About Turkey

Turkey, a bridge between Europe and Asia, has an extremely rich cultural heritage. Perhaps no other land has witnessed so many diverse civilizations over the last nine thousand years. After the great Mesapotamians, the Hittite and Urartu kingdoms flourished, and in Western Anatolia the Ionian and Roman civilizations predominated. Istanbul holds the honour of having been the capital of two huge empires first the Byzantine then the Ottoman. Anatolia itself became a crossroads of peoples, cultures and religions. Christianity, for example, thrived here, and Islam was glorified by the Seljuks and Ottomans.

Turkey today still holds a very strategic position on the world map.This vast land of  75 million people has tackled the challenges of the future through its journey along the road towards modernisation, secularism and democracy. Today, it has a vibrant society, a dynamic economy, an active political life and great confidence in its future

Public Holidays

January 1st        :  New Year’s day
April 23rd          :   National Indepence & Children’s Day
May 19th           :  Atatürk’s Commemoration & Youth Day
August 30th      :  Victory Day
October 29th:   :  Republic Day

Other than these there are religious holidays, but the dates of religious holidays change according to the Islamic calendar they are 10 days earlier each year.

Currency

The big retail banks all have ATMs; some of them give cash advances for credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Almost all ATMs have a language key that enable to read the instructions in English. Credit cards are commonly used in Turkey, and an ID card needs to be shown while using for security reasons. Banks can exchange foreign currency and travelers' checks with your passport as proof of identity. Exchange offices offer a faster service and better rates when compared to banks or hotels. Turkey has no black market; foreign currencies are readily accepted in most shops, hotels and restaurants in many tourist areas. The countrywide branches of Finansbank, Fortis Bank, Denizbank, Oyakbank and TC Ziraat banks will do Western Union transfers.
The Turkish Lira (TL) (brought into circulation at the start of 2005 to replace the old lira's unwieldy denominations) comes in banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. The Kurus (Kr) comes in coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50.The value-added tax, here called KDV, is usually 18% and nearly always included in quoted prices. Certain shops are authorized to refund the tax for foreign tourists.

Working Hours

Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until noon or 12:30 p.m., depending on the bank, and from 1:30 p.m. until 5.00 p.m. However, there are some banks continuing to serve during lunch breaks.Museums are generally open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.Shops and bazaars are normally open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m., and usually closed all day on Sunday. But most stores in shopping malls and crowded streets are open seven days a week.
Banks: 08.30-12.00 / 13.30-17.00 Private Companies: 09.00-12.00 / 13.00-18.00 Public Institutions: 08.30-12.00 / 13.00-17.30

Time

Turkish Standard Time is 2 hrs. ahead of GMT and 7 hrs behind the standard Eastern time. However in summer the difference with GMT increase to be 3 hrs. and the difference between SET is reduced to 6 hrs. because of the summer time in Turkey.

In Turkey only metric system is used.

Electricity

Those who use 110 V or any other than 220 V at home need a converter as Turkey has 220 V power system. Please check your electric appliances before you use them in your hotel room. Only the five star hotels and deluxe properties would have converters so it is advised to bring one with you in case it is needed.

Climate

There is a big variation between the areas. Nevertheless it is possible to make few generalizations. In all regions of Turkey summer is the dry season and winter is the rainiest. Secondly, it is a fact that southern and western parts are warmer and it gets colder as one goes towards the East. Below chart can give the average temperatures througout the indicated months.

Telephoning

All post offices bear the distinctive yellow PTT sign, meaning Post, Telephone and Telegrams. The central Post Office in Istanbul is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Smaller ones are open Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Direct local and international calls can be made from public phones by using telephone cards sold in PTT and big newspaper stands. In some public phones credit cards can also be used for calling. GSM service is also available in Turkey, and Turkcell, Vodafone and Avea as the main GSM operators of Turkey have roaming agreements with many other international operators.

Drinking Water

Although it is safe to drink tap water, it is recommended to buy bottled drink water which can be found almost everywhere at stores. The city water is chlorinated for sanitation reasons of which you might not like the smell. You can safely brush your teeth with tap water

The Mosques

They are open to everyone. You will have to leave your shoes at the entrance or carry them in your hands, women in most mosques are required to cover their heads with a scarf and naked parts of their legs and shoulders. If you don’t have anything with you, they will give you some scarves at the entrance for free. Silence is required inside the mosques, it is suggested that you shouldn’t laugh loudly inside as this may offend people praying. Most of the mosques are closed to visits at prayer times. Turkey is a secular country with a population that is mostly Moslem. and where religion and politics is slightly separated. The weekends are Saturdays and Sundays, while Fridays are working days, even though in the Moslem belief Friday is the holy day.

Customs

Items such as jewellery and unusually expensive electronic and photographic gear are supposed to be declared on entry and may be entered in the passport to guarantee to take them out of the country again while leaving.It is strictly illegal to export antiquities more than a century old. Customs officers may want a proof of having permission from a museum before letting to leave with an antique carpet.

Alanya

The Pearl of The Mediterranean

Alanya is a beautiful holiday centre with its beautiful sandy beaches, modern hotels and motels, as well as numerous fish restaurants, cafes, clubs and bars. The cafes that ring the harbour are popular gathering places for tourists and locals. From the towns lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour, lined with many small shops that offer handicrafts, leather clothes, jewellery, handbags and the amusing painted gourds that are unique to the area. 

The city has changed hands many times over the centuries, and its name has reflected this. Alanya was known in Latin as Coracesium or in Greek as Korakesion from the Luwian Korakassa meaning "point/protruding city". Under the Byzantine Empire it become known as Kalonorosor Kalon Oros, meaning "beautiful/fine mountain" in Greek. The Seljuks renamed the city Alaiye, a derivative of the Sultan Alaeddin Kayqubad I's name. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Italian traders called the city Candelore or Cardelloro. In his 1935 visit, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk finalized the name in the new alphabet as Alanya, changing the 'i' and 'e' in Alaiye, reportedly because of a misspelled telegram in 1933.

Places of Interest
Alanya Castle,
The Red Tower (Kızıl Kule),
Old shipyard (Tersane),
Phosphorous Cave ,
Girls Cave (Kizlar Cave),
Lovers Cave (Asiklar Cave).
Dim Brook Valley.

There are three blue flag beaches and many sights including Damlataş Cave, Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, Dim Çayı Valley.

Activities & Sports
Diving,
Boat trip,
Jeep safari tours,
Quad bike tours.

Around Alanya

Museums
Antalya Museum,
Atatürk Evi Museum,
Antalya City Museum
Suna İnan Kıraç Research Institute on Mediterranean Civilizations.

Hıstorıcal Places
Olympos & Çıralı,
Phaselis,
Thermessos,
Perge,
Aspendos,
Kekova,
Myra,
Arykanda,
Limyra,
Elmalı,
Simena (Kaleköy),
Patara,
Xanthos,
Letoon,
Evdir Han,
Kirkgöz Han,
Alara Han,
Sarapsa Han (Serapsu Han),
Alara Tower.

Natural Beautıes
Karain Cave,
Karataş - Semahöyük Cave,
Damlataş Cave,
Zeytintaşı Cave,
Altınbeşik Cave and National Park,
Dim Cave,
Düden Falls,
Kurşunlu Falls,
Manavgat Falls,
Konyaaltı Beach,
Lara Beach,

Tourist Information Office

(Alanya Tourist Info.) Damlataş Caddesi No : 1 Tel : (0242) 513 12 40

Konya

The Capital of Sufism

Konya is a city identified with the world famous philosopher Mevlana. It is one of the first inhabited cities in the history of mankind, and still contains traces of many ancient civilisations which gives it the atmosphere of a museum city. Because of its locations in the middle of the barren Anatolian steppe, it used to be one of the most important trading centres on the Silk Road. The fertile land around the city means Konya is also the heart of Turkey's grain industry, with farming a major industry. Steeped in tradition, it is best known as the adopted home of Celaleddin Rumi, the Sufic mystic who founded the Whirling Dervish sect. Today it is still a centre of Sufic practice and teaching, and one of the highlights for visitors is the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the dervishes. 

In history, although Konya is one of the world's most ancient cities, it is most famous as the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum from 1097 to 1243, when the city acquired most of the monuments of interest to the visitor. After the fall of the Seljuk Sultanate, Konya continued to receive adornments from the rulers of near-by Karaman until the entire area was conquered by the Ottomans in 1468. Following the Ottoman conquest, Konya became a provincial capital and most of the Ottoman architecture in Konya consists of buildings originally dating from Seljuk or Karamanid times which were later rebuilt by the Ottomans. Today, Konya is one of Turkey's major industrial cities, one of the rapidly growing "Anatolian tigers" of Turkey's emerging industrial heartland.

Places of ınterest
Mevlana Museum/Mausoleum of Rumi, 
Iplikçi Mosque, 
Ince Minare Museum, 
Alaaddin Hill, 
Seljuk Palace remains, (on the Alaaddin Hill),
Çatalhöyük ancient city,
Clistra antic city, 
Sille Aya - Elena Church, 
Eflatunpınar, 
Fasıllar Monument, 
Eflatunpınar Hittite Monument, 
İvriz Embossed Designs,
Kubad - Abad Palace, 
Zazadin Han, 
Horozlu Han, 
Obrukhan Han.

Around Konya

Tuz Gölü (literally Salt Lake) (a good spot for birdwatching), Silifke, Nevşehir, about three hours to east, is the most logical next stop on your itinerary around Central Anatolia.

Cappadocia
Kurşunlu Mosque (Külliye of Damat İbrahim Pasha Külliye-Center)
Hacı Bektaş Veli Dervish Convent and Mosque (Hacı Bektaş)
Dervish Convent and Mosque (Hacı Bektaş)
Hacı Bektaş Veli Mausoleum (House of Saint - Hacı Bektaş)
Tokalı (Buckled) Church (Göreme)
Monastery of Priests and Nuns (Göreme)
St. Basil Chapel (Göreme)
Elmalı Church (Göreme)
Yılanlı (Snaked) Church (Göreme)
Dark Church (Göreme)
Çarıklı Church (Göreme)
Saint Barbara Chapel (Göreme)
Durmuş Kadir Church (Göreme)
El-Nazar Church (Göreme)
Saklı (Hidden) Church (Göreme)
Kılıçlar (Swords) Church (Göreme)
Meryem Ana (Mother Mary) Church (Kılıçlar Kuşluk Church) (Göreme)
Saint Eustathios Church (Göreme)
Tatlarin Church (Acıgöl)
Tağar Church (St. Theodora Church-Ürgüp)
Orthodox Church (Derinkuyu)
Goreme and Urgup districts
Goreme Open Air Museum
Zelve valley
Underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu
Ihlara Valley

 

Activities
Hunting (Beyşehir, Seydişehir, Hadim, Taşkent, and Ilgın),
Cycling (Konya),
Visiting Sema (Whirling dervish ceremony), 
Balloon Tour (Cappadocia)

Tourist Information Office
( Provincial Directorate) Mevlana Alanı No:65 42030 Karatay Tel : (0332) 353 40 20 - 351 10 74- 353 40 21 -353 40 22

Adana

Most yummy kebap place on the world

Situated in the middle of the Cukurova Plain (Cilician Plain), Adana is the fourth largest city of Turkey, nestled in the most fertile agricultural area of the whole country which is fed by the life-giving waters of the Seyhan River.
The city's name originates in mythology, where it was said to have been founded by Adanus, the son of Cronus (God of Weather, Zeus' father).

Due to its being in the heart of that fertile center Adana has been an important city for many civilizations for centuries dating back to the Hittites. The precious River Seyhan is spanned by the ancient Taskopru (Stone Bridge) which was built by Hadrian and then repaired by Justinian. It is worth noting that to build 300 yards long stone bridge in Roman times was a real feat.

In the city, the 16th century Great Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Yag or Eski Mosque, the Hasan Aga Mosque, Saat Kulesi (the clock-tower) built in 1882, an old covered bazaar, Bedesten or Arasta are of interest. You can also see the Ethnographical Museum where Turkish carpets, swords, manuscript books and tombstones are exhibited. The building itself is interesting as well since it was built as a church by the Crusaders. The Adana Archaeological Museum merits visiting, too. Adana is also famous for its delicious Adana Kebap and other meat dishes.

The tea houses and restaurants alongside the Seyhan Dam and Lake provide a cool and perfect view of the city and the river at sunsets.
Yumurtalik (84 kilometres from Adana) and Karatas (50 kilometers from Adana) are the nearest beaches with proper accommodation. In Yumurtalik there is an ancient harbor castle contributing much to this pretty fishing city. For fishing, there is Camlik Park 30 kilometers southwest of Adana.

There are some ancient cities on the road to Iskenderun which include Roman remnants. Misis is on the caravan route that came from China, India and Persia. Among the remains of Roman times, the most interesting is the elegant mosaic of the 4th century A.D. representing Noah's Ark. Yilanlikale has the ruins of a fortress set atop a peak dominating the River Ceyhan. Dilekkaya, the ancient Anavarza, was an important Roman Byzantine city which still preserves the outline of the old city including two particularly worthwhile mosaics. Karatepe National Park is the neoHittite site where you will find the remains of the summer residence of King Asitawada, tablets of Hittite and Phoenician inscriptions, and an open air museum holding many remnants. Castabala and Toprakkale are the other historical remains.
Karsan Forest, Burucek, Tekir, Horzum, Zorkum meadows are ideal for picnicking and resting.

Museums & Art Galleries

Adana Archeological Museum
Adana Ethnography Museum
Atatürk Museum
Misis Mosaic Museum
State Fine Arts Gallery

Archıtecture

Tepebağ Tumulus
Taşköprü (Stone Bridge)
Büyük Saat Kulesi (The Great Clock Tower)
Kazancılar Çarşısı (Bazaar of Kazancilar)
Çarşı Hamamı (Turkish bath of the Bazaar)
Irmak Hamamı (Turkish bath of the River)
Ramazanoğlu Hall
Yılanlı Kale (Snake Castle)
Seyhan Dam

Mosques

Sabancı Merkez Mosque
Mestanzede Mosque
Akça or Ağca Mosque
Hoşkadem Mosque 
Ulu Mosque
Yağ Mosque
Yeni Mosque)
Alemdar Mescidi,
Şeyh Zülfi Mescidi,
Kızıldağ Ramazanoğlu Mosque,
Hasan Aga Mosque

Curches

In the 19th century, city had 4 churches; 2 Armenian, 1 Greek and 1 Latin.
Bebekli Kilise (Saint Paul Catholic Church)

Parks and Gardens

Dilberler Sekisi
Merkez Park
Atatürk Park
Süleyman Demirel Arboretum (botanical garden).
İnönü Botanical Garden
Yaşar Kemal Woods
Çatalan Woods

Possibilities For Alternative Tourism

Cave and Canyon Tourism
Trekking
Religious Tourism
Lake and Water Sports 
Winter Sprots Tourism
Sea and Yacht Tourism
Eco Tourism

Tourist Information Office

(Provincial Directorate) Çınarlı Mah.Atatürk Cad. No:11 Tel: (0322) 458 84 29-459 16 46 458 66 68-458 84 28

Ankara

The Heart Of Turkey

Turkey's 'other' city may not have any showy Ottoman palaces or regal facades but Ankara thrums to a vivacious, youthful beat unmarred by the tug of history. Drawing comparisons with İstanbul is pointless – the flat, modest surroundings are hardly the stuff of national poetry – but the civic success of this dynamic and intellectual city is assured thanks to student panache and foreign-embassy intrigue.

The country's capital is today's sophisticated arena for international affairs. While the dynamic street-life is enough of a reason to visit, Ankara also boasts two extraordinary monuments central to the Turkish story – the beautifully conceived Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the Anıt Kabir, a colossal tribute to Atatürk, modern Turkey's founder.

Briefly, the history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti civilisation of the Bronze Age. Two thousand years before the time of Jesus, the Hittites become the dominant power of the region, and were then followed by the Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians. In the 3rd Century BC, a Celtic race known as the Galatians made Ankara their capital city. The name Ankara comes from the word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor.' Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistence which followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence freed Turkey from foreign occupation. Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anitkabir, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure, which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes, and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture.

The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selcuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. The area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old Turkish houses, and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Near the gate of the castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is a beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations. Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous.

Sites To See

Anitkabir (Ataturk's Mausoleum),
Ankara Citadel,
Temple of Augustus,
Roman Bath,
Column of Julian,
Monument of the Republic,
Monument to a Secure and Confident Future,
Victory Monument
Hatti Monument.

Museums

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations,
Ethnography Museum,
The Painting and Sculpture Musuem,
Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum,
Hacettepe University Arts Museum,
Artefacts of Pious Foundations (Vakif) Museum,
The Independence War Museum,
Museum of the Republic,
Ataturk's House,
The National History Museum,
Aviation Museum in Etimesgut district,
Meteorological Museum,
TRT Museum,
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Museum,
TCDD Open-air Locomotive Museum,
Cartography Museum,
Toy Museum,
Pink Pavillion at the President's residence in Cankaya district,
Stamps Museum at Turkish Telecom in Aydinlikevler district,
Ulker Zaim Museum,
Gavurkale rock friezes and Kulhoyuk Hittite burial grounds in Haymana town (60 km south-west of Ankara).

Mosques

Haci Bayram Mosque
Kocatepe Mosque
Aslanhane Mosque
Ahi Elvan Mosque
Alaaddin Mosque

Parks

Ankara has many delightful parks and open spaces established in the early years of the Republic in accordance with Ataturk's belief in the importance of trees and natural beauty. Some of them are:

Genclik Park,
Botanical Garden,
Goksu,
Segmenler,
Anayasa,
Kugulu,
Abdi Ipekci,
Guven,
Demetevler,
Cemre,
Kale,
Anit,
Altin (Fairground),
Harikalar Diyari,
Kurtulus,
Ataturk Orman Ciftligi (Ataturk Farm and Zoo) is within the growing city and is a pleasant place to spend a day. There is a replica of the house where Ataturk was born, an excellent restaurant, and some cafes. Visitors can sample such famous products of the farm as its excellent beer, old-fashioned ice cream, yogurt, milk and meat rolls.

Shopping

Cikrikcilar Yokusu – is an old shopping place near Ulus.
Bakircilar Carsisi – (The street of cooper workers) is particularly popular, and may interesting old and new items, not just copper, can be jewellery, carpets, costumes, antiques and embroidery.
Citadel Gate – may found interesting shops selling spices, dried fruits, nuts, and all manner of produce; the selection is huge and very fresh.

Kizilay and Tunali Hilmi Avenue are modern shopping areas.
Shopping malls – Karum, Atakule (in Cankaya), Galleria (in Umitkoy), Bilkent Center, Ankamall (in Akkopru), CarrefourSA (in Batikent), Arcadium (in Cayyolu), Mesa Plaza (in Koru), Armada (in Sogutozu), Cepa, Kentpark, Gordiyon, Acity are other modern shopping opportunities.

Environs Lakes, Dams, Forests, Mountains

Golbasi Lake,
Eymir Lake,
Karagol Lake,
Cubuk Dam,
Kurtbogazi Dam,
Mavi Lake (Bayindir Dam),
Beynam Forest,
Kizilcahamam Soguksu National Park,
Camkoru Forest,
Elmadag Mountain.

Tourist Information Office

(Provincial Directorate) Anafartalar Cad.No: 67, ULUS Tel: (0312) 310 68 18-310 04 02-310 40 32- 310 51 73- 310 70 75- 310 87 87

(Info.) GMK Bul. No: 121, MALTEPE Tel: (0312) 231 5572

(Info.) Esenboga Airport Tel: (0312) 398 0100

Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ismet Inonu Bulvari, No: 5, EMEK Tel: (0312) 212 8300 / Ataturk Bulvari, No: 29, OPERA Tel: (0312) 309 0850

Istanbul

The Capital of Culture

The capital of empires... The city that dominated continents... The cradle of civilisation... The meeting point of cultures and civilisations... These are some of the thousands of phrases that describe İstanbul. Yet neither words nor any amount of reading or listening are sufficient to truly describe and become familiar with the city. Only when you walk along its historic streets, when you see with your own eyes the architectural masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires in their original setting, when you enjoy the panoramic vistas of its unique location, and when you start to explore its mystical beauties – only then will you begin to discover, and to fall in love with İstanbul.

İstanbul is the most developed and largest city of Turkey, and the latest discoveries indicate that the history of human habitation goes back 400,000 years ago. The Megarians settled and founded the city of Byzantium that later lent its name to the Byzantine Empire. However, the first settlers in the region established their city Chalcedon (Kadıköy), on 'the land of blind people' which was strategically less important. And the Megarians, led by an Oracle, became aware of the beauty of Seraglio Point (Sarayburnu), and they established their city there on the opposite side of the Chalcedon.

Today the historical peninsula is the most beautiful part of İstanbul, and is strategically well placed. The city is surrounded by a seascape peppered with distant islands, and this, together with the Golden Horn (Haliç), the estuary that thrusts into the land along the peninsula, make İstanbul a unique place – and, throughout its long history, a city that many desired to conquer. But the desire to possess the city cannot be explained only by its strategic position or unsurpassed beauty; it has a different attraction, a mystical magnetism that drew states, empires and great conquerors towards it. This attraction led to a long history of conflict, conquest and occupation between those determined to maintain their hold on the city and those who strove to capture it.

For more than 1,500 years İstanbul was the capital of two empires, first the Byzantine and later the Ottoman. It was beautified accordingly with magnificent monuments and became a metropolis where diverse cultures, nations and religions mingle. Those cultures, nations and religions are the small pieces that form the mosaic of İstanbul. Perhaps some of those little pieces do not mean much to you, but as an ensemble they make up the unique majesty of İstanbul.

Sites To See

Maiden's Tower (Kiz Kulesi)
The Istanbul Strait
Prince's Islands,
Büyükada (the Great Island),
Burgazada,
Heybeliada 'Island of the Saddlebag',

Asiatic Side

Beylerbeyi Palace,
Anadolu Kavağı,
Anatolian Castle,
Anatolian Ligthouse,
Cannon Hill,
Çubuklu,
Joshua's Hill,
Kabakos Bay,
Emirgan Park,
Üsküdar:
Kadıköy
Bağdat Caddesi
Haydarpaşa Train Station
Polonezköy
Kilyos,
Şile,

European Side

Dolmabahçe Palace
Underground Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)
Galata Tower
Beşiktaş Çırağan Sarayı
Büyükdere
European Castle (Rumeli Hisari)
Ortaköy
Golden Horn
Beyoğlu and Taksim
İstiklal Caddesi
Sultanahmet
European Lighthouse (Rumeli Feneri)
Rumeli Kavağı
Sarıyer
Tarabya (Therapia)
Ihlamur Kasrı
Yeniköy

Museums

Topkapi Palace Museum
Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya)
Istanbul Archaeological Museum
Kariye Museum (St. Savior in Chora)
Istanbul Modern Museum
Pera Museum
Sakip Sabanci Museum
Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Mosques

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque)
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
Süleymaniye Mosque
Bayazit Mosque
Yeni Mosque
Nuri Osmaniye Mosque
Fatih Mosque
Kariye Mosque
Mihrimah Mosque
Sultan Selim Mosque
Selimiye Mosque

Shopping

Grand Bazaar
Misir Çarşisi (Egyptian or Spice Market)
Kanyon Shopping Center
Istinye Park Shopping Center
Cevahir Shopping Center

Tourist Information Office

(Provincial Directorate) Atmeydanı Sok. No:31 Sultanahmet Tel: (0212) 528 68 22- 518 42 74- 518 42 73- 516 39 70- 528 68 21- 638 28 18

Izmir

The Aegean Beauty

Izmir, with its palm-lined thoroughfares and sweeping bay, together with the cruise ship port of Kusadasi, serve as the gateway to civilizations past and present via an irresistible union of stunning scenery, extraordinary historical milestones, archeological marvels, natural wonders and cultural vibrancy. Whether the purpose is a business convention or vacation, exploration or repose, visitors can bathe in the area's legendary thermal springs, relax on the beaches of Kusadasi and Çesme, thrill to the many festivals and visit the ancient cities of Western Anatolia all in the same day.

Most famous for the ancient city of Ephesus, the thriving capital of Asia Minor under the Roman Empire and site of the home where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life, the region safeguards the foundations of Western civilization's political, philosophical and scientific discourse. Just an hour south of Izmir lie the remains of Priene, the first planned city of the ancient world, where visitors can see the Theatre, Temple of Athena, the Prytaneum, the Agora, Altar of Zeus and Cybele. The nearby, ancient port city of Miletus, one of the principal Ionian cities and twice visited by St. Paul, shared the spotlight with Troy as the chief intellectual and cultural center of Hellenistic Western Anatolia. Visit the Byzantine fortress, the theatre, the Nymphoion, the Bouleterion, the Faustina Bath and Ilyas Bey Mosque. Just minutes away in Didyma, the Temples of Apollo and Artemis and their oracle drew cult worshipers for centuries.

As Turkey's "Second City," Izmir is known for its multicultural character and features a wealth of offerings – festivals, museums and art - that act as worldwide beacons for artists and audiences alike. The Izmir International Fair, the oldest tradeshow in Turkey, brings together a series of simultaneous festivals and musical and cultural events to the city's Kültür Park -- attracting visitors from all over the world.

Izmir's harbor is home to the famous Clock Tower – a beautiful marble tower 82 ft in height designed by Levantine French architect Raymond Charles Père in 1901. Near the slopes of Kadifekale, the Kemeralti Bazaar, set up by the Ottomans and combined with the Agora, is the shopping mecca popular among tourists and locals alike for its apparel, textiles and jewelry.

The downtown area is known for its nightlife, live music and seaside restaurants, as well as its important convention center and excellent hotels. As a family destination, Izmir and Kusadasi feature aquaparks, boat trips, beaches, water sports and plenty of archeological sites to explore.

Çeşme Alaçatı, a village known for its architecture, vineyards and windmills, is also the Turkish center for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its clear sea and consistent, strong winds throughout the year.

At the end of the day, all will want to partake in bounty of the region's lush and fertile farmlands, sip wine made by locals up in the hills, enjoy the abundant local seafood and reflect upon the pivotal persons of yore that paved the way to the modern world.

Museums

Archaeological Museum
Ethnographical Museum
Ataturk Museum
Ahmet Piristina Museum of Metropolitan History and Archive
Selcuk Yasar Museum of Arts
Museum of History and Art
Museum of Arts and Sculpture
Railroad Museum
Museum of Commercial History

Sites To See

Clock Tower
Agora (ancient market place)
Tepekule (Smyrna)
Kadifekale (Pagos)
Aquaducts
Kizlaragasi Han
Hisar Mosque
Kemeralti Market
Havra Street
Beth Israel Synagogue
Anglican Church
Saint Polycarp Church
Asansor (Elevator)
Alsancak district
Karsiyaka district
Ephesus
Çeşme(summer resort)
Alaçatı (summer resort)
Ayvalık (summer resort)
Foça(summer resort)
House of the Virgin Mary
Kemeraltı (old fashioned shopping district)
Kordon (famous esplanade between Konak and Alsancak)
Pasaport ( dock and pier between Konak and Cumhuriyet Meydanı)
Pergamum
Selçuk
Teos
Tepekule

Festivals

Ahmet Adnan Saygun Art Center The İzmir International Festival
The İzmir European Jazz Festival
İzmir Fair

Tourist Information Office

(Provincial Directorate) Akdeniz Mahallesi 1344 Sokak No:2 35210 Pasaport Tel: (0232) 483 80 43 - 483 80 86-483 62 16- 483 20 24 -483 76 13-483 20 60

East & Southeastern Anatolia

With its high mountain ranges, valleys, plains and lakes,streams and riverbeds integrated with colors of purple, brown, grey, yellow and red ,and adorned with the unique architectural samples of Turkish culture, East and Southeast Anatolian Region bring to the sight pleasurable panoramic views… The Southeastern Anatolia Region has a very rich history and cultural heritage, as can be seen in its magnificent historic sites. Its history begins around 7000 B.C. in the New Stone Age. Between 2,000 B.C. and 1,500 B.C. came the Hurris who were followed by the Hittites sometime around 1,200 B.C.

Places to visit : Urfa (Harran), Van (Tuşba Castle), Nemrut, Mardin, Doğubeyazıt,Ishakpaşa Castle,Muradiye waterfalls,

Tourist Information Office:
Şanlıurfa / Atatürk Bulvarı No:49 Merkez-Şanlıurfa Tel: 414-312 53 32
Erzurum / Cemal Gürsel Caddesi No: 9- Erzurum Tel: 442-235 09 25

Blacksea

The vibrant green of Turkey’s lush, humid Black Sea Coast surprises those who imagine the country to be nothing but barren steppe. From the european border with Bulgaria to the Georgian border, dense pine forests cover the mountaintops while lush vegetation and bountiful crops grow in the lower elevations and valleys. Along the coastline, mile after mile of beautiful uncrowded beaches offer sun, swimming and relaxation. In the springtime, delicate wild-flower blossoms carpet the rolling meadows of the eastern hills. The wooden houses in fishing villages and mountain hamlets alike preserve indigenous and traditional architectural styles. The humid climate and fertile soil encourage cultivation of a variety of crops including tea, tobacco, corn and hazelnuts. The magic of such a diverse landscape proves irresistible to any friend of nature, whether hiker or mountain climber or canoe enthusiast; whether you go in by mountain bike or by jeep safari.

Places to visit : Sümela Monestry, Çamlıhemşin, Trabzon, Uzungöl, Atatürk’s Museum,Uzungöl,Taşkıran,Vazelon Monestry,Zigana Plateau,  Ayder Plateau, Borçka, Karagöl.

Tourist Information Office
Provincial Directorate (Trabzon): Ortahisar Mah. Eski Valilik Binası –Trabzon
Tel: 0-462-326 07 48

Cappadocia

Those troglodytes sure knew what they were doing when they decided to lay down their hats and call Cappadocia home. Deep in the heart of the country, they settled within the lunar-like landscape and burrowed their houses and churches into stone cliffs and their cities underground. In so doing, they provided a still-cogent example of the simplicity and sense of living at one with nature rather than imposing upon it.These days the cave dwellers are predominantly tourists staying in cave hotels who have been drawn to this part of Turkey by its surreal scenery, wealth of ancient churches and unparalleled opportunities for adventure activities. Where else can you float over the fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon in the morning, admire Byzantine frescoes in the afternoon and sample fine food and wine at night? Let alone take a spectacular hike through a rose-tinted gorge, indulge in frenzy of shopping at a covered bazaar dating from Ottoman times and see dervishes whirl in an atmospheric caravanserai. It’s this mix of attractions that makes Cappadocia such a compelling tourist destination there truly is something here for everyone.

Places of interest: Göreme Open Air  Museum, Zelve Valley, Paşabağı Valley(Monks Valley), Avanos, Uchisar,Pigeons Valley, Kaymaklı Underground City,
Activities & Sports
Horse riding
Air Ballooning
Jeep Safari Tours
Bike Tours

Tourist Information Office
Nevşehir Provincial Directorate : Atatürk Bulvarı.Yeni Kayseri Cad.No:14 Nevşehir-Merkez

Discover Turkey

You will find hours of helpfull touristic information on
Official Tourism Portal of Turkey
http://www.goturkey.com/en

Also, on Turkish Culture Portal
http://kurumsal.kulturturizm.gov.tr/

Resident Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Turkey

You will find contact information of Resident Diplomatic and Consular Missions in Turkey.
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/accredited-diplomatic-and-consular-missions.en.mfa

Visa Information

Citizens of the countries listed in the below link are eligible for e-Visa.
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/info/who-is-eligible-for-e-visa/

If your country is not on the list, you are either exempt from visa or you
need to visit the nearest Turkish Embassy/Consulate General for visa application.

Visa Information For Foreigners
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224/

The online service for the Turkish Consulate
http://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/af/en/start.aspx