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About Turkey |
Brief History
 Turkey has such a rich history; there are not many countries in the
world who can match it. The first recordings of civilization extend as
far back as 8000 BC in a small village known as Catal Hoyuk. Even today,
this is considered the oldest living community known to man. The
Hittites were also a large civilization who lived in central Anatolia
from 1800BC to 1400BC. Other Empires conquered this great land such as
the Phrygians (1200BC to 800BC), Urartians (900BC to 600BC), Lycians
(700BC TO 550BC), Romans (500BC to 700AD), but probably the best known
were the Byzantines (600AD to 15th Century).
The Byzantines ruled until
the Ottomans invaded and finally conquered Constantinople (former name
for Istanbul) in 1453.In 1923, The Ottoman Empire ceased to exist and the
Turkish Republic was borne. The founder was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
(father of the Turks)
Coastline and Beaches
Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides: the Black Sea and the
Marmara Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean
in the west. The Turkish coastline is 8,333 km long embroidery of
beautiful bays and islands and crystal-clear blue sea, in a background
of lush green hills and mountainsides.
Turkey's glorious beaches are among the best to be found in the
Mediterranean. You will enjoy mile after mile of golden sand and clear,
warm water that is perfect for swimming and water sports.
Sightseeing & Scenery
Turkey's long and fascinating history has enriched her with some of the
most spectacular historical and religious sites. Such cultural wealth is
often set in breathtaking scenery, full of contrasts that has amazed
many visitors in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Shopping & Recreation
Turkey will astound you with its great choice of shops, modern shopping
malls and bazaars that it has to offer. You will find good quality
products from local! Lace, rugs and carpets to designer fakes at bargain
prices, Haggling is a tradition in Turkey that you will enjoy
especially in shops runned by the owner. The friendliness of the Turkish
people is one factor that distinguishes Turkey from other holiday
destinations, hospitality being the cornerstone of the culture. Many
travelers to Turkey return year after year to visit the life long
friends that they have made.
Turkey has a great choice of sports and activities on offer, ranging
from golfing, yachting, paragliding, diving and skiing to trekking,
white water rafting, jeep safaris and horse riding.
There is an extensive choice of nightlife on offer from a vast range of
restaurants, bars and discos to nightclubs with live entertainment to
suit all tastes.
Time
Standart time zone of Turkey is +2 hours
ahead of Greenwich
Electrical Appliances
Turkey generally runs on 220 volts. The
Turkish plug consists two
round pins as used in Europe.
Weather
The climate in Turkey varies a great deal according to season and place.
Inland of Anatolia weather is dry and
hot.On the Mediterranean
coast line weather can exceed up to 40-45 Celsius between June and September which
makes swimming more meaningfull and enjoyable.
Food
Turkish cuisine is always a pleasant surprise. In addition to being a
refined product of centuries of experience, the food has a very pure
quality and very important meaning. This comes from the superb freshness of fruit, meat and fish
utilized in a country that cultivates all its own produce. Some popular
dishes include roast lamb, filet steak, assorted vegetables, pastry with
meat or cheese and yoghurt. Tea is grown on the Black Sea region and it
is served everywhere in traditional tea glasses. ”Raki” made from distilled grapes
with aniseed is the national drink.
Language
Turkish language belongs to the
Ural-Altaic group and has affinity to the Fino-Hungarian languages.
Turkish is written in Latin characters and spoken by some 250 million
people in the world.
Religion
97% of the Turkish population is Muslim. Turkey is a secular democratic
state, which guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims. |
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