Why do people in Istanbul...?

Question

1) Lay a picnic blanket on top of sheets of newspaper before they sit on it?

2) Have beggars carrying around scales? (as in, to tell you the weight of something.)

Just back from a holiday there and these two things puzzled me!

Answer 1

It's not just people in Istanbul...

First of all, so the blanket doesn't get dirty.

The scales I haven't seen before. Are you positive it was a beggar and not just a regular man? They have bazaars where people buy and sell fresh fruits and vegetables, maybe he was coming back from one of those.

Answer 2

Those are not beggars but people who seem to think that you want to suddenly find out your weight in the middle of the street and then charge you. Simply they are people who are trying to earn money with new creative ways. But what did you think of Istanbul? Beautiful is it not?

Answer 3

2. So that he will not be begging, he will rather be giving you a service as in telling you your weight (like pretending to wash your car windows at traffic lights).

Answer 4

1, to keep the blanket clean. I have a plastic under sheet I use for that purpose, mainly because in the UK you can't guarantee dry ground.

2, the scales are just a way to make money. they weigh people and hope to make enough money for something to eat that night. Its a common sight in most of the big cities. Its mainly children. they will clean your shoes for you too if you ask them.

Answer 5

I've seen beggars carrying scales in other countries too.

I guess it's very fashionable at the moment.

Answer 6

Somea Turks may always  love work lyke yours.

Answer 7

1- the blanket won't get dirty

2- never seen such a beggar