13 Facts You Didn't Know About Turks

We all know your Turkish friend is intelligent, sophisticated and funny: but do you really know what lies beneath the brilliant surface?

1. Your Turkish friend... is, secretly, a very good belly dancer.

Via google.com

Sure, they're chill, listening to Nico Jaar or FKA Twigs... until you turn that belly dancing music on.

2. ... can and will change continents twice in one night to find the best party.

Via fuzzieee2015.org

Istanbul is not simply unique as the largest city in Turkey...

It is, in fact, a transcontinental city--literally bridging Europe and Asia.

3. ... wants a big fat Turkish wedding.

Via i.milliyet.com.tr

At the end of the day, it's all about the [drums].

4. ... thinks that they can change the world (if the adequate amount of raki is served during dinner).

Via bilemedim.com

The best political ideas always come from Turks surrounded by their closest friends (while drinking).

5. ... puts yogurt on everything, whenever they have access to it.

Via wellfed.typepad.com

Yogurt constitutes a significant part of a Turk's national pride.

6. ... seriously on everything.

Via bizceyemek.com

7. ... and also drinks it.

Via upload.wikimedia.org

Ayran is a traditional Turkish drink made by mixing yogurt with water and salt.

8. ... knows that plums not only come in deep purple, but also in green.

Via globalfruit.eu

Disclaimer: Those are not Granny Smith's.

9. ... is still adjusting to "biscuits" as "cookies" and "favourite" as "favorite".

Via fon.fairobserver.netdna-cdn.com

Mum? Mom? Mummy?

10. ... has probably been pepper-sprayed at least once by now.

Osman Orsal / Reuters

11. ... has used VPN or changed IP addresses more than most of your international friends.

Via loadthegame.com

Since 2013, the Turkish government has been periodically enforcing bans on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube during times of civil unrest. (Instagram has managed to stay out of sight... Maybe it's time for Turks to put some fancy filters on politics?)

12. ... will go way out of their way to vote.

Via evrensel.net

Many Turks see voting as a privilege and don't take it for granted. It's why your friend ends vacation early and drives hundreds of miles to fulfill their civic duty.

13. And despite complaining about their home country, your friend is actually in love with Turkey.

Via img-2.onedio.com

So. You jealous?