Carpet weaving is an ancient art in Turkey, only Persian carpets are thought to be of comparable quality or beauty. This art is practiced in villages throughout the country and by the nomadic tribes throughout Turkey and Central Asia. Finally, many of the carpets that adorn the mosques of Istanbul are from carpet production centers, Konya and Usak are two of the more well known of these. Smaller carpets, called kilims are also very famous and can be quite valuable. Street vendor-Ankara Turkey, because of favorable climatic conditions, is a net exporter of food.
Turkish cuisine is similar to that of surrounding countries and is rich in vegetables and meat.
Many are surprised to find out that many dishes like shish kebab and rice pilaf are Turkish. Especially now, with the rage about espresso coffee in the West, Turkish coffee is delicious. Particularly in villages and smaller towns, the tea house is at the center of town and is a traditional meeting place. I found the Turks to be very warm. I really didn't know what to expect since it was my first time in Asia Minor.