G Turkiye

Author: Tur

  • Should I Exchange Money Before I go to Turkey

    Turkish Lira

    The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. Most banks in the U.S. do not have Turkish Lira. However, Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at www.tcmb.gov.tr.

    This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily exchange rates. There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants.

  • How Can I Hire a Guide in Turkey

    tourist

    Guides can be pre arranged prior to departure through any of the Turkey tour specialists, or can easily be hired upon arrival in Turkey. Most hotels offer concierge services, which can provide reliable guides to their guests for an affordable fee. The advantage of hiring a guide through your hotel is that the guide will usually have a long history of working successfully with the hotel and its previous guests. However, visitors may also go to any local travel agency in Turkey and make arrangements on the spot.

  • Handmade Turkish Carpets & Rugs

    Carpets constitute a branch of art that has been synonymous with the name of the Turks for centuries. Travel accounts and documents attest to the beautiful and valuable carpets woven in Seljuk Anatolia, and the carpet was an important Anatolian export in the period of Principalities that followed.

    The Ottomans, who inherited the art of the carpet as a legacy, raised it to even greater heights. Examples of carpets from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods right up to the present day are exhibited at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, which has the world’s richest collection.

    THE SELJUK TRADITION
    Carpet-making is believed to have started as a nomadic art. Knotted carpets, the oldest examples of which were found in a region heavily populated by nomadic tribes, in other words west and Central Asia, were spread on the ground for protection again severe climatic conditions.
    Their invention was motivated by the need for something to replace the animal skins that constituted the backbone of the nomadic economy.

    The ready availability of wool, the basic stuff of the carpet, and the easy assembly and dismantling of the horizontal and vertical looms used for weaving as well as versatility and portability of the product closely link the origins of the art of the carpet to the nomadic tribes. Turkish tribes played a major role in bringing this art to the West in the great westward waves of migration out of Central Asia.

    The art of the carpet underwent a major development in Seljuk Anatolia, making carpets an intensively traded commodity. Many travellers who passed through the Seljuk lands beginning in the 12th century mention the extraordinarily beautiful carpets woven there. Like many other arts, the Ottomans took over the art of the carpet from the Seljuk tradition.

    The group of Seljuk carpets dating back to the 13th century and known as ‘Konya Carpets’ for the area in which they were found has a special place in the history of carpets and constitutes the best known group after the Pazirik carpet, the oldest known example of a knotted carpet, which was found in a fortress in the Altay Mountains and dates to the 4th-5th century B.C., and the findings from Lou-lan in East Turkestan which date from the 3rd-4th century A.D. and, finally, the Turfan findings, again in East Turkestan, dating from the 5th-6th century A.D. Some of these carpets are in Istanbul’s Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art today. With their striking reds and dark blues, these carpets exhibit geometric shapes and, on their borders, Kufic letters.

    OTTOMAN CARPETS IN PAINTINGS
    Stylized animal motifs and the mythical creatures we know from other branches of art are found on the carpets produced in the major weaving centers of 15th century Western Anatolia. Due to increasing stylization, however, they have become almost unrecognizable. The Kufic letters used as border decorations on Seljuk carpets, for example, diminished in size in the 15th century, eventually giving way entirely to geometric forms.

    Although Ottoman carpets are known to have been exported in large quantities, on account of their high prices they were purchased in the West only by the palace and its circle and the newly emerging class of wealthy merchants. On account of their prestige value, they were also a popular decorative element in western painting in portraits as well as depictions of religious subjects.

    Certain types of Ottoman carpets are therefore known by the names of the western artists who frequently painted them. The general composition that predominates in these carpets, known in the literature as ‘Holbein’, ‘Crivelli’, ‘Memling’ and ‘Bellini’, is that of a field covered with geometric shapes such as squares or octagons of various sizes.

    THE GIANT CARPETS OF USAK
    Although Ottoman carpet production was concentrated in several different regions, the most important center was at Usak with its colossal looms. Bergama was a second center. Meanwhile Konya, the leading city for Seljuk art, always maintained its importance in carpet production. The classical period of the Ottoman carpet commences in the 16th century.

    The small prayer rugs and giant carpets woven in workshops there from a repertoire of designs developed by palace artists have an important place among the furnishings of the period’s great mosques, palaces and stately mansions. The best known types of Usak carpets are the ‘medallion’ carpets inspired by the art of bookbinding, the ‘star’ carpets with their geometric designs, and the ‘bird’ carpets so-called for their foliate compositions reminiscent of bird shapes. With some variations in size and composition, such carpets were produced to the end of the 17th century.

    PALACE CARPETS
    With the conquest of Cairo in 1512, Ottoman art underwent a transformation. A new type of carpet emerged, recalling the Mamluk carpets in pastel colors woven of extremely soft wool and, dismissing the compositions predominant to that time, incorporating vegetal forms scattered over the entire field. The prayer rugs among these carpets, which came to be known as ‘Palace carpets’, are striking for their small medallions and large foliate compositions. Palace carpets are thought to have been made in Istanbul and Bursa.

    The subsequent rise of centers like Konya, Ladik, Gordes, Kula and Mucur in the 17th and 18th centuries did not hamper production at Usak.

    Meanwhile carpets known as ‘Izmir’ or ‘Smyrna carpets’ took their name from the port in the west from which they were shipped up to the 19th century. Nineteenth century western taste and the houses and palaces furnished under European influence naturally triggered a transformation in the art of the carpet as well.

    Workshops were established like that at Hereke, where carpets that copied the compositions of Persian rugs were woven with the Iranian ‘Sine’ knot which allowed a finer and denser weave, replacing the typical Turkish technique known as the Gordes knot, and at Feshane in Istanbul, where large-size carpets of Baroque design were produced.

    The Istanbul – Kumkapi carpets known for their high quality silk prayer rugs also stand out in this late period carpet production. The art of the Turkish carpet was widespread outside these centers as well, with the production of carpets as a folk art, known by the name of the locale in which they were woven. Source: Skylife / January 2004

  • How to Come in Turkiye

    BY COACH
    There are regular services between Turkey and Austria, France, Germany, Holland, It Switzerland, and Greece; also Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Syria.

    BY AIR
    Turkish Airlines ( THY ): THY has regular flights in Boeing 737-400’s, 737-500’s, RJ-100’s, and Airbus 310-200’s, 310-300’s, and 340-300’s for Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Trabzon and Dalaman from the principal capitals and major cities of the world.

    International airlines: Most international airlines have regular flights from all major cities of the world to Turkey’s international airports.

    BY SEA
    Passenger Ferries: Apart from numerous cruises in the Mediterranean, several foreign shipping companies have regular services to the ports of Trabzon, Samsun, Istanbul, Dikili, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Alanya, Mersin and Iskenderun.

    Car Ferries: There are several car ferries for tourists who wish to take their cars while sightseeing: Venice, Ancona, Brindisi, Bari, Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Antalya.

    Lines between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
    Tasucu – Girne
    Alanya – Girne
    Mersin – Gazimagosa

    Ferry lines between Turkey and the Greek Islands:
    Ayvalik – Midilli (Lesbos)
    Cesme – Sakiz (Chios)
    Kusadasi – Sisam (Samos)
    Bodrum – Istankoy (Cos)
    Marmaris – Rodos (Rhodes)
    Datca – Siombeki (Symi)

    BY RAIL
    Train journeys can be made to Istanbul directly from and via some of the major cities Europe.

    BY ROAD
    Private car : London – Istanbul, approximately 3,000 km.
    Northern Route : Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
    Southern Route : Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Italy, with a ferry to Turkey

  • Health Care in Turkey

    You’ll find adequate health care and English-speaking Turkish physicians in larger cities. Turkish law requires that a pharmacy remain open in every neighborhood 24 hours a day. It’s claimed that the local water is safe in Istanbul, but we stick with prepackaged or boiled drinks everywhere. Avoid ice as well.

    Sanitary conditions in restaurants in central and eastern Turkey may pose problems for some travelers. Don’t hesitate to have a look at the kitchen of a restaurant before you dine—it’s a common custom. Most hot, freshly cooked food should be safe (especially if it’s included on a package tour), but peel fresh fruit and raw vegetables before eating, make sure meat is cooked thoroughly and avoid local dairy products.

    Cholera is an annual problem, especially around Istanbul. Air pollution in Ankara in the winter will aggravate respiratory problems. Malaria has been reported in southeastern Anatolia, from the Mediterranean city of Mersin to the Iraqi border—ask your doctor about antimalarial precautions. You should also consider vaccinations against typhoid and hepatitis. The sun can be very strong, so use sunscreen liberally and wear a hat. Don’t forget to take along plenty of insect repellent and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

  • What types of tours do tour operators offer?

    travel

    Tour operators listed in our Travel Directory, are Turkey specialists – they have extensive knowledge and experience in Turkish tourism. Some exclusively offer trips to Turkey. Others offer trips to Turkey in combination with other countries, such as Greece and Italy. The companies listed in the Travel Directory can provide a wide range of services including package tours, air ticketing, rental car reservations, hotel reservations, day tours, customized itineraries, guides, and more.

    Many companies specialize in different areas of Turkish travel and tourism. Almost all tours include western Turkey and focus on historical and archeological sites. However, some tour operators also offer tours of the Black Sea region and eastern and southeastern Turkey. There are also special-interest tours such as golf tours, photography tours, culinary tours, trekking tours and more.

  • Fascinating Facts Illustrating Turkey’s Rich Heritage

    istanbul

    – As an ancient land and modern nation, Turkey today holds and protects the common past of all people.

    – The only city in the world located on two continents is Istanbul, which has been the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman – for more than 2000 years.

    – Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents Europe and Asia. During its 25,000 year history, it has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.

    – The number of archaelogical excavations going on in Turkey every year is at least 150.

    – The oldest known human settlement is in Catalhoyuk, Turkey (7500 B.C.).

    – Ephesus and Halicarnassus – two of the seven wonders of the ancient world – are in Turkey.

    – Anatolia is the birthplace of historic legends, such as Homer (the poet), King Midas, Heredotus (the father of history), and St. Paul the Apostle.

    – Julius Caesar proclaimed his celebrated words, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (I came, I saw, I conquered) in Turkey when he defeated the Pontus, a formidable kingdom in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

    – The famous Trojan Wars took place in western Turkey, around the site where a wooden statue of the Trojan Horse rests today.

    – The first church built by man (St. Peter’s Church) is in Antioch Antakya, Turkey.

    – The Amazons originated in Turkey’s Northeastern region.

    – The First Ecumenical Council was held in Iznik, Turkey.

    – Writing was first used by people in ancient Anatolia. The first clay tablets – in the ruins of Assyrian Karum (merchant colony) – date back to 1950 B.C.

    – Prophet Abraham was born in Sanliurfa in Southeast Turkey.

    – St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus today, was born and lived in Demre (Myra) on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The village contains the famous Church of St. Nicholas, which contains the sarcophagus believed to be his tomb.

    – Many archeologists and biblical scholars believe Noah’s Ark landed on Agri Dagi (Mount Ararat) in eastern Turkey.

    – The last meal on Noah’s Ark, a pudding with nearly 40 ingredients, is still served throughout Turkey.

    – The last home of Virgin Mary is in Selcuk, Turkey.

    – St. John, St. Nicholas, St. Paul and St. Peter have all lived and prayed in Southern Anatolia.

    – Part of Turkey’s Southwestern Shore was a wedding gift that Mark Anthony gave to Cleopatra.

    – The first man ever to fly was Turkish. Using two wings, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from the Galata Tower over the Bosphorus to land in Uskudar in the 17th century.

    – Homer was born in Izmir on the west coast of Turkey and he depicted Troy in his Epic the Iliad.

    – Suleyman the Magnificent (the famous Ottoman Sultan) was a poet who wrote over 3000 poems some of them criticising the greed of mankind.

    – One of the biggest and best preserved theatres of antiquity seating 15,000 is Aspendos on the southern coast of Turkey where international music festivals are held each year.

    – Aesop – famous all over the world for his fables and parables – was born in Anatolia.

    – Leonardo da Vinci drew designs for a bridge over the Bosphorus, the strait that flows through Europe and Asia. (It was never built then; but now there are two Bosphorus bridges.).

    – President Woodrow Wilson was fond of telling some of the tales of Nasreddin Hoca (13th century Turkish wit and raconteur; UNESCO has declared a “Nasreddin Hoca year”, 1996-1997).

    – Alexander the Great conquered a large territory in what is now Turkey – and cut the Gordion Knot in the Phrygian capital (Gordium) not far from Turkey’s present day capital Ankara.

    – Greek Cynic philosopher Diogenes was born in Sinop on Turkey’s Black Sea Coast.

    – Croesus – whose name is synonymous with great wealth – had his kingdom (Lydia) in Western Turkey.

    – Smallpox vaccination was introduced to England and Europe from Turkey by Lady Montagu in early 18th century (after Turkish phsycians saved her son’s life).

    – Istanbul’s Robert College, established in 1863, is the oldest American School outside the United States.

    – Throughout history Anatolia – land of Turks has been a bridge between Europe and Asia where people of different origins have come together and mingled with the ones already settled each time creating a new sythesis.

    – Early Christians escaping Roman persecution nearly 2000 years ago sheltered in Cappadocia in Central Anatolia.

    – In 1492 Sultan Beyazid II, learning about the expulsion of Jews dispatched the Ottoman Navy to bring the Jews safely to the Ottoman lands. Like wise Jews expelled from Hungary in 1376; from Sicily early in the 15th century; from Bavaria in 1470; from Bohemia in 1542 and from Russia in 1881, 1891, 1897, 1903 all took refuge in the Ottoman Empire.

    – As it was the case during the Bolshevik revolution, Turkey served as a safe passage an haven for those fleeing their native countries during the World War II, Turkey was one of the few countries in the world which welcomed the Jewish refugees escaping the horros of Nazism.

    – During the Gulf War in 1991, Turkey welcomed nearly half a million Kurds from Northern Iraq, who were fleeing the torment of Saddam.

    – Turkey provided homes for some 313,000 Bulgarian refugees of Turkish origin expelled from their homelands in Bulgaria in 1989.

    – According to Turkish tradition a stranger at one’s doorstep is considered “A Guest from ALLAH” and should be accommodated accordingly.

  • Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey

    water

    Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.

  • The Ancient City of Myra one of the most interesting Lycian tombs in Turkey

    myra demre kale

    Myra, a few kilometers away from Demre, is a city built into the rocks overlooking the sea. Perhaps one of the most beautiful examples of its kind in Anatolia… It is understood from the ruins, tombs and Lycian inscriptions spread over a wide area that it was an old city dating back to the 5th century BC.

    It is known that in the 17th century AD, Emperor Germanicus visited Myra with his wife Agrippina. Here: By climbing the stairs, it is possible to reach the structures carved into the rocks. It depends on your strength to climb the stairs… St. Paul: In 60 AD, he visited Myra. In the 2nd century AD, Myra was honored with the title of Metropolis and witnessed a great development. Under Byzantine rule, the city again became a religious and administrative center, especially in the 4th and 5th centuries.

    The remains of Lycia’s largest theater of its time can be seen today. It is important because it is the best preserved theater that has survived to the present day. With 29 seating rows and a capacity of 9-10 thousand spectators, the theater leans against the hill. Even today, it is occasionally used for some festivals.

  • Transportation in Turkey

    Turkish Airlines, Delta, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Sabena, Swissair and Olympic Airways serve Ataturk International Airport (IST), which is located 15 mi/24 km southwest of Istanbul (allow plenty of time to get to the airport during rush hour). Turkish Airlines, Austrian, Lufthansa and Sabena serve Ankara’s Esenboga Airport (ESB), which is located 22 mi/35 km northeast of the capital’s center. Turkish Airlines offers frequent domestic flights to major cities within Turkey.

    Various cruise lines include Turkish ports on their Mediterranean itineraries. Turkish Maritime Lines connects major ports along the Aegean, Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts it takes about six days to go from Istanbul along the Black Sea to Trabzon via Sinop—very enjoyable.

    There is rail service connecting most European countries to Istanbul, and there’s also rail service within Turkey (it’s usually slower than bus service). Express bus service connects many European capitals and large cities with Istanbul on a regular (and fairly inexpensive) basis. Inexpensive buses and minibuses connect most points within the country (the former are quite comfortable, and the latter provide an opportunity to meet the local people—if you’re willing to sacrifice comfort for that opportunity).

    Self- and chauffeur driven cars are also available (an excellent way to visit the country). Major highways are in good shape, but beware of slow-moving vehicles, animals and especially Turkish drivers, who don’t seem to follow traffic rules. Snow and ice require extra caution. Driving is on the right—though sometimes drivers ignore this rule! City streets are often narrow and congested with traffic. Parking in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara is a hassle: Don’t rent a car in these cities.

    Taxis (shared and metered) are the best way to travel within most cities and towns. However, visitors to Ankara and Istanbul should be aware that some taxi drivers may try to cheat tourists by “forgetting” to turn on the meter (and then demanding an outrageous sum) or putting the night meter on during the day. Between 7 am and midnight always check to see that the meter reads gunduz (days). Shared taxis (dolmuses) travel on fixed routes for fixed fares. Tipping is not expected in shared taxis. Some city buses are adequate, but others are overcrowded.