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General Information
GEOGRAPHY: Turkey includes the large peninsula of Western Asia, called both Asia Minor and Anatolia, and the part of Europe called Thrace. It covers an area of 783,500 square kilometers (300,000 square miles) slightly less than California, Oregon and Washington combined or the countries of Spain and Italy. To the south and west are the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, respectively; to the north is the Black Sea. In clockwise order, Turkey shares borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Nineteen mountains are over 4,100 meters (13,800 feet) high; of them Mt. Ararat (Agri Dağ) is the highest at 5,073 meters (16,910 feet). Both the Tigris and the Euphrates Rivers rise in Anatolia.
CLIMATE: Turkey has typical Mediterranean Climate-hot, sunny and ideal for the holiday visitor.
TIME: Turkey is two (2) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time or seven (7) hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the US.
POPULATION: The current population of Turkey is over 70 million people of whom 65% live in cities. More than half of the population is under the age of 20. The largest cities are Istanbul (16 million), Ankara, the capital city (5 million) and Izmir (3.5 million).
RELIGION: The Turkish Population is 99+% Muslim. Turkey is a secular republic which grants freedom of worship.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation is plentiful including state and privately operated airlines, many bus companies with very modern and comfortable buses that travel everywhere in the country, and at very reasonable costs: trains, ferry boats, mini-buses and taxis.
ELECTRICITY: 220 volts (Note: not compatible with North American AC appliances)
ECONOMY: The economy of the country is based on agriculture, industry, tourism and natural resources. Turkey, especially the western half, has a robust, thriving economy compared to many of its neighbors. Abundant supplies of modern western consumer goods are available for purchase in Turkey’s many shopping districts.
CURRENCY: The currency in Turkey is called the New Turkish Lira (YTL). In 2005 the currency changed from Turkish Lira, which was measured in millions, to New Turkish Lira, which is much easier to understand and use. Exchange rates are published daily and foreign currency may be exchanged with exchange brokers (Döviz Buro), banks or at hotels. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are available for New Turkish Lira (YTL) withdrawals exchanged at the daily foreign exchange rates. Travelers’ checks are acceptable for getting cash and making payments for some purchases but are not the preferred form of payment.
SHOPPING: Whether your time in Turkey is a few days or a few weeks, shopping is usually an integral part of any visit. Turkish Carpets are beautiful and quite valuable with both machine-made and hand-woven options. Each region of Turkey creates unique designs made from materials dyed with natural colors. The silk carpets, of course, are the most valuable, some of which can take one weaver up to eighteen months to make. Turkish ceramic pieces include a rich variety of high quality, exotic designs suitable to all budgets. In addition, leather and jewelry (gold and silver) are favorite purchases. In Turkey you can haggle to get the prices down, and you can find something for anyone's budget.
TIPPING: Tipping is customary at hotels, restaurants and for guides and drivers during tours. Amounts may vary; therefore, we may give guidance when arranging a tour.
CUISINE: Turkish Cuisine ranks among the finest in the world….Superb Mediterranean dishes with fresh and tasty vegetables along with a variety of rice pilafs, pastries (cheese and meat wrapped on thin dough), stuffed grape leaves, cabbage, peppers and tomatoes and meat cooked with exotic spices….Top this off with some fresh fruit or dessert and a cup of Turkish coffee.
CUSTOMS: Turkey has a strict antiquities law and prohibits the exportation of certain items. If in any doubt, visitors should ask the advice of the tour guide.
VISAS: Visas are required by many countries in order to visit Turkey and therefore, one must check with the appropriate Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence to learn what is required. For US citizens, no prior request is necessary, but a visa must be purchased upon arrival in Turkey. Usually it is issued just before passing passport control and is valid for 90 days.
