GTurkiye

Author: Tur

  • Owning a House in Bodrum as a foreigner

    Owning a House in Bodrum as a foreigner

    For lovers of Bodrum, owning a house here is a good reason to come back at every opportunity for as the Fisherman of Halicarnassos said, “Entering the town of Bodrum from Yokusbasi, no one is ever able to foresee that leaving this town will be such an impossible thing to do.”

    You may prefer a refurbished original stone house or a newly built villa preserving the architectural features with the whitewashed silhouette of the town. Modern techniques such as’air conditioning, central heating, insulation, and doubleglazing are used for both types of houses.

    Local materials such as subterranean lime and wood are still preferred to suit the climate the lime is used both as a paint and a natural insulator, and wood window frames and doors help the house stay cool by allowing it to breathe and letting in less heat.

    Due to the mild climate, people in Bodrum spend time outside during most of the year and the terraces and gardens are an indispensable part of a typical house. A pergola, a spreading mulberry tree, or a grapevine climbing across the top of your house provides welcome shade from the sun. Annual maintenance and utility costs are relatively low. Knowledge about local customs is a bonus. Many people choose to rent a property before making the final decision about living here. Services for interior decoration and maintenance are developing, so your house can be expertly looked after when you’re away.

    Being a house owner in Turkey is not limited to Turkish citizens, but there are areas where foreigners cannot buy on the Peninsula, stay clear of them and only buy where you can have your name on the deed. There is an Association of Real Estate Agents in Bodrum, where help can be sought and complaints will be investigated.

    3% is the legal commission sought by the agent from both the buyer and seller. However, a potential buyer has the right to contact the owner directly without going through an agent. In both cases, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified lawyer who speaks your language as you will need help checking all the paperwork involved regarding such things as the residential right of the house (iskan) and the deed (tapu).

    When you decide on buying a piece of land or property, a percentage of the whole amount may be paid when the paperwork starts, and the remainder should be paid on completion of the necessary papers. As a foreigner, this process could take three months as your papers will be investigated by the Turkish authorities. www.tkgm.gov.tr is the website for the Deed and Survey Office in Turkey.

    Visit on Foreign Affairs for lots of useful information, property location and reciprocal law. Always use a lawyer when Buying Property and if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be prepared to be patient!

  • Spelunking is a nature sport that is done to explore caves without spectators

    Spelunking is a nature sport that is done to explore caves without spectators

    With an approximate number of 40.000 caves and caverns present, Turkey is like a ‘paradise of caverns’ when compared to other countries. An important geologic – geomorphologic fact in the formation of caverns is karstification (karstic fields) and this karstification is present in Western and Central Toros Mountains ( Mugla, Antalya, Isparta, Burdur, Konya, Karaman, Icel and Adana ) of our country.

    The longest (Pinarozu Cavern, 16 km west of Beysehir Lake) and the deepest (cukurpinar Sinkhole, 1880 meters at the south of Anamur) caves of Turkey are present on this mountain belt. In our country, the cavern investigations initiated by the Cavern Research Society (MAD) founded in 1964. Later on, the first university club, Bogazici University Cavern Research Club (BUMAK) has been founded in 1973.

    In 1979, Karst and Cavern Exploration Unit founded under the authority of MTA Geology Studies Department is executing most of the cavern explorations nowadays. The exact number of caves investigated and documented by all local and foreign cave explorers is 800 so far. The Purposes for Usage of the Caves. The formation and development properties and the climatic condition of a cave determines the purpose of usage of that particular cave.

    The common usage fields of the caves are as follows:
    * Tourism
    * Natural deep freeze deputing
    * Preservation and maturation of animal based products (Water pipe cheese, butter, etc. )
    * Cultural mushroom growth
    * Respiratory system diseases
    * Storage of liquidified gas, natural gas and fuel oil
    * Shelter and refuge for military purposes
    * Guano production
    * Placer mineral inference
    * Determination of underground water basins and taking these water to surface
    * Determination of the pollution focuses of spring waters and preservation methods
    * Determination of regional geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, hydro geological, anthropological and paleo ecological properties.

  • What To Eat in Antalya, Antalya Famous Dishes

    What To Eat in Antalya, Antalya Famous Dishes

    Antalya is famous for its local dishes. So much so that there are many special dishes made with different ingredients. Piyaz with tarator, laba, hibeş, hair roasting, tandoori kebab, Arabic kadayif… By the way, we should not forget about the jams. In addition to grapefruit, lemon, orange, bergamot, citrus and similar citrus products, there are many types of jams made from eggplant, watermelon and figs. In this beautiful city of the Mediterranean, seafood tastes another good thing… Even the taste of fresh fish, octopus, squid and mussels is very different from what we are used to…

    In Antalya, which is rapidly advancing towards becoming a tourism capital, it is possible to find subtle examples of different cuisines from French cuisine to Chinese cuisine. Antalya nights are also quite colorful. In addition to nightclubs, marina restaurants, restaurants and luxury hotels in Konyaaltı; The bars and cafes lined up side by side in Kaleiçi offer different entertainment alternatives. The best thing you can do to relieve the tiredness of an active day is to sit in Kaleiçi cafes in the cool of the evening and drink something cold.

    You can order a samovar in the garden with a fountain and ornamental pool under giant pine trees and relieve your heat. You will not forget the taste of the delicious brewed tea you will drink here. Even if it is sporadic, you come across people who are bubbling hookahs with pleasure under the palm trees. In Antalya, which is famous for its delicious seafood of the Mediterranean, skewered meatballs, shakshuka, spicy paste, hummus and haydari, it is possible to find grilled trout, pancake varieties and tiny spicy pickles almost everywhere.

    Antalya Cuisine has a structure shaped by the products of the region. Citrus fruits, bananas, sesame, peanuts, soy, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, green beans, zucchini and eggplant are the most common products. In Antalya, which has a hot climate where olive cultivation is also practiced, a vegetable-fruit-based cuisine stands out.

  • Above the amazing landscapes of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon

    Above the amazing landscapes of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon

    The best place on the earth for hot air balloon tours is Cappadocia region. It is the place where nature and history come together most beautifully within the world. while geographic events are forming strange rock formations, during the historical period, humans had carried the signs of thousand years old civilizations with carving houses and churches within these earth pillars and decorating them with frescoes. there are many places that are ‘must see’ in Cappadocia, such as; the various ‘fairy chimneys’, Goreme valley, Goreme national park, rock churches, the underground cities of kaymakli, derinkuyu or ozkonak, zelve valley, avanos, with its pottery, the uchisar and ortahisar rock fortress, the ihlara valley, red valley and soganli.

    Flight via balloon sport, whose initial existence in the world reaches to the end of 18th century, is also densely drawing attention in our country. For long years, as well as it is performed with the aim of individual sports, city tours with balloons are also performed during regional activities in touristic regions of our country. Balloon takes off with heating of liquid propane gas filled into it. You can stay on air for long periods with a calm flight under appropriate wind (under 10 km/h). Directing balloon, whose appropriate flight height is between 500 – 1500 feet, altitude gain and loss, change its speed can be made easily by an experienced pilot easily.

    Structure of the Balloon
    There are propane gas tubes, altimeter, thermometer, wireless for communication with airport, variometer and fire extinguishers in the basket, manufactured from “vimin”, generally a light and synthetic material, and which carries the passangers of the balloon. Propane tubes, with approximately 20 kg. weight each within the basket, includes propane gas maintaining the expand of the balloon. Each tube maintains an approximately 40 – 45 minutes of flight possibility to the balloon. Total lifting force of the balloon is around 1.700 pounds.

    Taking off of the balloon is maintained with heating of propane gas filled into the balloon via furnaces under it. Furnaces can be 2 or 3 pieces according to the volume of the balloon. Heat within the balloon should never exceed 120 degrees. For maintaining landing with stopping flight, red rope is pulled within it. In this way, activated falling valve maintains the air within it run out rapidly. In case of insufficiency of emptying speed of the internal air emergency hole at the top of the balloon is opened.

    Flight Rules for Foreigners
    Prior to the flight via balloon, air vessel to be flight registration sign, flight aim, flight date, flight hour, flight region is informed and applied to Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate. In case of a flight via balloon exceeding 15 days in our country; licenses of foreign pilots should be validated by Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate.

  • A treasure house of history and culture, Great Travel, Great Times!

    A treasure house of history and culture, Great Travel, Great Times!

    A treasure house of history and culture, Turkey is a gateway into a world of exciting possibilities. Located at the juncture of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a superb venue for meetings, incentives and conventions. Turkey offers a wealth of first class hotel accommodations and conference facilities, easy access to major cities worldwide, beautiful settings and unequalled sightseeing attractions. All this, plus wonderful weather, and at a much lower cost than at alternative destinations.

    From European centres, Turkey is an ideal destination: exotic, but conveniently close. Flying time into Istanbul is only two or three hours by Turkish Airlines and other national carriers, with transfer connections or direct flights into Izmir, Antalya and Ankara. Daily connections link Istanbul to all major cities in the United States, Middle East and Asia. Sightseeing and entertainment programs can be fully packaged. Istanbul is among the world’s greatest tourism destinations, with an unrivalled setting and a wealth of architectural treasures.

    Izmir, a city of palm trees and ancient ruins, is the gateway to the Aegean region. Charming seaside resorts such as Kusadasi, Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye are good choices for sales meetings, incentives and quiet getaways. Antalya, Mersin and the Mediterranean coastal resorts beckon visitors year round to enjoy the sun, the beautiful sandy beaches and its ancient sites. Turkey’s capital city Ankara boasts sophisticated hotels and restaurants, along with easy access to fabled Cappadocia, a wondrous landscape of rock carved churches and underground cities.

    Bursa, the first Ottoman capital offers a picturesque setting, as well as hotels with thermal baths, and excellent skiing on Uludag (Mt. Olympos). Turkey today is well equipped to handle meetings, incentives and conferences of all sorts and sizes in comfort and style. Traditional Turkish hospitality a high standard of local food and wine, and endless possibilities for entertainment and sightseeing guarantee that any conference organised in Turkey will be a resounding success.

  • Priene is one of the best-preserved examples from Antiquity to the present day

    Priene is one of the best-preserved examples from Antiquity to the present day

    The ancient city of Priene, located in the south of Ephesus, offers the magnificent features of a city dating back to the 4th century. The ancient city of Priene is located 15 kilometers southwest of the Söke district of Aydın, on the southern slopes of Samsun Mountain (Mykale). The first information about this city, which was included in the Ionian League, is found in ancient sources in the 7th century BC. The city was rebuilt in the middle of the 4th century BC on the basis of the plan named after Hippodamos of Miletus. Priene was an episcopal center during the Byzantine period. The city, which is gradually moving away from the sea due to the alluvium carried by the Menderes River, has lost its value over time. It is known that Priene was completely evacuated in the 13th century.

    The fact that the city was built on a steep cliff offered an advantage in terms of defense. Priene is one of the best preserved examples of urban planning from Antiquity to the present day. In this respect, it is extremely important to comprehend the development of urban planning in Anatolia and to set an example for contemporary planning practices. Priene was designed by the famous city planner Hippodamos of Miletus and designed the city on a chessboard plan, with the streets of the Bosphorus intersecting each other at right angles. The main streets run in the east-west direction, and the secondary streets run in the north-south direction. As a whole city, it faces south. This arrangement allowed the Priene houses to receive sunlight in the winter months and the mouths to the roofs of the houses in the summer.

    The plan of Hippodamos divided the city into insulas or islands. Each rectangle measures the area… He had either four houses or an official building. Some structures, such as the stadium and the theater, did not fit into the city plan due to their shape and/or size. In addition to urban planning, there are three monuments that visit Priene: The Priene theater is one of the best examples of Greek-type theaters. This horseshoe-shaped theater is built on the hillside and has a seating capacity of 5000 people. The theater has undergone renovations in different periods of history.

    The Temple of Athena, located about 100 meters above sea level and the Menderes Valley, attracts the attention of visitors. Designed by architect Pytheos, who was also the architect of the Mausoleum in Halicarnassus, this Ionic temple became one of the most famous monuments in Ionia. After his temple in Priene, Pyteos published a book explaining the principles of Ionian architecture. The attributes for which he used this temple became the canonical orders of Ionic architecture.

    In the center of the ancient city, there are many monumental buildings built by well-known architects of the period and skillfully integrated into the city plan. Among the prominent buildings of the city are the Temple of Demeter, the Temple of Athena, the agora, the Temple of Zeus, the bouleuterion, the upper gymnasion, the lower gymnasion, the Temple of the Egyptian Gods, the residence of Alexander the Great, the Byzantine church, and the necropolis area. The theater, another important structure of the city, was built in 350 BC and has a capacity of 5 thousand people. In addition to these, the houses of Priene, one of the best-preserved examples of its kind from the Late Classic and Hellenistic periods, provide valuable information about the settlement history. In this respect, the city is described as the “Pompeii of Anatolia”.

    Buleterion
    The third interesting building in Priene is its charming town hall with seating capacity of 640 people. Town hall where the members of the city council used to meet on the special days of the week was covered over with a wooden roof. The Buleterion is entered through two major doors.

  • Istanbul has rich shopping options for every taste and budget

    Istanbul has rich shopping options for every taste and budget

    You can reach the dream world of the mystical east in the Spice Bazaar or Spice Market next to the New Mosque in Eminönü. Sultanahmet, in the old part of the city, has also become a separate shopping center in recent years. It is possible to see the craftsmen working and buy what they make in the Istanbul Arts Bazaar in the 18th century Mehmet Efendi Madrasa and the 16th century Caferağa Madrasa built by mimar Sinan nearby.

    The exclusive shops in the Taksim – Nişantaşı – Şişli districts reflect the opposite of the chaos in the market places. On Istiklal, Cumhuriyet and Rumeli Streets, you can easily visit the shops selling stylish models produced from Turkey’s high-quality textiles and shop. In the shopping complexes opened one after another, there are branches of the most stylish stores in Istanbul.

  • Experience the thrill of flying into the sky with paragliding without any effort

    Experience the thrill of flying into the sky with paragliding without any effort

    Paragliding is another flight of fancy particularly suited to the high peaks and gentle gusts of wind above the Blue Lagoon, over the travertines of Pamukkale, atop Bolu’s Abant Lake, and down along the coastline above Kas. And you don’t have to be a licensed pilot to enjoy the bird’s eye view. Experienced and insured flyers offer tandem flights to anyone with a yearning for flight, leaving their charges free to meditate upon the sights below. There are three paragliding disciplines: cross-country, bivouac and acrobatic.

    Paragliding sport is to take off by means of running from a high hill instead of plane with a parachute similar to free style jumping parachute on the first look. Parachute, which is lied on a inclined and high hill, is filled with air with the running of pilot and take off with pilot. Periods of the flights can continue for kilometers / hours in connection with the experience of pilot and performance of the materials used. Although it can be for single person, there is two persons (tandem) wings. Paragliding, whose first trial had been made in 1940s, and numerously modified till today. There were lots of structural improvements which has increased the flight period and security of perform.

    First paragliding was similar to free style diving parachute. It had turned into an aerophyl structure which has high raising power instead of its pressure enduring characteristic with changing in time. Paragliding parachute wing structure had reached to its appropriate shape for easy to take off, slowly descending ratio and good flying performance, beginning from 1980s. Paragliding Sport in our country had been recognized with the discover by foreign pilots of Mount Baba in Fethiye, Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) region at the beginning of 1990s, and actively started in university clubs initially.

    Being the most economical aerial vessel and being inside the natural sports, maintained it to be performed by a massive number of people today. Paragliding Parachute Sport, which does not require a special skill or much effort basically, is very easy and enjoying to do after a standard training. Paragliding training are organized by THK, university clubs and private clubs.

    Some of the Flight Zones
    Paragliding in Inonu Eskisehir
    Paragliding in Egirdir Isparta
    Paragliding in Abant Bolu
    Paragliding in Golbasi Ankara
    Paragliding in Kayseri
    Paragliding in Pamukkale Denizli
    Paragliding in Fethiye Mugla
    Paragliding in Aksu Antalya

  • Mountaineering tourism in Turkey is highly developed

    Mountaineering tourism in Turkey is highly developed

    Turkey’s magnificent mountains and forests are mostly undeveloped, existing as wonderful natural preserves for an extraordinary variety of wildlife, flora and fauna. Two of Turkey’s most famous peaks are volcanoes, both inactive, Mt. Erciyes in Kayseri in Central Anatolia (3917 m) and Mt. Agri (Mt. Ararat 5137 m) in the East. Other well-known mountain ranges are the Rize Kackar (3932 m) in the Eastern Black Sea region, Nigde Aladag (3756 m) in the Central Taurus range, and the Cilo and Sat Mountains (4136 m) near Hakkari in the Eastern Taurus.

    The mountainous nature of the country has influenced its cultural evolution. For centuries, nomads and semi-nomadic peoples have migrated annually to the fresh pastures of the higher elevations in the summer. These alpine meadows, called yayla, still represent a firm tie to traditional culture.

    For climbers and those interested in mountain geography, Turkey offers a wealth of exploration. Glaciers, volcanoes, and peculiar geological formations such as kars prove irresistible to researchers and students of geology. The challenging terrain offers great opportunities for aficionados of outdoor sports who find interesting experiences on the mountains of Eastern, Central and Southern Turkey. A list of resources to aid an expedition, at whatever level, is to be found below.

    Popular Mountains Of Turkey

    The Munzur Mountains,
    The Bolkar Mountains,
    The Bey Mountains,
    The Suphan Mountain,
    The Nemrut Mountain,
    The Mountain Erciyes,
    The Toros Mountains,
    The Kackar Mountains,
    The Cilo Sat Mountains,
    The Great Agri Mountain

    Popular Climbing Sites
    Kackar Mt. Range (The Black Sea), Antalya – Beydaglar (Mediterranean), Mt. Erciyes (Central Anatolia),
    Nigde Aladaglar (Central Anatolia), Mt. Ararat (Eastern Anatolia), Mt. Suphan (Eastern Anatolia), Bolkar Mountains (Mediterranean), Mercan (Munzur) Mountains (Easter Anatolia)

    Useful Information and Resources on Mountain Tourism and Sport

    Ministry of Tourism, Tourist Information Office
    Ismet Inonu Bulv. No 5, Ankara

    General Directorate of Youth and Sports (Mountaineering Federation) Ulus, Ankara

    General Directorate of Youth and Sports (Skiing Federation) Ulus, Ankara

  • Camping and Caravan Tourism encourages a holiday understanding that respects nature

    Camping and Caravan Tourism encourages a holiday understanding that respects nature

    Unspoiled nature, a cultural panorama, a historical tapestry and uncalculating friendship await campers in Turkey. The geographical diversity and sheer size of the Turkish landscape lends itself to camping adventures: from the shimmering shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean to the lush Black Sea coast, from pristine mountain lakes to the haunting beauty of ancient ruins, from the freshness of high mountain meadows to the surprise of fairy chimneys and underground cities.

    Camping whether by caravan or in tents enables visitors to see a Turkey rarely seen by tourists; a country of small villages and charming provincial towns, a country wide open and unfenced, a country known for its hospitality and generosity. Camping is an inseparable part of Anatolian culture. The nomadic traditions of the Turks have left a strong impression on modern day life, influencing everything from dietary habits to styles of interior decoration Kilims, for example, were originally used by nomads and pastìrma, meat cured with spices and garlic, was an integral part of the nomadic diet.

    The trek up to the high mountain meadows in summer to escape the heat of the coastal plain is another enduring nomadic tradition. Medieval caravansarais, a few of them restored, dot the eastwest Silk Route, attesting to the mobility of early commercial travellers. Indeed the history of Anatolia is marked by shifts of populations and an on-going cultural symbiosis, throughwhich the achievements of one civilization draw upon the experiences of a previous one.

    Turkey is often called an ‘open air museum’ and camping is one of the best ways to see this extraordinary place. Numerous organized campsites around Turkey welcome travelers. Many of these are accessible by highway and border the sea. These provide an ideal setting for a family vacation; the campsites provide water and cooking and sanitary facilities, and local shops sell fresh food, while the beaches and sea offer endless recreational possibilities for children and adults alike.

    Caravans and backpackers may consider the entire country as their campsite. Provisions can be purchased in any town and the locals are always happy to share their land with visitors. Just one reminder: responsible campers leave their campsites clean and unlittered. To enjoy the environment, we must protect it! Your local Turkish Tourism Office will be happy to offer suggestions to help plan a trip. Many tour agencies organize trekking expeditions, river rafting and horseback trips for the adventurous traveller. Fully equipped campers (caravans) can be rented in Turkey’s major cities for excursions into the countryside. Enjoy your trip!