If you have ever visited or spent time in Turkey, you have undoubtedly come across the Turks' love for cologne, known as "kolonya" in Turkish. Unlike the fancy perfumes purchased at designer shops or duty-free stores, kolonya is a whole different cultural entity in Turkey. It is a refreshing and disinfecting product that has been a prevailing tradition in the country since the Ottoman Empire, and it is so much more than just a personal care product due to its aromatics.
The main difference between perfume and kolonya, which is widely popular in Turkey, is the ratio of essential oils to alcohol. The latter can reach up to 80%, making it an excellent preventative measure for spreading viruses and bacteria. It could very well be Turkey's affinity for kolonya that has helped the country remain immune to the virus crisis for so long.
In practice, kolonya is drizzled onto the hands of guests upon entering a home or restaurant, or after finishing a meal. It is also offered to customers as they enter shops and especially barbershops. Even on long-distance buses in Turkey, every single person seated is given a drizzle of the ever-so-refreshing kolonya to wipe their hands and face.
The name "kolonya" comes from the German town of Cologne, but its usage in Turkish culture has always been quite unique. It is used as a sterilizing agent, antiseptic, and medicinal product that is even dribbled on sugar cubes to aid in digestion. Kolonya has been prevalent in Turkey since the Ottoman Empire and the reign of Abdülhamit II.
With its vast popularity and current high demand, it can be challenging to choose among the wide variety of reputable brands. Here is a guide to the variety of kolonya available in Turkey:
