Turkey is a fascinating country on which 12 different civilizations have left their mark. Today the country is very cosmopolitan and, with its own very distinct Arab flavor, is a very western styled nation. Turkey is richly blessed with beautiful countryside almost at every turn. Its antiquities are not just in museums but are still found where they have been for thousands of years. It is here that Europe meets Asia over the Bosporus Strait. Turkey is a very friendly country with people who are willing to help travelers find their way and just give a helping hand.
Capital: Ankara
Population: 62, 778, 816
Area: 299, 155 square miles
Language: Turkish. German, French English are widely spoken in the western half of Turkey.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT+3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September)
Electricity: 200 Volts AC, 50 Hz
Geography: Turkey is divided by Europe and Asia with the smaller section east of the Bosporus. The landscape is quite varies with mountains being a predominant feature - particularly in the northeast around Mt. Errata. To the north of most of the country is the Black Sea and Georgia. To the east is Armenia and Iran, To the south is Iraq, Syria and the Mediterranean. To the west is the Aegean and the Greek islands.
International Airports:
Ankara - Esenboga Airport (ANK) is 18 miles from the city. Scheduled bus service is available as are taxis. Transit time to downtown is about 30 minutes.
Istanbul - Istanbul Airport (IST) is 16 miles from the city and takes 35 minutes to transit. Busses travel to the city every 15 minutes. TAxis are also available.
Tipping: Service charges are included in hotel and restaurant bills. In is wise in restaurants to leave an additional small amount in the form of loose change.
Shopping: Shops open by 9 am and remain open until 1 pm. They will reopen one hour later at 2 pm and stay open until 7 pm. Saturday hours are shortened sometimes and all stores are closed on Sundays.
Food and Drink: Lamb is found in almost all Turkish meat dishes. Most dishes have been influenced by traditions from central Asia and the Mediterranean. Fish is very well prepared and Red Mullet being a very good choice. Turkey is one of those rare place where you can actually go into the kitchen and point out what you want if you and the waiter are confused. Various form of kebabs (both fish and meat) are very popular and are delicious. Although Turkey is a Moslem country, alcohol is permitted. During Ramadan it is advised not to consume alcohol in front of the locals. There is a drink called "Ayran" which is a pleasing Yogurt drink that is quite refreshing and tasty. Soft drinks are in great supply.
Social: Turks are friendly and want visitors to feel comfortable. Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Respect for Islamic custom is very important. Beachwear should never be worn in areas other than at the beach or pool.
Business: A suit or jacket is acceptable attire in business meetings. Appointments are appreciated and punctuality goes a long way. English is widely spoken. If you know Turkish, speak it but do not try to be cute if you know only a little. Sincerity is extremely important.
Climate
The size and position of the country make for extremely varied weather patterns and climatic conditions. The Anatolian Plain is very hot in the summer months and falls to freezing during the winter. The Mediterranean by contrast is warm and pleasant with temperatures that hold reasonably constant at 75 F varying only about ten degrees either way. The Black Sea area is mild but damp. The best tim of the year to vise is in the spring through the fall. | 