G Turkiye

Author: tur

  • Telecommunications in Turkey

    In the 1980s and 1990s, Turkey’s telecommunications systems underwent substantial modernization, including nearly complete digitization and advanced intercity trunk lines. In 2004 some 19 million main telephone lines were in use. A satellite system links users in remote areas.

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    The use of cellular telephones has increased rapidly since the late 1990s, reaching more than 50 percent of the population in 2004. In the early 2000s, three private mobile services, the largest with more than 20 million subscribers, were operating. However, in the early 2000s demand has exceeded the supply of Internet and data services.

    In 2005 an estimated 10.2 million people were using the Internet. Initial steps for the privatization of Turk Telekom, the state-owned telecommunications monopoly, were taken in 2005. The international dialling code for Turkey is + 90. IDD is widely available.

    The outgoing international code is: 00. There is an extensive internal telephone network, but often an interpreter will be needed for more remote areas. To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are found in all areas, telephone cards and tokens are used. Local, inter city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Mobile phones work across 99.9 % of the country and there are internet cafes in all cities.

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  • Weather and Climate in Turkey

    Turkey is a country of remarkable geographical diversity, and its climate varies significantly from one region to another. Stretching across both Europe and Asia and surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black Sea, and Marmara seas, Turkey experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. From the sunny Mediterranean coast to the snowy mountains of Eastern Anatolia, each region offers a unique climate that appeals to different types of travelers.

    Overview of Turkey’s Climate

    Turkey generally enjoys four distinct seasons:

    • Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and comfortable weather make spring one of the best times to visit.
    • Summer (June–August): Hot and dry conditions prevail across much of the country, especially along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
    • Autumn (September–November): Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds create ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
    • Winter (December–February): Coastal regions remain relatively mild, while central and eastern parts of the country experience cold temperatures and significant snowfall.

    The country’s varied topography, including mountains, plateaus, valleys, and extensive coastlines, creates several distinct climatic zones.

    Major Climate Regions of Turkey

    Mediterranean Coast

    The Mediterranean region, including popular destinations such as Antalya, Alanya, and Fethiye, enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate characterized by:

    • Long, hot, and dry summers
    • Mild, rainy winters
    • More than 300 days of sunshine annually
    • Warm sea temperatures suitable for swimming from April through November

    Summer temperatures frequently exceed 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures rarely fall below 10°C (50°F).

    Aegean Coast

    The Aegean region, home to destinations such as Izmir, Bodrum, and Marmaris, experiences warm summers and mild winters.

    The region benefits from refreshing sea breezes, making even the hottest summer days more comfortable. The climate is ideal for beach holidays, sailing, and outdoor exploration throughout much of the year.

    Marmara Region

    The Marmara region, including Istanbul, serves as a transition zone between Mediterranean and Black Sea climates.

    Characteristics include:

    • Warm summers
    • Cool, wet winters
    • Moderate humidity
    • Occasional snowfall during winter months

    Istanbul experiences all four seasons distinctly, making it an attractive destination year-round.

    Black Sea Region

    The Black Sea coast, including Trabzon, has one of Turkey’s wettest climates.

    Notable features include:

    • High annual rainfall
    • Lush green forests and tea plantations
    • Mild summers
    • Cool winters

    This region remains green throughout the year and offers a striking contrast to the drier areas of central and southern Turkey.

    Central Anatolia

    The Central Anatolian Plateau, where Ankara is located, experiences a continental climate characterized by:

    • Hot, dry summers
    • Cold winters
    • Significant temperature variations between day and night
    • Low annual precipitation

    Winter snowfall is common, while summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher.

    Eastern Anatolia

    Eastern Turkey, including cities such as Erzurum, experiences the country’s harshest winters.

    Climate features include:

    • Long, snowy winters
    • Short, pleasant summers
    • Temperatures frequently falling below freezing
    • Excellent conditions for winter sports and skiing

    Snow can remain on the ground for several months in higher elevations.

    Southeastern Anatolia

    The southeastern region, including Diyarbakir, is known for its hot and dry climate.

    Summer temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F), while winters remain relatively mild compared to eastern Turkey.

    Average Air and Water Temperatures (°F)

    Antalya

    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Air 50 52 55 61 68 77 83 83 77 68 59 54
    Water 63 63 63 64 70 75 81 83 81 77 72 66

    Izmir

    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Air 48 50 52 61 68 77 83 81 73 64 59 50
    Water 52 52 54 59 68 75 79 79 75 70 63 55

    Istanbul

    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Air 41 43 45 54 61 70 73 73 68 61 54 46
    Water 48 45 46 52 59 68 73 73 70 63 57 52

    Trabzon

    Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Air 43 43 45 52 59 68 75 77 75 68 61 55
    Water 50 48 48 50 57 68 75 77 75 68 61 55

    Inland Cities

    City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Ankara 32 34 41 52 61 68 73 73 65 55 46 36
    Erzurum 16 19 27 41 52 59 66 68 59 48 36 23
    Diyarbakir 36 36 46 57 66 79 88 88 77 63 50 50

    Best Time to Visit Turkey

    The ideal time to visit Turkey depends on your travel interests:

    For Beach Holidays

    The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are best visited between May and October, when sea temperatures are warm and sunshine is abundant.

    For Sightseeing and Cultural Tours

    Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer comfortable temperatures for exploring historical sites, cities, and archaeological treasures.

    For Hiking and Nature Activities

    Late spring and early autumn provide excellent conditions for trekking, mountain excursions, and outdoor adventures.

    For Winter Sports

    The ski resorts around Erzurum and other mountainous regions are at their best between December and March.

    Weather Information and Forecasts

    The official source for weather information in Turkey is the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM). The website provides:

    • Current air and sea temperatures
    • Humidity levels
    • Wind forecasts
    • Detailed weather maps
    • Three-day and extended forecasts
    • Weather information for major cities and popular holiday resorts

    Whether you are planning a summer beach vacation, a cultural city break, or a winter skiing adventure, Turkey’s diverse climate ensures that there is an ideal destination and season for every traveler.

  • Earthquakes in Turkey

    Many parts of Turkey are subject to earthquakes. The Bosphorus and the Dardanelles owe their existence to the fault lines running through Turkey, leading to the creation of the Black Sea. There is an earthquake fault line across the north of the country from west to east. Within the last century there were many earthquakes along this fault line, the sizes and locations of these earthquakes can be seen on the Fault lines & Earthquakes image. This image also includes a small scaled map that shows other fault lines in Turkey.

  • Montains of Turkey

    A glance at a topographical map of Turkey immediately reveals that this is a country of mountains. Rising in all four directions, mountains encircle the peninsula of Anatolia. A part of the Alpine Himalayan mountain range, Turkey has mountainous regions of different geological formations. The North Anatolian range skirts the Mediterranean shore.

    Most Popular Montains in 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

  • Agriculture in Turkey

    Turkey, as it is evident from its being one of the few countries in the world that is self sufficient in food, is a main producer of agricultural products. Provided by its suitable land and climate, this country has a great capacity to grow many kinds of crops. Historically, the agricultural sector has been Turkey’s largest employer and a major contributor to the GNP. However, as the country has developed, the relative importance of agriculture has declined, while the position of industry and the service sector has increased.

    From 1980 to 1999, the share of agricultural products in exports declined from 57 to 10 percent, while industrial exports rose from 36 to 88 percent, signaling a wholesale shift from an agrarian to an industrial economy. Nowadays agriculture accounts for less than 20% of the GNP, although it employs well over half of the national labor force. Agricultural production is generally carried out by small family enterprises in Turkey. 10% of the farm land belongs to the large enterprises and 90% to smaller concerns. 70% of the cultivated land produces grain with wheat ranking as the first.

    Wheat is common all over the country except north. Barley ranks as second, corn is third. Corn requires humid weather conditions during summer time, so the Black Sea Region is very suitable for its growth. Vegetables account for 60% of agricultural production. Lentils, chickpeas and beans are common. Broad beans and peas also grow in Turkey but on a smaller basis. Chickpeas grow in Central Anatolia, broad beans in western parts and lentils especially in Southeastern Anatolia.

    The growing of potatoes has recently increased. Industrial products such as cotton, flax, sesame seeds and opium poppies have been grown for a long time in Turkey, but since the industrial developments after World War I new industrial vegetables such as sugar beet, sunflower seed and tea have also been produced. Tobacco is grown in the Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea Regions. Soybeans are grown in the Mediterranean. Many kinds of fruit are grown in most parts of the country.