WELCOME TO TURKEY

Turkey is a paradise of sun,sea,mountains,and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routineof everyday life.From April to October,most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beachesor enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.

Turkey also has a magnificent past,and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years.

Even if you spend only a short time in Turkey,you can see a lot of this great past. There is no doubt that one visit will not be enough,and you will want to come back again and again as you discover one extra-ordinary place after another.All of them ,no mater how different ,have one thing in common:the friendly and hospitable people of this unique country.

TURKEY IN BRIEF

GEOGRAPHY:
Turkey is 814,578 sq km in area.the European and Asian regions are separated by the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus),the sea of Marmara,and the Canakkale Bogazi (Dardanells).Anatolia is a high plateau rising progressively towards the east,broken up by the valleys of about 15 rivers,including the Dicle (Tigris) and the Firat (Euphrates).There are numerous lakes and some,such as Lake van,are as large as inland seas.In the north,the mountains along the eastern Black sea coast run parallel to the sea;in the south,the Taurus Mountains sweep down almost to the narrow,fertile coastal plain.Turkey enjoys a variety of climates,ranging from the temperate climate of the 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.

HISTORY
Turkey has been called"the cradle of civilization"and by travelling through this historic land,tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase.The world's first known settlement,a neolithic city at Catalhoyuk,dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization.Being the heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth.Hattis,Hittites, Urartians, Lycians,Ionians,Lydians,Persians,Macedonians,Romans,Byzantines,Seljuks,and Ottomans have all made important contributions to the history of the area.Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each civilization's unique distinction.

Turkey also has a fascinating recent history.Upon decline of the Ottoman Empire,a young man named Mustafa Kemal,who was a soldier and a great visionary,took the defeat of World War I and turned it into a shinning victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying forces.Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on Octcber 29,1923. He led his country towards peace and stability that brought about tremendous economic growth and increasing modernization.Through decades of change and growth,Turkey still boasts growing success,living by Ataturk's motto of "Pease at Home,Pease in the World"

POPULATION
Turkey's population is about 64 million, 40% of whom live in the countryside.The major cities are Istanbul,Ankara (the capital), lzmir, Adana, Antalya and Bursa.

LANGUAGE
The Turkish language belongs to the 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. If you want to take Turkish lessons you can contact: Turkce Ogretim Merkezi (Turkish learning center) Ziya Gokalp cad.,No: 18/1, 06650 Kizilay-Ankara.

RELIGION
Although Turkey is 99% Muslim, it is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.[ Top ]

ECONOMY
Tourism: In recent years,Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe.With the rapid development of both summer and winter resorts ,more and more people from around the world are able to enjoy the history,culture,and beautiful sites of Turkey year round.From swimming in the Mediterranean to skiing at Uludag ,Turkey has something to offer every tourist.

Agriculture : This plays a major role in the Turkish economy.The main crops are wheat,rice,cotton,tea,tobacco,hazelnuts,and fruit.Sheep are the most important livestock,and Turkey is one of the major cotton and wool producers.

Southeast Anatolia Project (GAP):GAP is a multi-purpose,integrated development project of dams,hydroelectric power plants and irrigation facilities on the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris)Rivers ,It will affect agriculture,transporation ,education ,Tourism ,health and other sectors .Ataturk Dam, included in the project,is one of the ten largest dams in the world.

Natural Resources: The principal minerals extractad are coal,chrome (an important export),iron,copper,bauxite,marble and sulphur.

Industry : Industry is developing rapidly and is directed mainly towards the processing of agricultural products,metallurgy textiles,and the manufacture of automobiles and agricultural machinery.

POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Republic of Turkey is based on a secular,democratic,pluralistic,and parliamentary system ,where human rights are protected by law and social justice.The Grand National Assembly is elected by popular vote,and the nation is governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Ministers.Turkey is a founding member of OECD,the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Orgazination,a member of NATO,The European Council,the Islamic Conference Association,and an associate member of the European Union.

TRIP PREPARATION
For full information concerning a trip to Turkey,contact your nearest Turkish Tourist Information Office or your travel agent .In turkey, there are information offices in all principal citices and tourist centers .

WHEN TO COME
Marmara,Aegean,and Mediterranean coasts: These coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and winters.The swimming season becomes shorter the further north one goas: Marmara and North Aegean - June to September;South Aegean and Mediterranean-April to October.

Black Sea Coast : Warm summers,mild winters,and relatively high rainfall.

Central Anatolia: Steppe climate with hot ,dry summers ;cold winers.

Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy ,cold winters with mild summers.

Southeast Anatolia: Hot summer with mild, rainy winters.

WHAT TO WEAR:
a) Marmara, Aegean,and Mediterranean coasts: Light,cotton summer clothing and cardigans for evening.

b) Black Sea,Cenetral and Eastern Anatolia: Summer wear,warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes.

c) Comfortable shoes are necessary for visiting archeological and historical sites.

d) Sun hates and sunglasses are advisable in the summer.

e) Headscarves should be brought by women for visiting mosques.

HOW TO COME TO TURKEY

By Air :

Turkish Airlines (THY): THY has regular flights on Boeing 737-400's, 737-500's,RJ-100's, and Airbus 310-200's, 310-300's, and340-300's to Ankara ,Istanbul,Izmir,Antalya,Adana,Trabzon and Dalaman from principal capitals and major cities of the world .

International airlines: Regular flights from all major cities of the world come to Turkey's international airports.

Information and Reservations: For more information contact THY offices. (see Useful Addresses).

By Sea:

Passenger Ferries: Apart from numerous cruises in the Mediterranean,several foreign shipping companies have regular services to the ports of Tarbzon,Samsun ,Istanbul,Dikili,Izmir,Cesme,Kusadasi,Bodrum,Marmaris,Antalya,Alanya ,Mersin and Iskenderun.

Car Ferries: There are several car ferries for tourists who wish to bring their cars while sightseeing: Connections run from Venice,Ancona,Brindisi,and Bari to Istanbul, Izmir,Cesme,Kusadasi,Marmaris,and Antalya.
Lines between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:

Tasucu-Girne
Alanya-Girne
Mersin-Gazimagosa

Ferry lines between Turkey and the Greek Islands:

Ayvalik-Midilli (Lesbos)
Cesme-Sakiz (chios)
Kusadasi-Sisam (Samos)
Bodrum-Istankoy (Cos)
Marmaris-Rodos (Rhodes)
Datca-Sombeki (Symi)

By Rail:

Train journeys can be made to Istanbul directly from and via some of the major cities in Europe.

By Road:

Private car : London-Istanbul,approximately 3,000 km.

Northern Route: Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey.

Southern Route : Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, with a ferry to Turkey.

By Coach:

There are regular bus services between Turkey and Austria ,France Germany ,Holland ,Italy,Switzerland,and Greece as well as Iraq,Iran,Jordan,Saudi Arabia,Kuwait,and Syria.

FRONTIER FORMALITIES:

Passports and Visas:

1) Nationals of the following countries can enter Turkey with a valid passport; a visa is not required:

a) Up to 3 Months

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Granada, Greece, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, St.Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad, Tunisia, Turkish, Repubic of Northern Cyprus ,Vatican city, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.

b) Up to 2 Months

Bosnia-Herzegovina, the republic of Croatia, Indonesia, Macedonia, Romania, and the Republic of Slovenia.

c) Up to 1 Month

Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, the Maldives, and the Republic of the South Africa. 2) For the countries mentioned above and Bulgaria,a transit visa is not required,but a transit fee is paid.

3) Nationals of the following countries require a visa.

a) Those from Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Portugal,Spain the U.K. and the U.S.A. can obtain a multiple-entry sticker visa at border gates for up to 3 months (renewable,except for Hong Kong).

b) Those from Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic,Estonia, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Poland, Russian- Federation, Slovakia, Tadzhikistan,Taiwan,,Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, White Rusia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia can obtain a sticker visa at border gates for up to 1 month.

c Nationals of Albania, Georgia, Guatemala, and Srilanka can obtain a visa for up to 15 days at border gates. Nationals of Srilanka must also acquire a letter of recommendation from the honorary Turkish consul in colombo.

d) Nationals of all other countries require a visa, which can be obtained from the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.

Note: Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakgstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Rusian, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and White Russia may also use their Turkish visa, sticker in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC).

Citizens of Germany, Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy , malta, Switzerland, and Greece may enter Turkey, and bring their vehicles as well as, with the proper identity cards in lieu of a passport.

The General Directorate of Customs (Gumrukler Genel Mudurlugu),Ulus Ankara.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

On Entry

a) The following items may be brought into the country duty free:

- personal effects of the tourist.

-one TV,one pocket color TV (maximum 16 cm screen),one TV-tape-radio combination,one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records 5 tape cassettes or compact discs.

-one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank),one slide projector.

-one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k), electronic playing devices (without cassette-keyboard).

-one transistor radio portable radio-tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs),one walkman or pocket tape recorder,one portable compact disc player.

-binoculars (one pair,except night binoculars)

-harmonica,mandolin,flageeolet,flute,guitar, and accordation (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).

-personal sports equipment.

-necessary medical items.

-bicycle,baby buggy, toys.

-200 cigarettes and 50 cigars

-200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papres, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco, or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff.

( In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchae 400 cigarettes,100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).

-1.5 kg. coffe, 1.5 kg. inatant coffee, 500 grams of tea.

-1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets .

-5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wine and /or spirits.

-five bottles of perfume (120 mi max. each).

-one portable typewriter.

-one camera with 5 rolls of film.

-First aid kit, and spare parts for the car.

-Other items necessary during the journey.
b) Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner's passport upon enterning Turkey, for control upon exit.

c) Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner's passport to avoid difficulties on exit.

d) Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought in to the country without special permation.

e) The bringing into the country, trade , and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.

f) Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free.In addition , gifts not exceeding 500 DM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls not more than one month before, or one month after one of the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami or New Year's.

On Exit

a) Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase & for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.

b) Exporting items of antiquity from Turkey is forbidden.

c) Valuable personal iterms can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport upon entry,or providing the owner can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.

d) Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from:

-MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research ).

TAX REFUND

You can receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased in Turkey!

Travelers who are not resident in Turkey may receive a refund of the Value Added Tax paid on goods purchased in the country .

1. Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey.

2. All goods (including food and drinks ) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered.

3. The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5,000,000 TL.

4. Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be "authorized for refund ".These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.

5. The Retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund , three of which will be given to the purchaser .If Photocopies of the receipt are receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them .If you prefer the refund to be made by check,a tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be giveh along with the receipt.

6. For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased , showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and / or check.

7. There are four ways to receive your refund:

a. If the retailer gives you a check it can be cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport.

If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then,the customer must,within one month ,send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will,within ten days upon receiving the receipt,send a bank transfer to the purchaser's bank or address.

b. If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit within one month of the date of customs certification ,the refund can be made directly to the purchaser.

c. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase.

d. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.

HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR ANIMALS

For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:

a) A 'Certificate of Origin ' giving the health record of the animal .

b) A'Certificate of Health', issued not more than 15 days before the animal's entry into the country, stating that the animal is in good health and that it has been vaccinated against rabies

Note : If you have an official certificate,you may bring one cat , one bird , one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country.

MOTORIST REGULATIONS

General :
Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons , bicycles, motorcycles, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other vehicles, will have to provide the following documentation:

1. Passport.

2. International driving license.

3. Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner's name are registered). If it is somebody else's vehicle a power of attorney should be provided

4. International green card (Insurance card ). The TR sign should be visible.

5. Transit book "Carnet de passage" (For those who want to procced to the Middle East).

Period : The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 months. The owner should declare on the opposite from , the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely leave the country by the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be extended, contact:

In Case Of Accident : The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority . The owner should go to the customs authority with his passport and report.

If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and then take the vehicle to a garage.If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.

FORMALITIES FOR PRIVATE YACHT OWNERS

Yachts require a transit log and may remain in Turkish waters for up two years for maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourism for the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.

Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immidiately go for control of the ship's log to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderum, Botas, (Adana), Mersin-Icel Silifke, Tasucu, Bozyazi Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datca, Bodrum, Gulluk, Kusadasi, Cesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akcay, Canakkale, Tekirdag, Bandirma, Mudanya, Gemlik, Derince, Istanbul, Eregli, Zonguldak, Bartin, Inebolu, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.

Port Formalities: All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, crew members, intended route , passports, customs, declarations, health clearance, and any other obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.

The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish Port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.

Note: If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor,you may take full petrol at no charge , provided you possess an official marina license.

FORMALITIES FOR PRIVATE PLANE OWNERS

General:
When coming to Turkey , international air routes should be followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with Tourist status ,but for longer periods permission should be obtained from:

The Airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have facilities for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.

FESTIVALS - FAIRS - EVENTS

Camel Werstling Festival - Selsuk - January
Ankara International Film Festival - March
1915 Sea Victory Celebration-Canakkale - March
Istanbul International Film Festival-Istanbul - April
International Izmir Film Festival - April
Traditional"Mesir" Festival-Manisa - April
International Childern's Day -Ankara (April 23) - April
Tourism Fair-Gazi Antep - April
Tulip Festival-Istanbul - April
Javelin Games-Erzurum - April-May
Ankara International Arts Festival - April-May
International Nysa Culture and Art Festival-Sultanhisar - May
Efes International Festival of Culture&Tourism-Selcuk - May
Yunus Emre Culture and Art Week-Eskisehir - May
Aksu Culture&Art Festival-Giresun - May
International Music and Folklore Festival -Silifke - May
International Yachting Festival -Marmaris - May
International Kilim Festival-Usak,Esme - May
Kakava Festivities-Kirklareli - May
International Asia-Europe Biennial-Ankara - May-June
Strawberry Festival-Bartin - June
International Tea Festival-Rize - June
International Offshore Races-Istanbul,Izmir - June
Foca Music,Folklore and Watersports Festival-Foca - June
Marmaris Festival-Marmaris - June
Bergama Festival-Bergama - June
Ataturk Culture Festival-Amasya - June
Kafkasor Culture&Art Festival-Artvin - June
International Kus Cenneti Culture and Tourism Festival-Bandirma - June
Cesme Sea and Music Festival -Cesme - June
International Song Competition-Pamukkale - June
International Commagene Festival-Kahta - June
International Volleyball Beach Tournament-Alanya - June
Finike Festival-Finike - June
International Wine Competirion-Urgup - June
Tekirdag Cherry Festival - June
International Izmir Festival-Izmir - June
International Bursa Festival-Bursa - June-July
International Art and Culture Festival-Istanbul - June-July
Traditional Kirkpinar Werstling-Edirne - June july
International Music Festival- Istanbul - June-July
Ihlara Tourism and Art Week-Aksaray - June-July
International Erzurum Congress-Erzurum - July
Tourism&Culture Festival-Iskenderum - July
International Folk Dance Festival-Samsun - July
Ceramic Festival-Kutahya - July
Nasreddin Hoca Festival-Aksehir - July
Hittite Festival-Corum - July
Manavgat Tourism Festival-Manavgat - July
Kusadasi Tourism Festival-Kusadasi - July
Carpet and Rose Festival-Isparta - July
Egirdir Lake Festival - July
Nevsehir Festival - July
Devrek Baston and Culture Festival - July
Avanos International Handicrafts and Pottery Exhibit - July
Troy Festival-Canakkale - August
Insuyu Festival-Burdur - August
Hacibektas Veli Commemoration Ceremony-Hacibektas - August
Mengen Chefs' Festival-Bolu - August
Pine Grove Ayder Mt.and Archery Festivities-Rize - August
Handicrafts and Tourism Festival-Avanos - August
Izmir International fair-Izmir - September
Ertugrual Gazi Commemoration Ceremony-Sogut - September
Seyh Edibali'i Commemoration and culture Festival-Bilecik - September
Gap Culture and Art Festival - September
Javelin Games-Konya - September
Kemer Carnival - September
International Meerschaum Festival-Eskisehir - September
Sivas Culture and Art Week-Sivas - September
International Grape Harvest Festival-Urgup - September
Yagci Bedir Carpet Festival-Sindirgi - September
Culture and Festival-Diyarbakir - September
Assos International Art Festival - September
Adana Altin Koza Film Festival - September
Eskisehir International Festivsl - September
Golden Pistachio Festival-Gazi Antep - Sept-Oct
International Plastic Arts Festival-Istanbul - Sept -Oct
Ahi Brotherhood Cultural Week-Kirsehir - October
International Bodrum Cup - October
International Gullet Biennial-Bozburum - October
International Triathlon Competition-Alanya - October
International Yacht Race-Marmaris - November
International St. Nicholas Symposium-Demre,Antalya - December Mevlana Commemoration Ceremony-Konya - December