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Do I
need a visa to visit Turkey?
I. Nationals of
the following countries do not require a visa :
A. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 3
Months
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region (only passports of Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region), Iceland, Iran, Israel, Japan,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, New
Zealand, St. Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden,
Switzerland, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus, Uruguay, Vatican
B. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 2
Months : Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia
C. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 1
Month : Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan
D. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 3
Months : Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan,
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, Belize,
Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia,
Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Holland, Hong-Kong
Special Administrative Region(only passports of Hong-Kong
Special Administrative Region), Iceland, Iran, Israel, Italy,
Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico (only diplomatic
passports) Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman,
Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal (only diplomatic passports),
Russia (only diplomatic passports), St. Lucia, St. Marino,
Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago,
Tunisia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ukraine,
Uruguay, Uzbekistan (only diplomatic passports), Vatican
E. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 2
Months Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Indonesia, Macedonia,
Romania
F. Type of
Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 1
Month : Bulgaria (only diplomatic passports), Costa Rica,
Estonia (only diplomatic passports), Hungary, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Latvia ( only diplomatic passports), Maldives,
Moldova, Mongolia, Palestine (only diplomatic passports),
People's Republic of China, Philippines, South Africa,
Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Vietnam (only diplomatic passports),
Yemen
II. Ordinary
passport holders of nationals of the following countries may
obtain sticker type visas at the Turkish International
border gates to enter Turkey :
A. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 3 Months :Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Italy,
Malta, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of
America
B. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 2 Months :
Albania, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine
C. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 1 Month :
Azerbaijan, Armenia, Estonia, Greek Cypriot Administration,
Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland,
Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan .
D. Type of
Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 15 Days
Georgia
III. In other
cases, visas should be obtained from the Turkish Embassy/Consulate
accredited in your country. To find information about
Turkish missions abroad,. Please refer to: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/consular.htm
Is it
safe to travel in Turkey?
Turkey is one of
the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and
its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European
countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday
destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend
that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they
would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that
affect all international travelers.
Is it
better to travel independently or go to Turkey as a part of
a group tour?
The best way to
see and experience Turkey depends on one's knowledge,
experience, and personal preferences. Touring is a safe way
to experience new cultures and to see new places with peace
of mind. However, some travelers may prefer to visit sites
independently without the confines of schedules and
timetables.
Group tours are
organized through tour operators. Most group tours are all-inclusive.
This means that transportation (air and ground), hotels,
some meals, and a guide are usually provided for a flat-fee.
Guided tours are highly recommended for those with an
interest in history and culture, since tour guides can
enhance the traveler's experience by sharing their in-depth
knowledge of the places visited.
Those who wish
to travel independently can make travel arrangements in
advance through a tour operator. Many tour operators will
design customized individual itineraries in which air
transportation, hotel and car rental reservations and other
services are privately arranged to match the specifications
of the client. Some tour operators offer fly/drive packages
as well, in which airfare and rental car services are
provided as a package.
Travelers can
also make their own hotel and rental car reservations. The
hotel guide web site www.oldistanbul.com
comprehensively lists accommodation facilities
throughout Turkey. Visitors may also choose to use the
services of local travel agencies in Turkey. These agencies
can arrange car and driver mini-tours, which are very
popular in many areas, including Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya
and Cappadocia.
Turkey is a
country of diverse scenery, climate and historical monuments,
so travelers are sometimes overwhelmed by the number of
places to visit. For assistance in planning your trip or any
inquiries relating to your trip consult Turkish Tourism
Information Offices throughout Turkey. Their addresses are
listed in alphabetical order on the Turkish Ministry of
Tourism's web site at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
When is
the best time to travel in Turkey?
The high season
for travel in Turkey generally runs between mid-April and
late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much
cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many
visitors enjoy the spring and fall, with their mild weather
and small crowds.
Coastal regions
are particularly popular with tourists during the summer.
These include resort areas along the Aegean and
Mediterranean coast with beaches and yachting facilities.
The coastline, especially between Izmir and Antalya,
features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient
cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of
international-quality marinas provide services for the
yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing,
surfing and diving are available.
Turkey also
enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal for canoeing,
skiing and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in
mountain ranges throughout Turkey in spring and summer.
The high
plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea Region are covered by
colorful flowers and green pasture during spring and summer.
Naturalists will enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora as
well as the heart-stopping splendor of the surrounding
landscape.
Central and
Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of snow, and
snow skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several
ski centers, which are generally open from December through
April depending on snow conditions.
What are
the Average Air and Water Temperatures for Turkey's major
cities?
The web site of
the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological
Service, http://www.meteor.gov.tr/,
gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day
weather forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for the
holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike
and Marmaris.
What is
the best way to travel to Turkey from the U.S.?
Most foreign
visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul
or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including
Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may also arrive in
Turkey by land at border crossings from neighboring
countries. There are also ferry connections from several
Greek islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
By Air: Turkish
Airlines offers more than 80 destinations throughout the
world. Info concerning Turkish Airlines can be obtained at
http://turkishairlines.com.
By Sea: Many
cruise ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean dock in
Turkey. Cruise ships arrive at customs entry points where it
is easy to obtain a visa and satisfy entry requirements.
Major ports are Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris
and Antalya.
Passenger and
automobile ferries between Turkey and neighboring countries
also provide entry by sea.
Ferry Lines
between Turkey and the Greek Islands run between Marmaris -
Rhodes, Bodrum - Cos, Kusadasi - Samos, Cesme - Chios and
Ayvalik - Lesbos. These ferries run regularly from April
through October, and operate on a reduced schedule in winter.
Ferry schedules can be found at http://www.tourismturkey.org/
in the facts for visitors section.
Turkish Maritime
lines operates passenger ferries between Turkey and Italy (Cesme-Brindisi)
and between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (Mersin-Magosa). Ferry schedules can be found on
their web site at http://www.tdi.com.tr/
.
There are also
ferry services from Trabzon on Turkey's Eastern Black Sea
Coast to Sochi and from Istanbul to Novosibirsk, both on
Russia's Black Sea Coast. Ferry services also operate
between Istanbul and various Ukrainian ports including
Odessa, Yalta, Sevastopol and Yevpatorya.
By Land: Turkey
has many border crossings with its neighbors. Varan Bus
Company operates regular bus services between Istanbul-Athens
and Istanbul-Vienna. Schedules and fares can be found on
their web site at http://www.varan.com.tr/
. In addition, Istanbul can be reached by train directly
from and via some of Europe's major cities.
What are
the most popular travel destinations in Turkey?
From the perfect
beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to the pulse of its
cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts.
Visitors can lose themselves in the magic of a historic
palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst
Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort
of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Whatever your
fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey.
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway
for most travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world
that sits on two continents and it offers an abundance of
fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of Istanbul's
most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue
Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace,
the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern, Galata Tower,
the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands and the Grand
Bazaar.
From Canakkale
Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the fairytale
Crusader castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean
shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in
Turkey. The highlights of an Aegean tour are Troy, the site
of the legendary Trojan War and its wooden horse; ancient
Pergamon, once a great center of culture and now one of
Turkey's finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of
Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the goddess Artemis whose
temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World;
Aphrodisias, the center of the greatest school of sculpture
in antiquity; Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly
white calcified castles; and Bodrum, a charming coastal town
with a long, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful beaches.
Antalya province
on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey's principal holiday
region. It is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports.
Best of all, Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby
archeological attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in
a remarkable state of preservation at Aspendos and Perge and
visitors can tour the sunken city of Simena in Kekova.
Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as Patara, Letoon,
Xanthos, Myra and Apollonia are also within easy traveling
distance. These are among the most fascinating sites on the
Anatolian Peninsula.
Cappadocia in
Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic landscapes in
the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations
in Turkey.
Other popular
destinations include Safranbolu in the Black Sea Region, an
open-air museum of traditional Turkish houses; Mount Nemrut
in southeastern Turkey, where enormous stone statues of
deities commemorate the first century BC Commagene Kingdom.
Konya in Central Anatolia was home to the great Islamic
philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi who in the 13th century
founded the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes.
Each year in early December, the white-robed Mevlevi
commemorate the death of Mevlana with their trance-like
turning dance or sema - an amazing sight to behold.
What
attractions does Turkey offer related to religious history
and issues of faith?
History has been
incredibly generous to Turkey, which has been vital in the
history of the three major monotheist religions --
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Turkey is one of a few
countries where all three religions have co-existed
peacefully for centuries. There are a many important sites
in Turkey of interest to people of all faiths.
Islam
Visitors to Turkey are often touched by the call to prayer
from lofty minarets. The call is heard five times a day,
inviting the faithful to face towards Mecca and pray from
the Koran. Although Turkey is a secular democracy which
guarantees freedom of religion for all people, Islam is the
country's predominant religion. People of all faiths may
visit Turkey's mosques.
Islam's roots in
Turkey date to the 10th Century. In the ensuing centuries
Seljuk and Ottoman Turks constructed impressive mosques with
elegant interior decorations and imposing domes and minarets.
Virtually every Turkish city has a mosque of historical or
architectural significance. Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul
stands as perhaps the most impressive. Built between 1609
and 1616 in the classic Ottoman style, the building is more
familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because of its
magnificent interior paneling of blue and white Iznik tiles.
The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest in Istanbul. It was
built between 1550 and 1557by Suleyman the Magnificent, the
greatest sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Other cities
also have impressive Islamic architecture. The Ulu Cami (Grand
Mosque) with its 20 domes and Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) in
Bursa, was constructed between 1419 and 1420. The mosque
derives its name from the exquisite green and turquoise
tiles in its interior. Haci Bayram Mosque in Ankara was
built in the early 15th century in the Seljuk style and was
subsequently restored by the master Ottoman architect Sinan
in the 16th century. Selimiye Mosque in Edirne reflects the
classical Ottoman style and Sinan's lasting genius.
Konya ranks as
one of the great cultural centers of Turkey. As the capital
of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries
Konya was a center of cultural, political and religious
growth. During this period, the mystic Mevlana Celaleddin
Rumi founded a Sufi Order known in the West as the Whirling
Dervishes. Mevlana's striking green-tiled mausoleum is
Konya's most famous attraction. Attached to the mausoleum,
the former dervish seminary now serves as a museum housing
manuscripts of Mevlana's works and various artifacts related
to the mystic sect.
Christianity
More and more people are discovering the important role
Turkey played in the history of Christianity. Travelers can
discover many magnificent churches, some nearly as old as
Christianity itself, and can retrace the footsteps of Saints
Peter and Paul from the Biblical city of Antioch to the
underground churches of Cappadocia. Many of the most
important events in Christian history occurred in Turkey.
Born in Tarsus,
the Apostle Paul spread the word of Jesus Christ across
Anatolia, expanding Christianity's reach from a
predominantly Jewish base to Gentile communities.
Not far from
Tarsus on Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean coast is Antakya,
known in biblical times as Antioch. This ancient city was
founded around 300 B.C. and was home to the first important
Christian community, founded in 42 AD by St. Paul. Jesus'
followers were first called "Christians" in
Antioch and from here Christianity spread to the world. St.
Paul departed from Antioch on his three missionary journeys.
The city holds the Church of St. Peter, a cave-church where
the apostles Peter and Paul are believed to have preached.
In 1963, the Vatican designated the site a place of
pilgrimage and recognized it as the world's first cathedral.
The "Seven
Churches of Asia Minor," a series of communities
located near the Aegean coast, is where St. Paul visited,
preached and built the early church. Their ancient names -
Ephesus (Efes), Smyrna (Izmir), Thyatira (Akhisar), Sardis (Sart),
Philadelphia (Alasehir), Laodicea (Eskihisar) and Pergamon
(Bergama) are familiar from the New Testament's Book of
Revelation.
Ephesus, perhaps
the most prominent of the Seven Churches, is where St. Paul
wrote his letters to the Ephesians, and where St. John the
Evangelist brought the Virgin Mary to spend her last years.
The Vatican recognizes the Virgin Mary's house, located in
the hills near Ephesus, as a shrine. Just outside Ephesus,
in Selcuk, is the Basilica of St. John where he preached and
is believed to be buried.
Many other
regions in Turkey offer a wealth of attractions to the
Christian traveler. St. Nicholas was born and lived in Demre
on the Mediterranean coast. A church dedicated to the
original Santa Claus still stands. Visitors to the biblical
area of Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia, can explore
more than 200 carved rock churches beautifully decorated
with frescoes depicting early Christian motifs, and a seven-story
underground city where Christians took refuge from their
persecutors.
The stunning
Monastery of the Virgin Mary located near the Black Sea in
Trabzon is a well-known monastic center dating to the 4th
century. Built on the edge of a l200 foot cliff and
accessible only by foot, it housed some of the Orthodox
Church's greatest thinkers.
Istanbul became
the center of Christianity in 330 AD and it was here that
the largest church in Christendom at the time, Haghia Sophia
or the Church of the Divine Wisdom, was dedicated by Emperor
Justinian in 536 AD. The Kariye Museum, a Greek Orthodox
Church from the 11th and 14th centuries, is famous for its
incomparable Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.
Judaism
Judaism has had a continuous presence in Turkey since
ancient times. Signs written in Hebrew and menorahs carved
into stone at historical sites such as Ephesus, Kusadasi,
Priene, Hieropolis, and Pamukkale attest to long history of
Jews in Turkey. In Sardis, near Izmir, the remains of the
largest ancient synagogue in existence date to the 3rd
century AD. Its frescoes and mosaics suggest a large, well-established
and successful Jewish community in Sardis.
According to the
legend of the great flood, Noah's Ark ran aground at Mount
Agri (Ararat). When the floodwaters receded, Noah and his
family descended from the mountain to the fertile Igdir
Plain and repopulated the world.
Jewish
Patriarchs Abraham and Job also made their mark in eastern
Turkey. Sanli Urfa in southeastern Turkey is known as the
city of Prophets. A cave there is said to be the birthplace
of the prophet Abraham. It has become a place of pilgrimage
and is now surrounded by the Halil Rahman Mosque. The
Prophet Job, who was famed for his patience, is believed to
have spent seven years recovering from illness inside
another cave located in the district of Eyyübiye two
kilometers south of Sanli Urfa.
Jews have
enjoyed tolerance and peace in Turkey for centuries. After
the Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal were exiled in
1492 during the Inquisition, Sultan Beyazit II welcomed them
to the Ottoman Empire. As a result, many Jewish communities
still thrive in modern Turkey.
Istanbul is of
particular significance to Jewish visitors. In the city's
old Jewish Quarter is the 19th century Neve Shalom Synagogue,
the Zulfaris Jewish Museum and nearby, the 15th century
Ahrida Synagogue. The first Jewish printing press began
operating in Istanbul in 1493 and Jewish literature and
music flourished during this period.
In Bursa, a
short drive south of Istanbul, visitors will find the Gerus
Synagogue, built at the end of the 15th century by the first
Jews who settled in the city after being expelled from Spain.
The name of the synagogue in Hebrew means, "Expelled".
Izmir, located on the Aegean coast, has several synagogues,
including Beth Israel Synagogue; Bikour Holim Synagogue,
named in memory of an epidemic when city hospitals were so
full that synagogues were used to house the sick, and
Giveret Synagogue, rebuilt after an 1841 fire.
How can
I travel in Turkey?
By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and
Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights
connect through Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have
domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish
Airlines' schedules and book flights at http://www.turkishairlines.com/
By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in
Turkey. Private bus companies provide frequent day and night
services between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism
Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their
regions; their addresses can be found at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
by clicking on "Tourism Information."
The major bus
lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee,
tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, http://www.varan.com.tr/
and http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/,
provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office
addresses.
By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most
major cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are
available. Detailed train schedules and prices as well as
reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents
are listed on their web site at http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/
. Transportation From and To the Airport
Transportation
From and To the Airport
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable
alternative to taxis for transportation from airports to
downtown areas or from downtown areas to airports in Turkey.
You can find detailed information about the schedules at http://www.havas.com.tr/
Where
should I stay in Turkey?
Turkey offers a
wide array of comfortable and modern lodgings to fit any
budget. Larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir,
offer a range of international chain hotels, as well as many
charming locally run Turkish properties. Seaside resorts on
the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and other popular
tourism destinations abound with hotels, pensions and
holiday villages. Many of the Turkey tour specialists listed
in our guide can make hotel reservations.
The Ministry of
Tourism licenses a number of hotels throughout the country.
Rated from one to five stars, they must meet standards set
forth by the Ministry. Renovated and refurbished Ottoman
mansions, 19th century wooden houses and other historic
buildings now operate as special licensed hotels. The
Turkish Tourism Offices can provide a Hotel Guide that lists
numerous hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
Licensed hotels and other licensed accommodations in any
city in Turkey can also be found at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
See www.oldistanbul.com
Hotel
Reservation
www.oldistanbul.com
for
a comprehensive list of hotels in all regions of Turkey
sorted in alphabetical order.
How can
I hire a guide?
Guides can be
pre-arranged prior to departure through any of the Turkey
tour specialists, or can easily be hired upon arrival in
Turkey. Most hotels offer concierge services, which can
provide reliable guides to their guests for an affordable
fee. The advantage of hiring a guide through your hotel is
that the guide will usually have a long history of working
successfully with the hotel and its previous guests. However,
visitors may also go to any local travel agency in Turkey
and make arrangements on the spot.
Should I
exchange money before I go to Turkey?
The highly
favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely
affordable. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon
arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily
exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank
web site at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/
. This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives
links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also
publish daily exchange rates.
There are ATM
machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities
and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and
most merchants.
Are any
vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no
vaccination requirements for any international traveler.
The World Health
Organization web site, http://www.who.org/,
provides vaccination certificate requirements by country,
geographic distributions of potential health hazards to
travelers and information on health risks and their
avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
Is it
safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Turkey practices
safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for
bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However,
as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the
majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We
recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink
bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
What is
a Turkish bath (Hamam)?
Communal baths
were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as the name
"Turkish Bath" suggests, they played a significant
role in Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of
cleanliness was not yet accepted in Europe, the Turks were
very fastidious due to Islam's emphasis on cleanliness.
Countless baths were built in the typical Ottoman
architectural style throughout the empire. Unfortunately,
few have survived to the present. Cagaloglu Hamami and
Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with
tourists.
A classic bath
usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a
cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's
clothes for a "pestamal" or towel, you then
proceed to the "gobek tasi", a large heated stone
where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant.
If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room.
This method of bathing is the most refreshing.
What to
buy in Turkey and where to buy it?
Shopping is one
of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich
variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist
buying something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and
wool; artful jewelry; leather accessories; brilliant faience
(colored tiles); vessels of copper, brass, marble,
meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of
course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are
among the most popular purchases. Great value and an
enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from
small towns to big cities. Visit the "What to buy"
section at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
to discover shopping opportunities in each province...
Unique regional
handicrafts make shopping that much more enjoyable.
Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets,
ceramics and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings,
decorative glass, and embroidery are a major component of
Turkish culture. They are a stunning reflection of Turkey's
diverse cultural heritage and thousands of years of history.
For more information on Turkish handicrafts visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/
(click on Culture, then Handicrafts). www.lesartsturcs.org
The Turkish
Ministry of Culture's Revolving Capital Administration (DOSIM)
promotes production of Anatolian handcrafts. DOSIM markets
those products through its 13 Cultural Products Sales
Centers located throughout the country. Please visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/
and click on "DOSIM Shopping" to find out more
about DOSIM and the locations of their Sales Centers.
The Touring and
Automobile Club of Turkey has restored the old Cedid Mehmet
Efendi Medresesi in Sultanahmet and now operates it as the
Istanbul Handicrafts Center. The center's aim is to revive
dying crafts and show visitors how these arts and crafts
were performed. Each of its rooms is devoted to a
traditional Turkish craft, such as producing marbled paper,
calligraphy, painting miniatures, making lace, pinking and
embroidering. There is also traditional bookbinding, and a
glass and porcelain atelier.
The Grand Bazaar,
or "Kapalicarsi," in Istanbul is a unique
combination of fantastic merchandise and a memorable
shopping experience. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of some
4,000 shops, selling treasures of every type. Still the
commercial center of the old city, the Grand Bazaar's 80
roads and streets form the original shopping mall. For more
information, visit http://www.oldistanbul.com
where you can find a map of the Grand Bazaar and a list
of shops.
Also visit www.lesartsturcs.com
and www.lesartsturcs.org
Where
can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events
in Turkey?
There are more
than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the
local festivals organized in almost every city of the
country, international culture and art festivals are held in
major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.
Istanbul is the most important center in Turkey of
international culture and art festivals.
Information on
the principle Turkish international art and culture
festivals and other important events can be found at
www.turkey.org (click on Travel and Tourism - Calender
and Weather section ) The Istanbul Culture and Art
Foundation's web site, http://www.istfest.org/,
gives detailed information on their festivals in
Istanbul.
In recent years,
Turkey has been very popular with the congress tourism
market, and Turkey hosts more congresses, fairs and
conventions every year. With over 50 airlines flying to
Turkey and most major European cities just a two or three
hour flight away, Istanbul has become the venue of choice
for many conventions and exhibitions. Istanbul offers the
5,000-person capacity Istanbul Convention & Exhibition
Center (ICEC), two fair and exhibition halls, the
International Exhibition Center (CNR) and the Fair and
Congress Center (TUYAP), and numerous five star hotels with
convention facilities. Istanbul can host 25,000 conference
and exhibition delegates and visitors at any one time. For
more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a calendar of
fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web
sites: www.e-turkey.org
and http://www.tuyap.com/
A list and a
calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at http://www.e-turkey.org
(the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
How can
I receive more information about Turkey?
info@oldistanbul.com
www.oldistanbul.com
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