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TURKEY
Turkey is located on the border of Europe and Asia, forming a bridge between
the two continents and Istanbul, which is the biggest city of the country,
having the title of being the only city in the whole world that is established
on two continents, lies gracefully on the beautiful Bosphorus strait.
Turkey covers an area of over 800.000 sq. kilometres, is surrounded by four
seas (the Mediterranean on the south, the Aegean Sea on the west, the Marmara
Sea on the northwest and the Black Sea on the north), with seashores stretching
for over 8000 kilometres.
Turkish nature offers variety with palm beaches and snowy mountains, rivers,
lakes, dams and steppe, mountains and plains.
History on Turkish soil begins before millennia. The land has been the birth
place of many cultures which still have their presence there today. Two
of the Seven Wonders of the World are in Turkey: the Artemis Temple in Efes
and the Halikarnassos Mausoleum in Bodrum. In Alanya you can swim in the
same waters as once Cleopatra swan and have your rest on the same beach
as her. Mount Ararat where Noah's arch stopped according to legend is in
eastern Turkey and again legend has it that St. Nicholas lived in Demre.
Turkey offers modern hotels and first class restaurants, and nightclubs
which are open almost throughout the night. Delicious cuisine, friendly
people, numerous activities, good service and reasonable prices make holidays
in Turkey just perfect. Turkey is not any further than other popular Mediterranean
destinations, only 3.5 hours flight from London.
Did you know that Turkey has 300 sunny days a year and Mediterranean beaches
of over 1500 kilometres?
Did you know that Turkey was once hosted Efes, Troy and Virgin Mary and
still holds their homes?
Did you know that Turkey has a unique nature, like the travertines in Pamukkale
or the fairy chimneys in Göreme?
| Population |
65
million |
| Area |
814.578
sq. km |
| President |
Ahmet
Necdet Sezer |
| Capital |
Ankara |
| Other
cities |
Istanbul,
Izmir, Bursa, Konya, Adana, Antalya |
| Religions |
Islam
(99%) |
| Languages
|
Turkish |
| Population
growth |
15.0 (1000 inhabitants) |
| Average
life expectation |
69.1
(1999) |
| GDP/capita |
2.878
USD (1999) |
| GDP/industry |
Services
61.7%, industry 23.2%, and agriculture 15.0% (1999) |
| Time |
+2
hrs (GMT) Currency Turkish Lira |
TRAVELLING
TO TURKEY
Major tour operators arrange 1 or 2 weeks package tours to Turkey, mainly
from April to October, but short city breaks or tailor made tours are also
available throughout the year.
Turkey has 14 international airports and there are several scheduled flights
daily from Europe to these airports. Turkish Airlines has direct flights
from many European capitals to Istanbul. They fly from Manchester and from
London in the UK.
Train journey takes about 3 days from London to Istanbul. Istanbul Express
also has daily trains from Munich, Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria to Istanbul
and there is a daily train from Athens to Istanbul. Most of the European
capitals as well as Syria, Georgia and Iran have good coach connections
to Turkey. In many cases coaches are faster than train.
You can drive to Turkey through Europe. Turkish Maritime Lines ferries sail
from Venice to Izmir and from Brindisi to Cesme. Private ferries sail between
the Greek Islands and Turkey during the summer season.
Visa regulations
British passport holders require entry visas to enter Turkey. They can obtain
three month multiple entry sticker type visas at the port of entry into
Turkey. They can alternatively apply in person with the required documentation
to the Consulate General in London. Passports must be valid for at least
three months as of the day of entry into Turkey and should also be valid
on departure. For more information please contact the Consulate General
of Turkey in London. Visa information: www.turkconsulate-london.com
Travel Insurance Policies can be taken out via the travel agencies arranging
your holiday or independently. Insurance companies have contracts with local
medical doctors and clinics.
Customs regulations
The following goods can be taken into Turkey without customs duties: 1 video
camera and 5 cassettes 1 TV, radio, cassette player and CD player 1 portable
computer and 1 typewriter 1 mobile phone, binoculars 3 different musical
instruments Personal sports equipment 200 cigarettes and 5 litres wine or
spirits
Currency
There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought
into the country, but not more than worth USD 5.000 of Turkish Lira may
be brought into or taken out of the country. Outside the tourist areas Euro
may not be well known, if you travel there it may be advisable to take US
dollars with you. Exchange rates: www.tcmb.gov.tr/kurlar/today
Electricity
Electricity in Turkey is 220V and continental plugs are used, so it is advisable
to have a plug adaptor in order to be able to us British electrical appliances
(hair dryer, mobile charger, etc.).
Mobile phones
Mobile phones work well in Turkey. Short interferences may however occur.
Using a UK network mobile phone to make calls is quite expensive, but text
messages work well and are not as expensive.
Climate and clothing
On the Mediterranean coast summers are long and sunny and winters are short
and mild. From the end of April to November you can use summer clothing.
In wintertime you need a raincoat and something warm.
If you travel to the mountains, warm clothing may be necessary because nights
might be cold. In eastern Turkey and on the Black Sea region warm clothing
may be necessary. A raincoat is necessary on the Black Sea region also in
summer season.
You should not go outside the beach in swimming suit and never enter a Mosque
shoes on. Women need to cover their heads and hair with a scarf when entering
a mosque or a cemetery, as it may be considered as inconsiderate or rude.
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