Turkey

Trip preparation

Area : 783,562 km ² Population 76,805,524 Official name Republic of Turkey Capital Ankara  

General

Turkey Geographically Turkey is a sort of gravitational centre between the West and the East, a point of junction between continental and peninsular Europe and the immense mass of the Afro-Asian continent. From the dawn of civilization this age-old land has been a sort of symptomatic indicator in the complex delicate mechanism of the precarious states of equilibrium which existed on the shores of the Mediterranean. Tourist literature often uses the terms "land of contrasts" and "Gate to the Orient" when speaking of Turkey, and while these phrases have a measure of truth to them, they are little compared with what the modern state of Turkey really is — an immense container of art, history and culture. Stretching out towards the Mediterranean in the direction of the continental mass of Europe from which it is separated by the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles, modern-day Turkey offers the tourist the picturesqueness of its enchanted shores, the spell and seduction of Istanbul (ancient Constantinople), treasures of art and nature in Cappadocia, the marvels of Pamukkale, the mystery of Nemrut Dağ and the boundless silences of Mount Ararat. What once went by the name of Asia Minor offers an inexhaustible variety of things to see in the fields of art and architecture, ranging from the remains of the ancient Hittite and Urartean civilizations, to the archaeological ruins of the Hellenistic period, the remains of the Roman past, the manifest vestiges of the Christian-Byzantine age, and the manifestations of Seljuk and Ottoman art. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores and in the neighbouring hinterland archaeological sites abound and it is hard to choose between them. The enigmatic ruins of Homer's Troy, the Hellenistic splendor of Pergamum, the marvelous vestiges of Ephesus, and the spectacular allure of Aphrodisias are only the most evident and striking notes in an archaeological context one cannot help but marvel at and admire. This incredible patrimony of art and culture is the stratification of historical events whose roots lie hidden in the mists of time. Inhabited since earliest times, Anatolia witnessed the passage of power from one civilization to another: the Hittites (18th-13th cent. B.C.), the Phrygians, the Lydians. While the Greek colonies were establishing their first settlements on the Aegean coast, the Persians were gaining control of the entire region (6th-5th cent. B.C.). In the second half of the 4th century B.C. Alexander the Great's expedition was a prelude to the advent of the Hellenistic kingdoms which were later assimilated by the Roman empire (1st cent. A.D.). From 324 A.D. on, with the elevation of Constantinople to the rank of imperial capital, what is now Istanbul lived one of its periods of greatest splendor. The Byzantine empire gave way to the Seljuk Turks who were in turn replaced by the Ottoman Turks (15th cent.) until their vast empire disintegrated (18th-19th cent.). After a long period of conflicts on a European scale, during which the country was also occupied by foreign powers, the proclamation of the Republic (Oct. 29, 1923), thanks to Atatürk, marked the real beginnings of modern Turkey.

Language

Turkish, but English and German is spoken in most tourist areas.

Currency

Turkish Lira

Electricity

230 Volt / 50Hz

Best travel time

Continental climate in eastern and central Anatolia, with hot summers and cold winters. Along the Mediterranean coast the country has a Mediterranean climate. The southeast of the country except the mountains in the far south is mostly dry and in some places covered in desert.

Visa requirements

Travellers from the EU require a passport to enter Turkey. A visa is also required but can be purchased on arrival or online at a cost of €15.

Traditions and Culture

The Turks are very positive about life. Always smiling and willing to help. If you ask a Turk for directions and he does not know, he will be able to call a friend who does know. For Turks nothing is impossible, every problem can be solved, but not always directly. Turkey is an ideal place to relax with families and children.

Religion

99% of the Turkish population is Muslim. Modern Turkey is now mostly secular, but most Turks still follow the five basic pillars of Islam. The main beliefs of Islam are that there is one God and Muhammad is his Prophet, to pray 5 times a day, giving to charity, fasting during Ramadan, and to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in their lifetime. Turkish Islam has become more liberal. Although restaurants are still closed during Ramadan. Ramadan is also a quite season generally during the day but at night it comes alive.

By plane

You can find all the important places in and around the airports. Ataturk airport, in the European part of Turkey, is located about 24km outside of the city. The airport was named after the first president of Turkey. The Turkish Rivera has a number of airports near the main tourist destinations, Alanya, Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, all offering international flights. If renting a car, we recommend you pick a well-known provider and check all parts of the car before leaving the company. Noting any marks and scratches is important. The road network in Turkey is in fairly good shape, especially in the more tourist areas.

Experience and enjoy

Turks celebrate Eid (Şeker Bayramı), a festival 70 days after Ramadan. The sugary-day Eid is celebrated immediately at the end of Ramadan. As the name suggests, a lot of sweets are eaten.

Sights

Who hasn’t heard of the famous Turkish rugs? Hand woven, knotted in a sea of colors and beautiful designs. There are 3 types of carpet you can buy. - Silk carpets - Hali (flat weave rugs) - Kalim (knotted pile carpets)

Food

Food is an important part of culture in this country. Turkish cuisine is popular all over Europe. It is traditional to eat lots of small dishes, including ingredients like, herbs, fruits, vegetables and nuts. Sjisj kebab, the flat bread pidet, köftes (grilled meatballs), and warm pastries called börek , are among the things you will find. For dessert, the baklava and Turkish sweet fruit. We recommend that you don’t drink tap water in turkey, but mineral water can be bought easily in local supermarkets or convenience stores. Turkish coffee is strong, and made in a filter pot. Apple or any other flavored tea is also particular popular.