About Turkey
About Country Cheat Sheet
Turkey is subdivided into 81 provinces.
Total: 2,816 km, Border Countries: Armenia 311 km, Azerbaijan 17 km, Bulgaria 223 km, Georgia 273 km, Greece 192 km, Iran 534 km, Iraq 367 km, Syria 899 km
About Turkey
Turkey is a nation that mounts Asia and Europe,
endowed with dazzling scenery that never fails to impress its visitors.
From the abandoned monasteries, minaret filled skyline of Istanbul,
ancient cities to popular turkey attractions, it is bound to have many
visitors dazzled. Istanbul is Turkey’s most important
city. Over the centuries, Istanbul’s is important places have attracted
many marauding armies from Greece, Rome and Venice before the Ottoman
Empire took over.
Turkey Geography
Turkey lies partly in Asia and Europe, and it is land area is greater
and larger than Europe. Turkey is bounded on the north by the Black Sea,
on the northeast by Georgia and Armenia, on the east by Azerbaijan and
Iran, on the southeast by Iraq and Syria, on the southwest and west by
the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, and on the northwest by Greece
and Bulgaria. The capital is Ankara, and its largest city and seaport
is Istanbul.
Turkey Climate and Weather
On the Coastal areas of turkey, it has hot and dry summers and mild to
cool in the winters. As for the areas bordering the Black Sea, it has an
Oceanic climate. Overall, in the summers, Turkey is about 23°C and -2°C
in winter. Rainfall is low always in Turkey. In the winter time, there
is heavy snowfall.
Turkey History
The History of Turkey includes both eastern Thrace and Anatolia. The
name Turkey is derived from Middle Latin Turchia, known as “Land of the Turks.”
Since the 1920s, Turkey’s history has spanned over the history of
Selijuk Empire, to the Ottoman Empire and the history of the Republic of
Turkey.
Turkey Culture and Traditions
The culture of Turkey has been derived from various cultures of the
Central Asian region and Eastern Mediterranean to Eastern European right
up to the Caucasian traditions. The northeastern coast has Turkish and
Georgian culture, the western coast has Kurdish and Arabic while the
western coast has European traditions.
Turkey Food & Cuisine
The Turkish cuisine contains the elements of Middle
Eastern, Central Asian, Balkan and Eastern European cuisines. Some of
the popular food is Kebabs, Mezes, Keskek, Manti and Gozleme. Their food
has a lot of herbs, vegetables and fish. And, the major type of oil
used for cooking in Turkey is Olive Oil.
Turkey Facts:
• Turkey has one of the oldest and biggest bazaars in the world
• Santa Claus is supposed to be from Turkey
• Tulips came from Turkey
• Continents can be cross from underground
• Important sites of Christianity is found here
• Half of the country’s population is under 30 years of age
• Turkey has the highest consumption of tea
• Agriculture began in Turkey
• Trojan War took place in Turkey
• The first church was built in Turkey
• The oldest known human settlement is in Turkey
• Noah’s Ark landed in Eastern Turkey
• The last sweet and sour desert found in Noah’s Ark is stilled found in Turkey
• The concept of writing was first used in ancient Anatolia
• Anatolia is the birthplace of historical legends such as King Midas, Homer, St. Paul and Herodotus
Tourism
Turkey Tourism
Turkey has become a popular destination for culture, historical sites, spa and health care. Turkey is ranked the 6th most popular destination in the world. Istanbul is one of the most popular tourism spots in Turkey
and in the world. It has a number of attractions which includes the
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the "Blue Mosque"), the Topkapı Palace, the Hagia
Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, the Dolmabahçe Palace,
the Spice Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar and the Pera Palace Hotel. There are
also major resort towns including Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Çeşme,
Kuşadası, Didim and Alanya.
Istanbul Tourism
Istanbul's location has attracted many raiding armed
forces throughout the hundreds of years. The Greeks, Romans and
Venetians took turns before the Ottomans raged into town and chose to
remain in the city. The way that the city straddles two landmasses
wasn't it’s just draw card - it was the last stage on the incredible Silk Road connecting Asia with Europe.
The main reason for the tourist's attractions is local people, who have
an irresistible love of life and liberality of soul. Istanbul is
Turkey’s metropolitan city, and thus it attracts so many tourists from
all over the world. It a perfect place for both vacationers and visiting
professionals.
Different Types of Tourism in Turkey
1. Historical Tourism in Turkey
The history of Turkey was formed by the cities of
Byzantium and Constantinople. And, even the present-day Istanbul is now a
hub of cultural, financial and real estate trends as well as a home to
many historic landmarks. Some of the country’s famous historical sites are Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Rumelihisarı and many others.
2. Culture Tourism in Turkey
Istanbul is rich in cultural heritage
as it has a deep-rooted history of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman
capital. Over the years, Istanbul has been developing its cultural offer
and in 2012, it became the Capital of Culture with new museums included like the Prayer Beads Museum and Hilye-i-Serif. Two of the most important sites in Istanbul are The Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace. But there are also other places to see the cultural heritage of Turkey.
3. Sea & Nature Tourism in Turkey
Istanbul‘s greatest natural wonder runs throughout the
city, and the Bosphorus Strait plays an important role in the sea. The
Turkish turquoise coast is a paradise for natural activities where you
can sail the seas, the beautiful coastline and lovely islands. The
seaside and wealth of Turkey have made nautical tourism in Turkey
very popular. Along with sea tourism, it also has many natural beauties
to visit and explore such as Polonezkoy Nature Park, Samlar Nature
Park, Avcikoru Nature Park, Buyukada Nature Park, and many others.
4. Honeymoon Tourism in Turkey
Honeymoon equals romance in Istanbul as it waits passionately with cool
temperature, natural and aquatic beauty surrounding the city. Turkey is
loved by all the notable romances in the world such as Helen &
Paris, Antony & Cleopatra. Couples who have spent their honeymoon in
turkey has been swept off by the immense history, fascinating culture
and gorgeous scenery of the country by places such as Buyukada Island,
Mount Nemrut, Assos, Şirince and many others.
5. MICE in Turkey
Turkey’s rich culture, heritage, sights and sounds make it an ideal M.I.C.E destination.
From the bustling cities, historic sites right up to the countryside,
Turkey completely provides an unparallel spot for a business meeting. Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey that gives business people a perfect place to hold meetings with a blend of culture, tradition, nature, climate and warm Turkish hospitality.
Turkey thermal resource is well known in the world and it's on the
number one list in Europe. Boasting healing mud, hot springs and
therapeutic waters will give you rejuvenating holiday. Relax and with
specialised spa treatments like hot stone therapy, Shiatsu massage and
the traditional Turkish hammam. It’s where you can restore your body and
heal your mind and soul.
6. Culinary Tourism in Turkey
Turkish cuisine varies across the country as it has a
fusion of Middle Eastern Central Asian, Balkan and Eastern Europe
countries. Some area in Turkey such as Bursa, Istanbul, and Izmir has
many elements of Ottoman cuisine which includes fish, dolmans,
vegetables and eggplant. The southeast is famous for mezes, kebabs and
desserts. One of the country’s main specialities is called Urfa kebab
which is a meat-based kebab.
7. Casinos/Clubs/Nightlife in Turkey
The city of Istanbul, Turkey never sleeps as it stays alive with clubs,
electric bars and restaurants. The locals love the nightlife and they
part pretty hard and hog on to the delicacies way too often. If you want
to explore Casinos/Clubs/Nightlife in Istanbul, visit Reina, Sortie,
Supperclub, Club 29, X-Large, Anjelique, Exotic Bars, Galata Bridge,
Meyhane, Taste the Local Delicacies and Cruise Across. You will come
across lavish parties, live shows, lighting parties and many others.
8. Winter Tourism in Turkey
Turkey winter tours are the most ideal as there are
less crowd and tourist traps. Winter gives a different beauty to Turkey,
and cities like Cappadocia, Istanbul and Izmir are best to visit during
winter. Turkey rates in winter are a lot cheaper since winter is
usually an off-season. The mountains are sparkled and covered with snow
and there are an array of resorts that provides skiing activities such
as Uludag, Kartepe, Palandoken and many more!
Travel Guide
Turkey Tour and Travel Guide
Turkey is a holiday destination for wanderers,
travellers, young, old, foodies, and beach and history lovers. It has so
much of history and its traces are left on the entire monument,
historical places and even its culture and traditions. The Turks are
proud of their country which has diversified history, but their own
custom, tradition and religion. Istanbul is one of the cities so modern
that attracts the young crowd.
1. Accommodation in Turkey
Accommodations in Turkey range from luxurious hotels
to charming inn and to comfortable basic stay. Turkey gets really busy
during peak season (April-October, therefore, it’s always best to plan
all your travels ahead. Though many luxurious hotels is found in and
around the country, however, you will also find standard hotel rooms
with low wooden frame beds, carpeting, good furnishing and hospitality.
2. Restaurants in Turkey
There are a variety of restaurants you will find in Turkey; a small
service charge for a person will cost you a few liras. There are some
restaurants that put no price list on the menu, so it’s best to always
ask for the price before you ordered and avoid the surprise. At any
hotels, you will always be provided with breakfast which consists of
tea, coffee, eggs, milk, bread, cheese etc. You will find the
restaurants are open almost any time of the day or night, but it can be
quite a problem to get a meal at odd hours. If you want to enjoy a good
time at a particular restaurant, you should make a reservation.
3. Transportation in Turkey
By Plane: Turkish Airlines (TK), which flies from
Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Friedrichshafen, Graz, Salzburg and Zürich to
Atatürk International Airport (IST), serving Istanbul and Antalya. There
are also other airlines that offer routes to Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir,
Antalya and Dalaman etc.
By Train: The Balkan Express is the best train to use.
There are also train connections from Cologne and Zurich. Motorail
trains run between different countries.
By Car: You can hit the road if you want to travel by
car or bus to different cities and countries. There are many routes that
will take you too many cities.
4. Shopping in Turkey
Istanbul is the shopping centre in Turkey
offering a variety of traditional and modern products. Shopping lovers
are attracted to the historical bazaars right up to the ultra-modern
shopping mall. Enjoy shopping at Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Sahalfar
bazaar and Egyptian spice bazaar. You will find everything you are
looking for in the streets of Istiklal, Rumeli, Abdi Ipekci,
Sedar-Iekrem, Cukurcuma, Bagdat, Nispetiye and many others.
5. Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Turkey: The climate of Turkey
varies from region to region. In the summer, the weather is dry and
sunny but has a cool and wet winter. May to October is also recommended
as there are cheerless things to do in Turkey. Snowfall is heavy in the
winter’s season making it perfect to try winter sports and see the snow
capped mountains and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Istanbul: As for Istanbul, you can
visit it all year round. Though the seasons to take advantage and enjoy
Istanbul outdoor parks, cruises and cafes is spring and summer during
the month of March to November. The peak season is from June to August.
February is the cheapest month to visit but it can be a little chill and
cold.
6. Turkey Travel Tips
• Get vaccinated (Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus) before travelling to Turkey
• It's always better and safer to carry mineral water
• It is safe to eat food in restaurants
• You can bargain big time in Turkey
• Conservation clothing should be worn while visiting the mosque
• Turkey’s official currency is the Turkish Lira
• Mid-range accommodation would cost $50 per night
• Taxis tend to have a base fare of USD $1
• Wifi is available in many cafes and restaurants
• If you are visiting in winter, the temperature drops to -15 degrees, and it is advisable to carry winter clothing and umbrella.
• Try the savoury dishes like Iskender Kebab and Manti
7. Flight Connections
Istanbul Atatürk Airport is the main airport in Turkey
serving Istanbul. There is other smaller international airport like the
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. A number of airlines fly to and
fro Istanbul to different parts of the world.
Visa Information
Turkey Visa Information
Turkey visas are required for many foreign nationals.
The processing time of the visa depends upon the type of visa you are
applying for such as Tourist or Business visa. It can take up to 12
hours processing time.