The words of Turkey

Turkey — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Turkey, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Drop by drop, a lake forms.”

Damlaya damlaya göl olur.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One hand has nothing, two hands make a sound.”

Bir elin nesi var, iki elin sesi var.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Save the straw, its time will come.”

Sakla samanı, gelir zamanı.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A tree is bent while it is young.”

Ağaç yaş iken eğilir.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who loves the rose endures its thorns.”

Gülü seven dikenine katlanır.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A hungry hen imagines itself in a wheat silo.”

Aç tavuk kendini buğday ambarında sanır.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“You reap what you sow.”

Ne ekersen onu biçersin.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Working iron shines.”

İşleyen demir ışıldar.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Do not leave today's work to tomorrow.”

Bugünün işini yarına bırakma.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A neighbor is in need of a neighbor's ashes.”

Komşu komşunun külüne muhtaçtır.

Source: Traditional Turkish proverb, public-domain oral tradition