travel and leisure

Turkey is a country of diversity
stunning scenery
warm hospitality
and a whole range of resorts and activities to suit all tastes. A country spanning two continents where east meets west and 10
0
years of civilisation
Turkey is a treasure trove of history and culture.

Weather in Turkey - Southern Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts

Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts boast a perfect Mediterranean climate with low humidity. The long
extended summer runs between May and October with temperatures ranging from the low 20ฐCs at the beginning and end of the season
up to the mid 30ฐCs in the hottest months of July and August.

During spring
the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air
the hills and valleys are green with vegetation and the cool
sunny days are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. During the autumn months it is a pleasure to visit historical and natural sites in the cool weather or to buy up bargains at end-of-season sales! Winters tend to be mild with some sun
and occasional showers
and it is not unusual to be able to swim in the sea even in November.

Turkish Culture

The mix of cultural influences and traditions in Turkey is one of the things that draw tourists to the country. Turkey has a rich cultural heritage with a long history of influences from both Europe and Asia
which is reflected in the complexity and diversity of certain Turkish arts
language and handicrafts. Turks are proud of their centuries-old musical tradition
which is similar to the music of nearby Islamic regions such as Saudi Arabia
Iran
and northern India. A cosmopolitan nation
Turkey has also adopted and developed ideas and traditions that combine Western
Asian
and Arabic elements.

The Family

Turkish family units are extremely important. Children often stay with their families until they get married and then continue to be the main focus of their families' lives. Grandparents are often available to look after the children allowing the parents to go out to work. There is a great respect for elders in Turkish Culture and you can often see the younger generation kissing an elder's hand and then touching the forehead as a sign of respect.

Turkish Women

Equal rights for women were officially added to the civil code in 2002
so women now have equal say in relation to family matters and property and assets are divided equally in the event of a divorce. Women no longer need their husbands consent to obtain jobs and they are also entitled to continue using their maiden name if they wish once they are married.

The Evil Eye

The 'evil eye' is an ancient belief and is one of the most widespread superstitions in Turkey. It is believed that the 'evil eye' is created by feelings of extreme envy towards a person or object and that it can cast a spell on the object of it's gaze bringing bad fortune. The 'nazar boncuk' or 'evil eye bead' is actually a benevolent eye used to ward off harm and evil. It can be seen providing protection everywhere - in homes and buildings
in the car
and they are even worn by babies and young children.

Hamam

The Hamam
or Turkish Bath
was a Roman and Byzantine tradition which was adopted by the Selcuk Turks in the 11th century and has been part of the Turkish Culture and a way of life ever since. It claimed an important role in society as not only was it a place where the faithful could follow the Muslim precept of cleanliness
it was also a place in which to socialize
gossip and even talk business or politics. The exfoliation
bathing and massage routine provide both a relaxing and exhilarating experience. Today Hamams can be found in most Turkish towns and cities and are they are popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Family Holidays in Turkey

Turks love children and always extend a warm welcome to our young holidaymakers. There are many activities in Turkey which will keep children happy
the most popular being spending time on the gently shelving beaches which are ideal for families. For the more active
walking
horse riding
cycling and watersports are available.

Did you know?

Turkey is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the World
the temple of Artemis at Ephesus
and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (present day Bodrum)

St Nicholas
popularly known as Santa Claus
was born and lived in Turkey

Noah's Ark is said to have landed at Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey

Turkey provides 70% of the world's hazelnuts

Gave the English language many words including chock-a block
turquoise
yoghurt
kismet
kilim and parchment

Turkey first introduced tulips to Holland and today still supplies tulips worldwide. The tulip is also Turkey's national flower

Turkey was the first ever land to mind and use coins 2700 years ago by the Lydians

Turkey has the world's first female Supreme Court Judge
and gave the women the right to vote in 1934



Religion

Whilst the population of Turkey is about 99% Muslim
the country is a secular state which allows complete freedom of worship to non-muslims. Tourists visiting coastal resorts are unlikely to see much evidence that they are in a Muslim country
except for the call to prayer which can be heard 5 times per day. If visiting a mosque
dress conservatively and avoid visiting during prayer times or on Fridays
the holy day. On the coast
dress is generally relaxed beachwear for locals and tourists alike. It is only in smaller villages
more remote areas and the east of the country that the dress codes are more formal and more traditional.

During Ramadan
or Ramazan
as it is known in Turkey
some locals may fast from sunrise to sunset. This is quite relaxed in the resort areas and should not have any affect at all to visitors.

Public Holidays in Turkey

Government offices and banks will be closed on public holidays
but life in the resort areas continues much as usual. Money exchange bureaux and most shops and restaurants open as normal.

History of Turkey

Historically known as Asia Minor or Anatolia
this vast region reflects a remarkable and fascinating history with settled habitation dating back to the eighth millennium BC. Anatolia has seen virtually every major western civilisation come and go including the Assyrians
Hittities
Phrygians
Urartian
Greeks and Romans. Treasured artefacts
including what is believed to be the first landscape picture ever painted were left behind and are displayed at Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Many of the museums' artefacts are the only clues we have to the earliest civilisations.

Some of the finest sites emerged from the Hellenistic period such as the remains of ancient Troy and the ruined settlements of Lycia. The most impressive of them all is ancient Ephesus. It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last days in a small house on the edge of Ephesus whilst St John the Evangelist came to look after her. Now a place of Pilgrimage for Roman Catholics
the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican.

In 560 BC the King of Persia
Cyrus
conquered everybody and everything and soon subjected the Aegean cities to his rule. However
200
years later they were defeated by Alexander the Great. He led the Macedonians eastward across Anatolia as far as India in pursuit of gaining the domination of Asia. Sure enough
he rapidly conquered the entire Middle East
from Greece to India.

Following its conquest by Rome in the 2nd century BC
Asia Minor enjoyed centuries of peace. During the Middle Ages as part of the Byzantine Empire it became a centre of Christianity.

The Great Seljuk Empire
based in Persia
was the first real Turkish state in Anatolia. This empire had a distinctive culture with beautiful architecture and design. The Seljuks Empire quickly declined with Anatolia fragmented into a number of small emirates. The Turks gradually moved in on these states one by one which eventually grew to be the largest empire in recent history
the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled for more than six centuries until 1922. The following year
Asia Minor became the larger part of the Turkish Republic led by Ataturk.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the main drive behind the development of modern Turkey. The former army officer became Turkey's first President and steered the country from the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire. Ataturk introduced dramatic reforms that touched upon every aspect of Turkish life. There were many significant changes including replacing the Arabic script with Latin characters. Primary education was made compulsory and religious law was abolished. Women were granted equal rights in matters of custody and inheritance and by 1934 women's rights had extended to Universal Suffrage.

Ataturk was and still is a national hero- a massive presence in the long history of Turkey. In every town and village you will find reminders of the leader everywhere you turn. As time goes by Ataturk becomes even more of a hero as the country's people recognize his extraordinary influence in making Turkey what it is today.

Turkish Food & Drink

Turkish food is amongst the best in the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally
there is a vast array of produce to excite and entice the palate.
Besides its famous kebab dishes
there are many other traditional Turkish foods to choose from. Meze (appetisers) for which Turkey is justly famous
are a range of hundreds of small dishes from simple combinations such as cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki
a clear anise- flavoured spirit claimed to be Turkey's national alcoholic drink.

Turkey's most popular beers are the home produced Efes Pilsen and Tuborg
and whilst the wine industry has yet to realise it's full potential
Kavaklidere and Doluca
the best known brands
produce a selection of both red and white wines.

Shopping in Turkey offers the most unusual and diverse range of gifts tempting even the non-shoppers amongst us.

Traditional handicrafts such as carpets
kilims
copper goods
painted ceramics and jewellery are popular buys
along with a good selection of leather goods
sandals and beachwear which can be found in most of the larger resorts.

In tourist and coastal areas
opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening
seven days a week
leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.

In souvenir shops and stalls
it's always worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping
local minimarkets provide basic essentials
whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are similar to those we are used to at home. Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce
crafts and textiles and are well worth a visit.

Transport

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to get out and about
giving you the freedom to explore at your leisure.

Local transport within the towns and resorts consists of dolmus or minibuses (taxis) that run from one point to another and you can hop on and off anywhere along the route and pay according to the distance travelled.

Things to do in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide variety of activities for couples and families alike.

Watersports including windsurfing
parasailing
jet skiing and canoeing are popular on designated beaches in or near many of the larger resorts. Scuba diving is also widely available
and the calm
clear waters are ideal for beginners and novice divers. Walking and trekking are becoming increasingly popular and they offer one of the best ways to explore the countryside.

Currency in Turkey

New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the official currency in Turkey. "Y" stands for "Yeni" ("New") in Turkish as the new notes and coins replaced the old currency which was withdrawn from circulation in January 2006. It can be purchased from your bank in advance
in which case we would advise you to order at least two weeks before your departure date. Alternatively you can change money
or travellers cheques once you have arrived in Turkey. It's easy to change up all major currencies in exchange offices
post offices and hotels. Exchange offices are also located in the arrivals halls at most Turkish aiports.

Currency can be also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey
providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. If you do find yourself short of Turkish Lira at any point
many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and larger cities will accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country
it is advisable to carry some Turkish Lira.

The New Turkish Lira comes in notes of 5
10
20
50
and 100. The coins
called New Kurus (Ykr)
come in 1
5
10
25
50
and one New Turkish Lira. One hundred New Kurus equals one New Turkish Lira.

Please note that Scottish currency is not accepted in Turkey. It is also worth noting that they may not accept any foreign bank notes for exhange which are ripped or have been scribbled on.

Passports & Visas

British citizens require a standard ten year passport which must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival back in the UK. Children under 16 years require their own passport if not already on a parents passport before October 1998.

British citizens (including infants) have to pay a tourist visa of ฃ10 upon arrival. This must be paid in note form in cash. Scottish currency is not accepted in Turkey.

Full details and application forms for a full British passport can be obtained from main post offices or direct from the Passport Office.

Non UK passport holders are recommended to contact the appropriate Embassy in London as to their visa fee.



Turkey Time Difference

Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK. It is a good idea to adjust your watch as soon as you arrive
as any airline timetables are expressed in local time.

Vaccinations for Turkey

No vaccination certificates are compulsory for entry to Turkey. You should always check with your doctor
in good time prior to departure
if there are any inoculations the Department of Health consider necessary or advisable for any specific areas.

When To Go

The main season for visitors to Turkey's western Aegean and Mediterranean coastal resorts is between May to October
when the weather is settled and the days are long and sunny.
Temperatures range from the mid 20ฐCs early and late season
to the mid 30ฐCs during the peak season of July and August which is also the most popular time to visit when all the activities are in full swing. The sea temperatures are warm and ideal for swimming throughout the summer
and it is not unusual to be able to swim in the sea even in November.

In the coastal resorts we have a selection of properties suitable for occupation in late autumn
winter and early spring where you can discover the changing seasons. Please contact us for further information. There may be an additional charge for heating. The Turkish resorts do quieten down in winter and many facilities available during the summer months may not be available during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?
Generally speaking
mobile phone coverage in Turkey is very good - the exception being some of the more remote and/or mountainous areas. It is important to remember that when using a British mobile phone
in Turkey
to contact our overseas offices and staff
even though you are linking up to the local network your call must be prefixed by 00 90 and you should then drop the first 0 of the Turkish phone number.

What currency will I require?
New Turkish Lira (YTL) is the official currency in Turkey. Currency can be purchased in the UK but we advise you to order at least two weeks before your departure date to avoid any last minute rush. Once in Turkey
it's easy to change up all major currencies in exchange offices
post offices (PTTs) and hotels. Currency can be also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey
providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. If you do find yourself short of Turkish Lira at any point
foreign currency
including pounds sterling
is readily accepted in many shops
hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas.

Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards?
Credit cards are now very widely accepted in shops and some restaurants in the main towns and resorts. Though you should always check beforehand if you intend to have a meal and pay afterwards using the card. Many small
family run restaurants or establishments may not accept cards. The smaller villages and places 'off the beaten track' may also not accept credit cards so have some cash handy.
Currency can be obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey
providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be able to give you further information on using your card abroad. Travellers Cheques can be cashed at banks
exchange bureaux and most of the larger hotels.

What is the voltage and do we need to use adaptors?
The current is 220 V. Wall sockets take two rounded pin plugs
like many European countries. You will need an adapter plug to use UK appliances.

Is there a time difference?
Yes
Turkey is on GMT + 2 (daylight saving GMT +3 operates between late March to late September). This means that for most of the year
Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK. It is a good idea to adjust your watch as soon as you arrive in Turkey.

What should I take?
You can now find most western goods
including holiday essentials such as suntan and aftersun lotions
insect and mosquito repellents
and such like in most of the larger resorts and supermarkets. Taking these items with you saves time and also ensures that you can find your preferred brands. It's worth taking a high protection sunscreen
especially during high season when temperatures can soar
a wide-brimmed sun hat
and a mosquito repellent both for your room and a spray for yourself when you are outside in the evenings. Also do take a European-type 2 pin adaptor for your electrical equipment - these can be difficult to find in Turkey. A photocopy of your passport is useful to keep on you as a means of ID
and if you are driving
a copy of your license as well to keep in the car.

Are shops open on the day of our arrival?
During the summer season
and especially in the resort areas
supermarkets
minimarkets and many shops are open daily
often till early evening.
As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows:

Banks: 09.00 - 12.00 and 13.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday.

Post Offices: (identified by yellow PTT signs) 08.00 - 20.00 Monday to Saturday
and 09.00 - 19.00 on Sundays.

Museums - 09.00 - 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday.

Chemists (eczane) - 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday. A duty chemist is appointed on a rota basis to remain open for 24 hours
details of which are posted in any chemist's front window.

Shops: in the resorts
and particularly during the summer months
bazaars and many tourist shops open daily from around 09.00 till late in the evening
often till 22.00. More regular type shops may close earlier in the evening
and on Sundays.

Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open daily
and the larger ones are often open till 22.00 during the summer
a few open 24 hours.


Caf้s and restaurants tend to operate open-ended hours and may not close till early in the morning.



Are there insects?
There can be mosquito's in certain areas so a plug in deterrent is an idea. Ants are frequent in some rural areas.

What is driving like in Turkey?
As in the rest of the Mediterranean
other road users may seem to the UK driver to drive unpredictably. The roads are generally well kept though some coastal or mountain roads can be narrow and winding. You should be aware of the following points:

Traffic drives on the right in Turkey
which means you must give way to the right at junctions and roundabouts (vehicles joining the roundabout have right of way).


The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.

There are strict drink driving laws - the rule is absolutely no alcohol if you intend to drive. Random tests are quite common and police will issue on the spot fines.

If another vehicle flashes it's lights
this means that it is coming through
not that they are giving way to you.

You should drive defensively at all times
and great care should be taken when driving after dark as you may come across inadequately lit vehicles
slow moving lorries or animals wandering across the road.