Where can I eat out in Turkey without rudeness about my ethnicity or nationality?

Upvote:-1

Simply eat at a place where the employees don't have the opportunity to interact with you other than to take your order. For example I can't imagine McDonald's employees having enough time to entertain visitors so you'll be safe from any prying questions. You could also grab some meals from a busy street vendor or just buy something from a supermarket. Another option would be to visit a Lebanese restaurant (Google Maps finds at least a dozen options in Istanbul). I highly doubt anyone would offend your roots in a place like this.

Finally, remember that you are free to say whatever you want to strangers. Give them a fake name, a fake nationality, a fake country of origin. I personally do it all the time for fun, even though I'm a regular Caucasian guy facing no racism in my daily life.

Upvote:12

The history between Turkey and Lebanon is...well...complicated.

It's possible the waiters have some political leanings or connections to past events where the two countries have been at odds.

Either way, if you're worried about similar situations in the future, just don't mention your Lebanese history. You don't have to lie, just omit that fact. "I was born and raised in Finland." (another probing question) "Finland is the only place I've ever known."

Note, there is a slight possibility someone will identify your genetic lineage through some physical trait. If that happens, gauge their reaction and act accordingly.

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