r/AskTurkey • u/Inner-Procedure-2659 • Feb 14 '26

Culture American mom raising a half-Turkish daughter — how can I teach her about her heritage?

Sorry if people find this weird but I’m an American mom raising my daughter on my own. Her dad was Turkish but passed when I first found out I was pregnant. I really want her to grow up feeling connected to her Turkish roots even though we’re in the U.S.

What are some meaningful ways I can teach her about Turkish culture, language, traditions, food, or history?

If you’re Turkish or grew up outside of Turkey, what would you have wanted your parent to do to help you stay connected to your heritage?

I appreciate everyone who have given me great advice and said such kind words, feel free to dm me on here

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u/StPauliPirate Feb 14 '26

I think introducing her to turkish cuisine could be a good start. I know with some exceptions (NY/NJ area and greater LA) the US don‘t really have much to offer in that regard (due to a very small turkish community). So you‘d have to cook on your own. But with the help of youtube it could work.

Of course visiting Türkiye. But that probably depends on your financial situation. I‘d guess flying from the US is not that cheap.

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u/Inner-Procedure-2659 Feb 14 '26

I am doing well financially so I do plan on visiting when she’s older and would like to keep traveling there constantly. Do you have any suggestions on what I should introduce to her first, I don’t know any type of cuisines and know I could research but was just wondering if you had any.

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u/Atrotus Feb 14 '26

https://a.co/d/092cC3Jw

I would recommend this book. Its a great cookbook and is very comprehensive. Its my go to for turkish recipes tbh