" Turkey may be a democracy, but anarchists control the streets.
A stoplight is just a suggestion. The direction on a one-way street is determined by whoever has the biggest bumpers. It's a matter of size and prestige; imports take precedence over local brands, and an SUV always trumps a sporty Mercedes."
"This isn't to say there aren't rules. Tired of waiting in a traffic jam? Follow local custom: Pull into the oncoming lane and act insulted when confronted by honking vehicles coming from the opposite direction. See a friend standing on a sidewalk? Stop and park in the middle of the road and stroll over for a chat. Missed your exit on the highway? No problem: Back up.
The problem is worst in Istanbul, the cultural and commercial capital, where streets are narrow and a driver's license can be purchased for $100, no experience required. The everyday mayhem includes careening taxis and buses hurtling from stop to stop, often passing each other along the way like red-and-white elephants."
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Chicago Tribune | Turkey struggles to civilize the national `traffic monster'
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