TURKEY = what might it's advertising slogan for tourism be?

I have been to Thailand several times. I find their assertion that they are the Land of Smiles totally believable.

Now as far as Turkey goes, what would you think summarizes their posture toward tourists?

Two separate individuals have offered me free accomodation when visiting their city. They are strangers to me. Is there a pronounced criminal element in Turkey (or are most people genuinely trustworthy)?

SLOGAN:

A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas, Turkey On The Other Hand..........

hehe

In my brief stay there, I found the Turkish to be similar to those in other Muslim countries I'd been to (Egypt, Jordan, Syria). That is, extremely hospitable and often very generous. Some will try pamper you with some sort of expectation of getting something in return (ie. you buying something of theirs or tipping them).

Others, however, will be very generous and not expect anything in return. They perhaps just like to befriend someone who is from a different land, and/or may want you to have a great stay in their country. Maybe they feel that there is some duty for them to do this - which is a great quality for us travellers!

Some might be that good at being nice, acting genuine and taking you in that you'll end up giving them a gift in return and be pondering what their intentions were for an eternity

As for your case I think you'd have to go with your instincts and judge their character, but keep in mind that a lot are genuinely very hospitable so such a thing wouldn't surprise me. One key thing is probably how long it took them to offer you accomodation, if they did it straight away there's more chance of there being a catch, if it was after chatting for a long time it might be genuine.

I can't think of a catchy slogan - but I reckon it should be along the lines of their hospitality and courteousness.
That or their die hard ambitions of being part of the EU

[ Edit: Edited on Dec 29, 2008, at 9:18 PM by Erik85 ]

Turkey will put a "woowwww" on your face!.. Something similar to this... How does that sound ? And for your case, I would go and use their accomodation. I know that sounds strange but we love strangers in our houses, share our foods with them and so. I am so sure that, thoose people will ask for your kind friendship, thats all. And about that EU thing, only the government wants to be a part of EU.

"Immerse yourself in an Apple Tea, come visit Turkey..."

"Welcome to unspoilt Turkey" or "Come and see historic Turkey"

Lots of people go there but it's still unspoilt in many places. It has lots of history worth seeing. It's a cheap place to go and they don't hassle you there.

As to Thailand, I've noticed the smile has been slipping the last several years. Petty theft is rife in Bangkok. Even without the recent and past demos (1992 was a bad year), I've seen some violence there.

I do hope no-one here actually works in advertising, if they do they will be sacked pretty soon!!! Sorry but "immerse yourself in an apple tea" is never gonna convince me to visit somewhere!! Turkey though is a great country and hopefully they have full time people workin on their slogan hehehe sorry guys, just kidding with you.

"Goes great with stuffing"?

pretends to be secular and continues to subjugate woman as it it has for centuries??

"For authentic travelling and friendly honest people, stay at least 1 kilometer from the coastline"