).
Do not point your finger, kiss or hug anyone of the opposite sex or blow your nose in public.(Ok, i understand the pointing, not to sure about the kiss n hug it seemed never ending when i was there, and blowing your nose - any ideas anyone??).
Never lose your temper or shout at anyone: to lose control is to lose respect. (now you're kidding me, our sales engineers in Istanbul go hammer and tongs at each other).
Turks are patriotic, don't be rude about or make fun of Turkey, Islam the Army or Ataturk. (That's a no-brainer). And for all those who wonder what Ataturk is about i shall enlighten you, so you don't insult that picture hanging everywhere.
Ataturk (Father of the Turks)was called Mustafa Kemal, yes him on the Bank Notes and pictures hanging in Official Buildings, he raised to a prominent leader in 1915 during the WW1 (after the Turkey Ottoman rule ended after 450 years (1909) and a brief rule by idealist nationals known as the Young Turks). Anyway, Ataturk (Kemal) became president of the new republic of Turkey and began reforming consistutions- equal rights, disestablishing religions, votes for women (hooray, bet he didn't have to have someone throw themselves under his racehorse). He ruled until his death in 1938.
Another useless fact the city of Catalhoyuk is established as the worlds second oldest city after Jericho, and were the first to create irrigation, domestic animals, and carpets.