 Turkey
is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes. From April to
October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect
for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of
mountains and lakes. Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a
land full of historic treasures from13 successive civilizations
spanning 10.000 years. There is no doubt that one visit will not be
enough.
 Turkey is 814 ,578 sq km in area. The European and Asian
regions are separated by the Istanbul Bogazı (Bosphorus), the sea of
Marmara, and the Canakkale Bogazı (Dardanelles). Anatolia is a high
plateau rising progressively towards the east, broken up by the
valleys of about 15 rivers. There are numerous lakes and large
inland seas like Van. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, ranging
from the temperature climate of Black Sea region, to the continental
climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the
Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions. The coastline touching the
four seas that border the country is 8333 km in length. Turkey is
bordered at the east by Georgia, Armenia and Iran with Iraq, Syria
and the Mediterranean Sea on the south. The Aegean Sea, Greece and
Bulgaria are to the west, and the Black Sea forms the northern
border. Turkey's geographical coordinates are 36o 00' to 42o 00'
north latitude and 26o 00' to 45o 00' east longitude.
HISTORY "The cradle of civilization"
A paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hittites, Phrygians,
Urartians, Lycians, Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans,
Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important
contributions to the history of Anatolia. Ancient sites and ruins
scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each
civilizations unique distinction.
POPULATION
Turkey's population is about 64 million %40 live in country side.
The major cities are Istanbul, Ankara -the capital-, Izmir, Adana,
Antalya, and Bursa.
LANGUAGE
The Turkish language belongs to Ural - Altaic group and has an
affinity with the Finno - Hungarian languages. Turkish is written in
the Latin alphabet and is spoken by at least 150 million people
around the world.
RELIGION
Although Turkey is %99 Muslim, it is a secular state that guarantees
complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims
AIRLINES
Turkish Airlines (THY) provides an important network of domestic
flights from the national airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir,
Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all major Turkish cities. For
timetables, prices and reductions, enquires can be made at THY
agencies. There are bus connections to and from airports and city
terminals.
MISCELLANEOUS
FACTS
Local time: GMT + 2 hrs. (Summer)
Electricity : Electricity is supplied at 220 volts.
Tap water: Can be used for cleaning, but bottled water is advised
for drinking and can be obtained at all shops.
Weights and measures: Metric system.
Foreign newspapers: Available in large cities and touristic areas.
Interpreter - guides: Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agents
can provide professional interpreters - guides. Travel agents are
obliged to provide a professional interpreter -guides on all of
their tours.
Doctors and dentists: Doctors and dentists can be found in Turkey'
hospitals and, in addition, there are certain foreign-operated
hospitals at most cities in Turkey.
Taxis are numerous in all
Turkish cities and recognizable by their yellow color.
The fare shown on the meter reads according to distance traveled.
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