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Holiday Resorts
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Bodrum, is probably the best resort in Turkey. It is a peninsula in the southwest of Turkey and about 25 minutes drive from Bodrum-Milas International Airport. Bodrum peninsula incorporates Bodrum-center and the small villages of Turgutreis, Bitez, Yalikavak, Gümüslük and Gümbet.
The history of Bodrum goes back to the 6th century BC. It used to be known as Halicarnassos and was one of the important cities of the Caria region. The father of history, Herodotus was born in Halicarnassus around the 5th century BC. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum, tomb of King Mausolus was also built in this city. Today, its foundations are well-preserved. Bodrum's other important historical attraction, St. Peter's Castle was built by the knights of St. John in the 14th C.
Bodrum is famous for its night life and has something to offer everyone from dancing shopping, sunbathing, sailing, sightseeing and feasting.
Marmaris is a popular holiday destination for tourists. It is located in the South Western part of Turkey and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Dalaman International Airport.
Marmaris is a well-established and organized resort. It has an excellent yacht marina and the beautiful coastline is surrounded by pine-clad mountains. An Ottoman castle built in the 14th C, now overlooks the marina and is the main historical attraction of the city. The Ataturk
National Park is a very popular spot for picnics. Marmaris town, Icmeler and Turunc have beautiful beaches for sunbathers and swimmers.
Marmaris is the place for shoppers. Leather, jewelry and many other souvenir stores are available. Shopkeepers are very welcoming and provide you with apple tea and a friendly atmosphere.
Fethiye is one of the popular resorts in Turkey. It is located in the southwest of Turkey and is about an hour drive from Dalaman International Airport. It is surrounded by high mountains and pine forests.
Fethiye, once known as Telmessos dates back to the 6th C BC. It was one of the major cities of the Lycian region in ancient times. Today there is a very well preserved theater with 10,000 seating capacity. The other main attraction is the tomb of Amyntas, a Lycian noble.
Oludeniz is probably the most famous beach in Turkey. The blue lagoon sweeps around on its seaward side into a vast crescent shaped sand and pebble beach, all framed by a spectacular backdrop of pine forests and mountains.Fethiye and Oludeniz together offer their visitors wonderful scenery and holiday atmosphere.
Altinkum or Golden Beach in English is a popular resort for beach lovers. It is located on the West coast of Turkey, 1.5 hour drive from Izmir and Bodrum Airports.
Very close to Altinkum, there is the Temple of Apollo which is one of the largest temples of Asia Minor built around 8th C. BC. In ancient times, there was an oracle in the temple who gave prophesies to people. It is a must-see place for history and archaeology lovers!
Today Altinkum offers beautiful beaches, water sports, good restaurants, bars and a good value holiday!
Dalyan, meaning fishing village in Turkish is a small and unspoiled little town on the Southwest coast of Turkey. It is about 35 minutes drive from Dalaman International Airport.
In ancient times, there was a harbour and a city named Caunos that was founded in the 6th C BC. Caunos was an important city of the Caria region. There are also 4th C BC rock-cut tombs in Dalyan which you can see while cruising the river by boat.
The main feature of Dalyan is the river with the rustling reeds, home to a variety of fish and birds. The popular mud baths containing sulphur are said to make you look younger and more beautiful. Dalyan is the meeting place of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. It has a long and sandy beach. It is one of the few beaches left on the Mediterranean coastline where Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs.
Part of the famous movie, African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart was also filmed here.
Kas is situated in a beautiful bay where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 3 hours drive from Antalya International Airport.The turquoise water and small white beaches make it an attractive holiday destination.
In ancient times, Kas was known as Antiphellus. The 5m high Lycian Tomb is very impressive and worth visiting. It dates from the 4th C BC and is now the symbol of the town.
The small town of Kas is still largely unspoiled and a great place to enjoy the authentic atmosphere in the local cafes and restaurants.
Kemer has a magnificent setting in a crecent bay and set against a backdrop of the pine forested Taurus Mountains. It is located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and has become a popular holiday destination in recent years. It is about 40 mins drive from Antalya International Airport.
Kemer is an excellent base for exploring the ancient city of Olympus.Although very little of the city remains it is well-known for its "eternal flame" where burning methane gas escapes from deep underground. In ancient times this natural phenomenon gave rise to the Greek legend of the Chimaera, a fire- breathing creature said to live in the area.
Today, Kemer is a well organized and modern resort and offers a great value holiday.
Kusadasi is a popular holiday resort town in Turkey. It is located 90 km south of Izmir on the northern Aegean coastline and about an hour 10 minutes drive from Izmir International Airport.
Kusadasi has an international harbor for cruise liners. The world famous ancient city of Ephesus is very close to Kusadasi and every year thousands of tourists stop over to visit this magnificent city. In the old quarter of Kusadasi, you can stroll on cobbled streets and see interesting houses built in the Ottoman architectural style.
Kusadasi offers its visitors beautiful beaches such as Ladies Beach, Kustur Beach and National Park. There is a great variety of shops and a bustling weekly market, extensive dining options including pubs, bars and cafes.
Alanya is a modern resort situated on Turkey's Mediterranean coast about one and a half hour from the Antalya Int. Airport. It is set between two wonderful beaches and against the spectacular backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
Alanya played an important role during the 11th and 12th C as a primary port and naval base of the Seljuk Turks. Several well preserved and fascinating buildings remain. The Red Tower, Fortress and the medieval shipyards are well worth a visit.
Today, Alanya has a great deal to offer any visitor, beaches and water sports, history and culture, restaurants, bars and shopping.
Side is located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey about 45 minutes from the Antalya Intl. airport. It is situated on a small peninsula and surrounded on 3 sides by the beautiful waters of the Mediterranean.
This popular seaside town has a unique atmosphere as ancient ruins and quaint cottages stand side by side.
Side offers something for everyone. The magnificent and well preserved ancient theater dates from the the 2nd C AD. It is one of the largest in Turkey and seats over 14,000 people.
Side has a number of beaches and while some offer a variety of water sports others are quieter and provide an ideal getaway. The town's winding alleyways and harbor offer a wide selection of restaurants, bars and small shops packed with beautiful souvenirs.
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Tourist Attractions
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Haghia Sophia Museum, the great masterpiece of Byzantine art. It was built by Justinian in 6th century AD and is the 3rd church to occupy this site.
At the time it was built, it was the largest church in existence. The church was sacked by the Latins during the 4th crusade in 1204 and many of its treasures taken to the west.
When Contantinople (Istanbul) was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmet II in 1453, it was converted into a mosque.
Since 1936, by Ataturk's order it has been a museum. The interior is decorated with wonderful Byzantine mosaics from 6th to 13th century AD.
Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Its name is derived from the blue tiles decorating its interior. Completed in 1616 by Mehmet Aga, Imperial Architect and one of the students of the great architect Sinan.
Its grace and beautiful proportions were intended to reflect the splendour of Islam. It was the supreme Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The famous blue and green
Iznik tiles on the walls are bathed in glorious light that is filtered through 260 windows. On summer evenings there are light and sound shows in the grounds.
Pamukkale is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is a unique geological formation formed over 14.000 years. The spring water at Pamukkale has therapeutic qualities and since antiquity has been said to cure rheumatism, kidney and heart diseases.
Hierapolis, means sacred-city and its history goes back 6th C BC. At its peak the population reached about 100,000. The ruins at Hierapolis cover an extensive area.
The theater, Temple of Apollo, Colonnaded Street, Byzantine Gate, Plutonium and Necropolis (Cemetery) are some of the highlights of the city. The Necropolis has approximately 1000 tombs and is the largest in Asia Minor.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world with a history dating back the 12 C BC. It was an important trade and religious center. During the Roman period its population reached approx. 250,000.
One of the seven wonders of the world, Temple of Artemis was in Ephesus. It is also the site of one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. St. Paul lived and preached for about 2 years in Ephesus.
Today it is estimated that between 15-20% of the city has been excavated. Some of the highlights are the Odeon, Celsus Library, Great Theater, Commercial Agora, Terrace Houses, Blue Marble Street, Scholistica baths and Brothel.
One of the geological wonders of the world. Cappadocia is a high plateau in Central Turkey at an altitude of 3270 ft / 1000 m. It lies in a triangle formed by the three main towns of Kayseri, Nevsehir and Nigde.
The history of Cappadocia begins 60 million years ago with the eruption of 2 volcanos, covering the area with lava and tufa. In later periods rain and wind eroded the land and created unusual valleys, canyons and cones.
For many centuries Hittites, Assyrian Colonies, Greeks and Romans lived in the region. Cappadocia is also a very important region in early Christian History.
There are over 600 hundred rock-cut churches built by monks and hermits between the 4th and 11th centuries. In some of these, church walls have been decorated with wonderful frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible.
The history of the city starts in the 8th C BC when Aeolian Greek colonies settled in the area. The city was founded on a hill overlooking the Caicos plain. During the reign of Eumenes II in the 2nd C BC, it became one of the cultural and intellectual centers of the day.
With the invention of pergamena (parchment) its library grew to rival in size, the great library of Alexandria. The famous Altar of Zeus was here.
Pergamum was one of the Seven Churches of the Revelations. The famous Roman physician, Galen was born and studied in Pergamum.The ruins are separated into 3 parts, the Acropolis, Red Courtyard and Asclepion, which was the cure center of Pergamum.
Sardis was the capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. It was founded on the banks of the famous golden-bearing river Pactolus. The legendary King of Lydia Croesus (560-540 BC) controlled most of western Asia Minor and made generous offerings to the temples of Delphi, Artemis and Didyma.
In the 7th C BC the Lydians invented the first coinage in history. They developed methods to extract gold from metal ores. Some of the highlights are the temple of Artemis, one of largest temples in Asia Minor and the Roman Gymnasium complex.
Part of the Gymnasium was converted into a synagogue in 3rd C BC. Sardis is one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Aspendos is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia. According to some experts the earliest settlers of the city were the Hittites.
The name Aspendos is of Anatolian origin. The Greek colonies arrived here around 13th C BC and took over an existing settlement. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during the Roman period it was an important port city.
The city was founded on a hilltop and spread down to the plains. Aspendus has one of the best preserved and largest Roman theaters in Turkey. It was built in the 2nd C AD. The city's aqueducts are also well preserved and worth a visit.
One of the most spectacular sites in Turkey especially at sunset. Mt Nemrut (approx. 2552m) is an extension of the Taurus mountain range in southeastern Turkey. After the division of Alexander's Empire into three, the Seleucids established the relatively small and wealthy Commagene Kingdom in the region.
In 62 BC, Antiochos I became king of Commagene and developed his kingdom as a strategic crossroad on the important trade routes between Syria, Mesopotamia and Rome.
The famous sanctuary was built by Antiochos I for himself as a funerary monument. It is a conical tumulus with a height of 50m and 150m diameter. There are colossal heads of Apollo, Zeus and Antiochos I.
The slim peninsula on the northern side of the Dardanelles has been designated a National Park.
In 1915, Allied warships tried to force their way through the straits with the intention of opening a supply line to Russia via the Black Sea. Allied landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula were finally beaten off by the Turks following bitter warfare.
Casualties were high on both sides and today several war memorials stand in the attractive landscape of pine forests, green hills and pretty beaches.
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Museums
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Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum is one of the most important museums in Turkey. It is made up of two buildings, Caravansary and Bedesten which were built around 1464 - 1471. Its valuable collection encompasses the story of all the various civilizations established in Asia Minor.
Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum houses artifacts from the Hittites, Urartians, Assyrian Colonies, Phrygians, Greeks and Romans. The exhibits are displayed chronologically beginning with a collection of stone utensils for daily use dating from the Paleolithic period and semi-precious jewels from the 6th millennium.
Following the conquest of Istanbul, between 1459 and 1465, Mehmet II built the Topkapi Palace as his principal residence and seat of government. The site is like a separate town with its own fortifications. Inside, among courtyards, gardens, pools and fountains there are both public and private buildings, chambers, kiosks and pavilions.
Some of the collections housed at the museum include Ceramics, Glass, Silverware, Imperial Costumes, Arms and Armor, Miniatures and Manuscripts and Clocks. The famous Treasury contains one of the the richest collections of treasures in the world.
Many gold and silver objects are displayed, most are embellished with precious stones. Don't miss the 86-carat spoonmakers diamond and the Kanjar, 14 inch emerald encrusted dagger. The famous movie Topkapi starring Melina Mercouri and Peter Ustinov was filmed in here in 1964.
Antakya (Antioch ad Orontes) is the city where the culture and traditions of Mesopotamia and Arabia met those of the Greek and Romans. It was a long-standing rival of Alexandria.
St. Paul and St. Peter both preached and wrote here. Antakya is the place where the followers of Christ were for the first time ever, named as Christians.
Antakya Mosaic Museum houses one of the richest collections of late Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Some of the highlights are Narcissus by a stream, Drunken Dionysus and Orpheus charming beasts with his Lyre.
Istanbul Archaeology Museum was founded at the end of the 19th century. It houses a great collection of Greek, Roman, Byzantine artifacts. Some of the highlights of the museum are the Alexander Sarcophagus,Sarcophagus of Mourning Women, Lycian Sarcophagus and a beautiful 1st century statue of Ephebos of Tralles.
The museum also houses "The Gezer Calendar" the oldest Hebrew inscription known to experts which was discovered near Jerusalem. It was written on a tablet of limestone and is believed to be an agricultural calendar .
Konya (Iconuim) is renowned for Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Mevlana, born in Balhk Afghanistan in 1207, is one of the greatest Islamic sufists and the founder of the Mevlevi Sufi Order. His religion was based on good, charity, humanity, love and union with God.
For Mevlana, poetry, music and dance were indispensable for the perfection of the soul. Mevlana's greatest work, Mesnevi is a collection of 25,000 poems.
The Mevlana Museum houses his tomb, a collection of precious manuscripts, antique carpets, musical instruments and garments. It also includes the dervishes lodges.
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the world. The Ephesus museum is close to the ancient ruins and is one of the best regional museums of Turkey.
It houses a fine collection of artifacts and objects found during excavations over last 140 years. Some of the highlights are two marvelous cult statues of Artemis or Diana, fine frescos of Socrates and a colossal head from a statue of the Emperor Domitian.
In the Ephesus Museum courtyard, don't miss the Roman sundial which came from the commercial agora of Ephesus and a fine sarcophagus decorated with representations of the Muses.
Ankara Anitkabir Mausoleum was built for Ataturk, the father of Turks and the founder of modern Turkey, in 1953. It sits on the top of Anittepe hill, which dominates the city.
The mausoleum is made of marble and is an interesting mixture of ancient and modern architectural styles. The walk up to the monument is along an avenue lined with 24 stone Hittite lions.
Ankara Anitkabir Mausoleum houses a lively collection of memorabilia from Ataturk's life and work, private library, documents, stamps, coins, books and cars.
Antalya Archaeology Museum was awarded "Museum of the Year" in 1988 at a meeting in Delphi by the Council of Europe. It houses a wide-ranging collection of exhibits, from fossils dating back to Stone and Bronze ages to articles from the Helenistic-Roman-Byzantine periods.
Some of the highlights of the museum are fine statues of Roman Emperors; Trajan, Hadrian and Septimus Severus and sarcophagi depicting the 12 labors of Hercules.
Antalya Archaeology Museum also houses some of St. Nicholas's relics. He was the bishop of Myra, about 50 km west of Antalya. In addition, it contains a fine collection of mosaics, frescoes and Byzantine icons.
Istanbul Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art is housed in the palace built by Suleyman the Magnificent. It was the largest of the private palaces built under the Ottomans and is a very good example of Ottoman architecture.
The museum has a very rich collection of carpets, Korans from all over the Islamic world and beautiful works of calligraphy featuring imperial decrees and signatures.
There are also collections of glassware, earthenware and utility objects in the Museum in Istanbul. The ethnographic section has interesting exhibits of Nomadic Lifestyle as well as 19th century Istanbul.
Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum is situated in St. Peter's Castle which was built around at 15th C by the Knights of St. John of Rhodes. The castle houses interesting artifacts from Prehistoric, Carian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Medieval and Turkish periods.
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology houses a collection of artifacts from the wrecks of a number of ships.
One ship lost off Cape Gelidonya near Finike 1200 C BC, was a Syrian trader bringing a cargo of Ingots from Cyprus. Another lost near Uluburun, Kas in the 13-14 C BC was carrying a cargo of gold medallions, ostrich eggs, a gold cup, copper and tin ingots. The artifacts were recovered by Turkish and American archaeologists .
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Travel Tips
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The visa system for Turkey can be both relatively simple and mind-bogglingly complicated at the same time! There is no ´one size fits all´ approach, with the availability of visas, type of visas, the cost and length of visas all different depending on your nationality.
At the outset, we should point out that not all nationalities need a tourist or entry visa to enter Turkey. Passport holders for Greece, France, Germany, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore, as well as numerous other nationalities, for instance, are entitled to a 90 day stay in Turkey without having to get any visa at all.
Others - including visitors from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain - can arrive at the border, pay for a tourist permit or visa and just walk into the country. However, it is necessary to check with the embassy in your country regarding the visa requirement clause each time you visit Turkey, as there are often changes to the fees or to the rules between visits.
Some nationalities, including but not limited to, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America, can obtain a visa direct from the port of entry in Turkey rather than going through the Turkish consulate.
The visa counter in Turkish airports is usually located near or just before the passport control area inside the arrivals hall. To obtain your visa, you will need to pay a set fee in Euros or American dollars. This amount will differ according to your nationality. Americans, for instance, must pay $20, while British ordinary passport holders should pay £10 in STERLING. Scottish notes will not be accepted. Both amounts must be paid in cash. Traveler´s cheques, Turkish lira or credit cards will not be accepted. It is very important, therefore, that you check the amount of money you are required to pay before you travel and carry it in cash on your person. Please note that you need to pay this money for each person traveling with you – children included – regardless of whether they are on your passport or not.
This fee will grant citizens of the above countries a 90 day multiple-entry sticker-type visa. This type of multiple-entry visa allows you to holiday in Turkey for up to 90 days but you are not allowed to work (paid or unpaid), reside, study or establish a business in Turkey during that time.
Sterling, Euros and Dollars can be easily changed into Turkish Lira at all banks, post offices ( PTT ) and change offices. In many towns you can also get a good exchange rate at Jewellery shops. Many shops exchange money at a favourable rate and most will accept sterling. If buying furniture, curtains and white goods etc it is often possible to pay in Euros or Sterling and get a very favourable price.
AT CHANGE BUREAUS ALWAYS SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST EXCHANGE RATE AND MAKE SURE THE COMMISION RATE IS NO HIGHER THAN 3% IF CHANGING TRAVELERS CHEQUES some change offices charge as much as 9%. A good place to change money is at the PTT(post office) you get a lower rate on cheques but no commision. The best option is to take cash and your bank card to withdraw money from cashpoint machines in resort (use machines at banks if possible) You generaly ge a better rate on your statment when you return home, (you could gain 10% - that's £10 for every £100 withdrawn). If you go with a bank such as Nationwide, you pay just 2% extra for withdrawing cash abroad, so you should look out for these things. Note though that travellers cheques are particularly hard to change even in the most populous of towns. Sometimes it may even be difficult to get a bank to change them for you. Use your debit card e.g Maestro rather than credit cards because the credit cards usually have a cash withdrawal fee applied in addition to any other charges.
The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira.There are banknotes in 1 , 5 , 10 , 20 , 50 and 100 Lira denominations in general circulation. There are also 1 Lira coins. The Lira consists of 100 Kurus.
When shopping in Turkey you will still find people refering to "millions", instead of Lira, when discussing prices. The currency changed on 1st January 2005 and any old banknotes and coins ceased to be legal tender from 1st January 2006. If you are offered any banknotes with 6 zeros on them ( e.g. 1,000,000 million lira ) in your change, refuse them as they are old and no longer valid.
There is often a shortage of small coins available in shops so don't be surprised to be given a sweet or two as change.
The majority of the banks have ATMs and there are a huge number of free-standing ones at strategic points. They operate in the same way as those throughout the USA and Europe. There is an option on most to choose the language and in some cases to choose Turkish Lira, Dollars or Euros. Be careful in the free standing air conditioned booths - sometimes groups of men tamper with these - they can hide each other in the booth. It's often safer to use those in bank buildings - those inBodrum often have a security guard nearby as well.
If you use a ATM in Turkey, use one that is located outside of a national bank and also during regular business hours. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. This way if you experience any problems with your card you can directly report it at the bank. Also do make sure that you advise your bank of your planned travel to Turkey. If not the bank may freeze your card after one or two transactions.
Bargaining is only practiced in touristic places. When bargaining, check the average price of the item
in several places. Try and negotiate the price down by 15-20% of the average price.
Shopping in Turkey is best done in the morning when the salesmen have more time. Do not begin your shopping until the third or the fourth day of your visit. You will need some time to know the currency and browse the shops. Try to be one of the first customers because Turkish shopkeepers believe that the first customer is sent by their Gods and pleasing him or her brings good luck throughout the day. You may strike a good bargain here.
Bargaining for everything except food is quite customary in Turkey, but make sure you know the price of the article before you begin to get more information about the article as the shopkeeper often become irate when after trying to sell an item for some time the customer decides it is beyond his budget. You may be offered water, soda coffee or tea to drink at the shop. Do not hesitate to accept this without a sale, but if alcohol is offered, the shopkeeper generally expects a sale.
Bargaining is a skill you must master for shopping in Turkey. Be careful as the shopkeeper may hike up the price knowing you may bargain. As a thumb rule you should start with 25% of the price you are willing to pay for an article. You must hold back your real offer for as long as you can.
Another strategy is to select two items and snub the first choice. Start bargaining for the second one, which should be more expensive. Once it is obvious that it is out of your price range, reluctantly accept the first one, which should be by then readily available at a lower price. Of course, the responses will vary with each incidence, but with time and practice, you should get the hang of it.
Shopkeepers in Turkey are largely honest and will not try to pass off an imitation as the original, but it is always good to ask for a certificate of guarantee for expensive items like carpets or jewelry. While making the payment, you should know the rate of exchange that applies. Ask for a calculator and work out the amount in your own currency.
If you are happy with the service in your restaurant, taxi, hotel or any other service, a tip
of 10-15% is an appropriate way to show your appreciation.
It is customary to leave a tip in restaurants (10%), for hotel chambermaids, in reception for hotel staff . Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip, but they do appreciate it, and it's acceptable to "round up" the fare. So if you're charged 4.5YTL it's usual to give the driver 5YTL. Hairdressers also get tips, similar to the UK.
Taxis, as in all countries, ask a rough estimate of the fare before you travel. Ask the driver to use the
taxi meter and check your change carefully.
Public telephones have three different systems;phone cards, tokens and credit cards. Phone cards
and tokens are sold at Turkish Telecom offices. Tokens are called "jeton" in Turkish.
The International Dialing Code to access Turkish telephone numbers is 0090. However, as it is normal to remove the first 0 from a number after adding the International code, it's easier to regard Turkey's International Code as 009
Municipal areas have a 4 digit access code and each village within that area has it's own 3 digit code. There is a 4 digit code for each line. Hence, a Turkish telephone number for use within the country will appear as 0252 ( Fethiye Code) 618 (Kaya Koyu code) 1234 ( phone number ) .
Their are a huge number of public call boxes in Turkey and the majority work by insertion of a call card. These cards can be purchased at most small general shops, the post offices ( PTT ) and some supermarkets. You can also use metered telephones within post offices and pay at the completion of the call.
Most mobile telephone numbers in Turkey can be recognised by their 05 prefix. Turkish SIM cards can be purchased cheaply at all mobile phone shops for use in mobile phones. In most phone shops in towns there is usually someone who's English is reasonably good and they will be able to help you. This is a much cheaper way of making calls within the country than using your own airtime supplier's roaming service.
When visiting a mosque, dress modestly and take off your shoes before entering. Women may
be asked to wear a scarf on their heads.
Both men and women are expected to wear clothing which comes to below knee level and to have their shoulders and chests covered. Shorts, tanks tops and halters are completely inappropriate. Women must cover their hair with a hat or scarf, and men should be bareheaded. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, carry them with you unless you are with a guide who instructs you to leave them outside. Many of the larger mosques provide plastic sacks for you to carry your shoes in.
There are usually signs which indicate whether picture taking is allowed; pay attention to whether flash is allowed. Do not aim your camera at anyone who may be praying.
Do not enter a mosque during a prayer service, wait outside until it is finished.
Please as tourists remember that this is a largely Muslim country and modesty is appreciated. In restaurants it's expected that men will wear at least T shirt and shorts and women to wear more than beach wear. It is also more polite to cover up a little when shopping etc. If you come from the beach at least wear a sun dress over the bikini or shorts and a top.
It is totally normal for men and women to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek and a hug and will often walk around arm in arm regardless of gender. This is a natural expression of affection.When greeting people shake the hand of the eldest person first. You may also see/ experience younger people kiss an older persons right hand and then put it to their forhead. This is a mark of respect for the older person.
Turkish pharmacies are great. They go out of their way to help travelers. Many medicines usually only available on prescription in the UK are available over the counter. Also the quality of medical care in Turkey is high. Not only is the Turkish medical care excellent it is also very cheap. In some resort areas there are clinics were basic assessment and investigations wil be provided free of charge on production of a valid travel insurance certificate. The private hospitals are excellent. Usually you will be provided with an English speaker to accompany on your appointment. The wait is generally minimal and then medicines purchased on prescription from the pharmacy.
There have been some posts where women traveling in coastal regions have been hassled. This might have something to do with attire. Try to avoid beachwear while visiting places other than the beach. In cities remember that while Turkey is a secular culture it is wise to dress like you're in a big city. For visiting religious sites women should wear a long sleeved tops, long skirt or pants and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This type of respect for the religion and culture in Turkey is always greatly appreciated. Going about alone in Turkey is fine (in East Turkey, it is wise to travel with a group), people have walked about alone all over Turkey day or night and have never had a problem but common sense should prevail in any foreign place.
When you leave your hotel during your stay always tell the staff where you are going. Take along the number of the consular office for your country just in case you encounter a problem and need some help. Keep your money in a safe place, not in your suitcase or backpack. Use the convenient ATMs and be careful when using them just like you would do in your home country. You need a 4 digit pin number to use ATMs in Turkey. The Turkish people are friendly and helpful, they will help you get where you are going. Don't confine yourself to tourist sites, you'll be surprised at what's off the beaten path, some of the best experiences in Turkey have come from just walking around the various districts and talking to people. Go to the local stores, you'd be surprised what you find. Migros, a big shopping center, they are in lots of Turkish cities.
In the summer, it is wise to bring along a hat and drink plenty of bottled water. Water is sold everywhere. Perhaps the most important: open yourself to the friendliness and culture of Turkey, talk to people, learn a few phrases, hello, please, thank you. Also take the time to talk to people. Their outlook on life is fascinating and you'll learn so much more about the country, its culture and customs. In most of the tourist areas the waiters, barmen etc are a long way from their homes as well as they've travelled to work for the season. They appreciate some time out and enjoy a chat. They love to improve their English and take every opportunity.
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