Baksheesh is a Persian term meaning “present” and is a part of daily life in the Middle and Near East. It can be confusing to Western visitors who associate it with corruption, but it has complex social and political conventions. Baksheesh can be given as almsgiving, a tip, or a bribe. It is an important part of the cultural experience and a survival tactic for underpaid individuals. Small bills are recommended for travelers to make the process more enjoyable.
Baksheesh is a term that comes from a Persian word meaning “present”. In the countries of the Middle and Near East it is an integral part of daily life. The rules that govern it can sometimes seem confusing and arbitrary to Western visitors, who often associate it with political corruption and bribery. While corruption is certainly an aspect of baksheesh, the politics and social conventions that govern it are actually far more complex. Travelers to the Middle and Near East should plan to bring small bills to make handing out the baksheesh — and their subsequent journey — much more enjoyable.
The first type of baksheesh is almsgiving or charity. This is an important virtue in Muslim society, as almsgiving is one of the pillars of Islam. Beggars in the streets beg both to support themselves and to give devout Muslims an opportunity to prove their faith to Allah. Religious representatives and holy men are also given baksheesh out of respect for their status.
The next type of is probably familiar to many Westerners, because it resembles a tip. This is given as a show of appreciation, respect or gratitude in response to a service rendered. When a washroom attendant hands a towel to a guest, baksheesh is expected; this also applies to people opening doors, carrying luggage, or waiting tables. Since many people live well below the poverty line in the Middle and Near East, this money can make a big difference.
Baksheesh is also used to get favors or as an outright bribe. Since many Middle and Near Eastern nations have grossly corrupt governments, civil servants use this money to support their government minimum income. These employees are often quite open about their baksheesh requests and will quote visitors a direct amount it will cost to pass through customs without inspection, cross a heavily guarded border, or receive some other service. Baksheesh is also not aimed at tourists and visitors; citizens also pay to get family members out of jail, expedite a visa, avoid arrest, or to secure new phone or electric service.
While some visitors may find requests for baksheesh distasteful or distasteful, they should recognize that the economic system it represents is an important part of their cultural experience. This payment is not always motivated by greed and is often a survival tactic undertaken by underpaid individuals trying to make a living in a highly stratified society. The cries for baksheesh are an echo of a complex social, political and economic system that has been around for centuries.
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