27.06.2026 12:24
Irina, a foreign woman living in Istanbul, had a funny moment when she interpreted the commonly used Turkish term of address 'abla' literally. Confused by everyone calling her 'abla,' she humorously said, 'How do they know I’m older than them?' Her post quickly gained attention on social media.
A foreign woman named Irina living in Istanbul ended up in amusing moments when she literally interpreted the common Turkish address term "abla" (elder sister). The video she shared quickly attracted attention on social media.
"WHY DOES EVERYONE CALL ME ABLA?"
Irina, who lives in Turkey, explained in a video shared on her social media account that many people she encounters on the street, at the market, and in daily life address her as "abla."
Stating that she knows the word "abla" means "elder sister," Irina expressed her surprise with the words, "When someone calls me 'abla,' I turn around. How do they know I'm older than them?"
"EVEN 70-YEAR-OLDS CALL ME ABLA"
Irina humorously recounted that even people older than her use the same address, saying, "Sometimes even 70-year-old uncles call me 'abla.' I think, 'Life must have worn him out.'"
"I THINK I HAVE A SECRET FAMILY IN TURKEY"
Trying to offer different explanations for her situation, Irina said she later began to think she might have a large family in Turkey unknown to her.
"I look carefully at people's faces, wondering if they resemble me. I think I have a big family in Turkey that's been hidden from me," said Irina, whose post amused viewers.
ATTRACTED ATTENTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Irina's video was watched and shared by many users in a short time. Turkish users shared humorous comments such as, "Welcome to the family, abla," "Now you're part of this family too," and "In Turkey, everyone is everyone's older sister or brother."