ABOUT TURKEY

Geographical and Political Location

The Republic of Turkey is a Eurasian country with both Eastern and Western traits. It spans two continents, Europe and Asia. It is surrounded from three sides by the Black, Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Turkey borders 8 countries: Georgia, Armenia, Nakhichevan and Iran to the east, Bulgaria and Greece to the west and Iraq and Syria to the south. Due to its location, Turkey has been, throughout history, a center for major trade and migration routes.

Turkey is a democratic secular constitutional republic. Its political system was established in 1923. Turkey is a founding member of the United Nations (UN) and Black Sea Economic Cooperation. It is also a member state of the NATO, OSCE, OECD, OIC and the Council of Europe. In October 2005, the European Union opened accession negotiations with Ankara. Turkey plays an active role in developing multilateral economic cooperation between Islamic countries.

General Information

Currency Exchange

Cash can usually be exchanged commission free in bureaux de change, banks or hotels. Traveller’s cheques can only be exchanged in banks with a passport. Travelers planning to exchange currency back before leaving Turkey, or making a major purchase which may need to be declared to customs, must retain transaction receipts to prove that the currency was legally exchanged.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. ATMs are available in most areas.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller’s cheques can only be exchanged in banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 08:30-12:00 and 13:30-17:00. Some banks in tourist areas and large cities are open daily.

Language:
Turkish is the language of 90 % of the population of Turkey. The Caucasian and Kurdish dialects, Greek, Ladino and Armenian are among the other 70 languages and dialects spoken in the country.

Religion:
Almost 99% of the population of Turkey are Muslims. The remaining 1% composed of Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Protestant and other denominations. Turkey is a secular state, which guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.

Social Conventions:
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs. Informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside.

The Climate:
Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape, and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts cause significant differences in climatic conditions between regions. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Tipping:
A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills.

Nightlife:
Istanbul has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of theaters, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. Turkish baths (hamam) are very popular.

Shopping:
Istanbul's Kapali Carsi (Covered Bazaar): Jewelry, antiques, carpets, silver and copper souvenirs, leather and suede garments, woodcarvings with mother or pearl are available in this bazaar. Istanbul is also a modern center for shopping. Some of the most distinguished shopping malls in Istanbul are the Akmerkez, Atakoy Galleria, the Capitol, the Carousel, and Carrefoursa, Profilo, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Nisantasi Street and Bagdat Street.

Shopping hours:
Daily 0930-1900 in tourist areas. Closing hours vary, with some shops staying open until midnight. Outside tourist areas shops may close at lunchtime and on Sundays. Istanbul covered market: Mon-Sat 08:00-19:00 (closed Sunday).

Tourism and Travel:

Stretching out on two continents, Turkey is a paradise where one can experience the four seasons simultaneously... Whether be fond of art, history, archeology or nature, you will feel the happiness beyond desires and hopes during your stay in Turkey

Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of a shinning sea at four directions, Turkey generously offers her 8000km long shores before your eyes. Turkey is rich in flora and fauna.

Because of its geographical location, the mainland, Anatolia, has witnessed the mass migration of diverse peoples shaping the course of history. Twenty fascinating civilizations render Turkey the heir of 10.000 years old history, which has still been examined for further ancient secrets to be brought up into daylight. These lands inhales at any moment the mystery of the past through the existence of the statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theaters, agoras, churches, mosques, medresseh, palaces and caravanserais. Becoming a united whole of daily life and all other values, Turkey forms ideal circumstances.

Top Things to See During Your Stay in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city of synthesis, which in atmosphere of tolerance unites culture, art and religion of the East and West, at the crossing of two separate continents. It is the meeting point of Europe and Asia…

Mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, city walls, museums, park, seaside mansions and the Bosphorous with its mesmerizing beauty are associated with Istanbul, the queen of cities.

Amongst hundreds of fascinating sights, the main attractions include Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Sultans is located on a hill dominating the Bosphorus, the Marmara Sea and the Golden Horn, The Sultan Ahmet Mosque with its six minarets is the Symbol of Istanbul; The Sülemaniye Mosque, which is also one of the most magnificent examples of architecture; the vast dome of Ayasofya and the Yerebatan Cistern, with its 336 columns, constructed by the Byzantines in the 6th century to meet water need of the city, is also worth seeing.

Istanbul is also among the prominent cultural center in the world with is various music and cinema festival, theaters, operas, ballets, concerts, international symposiums, conferences and competitions.

The city, which also has an improved potential for yacht tourism, is an international yachting center.

Visa Information:

The Turkish application requirements are (a) Valid passport (b) One recent passport-size photo (c) Application form (d) Latest bank statement and photocopy (e) Fee (varies for different nationals) (f) Sufficient funds (exact amount required varies according to nationality).

Note: Application requirements may vary according to nationality and type of visa sought.
Visas must be obtained from a Turkish Consulate, generally the one nearest your place of residence.