What is the Praga area in Istanbul? 'Praga' to me is the city in Czech, or a neighbourhood in Warsaw. I've been to Turkey, so would appreciate clarification. What would you be doing in Praga?

Thanks.

To me the thread title and the continued reference to 'Europe' as one vague entity reflects something different than if the question had been asked in a different fashion.

In many cultures, touching a stranger in such an intimate fashion simply isn't done. That may have been a clue for you that a stranger offering up hugs wasn't quite right. Certainly that would have been the case in Germany, and in many countries the more intimate farewell may have included a double air kiss (or even a triple), not a hug. If someone I didn't know offered me a hug in many countries, I would be suspicious.

I said upthread that Americans are known for being very friendly, and unfortunately there are people who prey on that friendliness. Knowing the cultural norms of the places one is visiting is helpful as it can help one to become suspicious of behaviour that isn't quite right.