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Do I
need a visa to visit Turkey?
I. Nationals of
the following countries do not require a visa :
A. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 3 Months
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(only passports of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region),
Iceland, Iran, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia,
Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, St. Marino, Singapore, South Korea,
Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus, Uruguay, Vatican
B. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 2 Months :
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia
C. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 1 Month :
Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
D. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 3 Months :
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas,
Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil,
Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada,
Holland, Hong-Kong Special Administrative Region(only passports of
Hong-Kong Special Administrative Region), Iceland, Iran, Israel,
Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico (only diplomatic passports)
Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland,
Portugal (only diplomatic passports), Russia (only diplomatic
passports), St. Lucia, St. Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand,
Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,
Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan (only diplomatic passports), Vatican
E. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 2 Months
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Indonesia, Macedonia, Romania
F. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 1 Month :
Bulgaria (only diplomatic passports), Costa Rica, Estonia (only
diplomatic passports), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia (
only diplomatic passports), Maldives, Moldova, Mongolia, Palestine
(only diplomatic passports), People's Republic of China,
Philippines, South Africa, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Vietnam (only
diplomatic passports), Yemen
II. Ordinary
passport holders of nationals of the following countries may obtain
sticker type visas at the Turkish International border gates to
enter Turkey :
A. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 3 Months
:Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Holland, Ireland,
Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of
America
B. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 2 Months : Albania,
Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
C. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 1 Month :
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Estonia, Greek Cypriot Administration, Hungary,
Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Serbia and
Montenegro, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan .
D. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 15 Days Georgia
III. In other
cases, visas should be obtained from the Turkish Embassy/Consulate
accredited in your country. To find information about Turkish
missions abroad,. Please refer to: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/consular.htm
Is it
safe to travel in Turkey?
Turkey is one of
the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime
rate is low in comparison to many Western European countries.
Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe
for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey
exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of
security concerns that affect all international travelers.
Is it
better to travel independently or go to Turkey as a part of a group
tour?
The best way to
see and experience Turkey depends on one's knowledge, experience,
and personal preferences. Touring is a safe way to experience new
cultures and to see new places with peace of mind. However, some
travelers may prefer to visit sites independently without the
confines of schedules and timetables.
Group tours are
organized through tour operators. Most group tours are
all-inclusive. This means that transportation (air and ground),
hotels, some meals, and a guide are usually provided for a flat-fee.
Guided tours are highly recommended for those with an interest in
history and culture, since tour guides can enhance the traveler's
experience by sharing their in-depth knowledge of the places
visited.
Those who wish
to travel independently can make travel arrangements in advance
through a tour operator. Many tour operators will design customized
individual itineraries in which air transportation, hotel and car
rental reservations and other services are privately arranged to
match the specifications of the client. Some tour operators offer
fly/drive packages as well, in which airfare and rental car services
are provided as a package.
Travelers can
also make their own hotel and rental car reservations. The hotel
guide web site http://www.istanbullife.org
comprehensively lists accommodation facilities throughout
Turkey. Visitors may also choose to use the services of local travel
agencies in Turkey. These agencies can arrange car and driver
mini-tours, which are very popular in many areas, including
Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Turkey is a
country of diverse scenery, climate and historical monuments, so
travelers are sometimes overwhelmed by the number of places to
visit. For assistance in planning your trip or any inquiries
relating to your trip consult Turkish Tourism Information Offices
throughout Turkey. Their addresses are listed in alphabetical order
on the Turkish Ministry of Tourism's web site at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
When is
the best time to travel in Turkey?
The high season
for travel in Turkey generally runs between mid-April and
late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler
and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many visitors enjoy the
spring and fall, with their mild weather and small crowds.
Coastal regions
are particularly popular with tourists during the summer. These
include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with
beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between
Izmir and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby
ancient cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of
international-quality marinas provide services for the yachtsman.
For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, surfing and
diving are available.
Turkey also
enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal for canoeing, skiing
and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in mountain ranges
throughout Turkey in spring and summer.
The high
plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea Region are covered by colorful
flowers and green pasture during spring and summer. Naturalists will
enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora as well as the heart-stopping
splendor of the surrounding landscape.
Central and
Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of snow, and snow
skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several ski centers,
which are generally open from December through April depending on
snow conditions.
What are
the Average Air and Water Temperatures for Turkey's major cities?
The web site of
the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological Service,
http://www.meteor.gov.tr/, gives
current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather
forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for the holiday resorts of
Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.
What is
the best way to travel to Turkey from the U.S.?
Most foreign
visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul or aboard
cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul, Kusadasi, and
Izmir. Visitors may also arrive in Turkey by land at border
crossings from neighboring countries. There are also ferry
connections from several Greek islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
By Air: Turkish
Airlines offers more than 80 destinations throughout the world. Info
concerning Turkish Airlines can be obtained at
http://turkishairlines.com.
By Sea: Many
cruise ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean dock in Turkey.
Cruise ships arrive at customs entry points where it is easy to
obtain a visa and satisfy entry requirements. Major ports are
Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Antalya.
Passenger and
automobile ferries between Turkey and neighboring countries also
provide entry by sea.
Ferry Lines
between Turkey and the Greek Islands run between Marmaris - Rhodes,
Bodrum - Cos, Kusadasi - Samos, Cesme - Chios and Ayvalik - Lesbos.
These ferries run regularly from April through October, and operate
on a reduced schedule in winter. Ferry schedules can be found at http://www.tourismturkey.org/
in the facts for visitors section.
Turkish Maritime
lines operates passenger ferries between Turkey and Italy
(Cesme-Brindisi) and between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (Mersin-Magosa). Ferry schedules can be found on
their web site at http://www.tdi.com.tr/
.
There are also
ferry services from Trabzon on Turkey's Eastern Black Sea Coast to
Sochi and from Istanbul to Novosibirsk, both on Russia's Black Sea
Coast. Ferry services also operate between Istanbul and various
Ukrainian ports including Odessa, Yalta, Sevastopol and Yevpatorya.
By Land: Turkey
has many border crossings with its neighbors. Varan Bus Company
operates regular bus services between Istanbul-Athens and
Istanbul-Vienna. Schedules and fares can be found on their web site
at http://www.varan.com.tr/ .
In addition, Istanbul can be reached by train directly from and via
some of Europe's major cities.
What are
the most popular travel destinations in Turkey?
From the perfect
beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to the pulse of its
cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts. Visitors can
lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a
world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their
journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Whatever your
fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey. Istanbul,
the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most
travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two
continents and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for
visitors. Some of Istanbul's most popular sites include the
Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace,
Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern,
Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands and the
Grand Bazaar.
From Canakkale
Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the fairytale Crusader
castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean shores of Turkey are
among the loveliest landscapes in Turkey. The highlights of an
Aegean tour are Troy, the site of the legendary Trojan War and its
wooden horse; ancient Pergamon, once a great center of culture and
now one of Turkey's finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital
of Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the goddess Artemis whose temple
was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Aphrodisias, the
center of the greatest school of sculpture in antiquity; Pamukkale,
a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcified castles; and
Bodrum, a charming coastal town with a long, palm-lined waterfront
and beautiful beaches.
Antalya province
on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey's principal holiday region. It
is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports. Best of all,
Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby archeological
attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in a remarkable state of
preservation at Aspendos and Perge and visitors can tour the sunken
city of Simena in Kekova. Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as
Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Myra and Apollonia are also within easy
traveling distance. These are among the most fascinating sites on
the Anatolian Peninsula.
Cappadocia in
Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic landscapes in the
world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
Other popular
destinations include Safranbolu in the Black Sea Region, an open-air
museum of traditional Turkish houses; Mount Nemrut in southeastern
Turkey, where enormous stone statues of deities commemorate the
first century BC Commagene Kingdom. Konya in Central Anatolia was
home to the great Islamic philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi who in
the 13th century founded the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling
Dervishes. Each year in early December, the white-robed Mevlevi
commemorate the death of Mevlana with their trance-like turning
dance or sema - an amazing sight to behold.
What
attractions does Turkey offer related to religious history and
issues of faith?
History has been
incredibly generous to Turkey, which has been vital in the history
of the three major monotheist religions -- Christianity, Judaism,
and Islam. Turkey is one of a few countries where all three
religions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. There are a many
important sites in Turkey of interest to people of all faiths.
Islam
Visitors to Turkey are often touched by the call to prayer from
lofty minarets. The call is heard five times a day, inviting the
faithful to face towards Mecca and pray from the Koran. Although
Turkey is a secular democracy which guarantees freedom of religion
for all people, Islam is the country's predominant religion. People
of all faiths may visit Turkey's mosques.
Islam's roots in
Turkey date to the 10th Century. In the ensuing centuries Seljuk and
Ottoman Turks constructed impressive mosques with elegant interior
decorations and imposing domes and minarets. Virtually every Turkish
city has a mosque of historical or architectural significance.
Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul stands as perhaps the most
impressive. Built between 1609 and 1616 in the classic Ottoman
style, the building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque
because of its magnificent interior paneling of blue and white Iznik
tiles. The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest in Istanbul. It was
built between 1550 and 1557by Suleyman the Magnificent, the greatest
sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Other cities
also have impressive Islamic architecture. The Ulu Cami (Grand
Mosque) with its 20 domes and Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) in Bursa,
was constructed between 1419 and 1420. The mosque derives its name
from the exquisite green and turquoise tiles in its interior. Haci
Bayram Mosque in Ankara was built in the early 15th century in the
Seljuk style and was subsequently restored by the master Ottoman
architect Sinan in the 16th century. Selimiye Mosque in Edirne
reflects the classical Ottoman style and Sinan's lasting genius.
Konya ranks as
one of the great cultural centers of Turkey. As the capital of the
Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries Konya was a center
of cultural, political and religious growth. During this period, the
mystic Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi Order known in the
West as the Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana's striking green-tiled
mausoleum is Konya's most famous attraction. Attached to the
mausoleum, the former dervish seminary now serves as a museum
housing manuscripts of Mevlana's works and various artifacts related
to the mystic sect.
Christianity
More and more people are discovering the important role Turkey
played in the history of Christianity. Travelers can discover many
magnificent churches, some nearly as old as Christianity itself, and
can retrace the footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul from the Biblical
city of Antioch to the underground churches of Cappadocia. Many of
the most important events in Christian history occurred in Turkey.
Born in Tarsus,
the Apostle Paul spread the word of Jesus Christ across Anatolia,
expanding Christianity's reach from a predominantly Jewish base to
Gentile communities.
Not far from
Tarsus on Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean coast is Antakya, known in
biblical times as Antioch. This ancient city was founded around 300
B.C. and was home to the first important Christian community,
founded in 42 AD by St. Paul. Jesus' followers were first called
"Christians" in Antioch and from here Christianity spread
to the world. St. Paul departed from Antioch on his three missionary
journeys. The city holds the Church of St. Peter, a cave-church
where the apostles Peter and Paul are believed to have preached. In
1963, the Vatican designated the site a place of pilgrimage and
recognized it as the world's first cathedral.
The "Seven
Churches of Asia Minor," a series of communities located near
the Aegean coast, is where St. Paul visited, preached and built the
early church. Their ancient names - Ephesus (Efes), Smyrna (Izmir),
Thyatira (Akhisar), Sardis (Sart), Philadelphia (Alasehir), Laodicea
(Eskihisar) and Pergamon (Bergama) are familiar from the New
Testament's Book of Revelation.
Ephesus, perhaps
the most prominent of the Seven Churches, is where St. Paul wrote
his letters to the Ephesians, and where St. John the Evangelist
brought the Virgin Mary to spend her last years. The Vatican
recognizes the Virgin Mary's house, located in the hills near
Ephesus, as a shrine. Just outside Ephesus, in Selcuk, is the
Basilica of St. John where he preached and is believed to be buried.
Many other
regions in Turkey offer a wealth of attractions to the Christian
traveler. St. Nicholas was born and lived in Demre on the
Mediterranean coast. A church dedicated to the original Santa Claus
still stands. Visitors to the biblical area of Cappadocia, located
in Central Anatolia, can explore more than 200 carved rock churches
beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting early Christian
motifs, and a seven-story underground city where Christians took
refuge from their persecutors.
The stunning
Monastery of the Virgin Mary located near the Black Sea in Trabzon
is a well-known monastic center dating to the 4th century. Built on
the edge of a l200 foot cliff and accessible only by foot, it housed
some of the Orthodox Church's greatest thinkers.
Istanbul became
the center of Christianity in 330 AD and it was here that the
largest church in Christendom at the time, Haghia Sophia or the
Church of the Divine Wisdom, was dedicated by Emperor Justinian in
536 AD. The Kariye Museum, a Greek Orthodox Church from the 11th and
14th centuries, is famous for its incomparable Byzantine frescoes
and mosaics.
Judaism
Judaism has had a continuous presence in Turkey since ancient times.
Signs written in Hebrew and menorahs carved into stone at historical
sites such as Ephesus, Kusadasi, Priene, Hieropolis, and Pamukkale
attest to long history of Jews in Turkey. In Sardis, near Izmir, the
remains of the largest ancient synagogue in existence date to the
3rd century AD. Its frescoes and mosaics suggest a large,
well-established and successful Jewish community in Sardis.
According to the
legend of the great flood, Noah's Ark ran aground at Mount Agri
(Ararat). When the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family
descended from the mountain to the fertile Igdir Plain and
repopulated the world.
Jewish
Patriarchs Abraham and Job also made their mark in eastern Turkey.
Sanli Urfa in southeastern Turkey is known as the city of Prophets.
A cave there is said to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. It
has become a place of pilgrimage and is now surrounded by the Halil
Rahman Mosque. The Prophet Job, who was famed for his patience, is
believed to have spent seven years recovering from illness inside
another cave located in the district of Eyyübiye two kilometers
south of Sanli Urfa.
Jews have
enjoyed tolerance and peace in Turkey for centuries. After the
Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal were exiled in 1492 during
the Inquisition, Sultan Beyazit II welcomed them to the Ottoman
Empire. As a result, many Jewish communities still thrive in modern
Turkey.
Istanbul is of
particular significance to Jewish visitors. In the city's old Jewish
Quarter is the 19th century Neve Shalom Synagogue, the Zulfaris
Jewish Museum and nearby, the 15th century Ahrida Synagogue. The
first Jewish printing press began operating in Istanbul in 1493 and
Jewish literature and music flourished during this period.
In Bursa, a
short drive south of Istanbul, visitors will find the Gerus
Synagogue, built at the end of the 15th century by the first Jews
who settled in the city after being expelled from Spain. The name of
the synagogue in Hebrew means, "Expelled". Izmir, located
on the Aegean coast, has several synagogues, including Beth Israel
Synagogue; Bikour Holim Synagogue, named in memory of an epidemic
when city hospitals were so full that synagogues were used to house
the sick, and Giveret Synagogue, rebuilt after an 1841 fire.
How can
I travel in Turkey?
By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish
Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through
Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have domestic and international
terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines' schedules and book
flights at http://www.turkishairlines.com/
By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey.
Private bus companies provide frequent day and night services
between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism Information Offices
usually have bus schedules for their regions; their addresses can be
found at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
by clicking on "Tourism Information."
The major bus
lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee, tea and
snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, http://www.varan.com.tr/
and http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/,
provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.
By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major
cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are available.
Detailed train schedules and prices as well as reservation telephone
numbers and authorized ticket agents are listed on their web site at
http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/ .
Transportation From and To the Airport
Transportation
From and To the Airport
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable alternative to
taxis for transportation from airports to downtown areas or from
downtown areas to airports in Turkey. You can find detailed
information about the schedules at http://www.havas.com.tr/
Where
should I stay in Turkey?
Turkey offers a
wide array of comfortable and modern lodgings to fit any budget.
Larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, offer a range of
international chain hotels, as well as many charming locally run
Turkish properties. Seaside resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean
coasts and other popular tourism destinations abound with hotels,
pensions and holiday villages. Many of the Turkey tour specialists
listed in our guide can make hotel reservations.
The Ministry of
Tourism licenses a number of hotels throughout the country. Rated
from one to five stars, they must meet standards set forth by the
Ministry. Renovated and refurbished Ottoman mansions, 19th century
wooden houses and other historic buildings now operate as special
licensed hotels. The Turkish Tourism Offices can provide a Hotel
Guide that lists numerous hotels licensed by the Ministry of
Tourism. Licensed hotels and other licensed accommodations in any
city in Turkey can also be found at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
See http://www.istanbullife.org
Hotel
Reservation
http://www.istanbullife.org/hotels/index/hotels_in_istanbul.htm
for a
comprehensive list of hotels in all regions of Turkey sorted in
alphabetical order.
How can
I hire a guide?
Guides can be
pre-arranged prior to departure through any of the Turkey tour
specialists, or can easily be hired upon arrival in Turkey. Most
hotels offer concierge services, which can provide reliable guides
to their guests for an affordable fee. The advantage of hiring a
guide through your hotel is that the guide will usually have a long
history of working successfully with the hotel and its previous
guests. However, visitors may also go to any local travel agency in
Turkey and make arrangements on the spot.
Should I
exchange money before I go to Turkey?
The highly
favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable.
Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any
exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from
the Turkish Central Bank web site at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/
. This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to
all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily
exchange rates.
There are ATM
machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and
tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most
merchants.
Are any
vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no
vaccination requirements for any international traveler.
The World Health
Organization web site, http://www.who.org/,
provides vaccination certificate requirements by country,
geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travelers
and information on health risks and their avoidance (click on
"Travelers' Health").
Is it
safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Turkey practices
safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and
regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in
most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors
drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom
and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
What is
a Turkish bath (Hamam)?
Communal baths
were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as the name
"Turkish Bath" suggests, they played a significant role in
Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of cleanliness was not
yet accepted in Europe, the Turks were very fastidious due to
Islam's emphasis on cleanliness. Countless baths were built in the
typical Ottoman architectural style throughout the empire.
Unfortunately, few have survived to the present. Cagaloglu Hamami
and Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with
tourists.
A classic bath
usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a cold
room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's clothes for a
"pestamal" or towel, you then proceed to the "gobek
tasi", a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed
down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, you can
retire to a cooler room. This method of bathing is the most
refreshing.
What to
buy in Turkey and where to buy it?
Shopping is one
of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of
Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying something. Fine
apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry; leather
accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper,
brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans;
and of course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among
the most popular purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping
experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities.
Visit the "What to buy" section at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
to discover shopping opportunities in each province...
Unique regional
handicrafts make shopping that much more enjoyable. Traditional
Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets, ceramics and pottery,
tiles, copper items, woodcarvings, decorative glass, and embroidery
are a major component of Turkish culture. They are a stunning
reflection of Turkey's diverse cultural heritage and thousands of
years of history. For more information on Turkish handicrafts visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/
(click on Culture, then Handicrafts). www.lesartsturcs.org
The Turkish
Ministry of Culture's Revolving Capital Administration (DOSIM)
promotes production of Anatolian handcrafts. DOSIM markets those
products through its 13 Cultural Products Sales Centers located
throughout the country. Please visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/
and click on "DOSIM Shopping" to find out more about
DOSIM and the locations of their Sales Centers.
The Touring and
Automobile Club of Turkey has restored the old Cedid Mehmet Efendi
Medresesi in Sultanahmet and now operates it as the Istanbul
Handicrafts Center. The center's aim is to revive dying crafts and
show visitors how these arts and crafts were performed. Each of its
rooms is devoted to a traditional Turkish craft, such as producing
marbled paper, calligraphy, painting miniatures, making lace,
pinking and embroidering. There is also traditional bookbinding, and
a glass and porcelain atelier.
The Grand
Bazaar, or "Kapalicarsi," in Istanbul is a unique
combination of fantastic merchandise and a memorable shopping
experience. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of some 4,000 shops, selling
treasures of every type. Still the commercial center of the old
city, the Grand Bazaar's 80 roads and streets form the original
shopping mall. For more information, visit http://www.oldistanbul.com
where you can find a map of the Grand Bazaar and a list of
shops.
Also visit www.lesartsturcs.com
and www.lesartsturcs.org
Where
can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in
Turkey?
There are more
than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the local
festivals organized in almost every city of the country,
international culture and art festivals are held in major cities
including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most
important center in Turkey of international culture and art
festivals.
Information on
the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and
other important events can be found at www.turkey.org (click on
Travel and Tourism - Calender
and Weather section ) The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's
web site, http://www.istfest.org/,
gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.
In recent years,
Turkey has been very popular with the congress tourism market, and
Turkey hosts more congresses, fairs and conventions every year. With
over 50 airlines flying to Turkey and most major European cities
just a two or three hour flight away, Istanbul has become the venue
of choice for many conventions and exhibitions. Istanbul offers the
5,000-person capacity Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center
(ICEC), two fair and exhibition halls, the International Exhibition
Center (CNR) and the Fair and Congress Center (TUYAP), and numerous
five star hotels with convention facilities. Istanbul can host
25,000 conference and exhibition delegates and visitors at any one
time. For more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a calendar of
fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web sites: www.e-turkey.org
and http://www.tuyap.com/
A list and a
calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at http://www.e-turkey.org
(the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
How can
I receive more information about Turkey?
info@istanbullife.org
www.istanbullife.org
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