Meaning
Showing extreme hospitality.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Tanrı Misafiri' (God's Guest) means that anyone who knocks on your door is sent by God and must be 'baş tacı'ed. The 'Taç' (Crown) was a symbol of the Sultan's authority. To 'baş tacı' a decree meant to accept it as the highest law. Companies use this idiom to signal a 'customer-first' philosophy, often seen in advertisements for banks or airlines. In Sufi poetry, the 'Mürşid' (spiritual guide) is 'baş tacı'ed by the student, representing the ego's submission to wisdom.
Use it for Grandma
If you want to win over a Turkish family, use this phrase to describe how you feel about their elders.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for truly special people or ideas.
Meaning
Showing extreme hospitality.
Use it for Grandma
If you want to win over a Turkish family, use this phrase to describe how you feel about their elders.
Don't overdo it
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for truly special people or ideas.
The 'Head' connection
In Turkey, people sometimes touch a gift to their forehead. This is the physical version of 'baş tacı etmek'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'baş tacı etmek'.
Bizim kültürümüzde misafir her zaman _______.
The passive form 'edilir' (is honored) is used here because the guest is the one receiving the action.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to show respect to an elder?
Choose the best option:
'Etmek' is the correct auxiliary verb for this idiom.
Match the Turkish phrase with its English meaning.
Match them up:
These are all related to high respect and hospitality.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Yarın size gelebilir miyim?' Fatma: 'Tabii ki, _______.'
This is the most natural response to a guest asking to visit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBizim kültürümüzde misafir her zaman _______.
The passive form 'edilir' (is honored) is used here because the guest is the one receiving the action.
Choose the best option:
'Etmek' is the correct auxiliary verb for this idiom.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all related to high respect and hospitality.
Ayşe: 'Yarın size gelebilir miyim?' Fatma: 'Tabii ki, _______.'
This is the most natural response to a guest asking to visit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, if you treat your cat like a king, you can say 'Kedimi baş tacı ediyorum.' It sounds cute and affectionate.
Both are understood, but 'etmek' is the grammatically standard version for idioms of this type.
It has a traditional feel, but it is very much alive in modern Turkish, especially in the context of hospitality.
There isn't a single direct idiom, but 'hor görmek' (to look down on) or 'dışlamak' (to exclude) are opposite in spirit.
Related Phrases
el üstünde tutmak
similarTo treat with great care and attention.
başının üstünde yeri olmak
synonymTo be very welcome.
göz hapsine almak
contrastTo keep a close, suspicious watch on someone.
itibar etmek
similarTo give credit or respect to something.
