Türk Toplumunda Bahşiş
Tipping in Turkish Society

Summary/Abstract: In this article tip giving is analysed as a sign of symbolic power and as a ritual in Ottoman –Turkish daily life and within gift giving practices. Tip giving practice took the place of social charity due to accelerated social differences in Ottoman society throughout the nineteenth century. Giving tip to younger and weaker persons during holy days, to drummers and watchmen during Ramadan and distributing tip by bride’s and groom’s families during weddings were some examples of the practice of solidarity as well as a sign of moral superiority. As money became the most important value in Turkish society, tip giving gained the similar meaning as it is in Western societies. Nowadays tip functions as the medium for exchange for the “good service”. In Turkish society tip has become a source of income over and above payments/wages in some sectors. In this context, tip may come closer to bribe as a practice and may function as a medium of redistribution in the informal sector.

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