» General Information
"Turkey has exoticism to spare, with its covered bazaars, whirling dervishes, sultans' treasures and Byzantine mosaics. And it has natural beauty in abundance, with great stretches of sandy beaches and romantic rocky coves. Travelers will find Turks to be exceptionally gracious hosts, which makes sense given the country's place as a crossroads between Europe and Asia for thousands of years. Over the past two decades, the country has dramatically improved its tourist infrastructure, too.
This appealing mix does have a few drawbacks -- increasing prices (though it's still an inexpensive place to travel); sprawling new development; and growing crowds -- but they're hardly enough to spoil a visit. Our advice is to take your time in discovering the country. It's best experienced in leisurely excursions to places of remarkable history and beauty (such as Cappadocia and Ephesus) and in extended visits to fascinating and energetic cities (such as Istanbul)." (from the Yahoo Travel)
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Turkey Highlights
Beaches, historical sites, museums, shopping, palaces, mosques, architecture, good food, spas, beautiful and varied scenery and water sports are Turkey's foremost attractions.
Turkey will appeal to adventurous, well-traveled people who enjoy the combination of exotic cities, beautiful beaches and historical attractions. Standards in accommodations have increased dramatically in the past few years, although travelers who seek every Western comfort and a high degree of predictability and organization will get nearer their goal if they confine their trips to major cities and tourist resorts.
Yachting, Undervater diving, rafting, windsurfing, fishing, golf, air sports, spelunking, hunting, winter sports, International Ski Tournaments, mountaineering, trekking/hiking, thermal Resorts, horseback riding, plateau hiking, ornithology, national parks, wine tasting.........
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Geograpy
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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 Canakkale Bogazi (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, such as Lake Van, are as large as inland seas. 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 coastal plain along the coast. 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 civilization" and by travelling 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 it 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 67.8 million, 40% of whom live in the countryside. The major cities are Istanbul, Ankara (the capital), Izmir, Adana, Antalya and Bursa.
Language
The Turkish language belongs to the Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity with the Finno-Hungarian languages. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and is spoken by at least 150 million people around the world.
If you want to take Turkish lessons you can contact:
Turkce Ogretim Merkezi (Turkish Learning Center) Ziya Gokalp Cad., No: 18/1, Kizilay -Ankara,
Tel : (312) 435 84 05 - 435 05 14, Fax : (312) 435 97 86
www.tomer.ankara.edu.tr
Religion
Although Turkey is 99% Muslim, it is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.
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Travelling in Turkey & Transportation
By Air
Turkish Airlines (THY) provides an important network of domestic flights from the International airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all of the major Turkish cities.
For timetables, prices and reductions, enquiries can be made at THY agencie.
There are bus connections to and from airports and city terminals.
By Sea
Turkish Maritime Lines has several coastal services providing excellent opportunity for sightseeing. They leave Istanbul from the Galata Bridge (Karakoy side), Sirkeci and Eminonu. It is advisable to make early reservations for tourist cruises. There are also organized tours on both sides of the Bosphorus.
| Ferry Services |
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a) Eskihisar - Topcular
b) Canakkale - Eceabat
c) Lapseki-Gelibolu
d) Canakkale-Gokgeada
e) Yukyeri - Bozcaada |
f) Kabatepe - Gokceada
g) Istanbul - Izmir (After May)
h) Ezine-Bozcaada
i) Istanbul - Sinop - Samsun - Ordu - Giresun - Trabzon - Rize (1 June - 31 August)
j) Yalova - Yenikapi |
| Seabus Services |
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a) Bostanci-Kabatas
b) Bostanci - Kartal
c) Bostanci - Karakoy
d) Bostanci - Buyukada Island
e) Bostanci - Yenikapi
f) Bostanci - Bakirkoy |
g) Kadikoy - Bakirkoy
n) Kadikoy - Eminonu
i) Kartal - Yalova
j) Buyukada Island - Kabutas (Only in summer)
k) Bostanci - Yenikapi - Marmara - Avsa (Only in Summer)
1) Istanbul - Mudanya
m) Istanbul - Bandirma |
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Passenger Services
a) Bogazici
b) Karakoy (European side) - Haydarpasa (Asian side)
c) Karakoy (European side) - Kadikoy (Asian side)
d) Sirkeci - Kabatas - lstanbul Islands - Yalova-Cinarcik - Haydarpasa (Asian side) |
Marmara Passenger Services
a) Istanbul - Marmara - Avsa - Karabiga
b) Avsa - Marmara and Erdek |
Lake Van Transport:
The Akdamar Island boats have daily services during the tourist season. There is also the train ferry across Lake Van from Tatvan to Van, continuing to Iran.
By Rail
The extensive network of the Turkish State Railways connects to most major cities, The trains have couchettes, sleeping cars, restaurants, and lounge cars offering first and second class service.
In the Aegean region, it is possible for groups to charter a steam train, which has all the amenities for trips with a route of your choice that allows you a more relaxed way of travelling through this beautiful region. Train charters are also available all areas of Turkey for large groups. Turkey is included in Balkan Flexipass Programm of Euro-Rail.
By Road
Road Network: Turkey has an extensive network of well maintained roads linking its towns, cities, and popular tourist areas. When arriving from Europe, the Bosphorus crossing to Asia has been greatly facilitated by the completion of the Istanbul bypass and the two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul - Ankara Expressway. The E80 and E90 are the two main roads leading to Turkey from European borders; they also connect the Iranian and Iraqi borders. These expressways have been constructed according to Asian and Middle Eastern international road network standards.
Road Signs: Turkish road signs conform to the International Protocol on Road Signs. Archeological and historical sites are indicated by yellow signs.
Traffic circulation: Traffic circulates on the right and the Turkish Highway Code is similar to those of European countries. Outside cities, traffic moves freely, the tstanbul - Ankara highway being the only one on which traffic is heavy. There is a 50 km/h speed limit in urban centers and a 90 km/h limit outside urban centers.
Petrol: Filling stations are well distributed over all roads, and those on the main highways often have service stations with restaurants, and are open round the clock. Unleaded fuel is available at most stations.
Repairs: There are numerous repair garages in towns (grouped along special streets) and along principal highways. Spare parts are readily available. Turkish mechanics are well trained in the repair of both Turkish and foreign cars.
In addition, assistance can be received from the Touring and Automobile Club
Rent-a-car services: There are many rent-a-car services in Turkey. Additional information and prices can be obtained from local Tourist Information Offices or travel agents.
Inter-city coaches: Many private companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Coaches depart from the bus station (otogar) in large towns, and from the center of town in smaller cities.
Taxis and dolmus.: Taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities and are recognizable by their yellow color. The fare shown on the meter reads according to distance travelled.
The "dolmus," a special service found only in Turkey, is a collective taxi which follows specific routes. It may be a car or a minibus. Each passenger pays according to distance travelled and can get off at specific or requested stops. In order to get off, the passenger need only say, "Inecek var." The relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The "dolmus." provides a service within large cities, to suburbs, airports, and often to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means of transportation and much cheaper than a taxi.
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