Turkey Nutz and Bolts
The Basics
Country: Turkey
Where is it: Turkey is located in both southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria.
Why do people go here: There are few countries in Europe that have the sites and sounds to overwhelm a traveler like those in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul. The old saying, “where East meets West” holds true as Turkey blends ornate mosques with historic castles as travelers enjoy everything from adventure sports to shopping for intricately woven rugs. Ruins and beaches are a popular attractions. If you don’t let the recent uneasiness deter you, Turkey can be the best country in the world to see the differing influences of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
What are the main entry points: Travelers come from a number of Greek Islands via ferry, and arrive in Bodrum. Those who enter the country overland arrive in Istanbul from Bulgaria.
Currency used: Turkish lira
Country Code for Phones: 90
Area codes for Major Cities: Ankara 312, Istanbul (Asian Side) 216, Istanbul (European Side) 212
Religion: Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)
Population: 68 million
Ethnic Breakdown: Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20%
Government: Republican parliamentary democracy
Languages: Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek
Travel Information
Major Cities: Ankara
Attractions: East meets West (Coke Cola meets Islam), Ephesus, Cappadocia
Accomodation: Turkey Hostels, Turkey Hotels
Tourism Office locations and links: Ministry of Tourism Ismet Bul. 5 Bah�elievler, Ankara, Turkey +90-312-212-8300;; FAX +90-312-212-8391, 213-6887 //www.turkey.org/turkey/
Tips for Visiting
Off-the-Beaten-Path:
Health Issues: There is a risk of Malaria from May to October in the south-eastern part of the country, and in Amikova and �ukurova Plain. There is no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country.
When to go: Spring and fall are the best seasons to see the west, as summer can be very hot and uncomfortable. However, Eastern Turkey has the best offerings during these warm months, as snow will close roads during the winter.
Common Phrases: Yes = Evet, No = Yok, Please = Mutlu etmek
Specific Events/Holidays: Independence Day, 29 October (1923)
Getting Around: If planning on traveling long distances, snag a spot on an overnight train. Otherwise, buses are a better option.
Did you like this article?
Share it
Place a comment| Now you can also comment with your Facebook Account |
Rate this story
Follow Us
Subscribe to the BootsnAll articles RSS feed
Related articles found in:
Europe, Europe Nutz and Bolts, Med Europe, Med Europe Nutz and Bolts, Turkey, Turkey Nutz and Bolts, Western Europe, Western Europe Nutz and BoltsRead similar items found across the BootsnAll Travel Network:
Joe’s Trip to Turkey 1999 (9 of 10)
Joe’s Trip to Turkey 2001 (Part 1 of 5)
If you are wondering whether it would be worth it to bring your young children on a trip with you, reading Rachel Denning’s experiences and advice will likely convince you.
[Read more]
Somali pirates and Halloween pirates seem to get all the press these days, but there is a rich history out there of the real thing. Steve Bramucci takes us to five places where pirate tourism is easy to find.
[Read more]
Would you like to pretend you are Michael Palin, or perhaps someone else who gets to stay in historic colonial hotels in the East? Here’s a cheaper way, as Inga Kastrone takes us on a tour if 8 of the finest of these landmark properties.
[Read more]
You are probably aware of the big wine industries in Argentina and Chile, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Eileen Smith lives in Chile and here she explains where to look and what to taste throughout the continent.
[Read more]
There are plenty of creepy castles out there, but some really stand out and are actually said to be haunted. Cherrye Moore takes us on a tour of six of the most notorious of these.
[Read more]
