At only 77 years old, Turkey is a young nation that has inherited the combined riches of Ancient Greeks and Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. Asia Minor has seen more than 10,000 years of cultural traffic, and each passing civilization has left a layer of debris for the intrepid traveler to discover and explore. And the travelers are coming, tempted by tourist posters offering sun-soaked beaches and scantily-clad belly dancers. Along with the Sultanahmet district of ~stanbul, the Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts have an established tourist industry that makes enjoying Turkey easy. Still, the rest of Anatolia awaits exploration: pristine alpine meadows, cliffside monasteries, medieval churches, and countless cups of çay offered by people who take great pride in their tradition of hospitality.

For centuries now, the word Turkey has conjured up disconnected images of Ottoman sultans and their debauched harems, ferocious and proud fighters, and Islamic fundamentalists. While Bodrum nightclubs may resemble harem fantasies on most nights, Turkey’s reality is of course not quite as fantastical. Young professionals tote cell phones and the country has become increasingly wired to the Net, but the devastating earthquake of August 1999 reminded the world that Turkey’s infrastructure is still developing. Indeed, it has become a cliché to call Turkey a land of contrasts, a bridge between Europe and Asia, a place where the ancient and the modern can and do coexist. But what else can one say about a place that is home to both Troy and Santa Claus, the world’s oldest city and thousands of rickety new shantytowns?

TURKEY FACTS & FIGURES

Capital: Ankara
Population: 65 million, and counting
National drink: rakI
Most Strategic Waterway: Bosphorus
Language: Turkish
Inflation Rate: 54%
Religions: 99% Muslim

LOUNGING WITH THE OTTOMANS

Some of the ancient world’s brightest cities were located in Asia Minor, with the happy result that Turkey boasts the world’s most outstanding collection of Greek ruins. Some, like Ephesus and Troy, are well-placed on the tourist stampede (and for a good reason—don’t miss them). At others, you’ll have some of antiquity’s best temples and theaters to yourself. A visit to the Çatalhöyük, the world’s oldest settlement, or the Hittite capital of Hattusas makes the Greeks look like they were born yesterday. More recently, the incomparable Ottoman mosques in Bursa, Edirne, and Istanbul, all former Ottoman capitals, stunned even Le Corbusier.

Today, backpackers have taken over Istanbul’s most historic neighborhood, Sultanahmet. Hip international types trade war stories in the shade of the Aya Sofia before moving on down the coast, often catching a Greek island or two on the way down. From the coast, backpackers head inland to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where they congregate in bars carved out of the soft tufa rock and belly dance with the pros. Rumor has it that Marc Antony imported Akyaka’s powder-white silica as a gift to Cleopatra on their honeymoon. Turkey brings you the best of Mediterranean beach “culture”: by day, bronze with the beautiful people at Içmeler, the St. Tropez of Turquoise Riviera. By night, chill in an understated boater’s bar in Dalyan or bust a move to bass-heavy beats in Marmaris’s open-air discos—while absolutely anything goes in Bodrum, the “Bedroom of the Mediterranean.” For more authentic experiences, you can hone your tavla (backgammon) skills in cafes overlooking the Black Sea, pamper yourself with a kese (exfoliation) and massage at a hamam (Turkish bath), or cheer for the home futbol team with thousands of Turkish soccer fanatiks.

Turkey is a bridge between East and West, both geographically and culturally. It lies between 36° and 42° north, latitude and 26° and 42° east, longitude. It has the shape of a rectangle and is over 1,600km long and 685km across at its widest point. It covers an area equal to France and Germany combined, 770,760km². Thrace, European Turkey, comprises about 3% and is the size of New Hampshire. The Asian portion, Anatolia (Anadolu in Turkish), known in classical times as Asia Minor, makes up the other 97% and is somewhat larger than Texas.

The four bordering seas, namely the Black Sea, Marmara Sea, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea, give the country about 7,200km of coastline. The other important topographic features are the two mountain ranges, the Pontic range (Kuzey Anadolu Daglari) in the north just below the Black Sea and the Taurus mountain (Toros Daglari) just behind the Mediterranean shore in the south. Both become higher towards the east and eventually meet, forming natural boundaries with Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Iraq. Within these natural barriers lie the Anatolian plateau and its river valleys.

Turkey encompasses seven major geographic zones and therefore has a vast variety of climates. Sharp contrasts are also found between city and village lifestyles. Over 50% of Turkey's population is under 20 years of age and learn English as their first foreign language at school. The languages spoken and understood, especially in large cities and tourist centres are Turkish, English, German and French.

Istanbul, the Bosphorus and the area round the Sea of Marmara combine the best and the worst climatic extremes. The hot summers are relieved by the north wind, the poyraz. Winters on the other hand are very changeable, with periods of snow in most years alternating with cold rain or warm sunshine. Spring is warm, but wet.

Istanbul has been the capital of the civilised world for many centuries and is still a magical, bustling cosmopolitan city today. It is divided into three parts: the Bogaziçi (Bosphorus) divides the European and Asian parts and most visitors spend their time on the European side. This side is again divided into two by the Haliç (Golden Horn): north is Pera (Beyoglu), the stark modern part with embassies and large hotels, and south is the old city of the original Constantinople. Here are Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Süleymaniye and the Kapaliçarsisi (Covered Bazaar). Aya Sofya Camii (Cathedral of Saint Sophia), the largest free­standing building in the world, was once the centre of Byzantine, later it became a mosque and is now a museum, it has an overwhelming sense of history. The Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) with its blue tiles and six minarets is unique, while the Süleymaniye Camii may be the most beautiful Ottoman mosque. It is difficult to do justice to the incomparable treasures and splendour of the Topkapi Sarayi in a few words, just see it. The Kapaliçarsisi (Covered Bazaar), the largest in the world, has around 4,000 shops and is the original 'shop till you drop' paradise. Florence Nightingale's office from the Crimean War is on the Asian side (Uskudar) of Istanbul in Scutari.

In Edire, capital of Thrace, the Selimiye Mosque is considered to be the highest attainment of Ottoman architecture. On the southern peninsula of Thrace is Gelibolu (Gallipoli), its national park is the memorial to 500,000 soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

Not far from Istanbul in Marmara is Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire, and it is visited for its famous mosques, Ulu Camii (Great Mosque), the Green Mosque and Mausoleum (Yesil Camii and Türbe). Bursa is a modern resort and spa town.

The climate east of Antalya is subtropical, with orange, lemon, peach and apricot groves interspersed with banana plantations. On the other hand, east of Adana the arid Çukurova Plain depends on irrigation for its cotton and other cash crops.

At the southern land border with Syria the Taurus mountains give way to the Amanus range. Here are the ruins of numerous crusaders' castles which were built to protect their main citadel at Antioch (Antakya). This is an area of isolated mountain villages and rough pasture. Unpleasantly hot in high summer, the valley floors and lower slopes support orchards and subsistence farming.

The road from Anamur to Silifke is littered with ruined fortresses (Liman Castle, Tokmar Castle) of which the Armenian 13th­century Anamur Castle is the best preserved one. Silifke has a Crusader castle, but it is famous only because the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa drowned here in 1190 on his way to Jerusalem.

Mersin is the largest free zone port on the Turkish Mediterranean, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world.

Adana is Turkey's fourth largest city and its cotton and citrus capital. It is known for its excellent dishes, kebabs, spicy meat and meze (starters).

Antakya, better known as the biblical city of Antioch, featured prominently in early Christianity was visited by Saint Barnabas, Saint Paul and Saint Peter. The Grotto of Saint Peter, a cave church from which the apostle preached for the first time, was declared a holy site by the Vatican in 1983. South of grotto is the Iron Gate, one of the actual entrances of Antioch, through which these men walked.

A National Park is situated at Karatepe­Aslantas, Adana.

The Anatolian plateau which has an average altitude of 1,000m has a climate of extremes, it is hot and dry in summer with low humidity and pleasant cool evenings. The rains are confined to spring and it is cold in winter with numerous falls of snow and rain.

The area is renowned for its fruits; especially apples and cherries, its vineyards and flowers. Turkey has long been the place for the plant collector, and many garden plants have their wild origins here.

Ankara (altitude 848m), the capital of Turkey, is set in a natural bowl in the centre. It has dry, hot summers and cold, but sunny winters with below average rainfall. Its prime function is that of government with ministries and embassies being located here. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations with its priceless collection of Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman artifacts is well worth a visit.

Konya and Kayseri, have wide boulevards, apartment blocks and busy traffic, but at the heart of each is an old town, a fortress dating to Roman times and a few foundations going back to the dawn of civilisation. Although very much off the beaten track, Divrig with its Seljuk stonework and carvings has been declared a UNESCO world cultural heritage site.

In Hacibektas, where Haci Bektas Veli settled and established his Bektas Sufi order in the 14th century, the monastery, mausoleum and mosque can be seen.

Göreme valley, known in Roman times as Cappadocia, has a spectacular surrealist landscape of tufa rock cones, capped pinnacles, fretted ravines, underground cities, 10th­century Byzantine rock churches, and a open­air museum.

Konya's most famous building is the mausoleum of Mevlana, who was founder of the Sufi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes.

The National parks in the region are Ilgazdag, Çamlik and Bogazkale.

Near Kangal is the famous spa, Balikli Kaplica, where scores of tiny fish swim in hot spring waters.

On the fertile coastal plains cotton and maize are grown, there are also olive and fig groves, vineyards, and fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes.

This area was the cradle of western civilisation and you can walk through more than 5,000 years of history, culture and mythology. This region offers a holiday which caters for everyone from nature lovers, sun worshippers, photographers, sports enthusiasts, sailors to archaeologists.

Ïzmir, the third largest city in Turkey, is a cosmopolitan and lively city. The castle (Kadifekale) is an excellent vantage point from which to enjoy the view over the Gulf of Ïzmir. In the first millennium BC, Ïzmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the important cities of the Ionian Federation, it was then that Homer is believed to have lived there and wrote about Troy. Nine levels of Troy's ruins can be seen at Truva. Pergamum lies to the south and is an impressive historical site. In the old Turkish Bergama one can visit the Red Basilica, while at Pergamum one can learn about the remains of the celebrated library, the theatre, the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, and the Asclepion.

Çesme is a popular beach resort for Ïzmir, where there are excellent beaches and thermal springs. South of Çesme is the small yachting centre of Sigacik, which makes a good base from which to visit the Temple of Dionysus at the ancient site of Teos as well as the lovely Akkum beach.

A visit to Efes (Ephesus) is the highlight of any visit to Turkey. Attractions at this historical site include the ruins of an enormous temple dedicated to the Goddess Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. Tradition states that the Virgin Mary spent her last days in a small house (Meryemana Evi) built for her on Bülbüldagi (Mt Nightingale) near Selçuk.

Further south is Kusadasi, now a major resort and yacht marina. It also serves as a base for exploring the ruins at Priene, Diyma (Apollo's temple and oracle) and Milet (Miletos) with its large Roman theatre.

Bodrum, one of the liveliest resorts in the Aegean, is dominated by the Crusader castle, built by the Knights of Saint John, who plundered the nearby Mausoleum (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) for building material.

Above the town of Fethiye, numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face.

A spectacular natural site is Pamukkale (Hierapolis) which offers thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge which have created fantastic formations of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times and the ruins of their ancient city, Hierapolis, are situated on the plateau.

Balçova has one of Turkey's largest thermal springs.

National Parks are at Kazdag (Mount Ida) at Edremit Bay; Sipil Dagi to the northeast of Ïzmir; Dilek Yarlmadasl­Kusadasi.

The Dalyan Delta, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and blue crabs which are threatened by tourist development. Çamalti is an important bird sanctuary, especially for flamingos and pelicans.

The climatic extremes are even greater here than those on the plateau. The winter to summer temperature range in eastern Anatolia is from -40°C to +40°C. The extremely hot and dry summers have a very low humidity. The evenings and nights are cool and can feel very cold, so suitable clothing should be taken. In the winter the area is often inaccessible, with snow several metres deep from October through to April. The best time for travel is therefore during July and August.

Eastern Turkey differs greatly from the rest of the country. There are endless pastures, which are covered in with grass and wildflowers in spring and provide forage for the enormous herds of brown sheep and cattle, which are the regional economic mainstay. Wheat, apple and apricot orchards are found in the valleys.

Somewhere before Baybutt is the geographical boundary between the Black Sea and the plateau as well as the ancient historical boundary between the Pontic­Greek and Armenian cultural zones. The ancient east­west trade route for caravans carrying silk and spices crossed the border between Asia Minor and China into the Roman­Byzantine world on these highlands.

The plateau is not as well­developed as western Turkey. The people are more reserved and conservative. Work is still done the old way, but the most noticeable sign of the change is the attire of women, they wear the distinctive brown burgá, a wrap which covers them from head to toe.

Visitors can travel freely, but in the extreme southeast Hakkari region it is better to stick to the main roads because of Kurdish guerilla activity in the mountains. A visit to the Armenian ghost city of Ani, however, requires a permit because of its proximity to the former Russian border, which is easily obtainable from the local tourist office.

Erzurum is the largest city (population 260,000) on the high plateau and is a tiny bit dull, but it has a superb ski­run.

Kars with its medieval fortress looks more Russian than Turkish, and it is the base from which to visit Ani. The Armenian ghost city of Ani was one of the wealthiest cities in the 10th century.

Due to its position on the Silk Route it was known as 'Ani of a hundred gates and a thousand churches'. Today only 10 churches, one mosque (Menucer Camii) and the royal citadel remain, but it still affords an unforgettable visit, especially worthwhile are visits to St Gregory's church, the Cathedral, and the circular Church of Gagik I.

From Dogubeyazit the views of Büyükagri Dagi (Mount Ararat) can be stupendous, the other attraction is the much photographed pleasure palace, Ishak Pasha Saray from around 1800.

Van Gölü (Lake Van) is spectacular both in beauty and size. It covers an area of nearly 380,000 hectares, more than six times the size of Lake Geneva. The water is very alkaline and swimming in its brilliant blue waters leaves a pleasant silky feeling on the skin. A boat trip of 2km to Akdamar Island (Akdamar Kilisesi) on lake Van brings you to a 10th­century masterpiece of early Armenian art, the Church of the Holy Cross.

The ancient city of Diyarbakir on the Tigris, with its predominantly Kurdish population, claims that its massive black basalt walls are second only to the Great Wall of China in magnificence. In contrast to black Diyarbakir is beautiful white Mardin, an important Syrian Christian centre.

Sanli Urfa (Urfa) has both biblical and Quran associations with Abraham, it is his alleged birthplace. North of Urfa is Nemrut Dagi, the best known site in eastern Turkey, because of the colossal stone heads set on a mountaintop there.

The National Parks in the region are Munzur, 50km south of Erzincan, near Ovacik and Nemrut Dagi, 60km south of Malatya.

From a scenic perspective there are lovely olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations along the coast.

Antalya is Turkey's modern tourism capital with a picturesque old quarter (Kaleiçi). It is paradise for sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, mountain climbing and caving. East of Antalya is Perge with its Roman stadium and Hellenistic gate towers. The best ancient Roman theatre can be found in Aspendos. It has seating for 15,000 and is still used today for the Antalya Film and Art Festival every October. Side is a living open­air museum with a modern resort set among Byzantine and Roman ruins, including the Roman baths which are now a museum.

Alanya, a large popular resort centre, has a 13th­century Seljuk fortress built from red bricks, and the colossal octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower).

National Parks are at Bey Daglari (Olympos), south of Antalya; Güllükdagi­Termessos, near Antalya toward Korkuteli; Kizildag­Sarkikaraagaç, between Isparta and Konya; Kovada Gölü, near Isparta toward Konya and Köprülü Kanyon, north of Side.

Turtles can be spotted on remote stretches of beach laying eggs and should not be approached too closely.

The temperate climate means that the holiday season runs only from May to September, and the area does not get as crowded as the other coasts.

Travelling along the coast by road from Istanbul is not all that easy and most tourists go by boat and the Turks fly. The coast is lined with countless ancient fishing and trading towns. At the eastern end of this coast live an idiosyncratic race of people. The five towns of Hopa, Arhavi, Findikh, Ardesen and Pazar are home to the unusual (for Turkey) blond and blue­eyed Laz people, who speak a language close to Georgian.

The road from Samsun through Trabzon to Hopa near the boarder is very scenic. Samsun (population 300,000) is the largest town and port on the Black Sea Coast. At Trabzon Atatürk had his Summer House, a pilgrimage for many Turks today; other attractions are the 13th­century Aya Sofya Cathedral, now a museum. But the monasteries of the valley, especially the Monastery of the Black Virgin at Sumela, are the best reason for a visit. This seven­story monastery, which is often shrouded in mountain mist, clings to a sheer 400m­high rock face. Though severely defaced, the frescoes are magnificent.

Time

In the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey, government offices and many other establishments are closed in the afternoon during the summer months. These summer hours are fixed each year by the provincial governors.

Tourist Offices

Visas & Passports

a) For up to three months­ Germany, United States of America, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Morocco, Fiji, Finland, France, Granada, South Korea, Holland, Iran, Switzerland, Iceland, Jamaica, Japan, Canada, Qatar, Kenya, Kuwait, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Monaco, Norway, Oman, St. Lucia, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Trinidad, Tobago, Tunisia, Vatican City, New Zealand, Greece, Ecuador and Sweden.

b) For up to two months­ Republic of Croatia, Republic of Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Romania and Moldova.

c) For up to one month­ Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzistan, Türkmenistan and Republic of South Africa.

2) For the countries mentioned above and Bulgaria, a transit visa is not required.

3) Nationals of the following countries require a visa:

a) Austria, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Israel and Portugal. Nationals of these countries can obtain a sticker visa at border gates (Valid for up to three months).

b) Nationals of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Azerbaijan, Kazakhistan, Kyrgyzistan, and Türkmenistan) Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, can obtain a sticker visa at border gates (Valid for up to one month).

c) Nationals of Guatemala can obtain a visa for up to 15 days at border gates. While Nationals of Jordan can obtain a visa for at most for 30 days. Nationals of Indonesia can enter the country for two months by obtaining a visa at no charge at the border gates.

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

Customs

b) Valuable items and all items with a value of over USD15.000, must be registered in the owner's passport on entering 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 into the country without special permission.

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

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

b) The export of antiques from Turkey is forbidden.

c) Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner's passport on entry, or providing they 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 the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research), Tel: 90­312­2873430.

Exchange slips: Exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira (TRL) should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).

The best service for visiting business people are found at the Ankara Business Centre, Simon Bolivar 10/4, Çankaya, Ankara, as well as at Sheraton Ankara Hotel and Towers, Noktah Sokak, Kavakhdere. The facilities available are short or long­term office rental, translation and interpreting, word processing and secretarial skills, recruitment consultancy, telephone, fax, telex and photocopying, and travel.

On the business etiquette side, remember to engage in a friendly chat before discussing business in Turkey. As it is considered best to form a good personal relationship before embarking on business.

Foreign business people may keep their foreign currency in a Foreign Exchange Deposit Account in any bank authorised to exchange foreign currency.

Most enterprises begin with the appointment of a Turkish agent. The great bulk of foreign trade is done through intermediaries.

• Chambers of Commerce

Ankara Chamber of Commerce
Sehit Tegmen Kalmaz Caddesi 30
Tel: 90-4-3104145
Fax: 90-4-3108436

The British Chamber of Commerce of Turkey
Istanbul
Mesrutiyet Caddesi No 34
Tepebasi
Tel: 90-1-2490658
Fax: 90-1-2425551

There are also Chambers of Commerce at Adana, Bahkesir, Bursa, Denizli, Eskisehir, Gaziantep, Iskenderun, Izmit, Kayseri, Metsin and Samsun.

In Istanbul the bathing season opens in July and lasts till the end of October. Summer is also the best season for taking cruises along the Black Sea, Marmara, and Aegean coasts.

Along the Mediterranean coast, which is very warm in summer (July and August), the season falls from 1 April to 31 October.

Spring and fall are particularly suitable for tours of the Central Plateau, namely Ankara, Konya, and Kayseri.

In winter (December to April), heavy snowfalls can be expected in central Anatolia, and skiing in Uludag, some 34km from Bursa, is the 'in' thing.

Post & Telecommunications

It is possible to exchange money at all branches of PTT at the current international exchange rate. International postal orders and traveller's cheques can also be exchanged.

An express postal service, Acele Posta Servisi (APS), operates from Turkey to 72 other countries for letters, documents, and small packages.

Telecommunications
The most economic way to telephone in Turkey is from a PTT telephone booth (found in all towns). Jettons in three sizes for local, intercity, and international calls can be purchased from all PTT offices. Telephone cards are also available. Cheap rates apply between 20:00 and 08:00.

Electricity

Disabled Travellers

Budget Travel

History

In fact, Turkey has such an astoundingly long and rich history that a summary of the various periods reads like a history of humankind.

The pre­Hittite period (10000 to 2500BC)
The first people in Turkey live in caves at Belbasi and Beldibi around Antalya in approximately 10000BC. While the first Turkish town springs up at Çatal Hüyük near Konya in around 6250BC. The first city of legendary Troy comes into being in Anatolia in 3000BC.

The Hittites and Troy (2500 to 1100BC)
The Hatti and Hittite peoples emerge to form a Bronze Age population during this period. The Trojan War and the Fall of Troy chronicled in Homer's 'Iliad' take place in 1250BC. This is followed by the 'Dark Period' during which Turkey is overrun by unknown invaders.

After the Hittites (900 to 500BC)
The Urartu peoples (900 to 600BC) produce metalwork and stone reliefs around Lake Van and a variety of kingdoms are seen, namely Phrygia, Ionia, Lycia, Lydia, Caria and Pamphylia. This period also sees the stirrings of the Hellenistic culture in Aegean Turkey and the birth of Homer in Smyrna (Ïzmir).

The Greeks and Persians (1100 to 133BC)
Anatolian Greek settlements (1100 to 550BC) bring classical philosophy and architecture to Turkey. The Persians rule Antatolia (585 to 334BC) and build the Mausoleum at Halicarnasus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 334BC Alexander the Great conquers Anatolia and frees it from Persian rule. This is followed by the Hellenistic period (334 to 133BC) with great trading centres at Pergamum and Antioch.

Rome and Byzantium (133BC to 1071AD)
The Roman Empire (133BC to 330AD) expands and Anatolia is first called 'Asia', with its capital at Ephesus. Roman general, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, marry at Antioch in 40BC. During 47 to 57AD Saint Paul journeys on missionary travels in Anatolia and the first Christian community is established at Antioch. Constantine the Great, one of the last rulers of the Roman Empire, builds a new capital at Byzantium called Constantinople (Istanbul) in 330AD. Constantinople flourishes during the reign of the Byzantine Empire (330 to 1071AD). Later the stirrings of Islam are felt in Anatolia which leads to Muslim Arabs besieging Constantinople and defeating the Byzantines

Byzantium to Ottomans (1071 to 1300AD)
In 1071AD the Seljuk Turks conquer Anatolia and form the first great Turkish state (1071 to 1243AD). The Fourth Crusade (1202 to 1204AD) plunder Christian Constantinople.

The Ottoman Empire (1300 to 1922AD)
Constantinople is renamed Istanbul (City of Islam) in 1453AD as capital of the Ottoman Empire. Süleyman the Magnificent (1520 to 1566AD) reigns during the 'Golden Age', which is characterised by a Renaissance of architecture, literary and visual arts, sciences and theology. The 'Young Turks' movement emerges in 1909.

The Turkish Republic (1923 to present)
Mustafa Kemal becomes Atatürk, the father of the new Turkish nation, he carries out a series of reforms which westernise Turkey and integrate it into the modern world. Turkey instates its first female Prime Minister in 1993, Tansu Çiller.

With such a historical richness, Turkey is crowded with ancient cities or their remains, monuments, works of art and relics, which make this one of the most interesting destinations in the world. For instance, 38 geographic names with 162 references in the New Testament are found in Turkey today.The Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, mentioned by St John in the Book of Revelations, each formed a separate and distinct community and are all found in Turkey namely: Ïzmir (Smyrna), Efes (Ephesus), Eskihisar (Laodicea), Alasehir (Philadelphia), Sart (Sardis), Akhisar (Thyatira), and Bergama (Pergamum).

Economy

Population

Perhaps the best­known ethnic minority group in Turkey is the Kurds (estimated at about 10 million), many are Iraqi refugees.

Government

The National Assembly elects a president (presently Süleyman Demirel) for a term of seven years, his prime function is as head of state. The nation is governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister (presently Tansu Çiller, the first Turkish, female Prime Minister). The last election is seen as decisive step by Turkey away from the Islamic politics of the Middle East and towards modern social and economic policies.

The country is divided up into 67 provinces (vilayet or more formally il) for local government. The provincial governor (vali) is appointed by the president on advice of the Ministry of the Interior and is head and chief executive of a corporation elected for four years.

Beneath the provincial councils are sub­districts (bucak), each with a centrally appointed administrator (kaymakam) and an elected major (baskant) and council. Finally, a group of dwellings with 150 or more inhabitants has a village administration. This is a truly democratic, greatly respected group comprising an elected headman (muhtar) and council of elders.

Language

The fundamental difference between Turkish and English is that Turkish has no syllable stress. All parts of a word have equal weight, save a slight accentuation at the end. This makes English­speaking novices incomprehensible.

Languages spoken and understood, especially in the big cities and tourist centres are Turkish, English, German and French.

Religion

Religious Holidays
There are two major Muslim festivals:
The Feast of Ramadan (Seker Bayrami), on approximately 3 March, celebrating the end of a month of fasting.
The Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayrami), on approximately 10 May, celebrating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.

The dates for these religious festivals follow the lunar calendar.

Ankara
Atatürk's Mausoleum, Anit Caddesi, Tandofgan; open daily except on Mondays and Thursdays.
Ethnographical Museum, Talatpasa Bulvari Opera; open daily except on Mondays.
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Kadife Sok, Hisar; open daily except on Mondays.
Republic and Independence Museum; open daily except on Mondays.
Roman Baths, Hisarlar.
Antalya
Archaeological Museum, Konyaalti Caddesi; open daily, except on Mondays.
Istanbul
Atatürk Museum, Halaskagazi, Caddesi 250, Sisli; open from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:30, except on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ayasofya Museum, Sultanalunet; open from 09:30 to 17:00, except on Mondays.
Carpet Museum, Sultanahmet Camii Bahçesi; open from 08:00 to 17:30, except on Sundays and Mondays.
Doimabahve Museum; open from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays and Thursdays.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Sarayiçi, Osman Hamdi Yokusu, Sultanahmet; open from 09:30 to 17:00, except Mondays.
Military Museum, Harbiye; open from 09:00 t0 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00, except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Municipal Museum, Saraçhanebasi; open from 09:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 17:00, except Saturdays and Sundays.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Ibrahim Papa Palace, Sultanahmet; open from 09:00 to 14:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00, except Monday.
Naval Museum, Besiktas; open from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
St Irene Museum, Sarayiçi 35, Sultanahmet; open from 09:00 to 17:00, except on Wednesdays.
Topkapi Palace, Sarayigi, Sultanahmet; open from 09:00 to 17:00, except Tuesdays.
Yerebatan Palace Museum, Yerebatan Caddesi, Sultanahmet; open from 09:00 to 17:00, except Tuesdays.
Yildiz Palace, Yildiz Park; open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily.
Ïzmir
Archaeological Museum, Bahribaba Parka; closed on Mondays.
Atatürk Museum, Bahribaba Pario, closed on Mondays.

Folk music
Lively Turkish folk music has been kept alive by asklar (troubadours). Distinct from the folk music is Ottoman military music, now performed by the mehter takimi (Janissary Band) in Istanbul. It originated in Central Asia and is played with kettle drums, clarinets, cymbals, and bells.

The mystical music of the Mevleviler (Whirling Dervishes) is dominated by the ney (reed pipe), and can be heard in Konya during the Mevlana Festival in December.

Folk dances
Each region in Turkey has its own special folk dance and costume, and the best known are:
Horon ­ Horon, a Black Sea dance is performed by men only, who are dressed in black with silver trimmings.
Kasik Oyunu ­ The Spoon Dance is danced to the rhythm of wooden spoons.
Kiliç Kalkan ­ The Sword and Shield Dance of Bursa is danced by men only, dressed in early Ottoman battle dress, who dance to the sound of clashing swords and shields, without music.
Zeybek ­ Zeybek is an Aegean dance performed by 'efe' male dancers.

Traditional sports
Yagli Güres or 'Grease wrestling' is the Turkish national sport and every July, wrestling championships are held in Kirkpinar, outside Edirne.

Cirit Oyunu, is the 'javelin game' of daredevil horsemanship of Eastern Turkey, where wooden javelins are thrown at horsemen of the opposing team to gain points.

Camel wrestling takes place in Selçuk and in the Aegean Region you can watch camel fights there in January.

Turkish baths
There have been public bath houses (hamam) in Turkey since medieval times and these are direct successors to the Roman baths. Most hamam have either separate baths or separate days or sessions for men and women. A visit is well worth your while, if only to see the traditional architecture. Both, the kese (rough mitten) washing and the massage are acquired tastes.

Theatres
In Ankara, Istanbul and Ïzmir, the State Symphony Orchestra and State Opera and Ballet offer the works of Turkish and foreign composers. Alongside the Turkish theatre, there are foreign theatrical groups which come to Ankara, Istanbul, and Ïzmir from time to time. Each major city has its own ballet company, orchestra and theatre.

The major cities have many small art galleries, most of which double up as bars. The cultural centres have art displays, and for major exhibitions, scan the local press for details.

Food & Drink

Big cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Ïzmir, feature Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, Swiss, German and Italian cuisine, as well as McDonald's fast food.

The traditional breakfast is a scrumptious combination of tastes comprising bread, olives, tomato, cucumber, white cheese, butter, jam/honey, yoghurt and sweet black tea.

Tea is the main drink in Turkey, served milkless in small bulbous glasses with sugar lumps on the saucer. For a very refreshing long drink try 'Ayran', a mix of yoghurt, water and salt. There are also the normal soft drinks and a wonderful range of squeezed fruit juices. Among alcoholic drinks are light Turkish beer, excellent wines, and the national drink, 'raki' (an anisette), which clouds when water is added giving it the popular name of 'lion's milk'.

Entertainment

Wherever you are, you will be able to go into a nightclub and taste some Turkish food while enjoying yourself until the morning. The nightlife tends to be quite lively and revolves around meyhane (a type of tavern), restaurants, casinos and pavyons (Hostess salons). The discos in tourist areas and the big cities have the latest facilities (and highly amplified bands).

Turkey has also begun a legalised system of gambling which can be found in all major cities and many tourist areas. You need to bring along a foreign passport for entry.

Sport

Scuba Diving
Detailed information can be obtained from any Turkish Tourist Information Office.

Rafting
Turkey's rivers provide perfect conditions for canoeing and rafting, for example at Çoruh, Barhal, Berta, Firtina, Çolakh, Köprüçay, Manavgat, Dragon, Göksu (Silifke), Zamanti, Göksu (Feke), Kizilirmak, and Dalaman çayi.

Windsurfing
The bays around the Çesme, Dodrum and Datça peninsulas as well as Antalya have ideal wind conditions.

Fishing
Fishing can be done without a licence. Details concerning fishing zones, the minimum sizes of fish that can be caught, and the numbers of fish that can be caught per person, can be obtained from the Department of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Flying
Plane gliding, hang gliding, parachuting, and single engine flights are catered for as well as services that provide instruction courses.

Ballooning
Balloon rides can be taken daily over Cappadocia from Nevsehir.

Caving
The most beautiful and interesting caves are located in the Toros regions, southeast, northwest Anatolia and Thrace.

Hunting
Hunting can only be done in parties organised by Turkish travel agencies which have been authorised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Football
Football is Turkey's national sport and is played everywhere.

Skiing
Winter sports resorts in Turkey are generally located in forested mountains. The following ski centres are easily accessible by road or by Turkish Airlines domestic flights: Bursa ­ Uludag; Antalya ­ Saklikent; Bolu ­ Kartalkaya; Erzurum ­ Palanöken; Kars ­ Sarlkamis; Kayseri ­ Erciyes; Ankara ­ Elmadag; Ilgaz ­ Dagi; Zigana ­ Gümüshane.

Mountaineering
Special permission is needed to climb the Büyük Agri and Clio­Sat ranges. It is generally advisable to inform the Turkish Mountaineering Club of the region and time of the intended climb. The Club will then inform the relevant authorities.

Trekking/Backpacking
Trekking or Backpacking mainly takes the form of hill walking; which is a pity, because the country is made for backpacking. High plains walking is done on the Taurus Mountains, Tekir and Bürücek. The Black Sea region's plateaus are some of the most spectacular places in that region.

Horseback riding
Cappadocia is named the country of horses. Try also around Daday, Araç, Efiani, Safranbolu, Ulus, Devrek (near Kastamonu and Bartin), Marmaris, Kemer, Çesme and Karacabey. There are riding clubs in the big cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and Ïzmir.

Bird-watching
Turkey, the meeting point of three continents, forms a bridge between the bird breeding areas in the north and the bird's winter quarters in the south. The area between Ïzmir and Çsealti was declared a natural heritage region in 1985, because of its importance as a vital stop for migratory birds. May is the best month for birding. Other important areas include: Büyük Menderes Delta, Lake Seyfe (near Kirsehir), Sultan Marshes (near Kayseri) and Göksu Delta (near Silifke).

Shopping

Turkey is the original 'shop till you drop' paradise. It has an unusually large variety of crafts and traditional handicrafts. Most visitors to Turkey cannot resist a carpet, but the various leather and suede goods (extremely fine leather and suede clothing and accessories), copper and bronze ware, silver, ceramics, handicrafts and embroidery, Turkish delight (lokum) and the famous Turkish meerschaum (white gold) and onyx could also be on your list. If you are looking for something a little more unusual, there is the hubble­bubble pipe (nargile) or a backgammon set.

Antiques offered on the streets will be fakes, because the export of antiques is strictly forbidden and carries a stiff prison sentence.

Shows & Festivals