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Turkey Info

TURKEY

Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.
Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years. Even if you spend only a short time in Turkey, you see a lot of this great past. There is no doubt that one visit will not be enough, and you will want to come back again and again as you discover one extraordinary place after another. All of them, no matter how different, have one thing in common: the friendly and hospitable people of this unique country..

Istanbul Bosphorus kekova

GEOGRAPHY

Turkey is 814,578 sq km in area. The European and Asian regions are separated by the Istanbul
Bogazi ( Bosphorus ), The Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles. Anatolia is a high plateau rising
progressively towards the east, broken up by the valleys of about 15 rivers, including The Dicle
( Tigris ) and The Firat ( Euphrates ). There are numerous lakes and some as Lake Van, are as large
as inland sea. In the north, the mountains along the eastern Black sea coast run parallel to the sea;
in the south , the Taurus mountains sweep down almost to the narrow, fertile coast plain. Turkey
enjoys a variety of climates, ranging from the temperate climate of the Black sea region, to the
continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and
Mediterranean coastal regions. The coastline touching the four seas that border the country is 8333
km in length.

HISTORY

Turkey has been called " the cradle of the civilizations " and by traveling through this historic land,
tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world's first known settlement, a
neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the
present , Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on
modern civilization. Being the heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of
information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Ionians, Lydians,
Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important
contributions to the history of the area. Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give
sufficient proof of each civilization's unique distinction.

Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young
man named Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier and a great visionary, took the defeat of World war I
and turned into a shining victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying forces. Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29,1923. He led his country towards peace and
stability that brought about tremendous economic growth and increasing modernization. Through
decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts growing success, living by Ataturk's motto of "
Peace at home, peace in the world".

POPULATION

Turkey's population is about 70 million, 40 % of whom live in the countryside. The major cities are
Istanbul, Ankara ( the capital ), Izmir, Adana, Antalya and Bursa.

CUISINE

It is said that three major types of cuisine exist in the world: French, Chinese and Turkish. Fully
justifying its reputation, Turkish cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor. In addition to
being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish cuisine has a very pure quality. The
variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious
meals.

LANGUAGE

The Turkish language belongs to Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity with the Finno-Hungarian
languages. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and is spoken by least 150 million people around
the world.

RELIGION

Although Turkey is 99 % Muslim, it is secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship
to non-muslims.

ECONOMY

Tourism: In recent years, Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe. With the rapid
development of both summer and winter resorts, more and more people from around the world are
able to enjoy the history, culture, and beautiful sites of Turkey year around. From swimming in the
Mediterranean to skiing at Mt. Uludag , Turkey has something to offer to every tourist.

Agriculture: This plays a major role in the Turkish economy. The main crops are wheat, rice, cotton,
tea, tobacco, hazelnuts, and fruit. Sheep are the most important livestock, and Turkey is one of the
major cotton and wool producers.

Natural Resources: The principal minerals extracted are coal, chrome ( an important export ), iron,
copper, bauxite, marble and sulfur.

Industry: Industry is developing rapidly and is directed mainly towards the processing of agricultural
products, metallurgy, textiles, and the manufacture of automobiles and agricultural machinery.

POLITICAL STRUCTURE

The Republic of Turkey is based on a secular, democratic, pluralistic and parliamentary system,
where human rights are protected by law and social justice. The Grand National assembly is elected
by popular vote, and the nation is governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
Turkey is a founding member of OECD, the Black sea Economic Cooperation Organization, a
member of NATO, the European Council, the Islamic Conference association, and an associate
member of the European Union.

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS

Local Time : GMT + 2 hrs. ( summer )

Electricity : 220 volts AC, all over Turkey. The voltage is clearly marked on all hotel outlets.

Tap Water : Safe to drink in all cities, since it has been chlorinated.

Weights and measures : Metric system.

Foreign newspapers: Available in large cities and tourist areas.

Interpreters - guides : Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agencies can provide you professional
interpreters - guides. Travel agents obliged to provide a guide on all of their tours.

Doctors and Dentists : Doctors and dentists can be found in Turkey's major hospitals and, in
addition, there are certain foreign-operated hospitals in Istanbul.

PASSPORT AND VISAS

The following is the information from the travel guide of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of
Turkey. The information is subject to change. You should check with your nearest consulate for
up-to-date info.

1) Nationals of the following countries can enter Turkey with a valid passport; a visa not required:

a) Up to 3 Months
Germany, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, United Arab
Emirates, Denmark, Morocco, Fiji, Finland, France, Granada, South Korea, The Netherlands, Iran,
Switzerland, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Qatar, Kenya, Kuwait, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Norway, Oman, St. Lucia, San
Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Chili, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Vatican City, New
Zealand, Greece, Ecuador, Sweden.

b) Up to 2 Months
The Republic of Croatia, The Republic of Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Macedonia

c) Up to 1 Month
Bolivia, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzistan, The Republic of South Africa.

2) For the countries mentioned in above Clauses, and Bulgaria, a transit visa is not required.

3) Nationals of the following countries require a visa:

a) USA, Canada, Austria, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Israel, and Portugal, can obtain a
sticker visa at border gates (Up to 3 Months).

b) Nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Kazakhistan and Kyrgyzistan)
Hungary, Poland, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Georgia and the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia can obtain a sticker visa at border gates (Up to 1 month)

c) Nationals of Guatemala and Sri Lanka can obtain a visa for up to 15 days at border gates,
Nationals of Jordan, up to 30 days.
Nationals of Indonesia can enter the country for two months by obtaining a visa at no charge at
the border gates.

d) Nationals of all other countries require a visa, which can be obtained from the nearest Turkish
embassy or consulate.

MONETARY SYSTEM

The national monetary unit is the New Turkish Lira ( YTL ). The coinage is in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50
kurus. Bank notes are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 , 100 YTL. The exchange rates for foreign currencies are
published daily. Traveler's checks can be cashed upon producing identification. The most widely
accepted credit cards are American Express, Eurocard, Diner's Club, Visa and Mastercard.
Exchange offices in touristic places are generally open until midnight.

Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, Australia,
and New Zealand currencies are not convertible in Turkey.

POSTAL SYSTEM AND PHONE CALLS

Turkish post offices are easily recognizable by their yellow " PTT " signs. major post offices are open
08:00 - 24:00 hrs., Monday - Saturday; and 9:00 - 19:00., Sunday.

Small post offices have the same hours as government offices. ( explained below )

Fax office : It is possible to use this service for sending or receiving documents from other countries.

Other PTT services : It is possible to exchange money at some branches of PTT at the currency
international exchange rate. International postal orders and traveler's checks also can be exchanged.

An express postal service ( Acele Posta servisi - APS ) operates from Turkey to 72 other countries
for letters, documents, and small packages.

Stamp collectors will be delighted with the wide range of special stamps available to them.

Phone calls : The most economic way to telephone in Turkey is from a PTT telephone booth ( found
in all towns ). Telephone cards available.

WORKING HOURS

Government offices: 8:30-12:30 / 13:30-17:00 (closed Sat. and Sun., open daily in tourist areas)
Banks: 8:30 - 12:00 / 13:30 - 17:00 ( closed Sat. and Sun., open daily in tourist areas )
Shops: 9:30 - 19:00 ( In tourist areas, closing times vary, some close around midnight )

OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS

Jan. 1 - New Year's Day
Apr. 23 : National Independence and Children's Day
May 19 : Ataturk's Commemoration and Youth and Sports Day
Aug. 30 : Victory Day ( Final rout of invading forces in 1922 )
Oct.29 : Republic Day ( Anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic )

MUSEUMS

Most Turkish museums are open everyday of the week, except Mondays. Palaces are also closed
only on Mondays. The famous Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. In order
to receive permission for photos or films in museums or at ancient ruins, a fee , which varies
according to the entrance fee, is charged. The photographing or filming, for commercial use, of yet
unpublished which are copyrighted, requires a special permit from the General Directorate of
Antiquities and museums. In Ankara most museums are closed on the first day of religious
holidays.

FESTIVALS - FAIRS - EVENTS

Festival - Fair - Event	City	Period
Camel Wrestling Festival	Selcuk	January
Ankara International Film Festival	Ankara	March
1915 Sea Victory Celebration	Canakkale	March
Istanbul International Film Festival	Istanbul	April
Izmir International Film Festival	Izmir	April
Traditional " Mesir "Festival	Manisa	April
International Children's Day ( April 23 )	Ankara	April
Tourism Fair	Gaziantep	April
Tulip Festival	Istanbul	April- May
Javelin Games	Erzurum	April- May
Ankara International Arts Festival	Ankara	April- May
International Nysa Culture and Art Festival	Sultanhisar	May
Ephesus international Festival of Culture & Tourism	Selcuk	May
Yunus Emre Culture and Art Week	Eskisehir	May
Aksu Culture & Art Festival	Giresun	May
International Music and Folklore Festival	Silifke	May
International Yachting Festival	Marmaris	May
International " Carpet " - Kilim Festival	Usak	May
Kakava Festivities	Kırklareli	May
International Asia - Europe Biennal	Ankara	May - June
Strawberry Festival	Bartın	June
International Tea Festival	Rize	June
International Offshore Races	Istanbul	June
Music, Folklore and Water sports Festival	Foca	June
Marmaris Festival	Marmaris	June
Bergama ( Pergamum ) Festival	Bergama	June
Ataturk Culture Festival	Amasya	June
Kafkasor Culture & Art Festival	Artvin	June
Int. Kus Cenneti Culture and Tourism Festival	Bandırma	June
Cesme Sea and Music Festival	Cesme	June
International Pamukkale Song Competition	Pamukkale	June
International Kahta Kommegane Festival	Kahta	June
International Volleyball Beach Tournament	Alanaya	June
Finike Festival	Finike	June
International Wine competition	Urgup	June
Cherry Festival	Tekirdag	June
International Izmir Festival	Izmir	June - July
International Bursa Festival	Bursa	June - July
International Art and Culture Festival	Istanbul	June - July
Traditional Kırkpınar Grease Wrestling	Edirne	June - July
International Music Festival	Istanbul	June - July
Ihlara Tourism and Art Week	Aksaray	June - July
International Erzurum Congress	Erzurum	July
Tourism & Culture Festival	Iskenderun	July
International Folk Dance Festival	Samsun	July
Ceramic Festival	Kutahya	July
Nasreddin Hodja Festival	Aksehir	July
Hittite Festival	Corum	July
Manavgat Tourism Festival	Manavgat	July
Kusadasi Tourism Festival	Kusadasi	July
Carpet and Rose Festival	Isparta	July
Egirdir lake Festival	Egirdir	July
Nevsehir Festival	Nevsehir	July
Baston and Culture Festival	Devrek	July
International Handicrafts and Pottery Exhibit	Avanos	July
Troy festival	Canakkale	August
Insuyu Festival	Burdur	August
Hacibektas Veli commemoration Ceremony	H.Bektas	August
Mengen Chefs Festival	Bolu	August
Pine Grove Ayder Mt. and Archery Festivities	Rize	August
Handicrafts and Tourism Festival	Avanos	August
International Fair	Izmir	September
Ertugrul Gazi Commemoration Ceremony	Sogut	September
Seyh Edibali Commemoration and Culture Festival	Bilecik	September
GAP Culture and Art Festival	Gaziantep	September
Javelin Games	Konya	September
Kemer Carnival	Kemer	September
International Meerschaum ( white Gold ) Festival	Eskisehir	September
Safranbolu Architectural Treasures and Folklore week	Safranbolu	September
Sivas Culture and Art Week	Sivas	September
International Grape Harvest Festival	Urgup	September
International Fair	Mersin	September
Yagci Bedir Carpet Festival	Balıkesir	September
Culture and Art Festival	Diyarbakır	September
International Art Festival	Assos	September
Altın Koza Film Festival	Adana	September
International Festival	Eskisehir	Sept. - Oct.
Golden Pistachio Festival	Gaziantep	Sept. - Oct.
International Plastic Arts Festival	Istanbul	Sept. - Oct.
International Akdeniz Song Contest	Antalya	Sept. - Oct.
Art and Culture Festival	Mersin	Sept. - Oct.
Altın Portakal Film Festival	Antalya	October
Ahi Brotherhood Cultural Week	Kırsehir	October
International Bodrum Regatta Cup	Bodrum	October
International Gullet Biennial	Bozburun	October
International Triathlon Competition	Alanya	October
International Yacht Race	Marmaris	October
International Ataturk Dam Sailing Competition	şanlı Urfa	November
International St. Nicholas Symposium, Demre	Antalya	December
Mevlana Commemoration Ceremony	Konya	December

WHO ARE THE TURKS ?

The Turks date back 4,000 years as a people, with ancestral roots extending to Turkic tribes who
originated in the vast steppe lands of Central Asia and rode out in successive waves of conquest as
their plain began to dry. The Turks established sixteen great empires stretching though many parts
of Europe, Asia and North Africa. By the year 1000 AD, most Turks had adopted to Islam religion.

The following states and empires were founded by the Turks;

* The Great Hun Empire ( 204 BC - 216 AD )
* The Western Hun Empire ( 48 - 216 )
* The European Hun Empire ( 375 - 454 )
* The Akhun Empire ( 420 - 562 )
* The Gok Turk Empire ( 552 - 743 )
* The Avar Empire ( 565 - 803 )
* The Khazar Empire ( 651 - 983 )
* The Uigur State ( 744 - 1335 )
* The Karahan State ( 940 - 1040 )
* The Ghaznavid State ( 963 - 1183 )
* The Great Seljuk Empire ( 1040- 1157 )
* The Harzemshah State ( 1157 - 1231 )
* The Altınordu State ( 1236 - 1502 )
* The Tamberlane Empire ( 1368 - 1501 )
* The Babur Empire ( 1526 - 1858 )
* The Ottoman Empire ( 1299 - 1922 )

TURKISH MYTHOLOGY

Turkish Mythology; reflect original Turkish myths which had occurred in Central Asia, the historical
and legendary homeland of Turks. One of the Turkish tribes in Central Asia, Oghuz Tribe, had
migrated farther west than most of the Turkish Tribes to become eventually the backbone of Turks
of today's Turkey.

"The Book of Dede Korkut" is an epic of the Oghuz. Both Seljuks and the Ottomans were
descendants of the Oghuz. Their epic, constitutes one of the most important literary and historical
documents from the world of the Middle Ages. "The Book of Dede Korkut" comprises a Prologue and
twelve legends. From beginning to end they sing the praises of the Oghuz people, their nomadic way
of life, their customs, and their values. As with other heroic literature, these stories are action-
centered, most of them revolving around hunting expeditions, battles with the infidels and among the
Oghuz themselves, pursuit, captivity, escape, and revenge. The twelve units share the same cast of
characters, one of whom is the author himself, Dede Korkut. Strange and incredible when we first
approach it, the world of this epic is thus so convincingly rendered that our disbelief is gradually
suspended for a poetic faith in its reality.

General Overview:

Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Turkish remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of largely one-party rule, an experiment with multi-party politics led to the 1950 election victory of the opposition Democratic Party and the peaceful transfer of power. Since then, Turkish political parties have multiplied, but democracy has been fractured by periods of instability and intermittent military coups (1960, 1971, 1980), which in each case eventually resulted in a return of political power to civilians. In 1997, the military again helped engineer the ouster - popularly dubbed a "post-modern coup" - of the then Islamic-oriented government. Turkey intervened militarily on Cyprus in 1974 to prevent a Greek takeover of the island and has since acted as patron state to the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," which only Turkey recognizes. A separatist insurgency begun in 1984 by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - now known as the People's Congress of Kurdistan or Kongra-Gel (KGK) - has dominated the Turkish military's attention and claimed more than 30,000 lives, but since the capture of the group's leader in 1999, the insurgents have withdrawn from Turkey, mainly to northern Iraq. Turkey joined the UN in 1945 and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. In 1964, Turkey became an associate member of the European Community and is currently undertaking substantial legal and economic reforms in pursuit of full membership in the European Union.

Economic Overview:

Turkey's dynamic economy is a complex mix of modern industry and commerce along with a traditional agriculture sector that in 2001 still accounted for 40% of employment. It has a strong and rapidly growing private sector, yet the state still plays a major role in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication. The most important industry - and largest exporter - is textiles and clothing, which is almost entirely in private hands. In recent years the economic situation has been marked by erratic economic growth and serious imbalances. Real GNP growth has exceeded 6% in many years, but this strong expansion has been interrupted by sharp declines in output in 1994, 1999, and 2001. Meanwhile, the public sector fiscal deficit has regularly exceeded 10% of GDP - due in large part to the huge burden of interest payments, which accounted for more than 40% of central government spending in 2003. Inflation, in recent years in the high double-digit range, fell to 11.3% in 2004. Perhaps because of these problems, foreign direct investment in Turkey remains low - less than $1 billion annually. Results in 2002-04 improved, because of strong financial support from the IMF and tighter fiscal policy. A major political and economic issue over the next decade is whether or not Turkey will become a member of the EU. Strategic location controlling the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas; Mount Ararat, the legendary landing place of Noah's Ark, is in the far eastern portion of the country.

International Disputes:

Complex maritime, air, and territorial disputes with Greece in the Aegean Sea; Cyprus question remains with Greece; Syria and Iraq protest Turkish hydrological projects to control upper Euphrates waters; Turkey has expressed concern over the status of Kurds in Iraq; border with Armenia remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh.

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