Turkey Travel Guide

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The national monetary unit is the New Turkish Lira (TL). The coinage is in 1,  5, 10, 25, 50 kurus, 1 lira. Bank notes are 5, 10, 20, 50 , 100, 200 TL. 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.

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 )

Most Turkish 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 free, 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 General Directorate of Antiquities and museums. In Ankara most museums are closed on the first day of religious holidays.

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; 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.