G Turkiye

Author: tur

  • The Lakes of Turkey

    In terms of numbers of lakes, the Eastern Anatolian region is the richest. It contains Turkey’s largest, Lake Van (3,713 square kilometers), and the lakes of Ercek, Cildir and Hazar. There are also many lakes in the west Taurus mountains area: the Beysehir and Egirdir lakes, and the lakes that contain bitter waters like the Burdur and Acigoller lakes. Around the Sea of Marmara are located the lakes of Sapanca, Iznik, Ulubat, Manyas, Terkos, Kucukcekmece and Buyukcekmece. In Central Anatolia is the second largest lake in Turkey, Tuzgolu.

    The waters of this lake are shallow and very salty. The lakes of Aksehir and Eber are also located in this region. As a result of the construction of dams during the past thirty years, several large dam lakes have come into existence. Together with the Ataturk Dam lake which started to collect water in January 1990, the following are good examples: Keban, Karakaya, Altinkaya, Adiguzel, Kilickaya, Karacaoren, Menzelet, Kapulukaya, Hirfanlt, Sariyar and Demirkupru.

  • Turkey’s Coastlines

    Turkey is uniquely positioned as a transcontinental country surrounded by seas on three sides, giving it one of the most diverse and extensive coastal landscapes in the Mediterranean region. With long stretches of coastline along the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea, as well as the inland Sea of Marmara, Turkey offers a remarkable variety of coastal geography, climates, ecosystems, and maritime traditions.

    These seas are connected through two of the world’s most strategically important waterways – the Bosphorus Strait and the Dardanelles Strait – which link the Black Sea to the wider global maritime system.

    The Black Sea Coastline

    The Black Sea region forms Turkey’s northern coastal boundary and extends for approximately 1,595 kilometres.

    One of its most distinctive geographical features is the alignment of the Pontic Mountains, which run parallel to the coastline. This natural formation results in a relatively smooth and continuous shoreline, with fewer bays, inlets, or peninsulas compared to other Turkish coasts.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Lush green landscapes due to high rainfall
    • Dense forests and fertile valleys
    • Limited coastal indentation
    • Strong agricultural production (tea, hazelnuts, corn)
    • Moderate marine salinity of around 17%

    The Black Sea coastline is known for its dramatic scenery, misty mountains, and vibrant rural culture rather than beach tourism.

    The Mediterranean Coastline

    Stretching for approximately 1,577 kilometres, the Mediterranean coast of Turkey is one of the most famous tourist regions in the country.

    Here, the Taurus Mountains also run parallel to the shoreline, creating a striking contrast between rugged mountain ranges and deep blue sea. The result is a coastline filled with coves, bays, and natural harbours.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Hot, dry summers and mild winters
    • Highly indented coastline with many bays
    • Rich tourism development (Antalya, Fethiye, Kaş)
    • Extensive beaches and resort areas
    • Salinity levels approximately twice that of the Black Sea
    • Clear, warm waters ideal for swimming and sailing

    This region is widely regarded as the heart of Turkey’s international beach tourism industry.

    The Aegean Coastline

    The Aegean coastline, forming the western edge of Turkey, is one of the most irregular and scenic coastal regions in the country, stretching over 2,800 kilometres when including its numerous bays and inlets.

    Unlike the Black Sea coast, the mountains here descend perpendicular to the sea, creating a deeply indented shoreline filled with peninsulas, islands, and sheltered coves.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Highly fragmented coastline with many bays and gulfs
    • Hundreds of islands and islets offshore
    • Ideal conditions for sailing and yachting
    • Historical richness with ancient Greek and Roman sites
    • Popular tourism centres such as Bodrum, Marmaris, and Çeşme

    The Aegean coast is especially famous for its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and maritime lifestyle.

    The Sea of Marmara

    Located entirely within Turkey’s national borders, the Sea of Marmara serves as a natural inland sea connecting the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.

    It covers an area of approximately 11,350 square kilometres and has a coastline exceeding 1,000 kilometres.

    The sea is connected through two strategically important straits:

    • Bosphorus Strait (linking to the Black Sea in the north)
    • Dardanelles Strait (connecting to the Aegean Sea in the southwest)

    Key Characteristics:

    • Semi-enclosed inland sea
    • High strategic and commercial importance
    • Dense urban coastline (including Istanbul)
    • Busy shipping routes and maritime traffic
    • Mix of industrial, cultural, and natural landscapes

    The Sea of Marmara is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

    Geographical Importance of Turkey’s Coasts

    Turkey’s coastal geography plays a major role in shaping its:

    • Climate diversity
    • Agricultural production
    • Tourism industry
    • Maritime trade routes
    • Cultural development

    The combination of long coastlines, mountain ranges, and connecting seas has created one of the most varied coastal environments in the Mediterranean basin.

    Turkey’s coastlines form a natural bridge between continents and seas, offering extraordinary diversity in landscape, climate, and culture. From the lush and misty shores of the Black Sea to the rugged, island-filled Aegean coastline and the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, each region has its own identity and charm.

    The addition of the Sea of Marmara and the world-famous Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits further enhances Turkey’s strategic and geographical importance.

    Together, these coastlines make Turkey one of the most fascinating maritime countries in the world – rich in natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.

  • Customs Regulations in Turkey

    Customs officials seldom bother to open tourists’ luggage on your entry, but they may show more interest on your departure. There is a strict prohibition on the export of antiquities and you may be required to show a proof of purchase slip and currency exchange slip if you have bought a Turkish carpet. Older carpets may also require a document from the shop keeper or from a local museum certifying that the carpet is not an antiquity.

    On Entry
    – The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist.
    – one TV, one colour pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV tape radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs.
    – one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector.
    – one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette – keyboard).
    – one transistor radio and portable radio – tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player.
    – Binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars)
    – harmonica, mandolin, flageole, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments).
    – personal sports equipment.
    – necessary medical items.
    – bicycle, baby buggy, toys.
    – 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars.
    – 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff
    – (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country).
    – 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea.
    – 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets.
    – 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits.
    – five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each).
    – one portable typewriter.
    – one camera with 5 rolls of film.

    – First aid, and spare parts for the car.
    – Other items necessary during the journey.
    – Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner’s passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
    – Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner’s passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
    – Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
    – The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
    – Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year’s.

    Note: Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit.

    For more information contact the Ministry of Transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 – 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek – Ankara.

    On exit
    – Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary.
    – Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
    – Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner’s passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
    – Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etudler Dairesi 06520, Ankara
    – Phone: +90 (312) 287 3430 /1622, Fax: (312) 285 42 71

  • Crime in Turkey

    Every big city around the world experiences crime to some degree, but Turkey is a secular Islamic state and crime is looked upon by most Turks as the most shameful behavior a Muslim can commit. A money belt is the most convenient way of carrying your personal items while on tour, leaving your hands free to take photographs

  • Electricity in Turkey

    220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two pin plugs are used throughout Turkey.(Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug. American and Japanese appliances will need a transformer to convert from 110 volt. Electricity consumption per capita: 1,300 kw. % 40 Hydraulic and % 60 thermic energy.