Ask Mehmet

Bath houses or hamam are a custom in Turkish culture. They were a place of socialization and washing with some in Adana ranging from 300 to 500 years old. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Sanchelli/Released)

Ask Mehmet: Do the Turks celebrate Christmas?

A statue honors the memory of Noel Baba, or Santa Claus, in front of the Saint Nicholas church in Demre, Turkey. Santa Claus was the bishop of Myra, now Demre, during the fourth century. (Courtesy photo)

Ask Mehmet: Finding local markets

Many different vegetables can be found at farmers markets in Adana, Turkey. Markets are open on different days of the week in various districts of Adana. The climate and fertile soil of the area allow the markets to offer a wide variety of fresh goods at low prices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael B. Keller/Released)

Ask Mehmet: Finding local markets

Mehmet Birbiri and Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt, 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs, stop at a fruit stand during a trip to a farmers market March 8, 2012, in Adana, Turkey. The fertile soil around Adana allows farmers to grow many types of produce, keeping prices low and fruits and vegetables fresh. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael B. Keller/Released)

Ask Mehmet: Finding local markets

Vendors display their tomatoes at a farmers market March 8, 2012, in Adana, Turkey. The fertile soil around Adana allows farmers to grow many types of produce, keeping prices low and fruits and vegetables fresh. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael B. Keller/Released)

Ask Mehmet: IVMA ensures, boosts merchants' customer service

IVMA was founded 20 years ago and works to bring better customer service to their American customers.

IVMA brings better service to customers

Kemal Dagtekin, Big John owner, welcomes customers March 29, 2012, at the Incirlik Village, Turkey. Big John is registered with the Incirlik Village Merchant's Association, which was founded approximately 20 years ago with its objective to improve relationships with American customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace/Released)

IVMA brings better service to customers

Osman Ceteci, Silver Eagle Huglu Shotgun Store sales manager, awaits customers March 29, 2012, in Incirlik Village, Turkey. The store is registered with the Incirlik Village Merchants Association, which was founded approximately 20 years ago with the objective to improve relationships with American customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace/Released)

IVMA brings better service to customers

Ali Kesen, left, Cenkar Travel Agency & Rent A Car manager, and Ali Kar, Cenkar owner, await customers March 29, 2012, in Incirlik Village, Turkey. Cenkar Travel Agency & Rent A Car is registered with the Incirlik Village Merchants Association, which was founded approximately 20 years ago with the objective to improve relationships with American customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace/Released)

IVMA brings better service to customers

Arzu Ogun, Freedom Furniture owner, displays a carpet for a new customer March 29, 2012, in Incirlik Village, Turkey. Freedom Furniture is registered with the Incirlik Village Merchants Association, which was founded approximately 20 years ago with the objective to improve relationships with American customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace/Released)

IVMA brings better service to customers

Mehmet Menter measures cloth, while Veysel Arsay operates a sewing machine, March 29, 2012, in Incirlik Village, Turkey. Menter and Arsay are employed by Couzin's Tailor Shop, a member of the Incirlik Village Merchants Association, and spent 19 and seven years, respectively, working in Incirlik Village. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt/Released)

IVMA brings better service to customers

The owner of Big John, a member of the Incirlik Village Merchants Association, signed a letter agreeing to treat all customers according to IVMA regulations. IVMA was founded 20 years ago and works constantly to improve relationships with American customers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt/Released)