Jessica May Reveals 5 Turkish Habits That Surprise Brazilians

Career in Turkey and Citizenship Process Jessica May, a Brazilian-born actress who began her career in Turkey with the 2017 series "Yeni Gelin" and became a Turkish citizen in 2022, has shared striking observations about her life in the country.
May detailed five daily habits that surprise Brazilians the most when they visit Turkey, based on her own experiences.
The Post-Meal Tea Ritual At the top of May's list is the habit of drinking tea after meals.
She noted that it is almost impossible to leave the table without having tea in Turkey.
"It is said that tea helps with digestion, and you are definitely persuaded to drink it.
It’s really hard to leave without having a cup," May explained.
Shoes at the Door Reflecting on Turkish home culture, the actress expressed her surprise at the practice of leaving shoes outside the door.
May mentioned that seeing piles of shoes in front of apartment doors was something she never encountered in Brazilian culture when she first arrived in Turkey.
Traffic and Horn Usage May also pointed out differences in traffic culture, noting that horn usage in Turkey is very common and often impatient.
Comparing it to Brazil, where such frequent honking is rare, she shared her surprise at the local driving style.
"Here, people don't prepare the gear; they prepare the horn.
They honk even before the light turns green," she said.
Rich Breakfast Spreads The legendary Turkish breakfast also made the list.
May explained that breakfasts in Brazil are quite simple compared to the elaborate Turkish spread.
"In Brazil, breakfast consists of coffee, a small piece of bread, some butter, and cheese.
In Turkey, the table is so full that sometimes you can't even find a place to put your plate," she noted.
The Tradition of Cologne Finally, Jessica May expressed her admiration for the culture of offering cologne (kolonya), highlighting it as both hygienic and refreshing.
She described the tradition of offering cologne to guests everywhere as a very positive custom.
"Wherever you go, there is cologne.
It's very hygienic, and you suddenly smell wonderful.
I think it's a great thing," May concluded.