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| Turquía Europa Turquía es un país que se encuentra a caballo entre Europa y Asia, un país que entremezcla dos culturas, dos continentes, dos formas de ver la vida, algo que se puede ver en Estambul, donde en una sola ciudad se puede ver esa diferencia en esta ciudad de más de 10 millones de habitantes, la que fue la capital del Imperio Otomano. Turquía es un país turístico y en expansión, es un país que cuenta con numerosas posibilidades, sus playas, sus monumentos, el turismo de sol y playa, el turismo cultural, el turismo deportivo son sus principales atractivos. |
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| Ciudades como Estambul, Izmir, Çanakkale,
en el Estrecho de Dardanelos junto al Mar Mármara, una zona de turismo de
lujo, con un puerto deportivo donde atracan los yates más lujosos del Egeo y
donde no tendremos problemas en encontrar barcos y veleros charter para
alquilar durante nuestras vacaciones en Turquía, además de no olvidar la
riqueza cultural de Estambul, con sus calles, sus monumentos, y su historia
dividida en dos continentes; las playas de Marmaris en la Costa Turquesa…. En Turquía encontraremos una gran variedad de alojamientos, desde hoteles con todo tipo de lujos a hoteles más modestos, apartamentos, casas compartidas, villas, hostales… a todo tipo de precios, la elección es suya, es un buen lugar para disfrutar de sus vacaciones, disfrute de sus vacaciones en Turquía, en la Constantinopla histórica, en la actual Estambul. 1 - 7 de 7 Electricidad en Turquía Electricidad en Turquía La corriente eléctrica en Turquía es de 220 voltios, 50-60hz. Los enchufes son de dos clavijas, como los estándar europeo. [Ver más] Viajar con animales a Turquía Viajar con animales a Turquía Para la entrada de un animal de compañía a Turquía necesita su pasaporte identificativo donde consten todos los datos del animal, un certificado sanitario, el... [Ver más] Horario de tiendas en Turquía Horario de tiendas en Turquía Horario de bancos: Generalmente, de 8:30-12:30h y 13:30-17:00h. Horario de oficinas: Por lo general, de 8:30-12:30h y 13:30-17:00h. Cerrado los fines de semana. Horario de Gran Bazar:... [Ver más] Oficina de Turismo en Estambul Oficina de Turismo en Estambul (+90 212 518 8754 ) Centro de información turística de Turquía en Estambul. [Ver más] Visado para entrar en Turquía Visado para entrar en Turquía Para entrar en Turquía es necesario presentar el pasaporte en vigor. El visado puede conseguirlo en la Embajada de Turquía en su país, aunque también... [Ver más] Asistencia Médica en Turquía Asistencia Médica en Turquía Turquía no está cubierta por la asistencia sanitaria de la UE por lo que el viajero debería contar con un seguro de viaje. Además, tendrá... [Ver más] Cajeros y dinero en Turquia Cajeros y dinero en Turquia La moneda oficial de Turquía es la lira turca nueva. Tanto el euro como el dólar americano son aceptados en las compras, aunque lleve siempre... [Ver más] |
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| Turkey Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see copy_of_i "Coming in gallop from far Asia stretched forward like a mare‘s head into Mediterranean Sea - this is our country." This is the way Nazim Hikmet described Turkey and a look on the map shows you immediately that the country is surrounded on three sides by the sea: The Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara on the west coast, the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in the south and the Black Sea in the north. The population of the country is around 70 million. Turkey has little land in Europe (24.000 square kilometers), and most of its land in Asia (756.000 square kilometers) Thrace being the name of the European part and Anatolia being the name of the Asian part. Istanbul is the most important city in Turkey and the population is more than 12 million. The Asian continent is connected to Europe in Istanbul, with two impressive suspended bridges across the Bosphorus, connecting the European and Asian parts of Istanbul. It is hardly surprising that sea side resorts like Antalya, Alanya, Marmaris, Bodrum or Kusadasi are very popular with tourists from Europe. This may lead you to believe Turkey is very much oriented towards the sea. You couldn't be more wrong: "Anadolu", the Anatolian high central plateau is where Turkish culture is rooted. The soul of the country is to be found in the green pastures of the hinterland, where shepherds still move their herds with the seasons. This is why you shouldn't be surprised that the Turkish Republic chose Ankara as the capital. The city is located centrally in Anatolia. For travelers, the city offers some interesting sights and attractions, the most imporant ones being the Museum of Anatolian Culture and the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Istanbul is Turkey's prime attraction. As Frank Sinatra says "I would like to wake up in a city which does not sleep" New York and Istanbul fit that catagory very well, to see that, cross the Bosphorus Bridge or drive along the Bosphorus at midnight!! Istanbul has the most beautiful mosques (Blue Mosque) and palaces (Topkapi and Dolmabahce) of the country, it has Byzantine churches (Kariye and St. Sophia) and Roman temples. Without fear of exaggeration one can say that Istanbul's claim to the title of Eternal city is as justified as Rome's. There are about 12 million people in the city. You can find all kinds of attractions in the city. Make sure that you shop and bargain in the Covered Bazaar (Kapali Carsi), which was built in early 15th century. Cappadocia is another great sight: it is both a natural wonder and the result of human inventiveness. Soft volcanic rock, called tuffs, formed a landscape of bizarre beauty (fairy chimneys) , but it was man who made their homes, churches, shops and courtrooms in them. All of these are decorated in a highly original style. There are more than 1000 churches under ground. In the South East of Anatolia you find the strange rock statues at Nemrut Dagi, near Kahta, diyaman, which could remind you of Easter island, as well as ancient cities like Van, located on lake Van, and Dogubayazit. When you go west of eastern Anatolia you will find Turkey's "sports city", Erzincan. Also make sure you visit, Diyabakir which has the second longest city walls in the world. Also the other cities are worth to visit Mardin, Midyat, Hasankeyif, Batman.. On the South coast of Turkey you will find approximately 600 remains of old Greek and Roman buildings, mostly well preserved. About 1 hour west of Kemer there is the wonderfull Roman town Phasalis: this is a museum town, where you can see the remains of a complete Roman city, including a military harbour, an aquaduct, a theater and many more buildings. You will walk on the old Roman roads between those buildings. Mount Ararat, at 5,165 m the highest point in the country, is said to be the resting place of Noah's Ark. The famed city of Troy is here as well, south of Istanbul. And you must not leave without seeing Ephesus, the legendary city , home to the Temple of Artemis and the city where Saint Peter wandered, spreading his gospel before settling in Crete. There are many other sites of archaeological and religious significance. With such a diversity of things to see, Turkey is a wonderful destination for any traveler. Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty and historical interest. The ancient city of Caunos lies here with its ruins dating back to the 3rd Century. The Dalyan channel through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Koycegiz Lake winds its way down past the ancient Rock Tombs to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways. Through the rustling reed beds rising between 3 and 5 metres in height. With its mixture of fresh and salt water, these wetlands are now home to a vast number of fish and other water life, as well as the birds of many species which feed on them, species such as the Sparrow hawk, Crane, Kingfisher and Jay. The Stork is also native to this area migrating here at the end of March to nest until the end of August. Dividing the delta is the Iztuzu sandbar stretching for 5 km east from the south of the channel. With fine crystal sand, shallow turquoise sea Iztuzu beach is the ideal seaside spot. Which can be reached by regular dolmus or boat service from Dalyan. This is also the beach where the endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) have returned to lay their eggs since the beginning of time. The nesting time being from May till October. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Loggerhead Turtles and the wildlife in this area led to a campaign to designate the area for conservation. The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A heaven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try local Turkish cuisine, music bars and shops. There are a couple of discos on the outskirts of the village so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. A regular dolmus service that runs to neighbouring resorts such as Fethiye and Marmaris as well as surrounding villages. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgettable hospitality. A resort that you will undoubtedly return to year after year. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna ___________Sights Edit This Surrounded by four different seas, Turkey is a beach paradise with over 8000 km of sunny strips of sand. It also has an abundance of plant and wildlife species that can be enjoyed while camping or trekking in the many national parks which are dotted around the country. Home to more than 20 different fascinating civilizations, Turkey has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life. Each area has its own personality, history, landscape and even cuisine, and with so much on offer to visitors. And of course in cities like Istanbul, there is a modern, lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition, where art and music can be enjoyed whether it belongs to today or yesteryear. If one were to claim that the most scenic vistas in Anatolia can be found on the coasts of the Aegean, he could not be accused of exaggerating. In the words of Herodotus, the Aegean coasts "have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world." The bays and peninsulas, coves and golden beaches stretch the length of these beautiful shores. ______--History Edit This photo mlambing Turkey as a nation has been influenced by rich variety of tribes and cultures since 6500 B.C. with Greeks probably having the greatest impact (from Byzantines to Lydians and Macedonians) Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, ?rmenians, Persians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans have all held important places in Turkey's history. Ancient sites and ruins throughout the country attest to each civilization's unique character. The legendary Mustafa Kemal a Turkish World War I hero later known as "Ataturk" or "father of the Turks founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923 after the collapse of the 600-year-old Ottoman Empire. The empire, which at its peak controlled vast stretches of northern Africa, southeastern Europe, and western Asia, had failed to keep pace with European social and technological developments. The rise of nationalism impelled several ethnic groups to seek independence, leading to the empire's fragmentation. This process culminated in the disastrous Ottoman participation in World War I as a German ally. Defeated, shorn of much of its former territory, and partly occupied by forces of the victorious European states, the Ottoman structure was repudiated by Turkish nationalists who rallied under Ataturk's leadership. The nationalists expelled invading Greek forces from Anatolia after a bitter war which saw Turkish forces also slaughter Greeks which had peacefully coexisted within Turkey for over 1,000 years. The temporal and religious ruling institutions of the old empire (the sultanate and caliphate) were abolished. The new republic concentrated on westernizing the empire's Turkish core -- Anatolia and a small part of Thrace. Social, political, linguistic, and economic reforms and attitudes introduced by Ataturk before his death in 1938 continue to form the ideological base of modern Turkey. Referred to as Kemalism it comprises secularism, nationalism, and modernization and turns toward the West for inspiration and support. The continued validity and applicability of Kemalism are the subject of frequent discussion and debate in Turkey's political life. Turkey entered World War II on the allied side shortly before the war ended and became a charter member of the United Nations. Difficulties faced by Greece after World War II in quelling a Communist rebellion and demands by the Soviet Union for military bases in the Turkish Straits caused the United States to declare the Truman Doctrine in 1947. The doctrine enunciated American intentions to guarantee the security of Turkey and Greece and resulted in large-scale U.S. military and economic aid. After participating with United Nations forces in the Korean conflict, Turkey in 1952 joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). ________Practical Information Edit This Currency Since January 2005, new Turkish Lira has been used (YTL). Not any longer, the old currency and values won't be accepable. One Euro is about 2 YTL. Please, do not forget to trade about the cost everywhere. Paying in Turkish liras is always cheaper than in US dollars or euros. Be careful! Do not destroy Turkish money in front of local people. I was arrested in Alania only because I had dropped some coins to the water! Etiquette While traveling here you should keep in mind that Turkey is an Islamic country that really has worked hard to nurture tolerance and respect for secularism. It is only fair that tolerance and respect be shown in return. Beach clothes are fine in the resorts or while on a boat, but dress up a bit for trips into cities, especially if your pans include a visit in or near a mosque. If you are eating out at a restaurant, use common sense. Turkish people (especially the young) have a Euro sensibility and tend to dress smartly to meet friends for a meal or a Raki. Bacon and other pork products will be harder to find the further to venture from the resort towns. Don’t forget your manners. Turkish people like you to look at them when you speak. Clicking your tongue is interpreted as an abrupt dismissal. Placing your hands on your hips means that you have been angered. ______Getting Around Edit This Ensemble Travel understands that individual travelers like to create their own itineraries, choose their own schedules, and decide on their hotels... With Ensemble Travel, nothing is impossible. We offer the widest choice of destinations, hotels & tours, covering the whole of Turkey. Our simple concept of mix - and - match , tailor-made holidays makes holiday planning easy and convenient. Just stay 2 nights or more in a hotel of your choice. Choose from over 200 flexible itineraries covering every corner of Turkey. Combine them to create an itinerary to suit you & your family. So whether you are in Turkey for a layover, mini-vacation, extended holiday, or incentive tour, you can plan your trip exactly as you http://www.ensembletour.com http://www.istanbulinsidertours.com _________Getting There Edit This Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines [Add Global transport mode] By Air Edit This Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines (THY): THY has regular flights on Boeing 737-400’s, 737-500’s, Rj 100’s, and Airbus 310-200’s, 310-300’s, and 340-300’s to Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Trabzon and Dalaman from principal capitals and major cities of the world. International Airlines: Regular flights from all major cities of the world come to Turkeys International Airports. Lufthansa Airlines: From the east coast of the USA, Lufthansa along with the Star Alliance has very reasonably priced more.. type: By Air World66 rating: [rate it] By Coach Edit This There are regular bus services between Turkey and Austria, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, and Greece as well as Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Syria. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] By Rail Edit This Train journeys can be made to Istanbul directly from and via some of the major cities in Europe. London to Istanbul The journey from London to Istanbul takes three nights, using Eurostar to Paris, the 'Orient Express' overnight to Vienna, a connecting 'EuroCity' to Budapest and a direct couchette car from Budapest to Istanbul (or more comfortable sleepers with an additional transfer in Bucharest). Departures from London are daily. The recommended journey is now via Bucharest because of the effects of the recent war on more.. type: By Rail World66 rating: [rate it] By Sea Edit This 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 bring their cars while sightseeing: Connections run from Venice, Ancona, Brindisi and Bari to Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Antalya. type: By Sea World66 rating: [rate it] _________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Turkey's dynamic economy is a complex mix of industry and commerce along with traditional village agriculture and crafts. It has a strong and rapidly growing private sector yet the state still plays a major role in basic industry banking transport and communication. Its most important industry—and the largest source of exports—is textiles and clothing which is almost entirely in private hands. The current economic situation is marked by strong growth coupled with serious imbalances. Real GDP expanded by about 7% in 1997 but inflation rose to 99% at yearend and the public sector fiscal deficit probably remained near 10% of GDP. To some extent Ankara is caught in a vicious fiscal circle because about half of all central government revenue is going to pay interest on the national debt. The government that took office in July 1997—headed by Prime Minister YILMAZ's Motherland Party—enacted a 1998 budget that includes substantial tax increases and cuts in non-interest spending but these gains will be offset by a jump in interest payments. The government also is planning to overhaul the social welfare and tax systems and to speed up privatization although these reforms will face tough political opposition. Ankara is trying to increase trade with other countries in the region but most of Turkey's trade is still with OECD countries. Despite the implementation in January 1996 of customs union with the EU foreign direct investment in the country remains low—about $0.5 billion annually—perhaps because potential investors are concerned about high inflation and the unsettled political situation. Economic growth will slow in 1998 to perhaps 4% and inflation should decline although the government's 50% target appears overoptimistic. The current account deficit probably will remain small—1% to 1.5% of GDP - when Turkey's unrecorded "suitcase" exports are included. GDP: purchasing power parity—$388.3 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 7.2% (1997) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$6 100 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 28.4% services: 56.6% (1996) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 99% (1997) Labor force: total: 21.6 million by occupation: agriculture 43.1% services 30.1% industry 14.4% construction 6.0% (1996) note: about 1.5 million Turks work abroad (1994) Unemployment rate: 5.9% another 5.1% officially considered underemployed (April 1997) Budget: revenues: $38.5 billion expenditures: $52.9 billion including capital expenditures of $4.2 billion (1997) Industries: textiles food processing mining (coal chromite copper boron) steel petroleum construction lumber paper Industrial production growth rate: 10.8% (1997 est.) Electricity—capacity: 21.83 million kW (1997) Electricity—production: 103 billion kWh (1997) Electricity—consumption per capita: 1 636 kWh (1997) Agriculture—products: tobacco cotton grain olives sugar beets pulses citrus; livestock Exports: total value: $26 billion (f.o.b. 1997); note—substantial unrecorded exports estimated at $5.8 billion commodities: textiles and apparel 37% iron and steel products 10% foodstuffs 17% (1997) partners: Germany 20% US 8% Russia 8% UK 6% Italy 5% (1997) Imports: total value: $46.7 billion (f.o.b. 1997) commodities: machinery 26% fuels 13% raw materials 10% foodstuffs 4% (1997) partners: Germany 16% Italy 9% US 9% France 6% UK 6% (1997) Debt—external: $84.5 billion (September 1997) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $195 million (1993) Currency: Turkish lira (TL) Exchange rates: Turkish liras (TL) per US$1—212 500 (January 1998) 151 600 (1997) 81 405 (1996) 45 845.1 (1995) 29 608.7 (1994) 10 984.6 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year _____Day Trips Edit This provides daily regular, private and tailor made tours in istanbul with professional guide and private vehicle. [Add Day Trip] Turkey Travel Service Edit This Turkey Travel Service; Hotels, Tours, Accommodation, Dining and all the needs for travellers in Turkey and regions such as Istanbul Hotels. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00905357220175 url: www.turkeytravelservice.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3/3 Sultanahmet – Istanbul email: info@turkeytravelservice.com Turkey Travel Service Edit This Turkey Travel Guide; Hotels, Tours, Accommodation, Dining and all the needs for travellers in Turkey and regions such as Istanbul Hotels. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00905357220175 url: www.turkeytravelservice.com address: http://www.turkeytravelservice.com/orient-house-night-show.htm email: info@turkeytravelservice.com Turkey Travel Edit This Escorted Tour to Turkey Whether you are looking for a escorted tour Turkey or information about Turkey independent travel, you will likely find one here at turkeytouristguides.com . Below you'll find some of the best escorted tour toTurkey available. Many of these tour packages feature unique Turkey travel opportunities that you are not likely to find anywhere else. If you are interested in any of these tours, please contact the tour operator directly with any questions for ordering free brochures or booking. The list is updated frequently so visit often. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +905357220175 url: www.turkeytouristguides.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3/3 Sultanahmet – Istanbul email: info@turkeytouristguides.com Ephesus Day Trips Edit This You can certainly try Bilsen Travel Agency and Bilal owner will be extremely helpful in organizing your personal needs. Whether it be a tour group or indivdual travel. They have very good recommendations as well on this forum. Maybe they can arrange a city tour for you in Istanbul and ephesus with your requests. At what time are you arriving at the port ?? .. www.allistanbultours.com address: Address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00902124582191 url: www.allistanbultours.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@allistanbultours.com Exclusive Travel Turkey Edit This The legacies of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Christian apostles, Byzantines, Ottoman Turks, & the other civilizations that have called this land home have made Turkey into a vast outdoor museum full of beautiful, intriguing sites. Highlights of Turkey's many treasures include the spectacular Byzantine churches & beautiful mosques of Istanbul; the ruins of the fabled city of Pergamum on its windswept hilltop; the holy city of Konya where Dervishes still whirl; the extraordinary landscape & cave dwellings of Cappadocia; the great theatre of ancient Ephesus; the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 212 458 9777 url: www.exclusivetravelturkey.com address: Divanyolu Cad. Isik Sk. Ali Faik Ishani No.6 Kat 1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul email: info@exclusivetravelturkey.com haci simsek Edit This provides daily regular, private and tailor made tours in istanbul with professional guide and private vehicle. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00902125286365 url: www.istanbuldailycitytours.com address: prof. ismail gurkan cad. No:2/A Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@istanbuldailycitytours.com Private Istanbul Tours Edit This Private Istanbul Tours (Duration: 7 - 8 Hours) Your luxury private tour, exclusively for you on your dates. Get the most out of your time in Istanbul with a private tour designed just for you. Enjoy personalized, luxury service with a friendly, knowledgeable English-speaking guide/driver. You'll be welcomed at the doorstep of your hotel in the comfort of a deluxe, air conditioned vehicle reserved exclusively for your party. Our personable English-speaking staff will respond promptly and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 532 340 01 52 url: www.turkeytravelservice.com address: Sultanahmet email: info@turkeytravelservice.com haci simsek Edit This Premium Tours operating Tours of Turkey, Tours of Istanbul, pamukkale Sightseeing, Ephesus Tours, Turkey Tour, Cappadocia Hotels, Troy flight Tickets. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00902125286365 url: www.packagetoursturkey.com address: prof. ismail gurkan cad. No:2/A Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@packagetoursturkey.com haci simsek Edit This provides daily regular, private and tailor made tours in istanbul with professional guide and private vehicle. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00902125286365 url: www.istanbuldailycitytours.com address: prof. ismail gurkan cad. No:2/A Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@istanbuldailycitytours.com __________People Edit This Turkey Tourist Guide - pamukkale tours ,private tours turkey,escorted tours turkey,group tours turkey,honeymoons turkey,turkey istanbul,istanbul tours,ephesus tour,cappadocia tour,troy tour,gallipoli tours,gallipoli tours in turkey,tours in turkey, turkey sightseeing,turkey travel,istanbul sightseeing,istanbul travel,tours istanbul,tour istanbul,turkey vacation packages,information, pictures, map and travel WWW.TODAYTURKEY.COM ::::::Adana Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Adana Hiltonsa Adana Hiltonsa Adana is Turkey's 5th largest city, located in the south of Turkey at the base of the Toros Mountains, which can be seen in the distance. It is a bit off the tourist track, but is a travel hub for people who want to go to the east, to Malatya or Adiyaman, to visit Nemrut Dagi and Antakya (Hatay), or for people going to Syria. Items of note include a 2,000+ year-old Roman bridge, still in use today. ::::::::Alanya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Alanya View Alanya View Desi Alanya is a popular seaside resort in southern Turkey, about 150 km east of Antalya. To the east and west of Alanya you find some of the best beaches in Turkey, the Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the north. Most of old Alanya lies on the great rocky promontory that juts out into the sea. In the old town you find many old houses, towers and mosques, as well as a nice small harbour. At the waterfront there are plenty of friendly bars, tea-houses, cafes and restaurants with an excellent range of international and traditional cuisine. High above Alanya you find an impressive 14-th century citadel. Within its walls are quaint houses, mosques and a Byzantine church decorated with frescoes. There are twisting narrow alleyways tempting shoppers with their colourful boutiques and stalls of cheese-cloth dresses, carpets, copper and jewellery. Below the citadel you find sea caves and grottoes. Some can only be reached by boat but you can walk up to the most famous, Damlatas or "Cape of Dripping Stones". The beautiful cave has a host of impressive stalactites and stalagmites with a moist warm atmosphere said to benefit asthma sufferers. As well as its cultural and historical sights, Alanya has an unbeatable beach life too. Beautiful sandy Cleopatra beach lies to the west of the resort while the fine sands of Alanya beach stretch to the east. A good range of water-sports are available too. The nightlife is easy-going and relaxed with a wide choice of night-spots located at the edge of town. Take your pick from lively bars to late-night discos for real night-owls. :::::::::::Ankara Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kocatepe Mosque Kocatepe Mosque Ankara is a old city, located in the center of the country. Founded in 2000 BC, the city gained its modern prominence only in 1923 when it became the capital of Republic of Turkey. The most interesting part of Ankara is Ulus, the old part of town. Built on two hills, Ulus derives much of its character from its steep and winding streets. The main sight is the Kale, the fortress overlooking the city. Around town you will find a few remains of Roman times, esp. the Augustus tempel, which became famous with historians because of the 'Monumentum Ancyranum', the legacy of emperor Augustus. Ancyra, by the way, is the name of Ankara in ancient times. Next to the temple ruin you will find the tomb of Haci Bayram and his mosque, probably some pilgrims saying prayers in front of one window - the holy man is still very popular amongst the Anatolian population. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is another highlight near the Kale; it is one of the best museums of the country and should not be missed by anyone with an interest in the history of Anatolia. Mausoleum of Ataturk is of the most important site to visit. Atatürk is the founder of the Republic of Turkey and the first President. The Cengelhan Rahmi M. Koc Museum is an industrial museum opposite the entrance to the Citadel (Kale), close to Anatolian Civilization Museum. Located in the historic Cengelhan - a former Caravansaray built in 1522 - the Museum displays huge variety of exhibits on such diverse themes as Engineering, Road Transport, Scientific Instruments, Maritime, Medicine, and many others. The beautiful and atmospheric courtyard now houses the newly restored shop where the founder of the KoC Group, Mr Vehbi Koc started his working life. And when you have finished your museum visit, you can relax in either the Divan Cafe or the Divan Brasserie in the courtyard. While you are in the area, walk down to steep alley, next the museum, it is called "Cikrikcilar Yokusu" and enjoy the old fashing shopping and different kind of stuffs that tourists need. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna :::::::::::Aphrodisias Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Aphrodisias is one of Turkey's least visited archeological sites. The main reason for this is that it's a bit off the beaten track, some 100 km inland form most other sites. Although Afrodisias was already an importnat place in neolithic times, most of monuments date from Roman times: a theatre, a double agora, baths of Hardian a bishops palace, a staidum and an odeon. On the site is a small museum which has some very nice sculptures. If you don't have your own means of transport the way to get here is via Nazili and then take a Dolmus to Geyre, 600 meters from Aphrodisias on the main road. :::::::Artvin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see artvin artvin HOVSEPIAN Hamlet Artvin is located on the eastern corner of the Turkish Black Sea, 100 km south of the coast line. The way to get there is fly to Trabzon first and follow to coast line to Hopa and than turn south. The city is located on a big hill, all the roads make big bends to reach the city at the top, the elevation is more than 1000m and the view is excellent over looking the Çoruh River and the Georgian Border. When you are in the area make sure to visit Kafkasören Yaylasi (Platue) north of the city. Çoruh is the wildest river in Turkey, the current is more 20km/hr in some places, located south of the city. It is like Colorada River in the States where one can make rafting trip in the summer time. The rafting can be done along the 260km long course. This river flows to Georgia and meets the Black Sea at Batumi. Two big dams are operational one is being constucted over the river by the Turkish States Water Works Department . 10 more dams are being planned on the river. If you travel SW of the area go to Yusufeli where there are lots of old churches in the area. Even you can go to Kaçkar Mountain, first go to Barhal and than hike to Kaçkar but only in the summer time and remember you need a tour guide to lead your way. Another best place to visit is Karagöl, 25 km NE of Borçka. It is best place to stay in the thick forests during summer times (June-October) where a pansion serves good and inexpensvie accomidation also camping is available. Please see the pictures that I took for Karagöl.. While in the area it is worth while to driver to Camili near the Georgian Border and enjoy the thick forests. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ______Sights Edit This Artvin is loacted on the eastern corner of the Turkish Black Sea Region, 100 km south of the shore line from Hopa. The best way to get there fly to Trabzon and follow the coast line up to Hopa and turn south. The city of Artvin is located on a mountain, elevation of 1000m. The road to the city is very interesting, bends and sharp turns. But the view at the top is excellent!!! Over looking the Georgian Border to the east and Çoruh River to the south. This river is wildest in Turkey, like Colorado rRver in the USA. It is the most famous palce for rafting, the current is 20mil/hr. There are several companies offer the rafting trip at Yusufeli 30 km West along the River. Çoruk River flows to Georgia and meets its final desination at Batumi. Currently two dams are being built over the river. ::::::::::Ayvalik Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ayvalik Ayvalik Burak GÜNER Ayvalik, the name of the city comes from the old name Kidonia, quich means quince in Greek. In Turkish quince means "ayva". So today it´s called - Ayvalik - . The town is a popular North Aegean seaside resort and one of best in the Edremit Bay area. There are about 30 small islands near by in the Turkish and Greek waters. However, Lesbos is the 3rd largest island in the Aegan sea, belongs to Greek's. Sarmisakli Beach is the best area to swim in Ayvalik, 10km south, where the sandy beach welcomes you. If you are there, make sure you go the Seytan Sofrasi (Devil's Table), at the highest peak in Ayvalik and watch to sun sets overlooking the Agean sea and the islands where you enjoy the most. There is a restaurant at the top, the best way to sit there from sun set to midnigth and enjoy the lights of the islands and other nearby towns and watch small boats and yachts in the harbor of Ayvalik. Ayvalik is the olive oil capital of the country. There are about 20 local olive oil factories and make sure you visit at least one of it. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Ottoman Greeks of Ayvalik moved to Greece, and Turkish citizens of Greece islands moved to Ayvalik. Thus, even after the Greeks left, you could still hear Greek spoken in the streets of Ayvalik, although the speakers were Turkish Muslims (who had grown up in Greece). Ayvalik has many old Ottoman and Greek houses, and orthodox churches now converted to mosques. Turkish tourists throng the many waterside open-air restaurants in summer, or take the ferry across/ take new open road to the bay to Alibey Island where there are even more good waterside restaurants and tavernas. Dining, relaxing, swimming and boating are the things to do in summer. Ferries run daily in summer between Ayvalik and the Greek island of Lesbos (Mytileni), less frequently at other times of year; but the fare is so extraordinarily high (about US$60 for the 2-hour one-way voyage) that most people choose to use other Greek-Turkish ferries, such as from Çesme to Chios, Kusadasi to Samos, Bodrum to Kos, or Marmaris to Rhodes. Ayvalik has an airport near by town, 50km North at Edremit where in the summer time daily planes serves from Istanbul. ::::::::::Balikesir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i_2 zafer The province of Balikesir has pretty little towns of wide natural beauties. The beaches extending for kilometers on both the Aegean and Marmara coasts, the dazzling waters of deep blue, and rich greenery gently covering the land, attract anyone who would like to have a wonderful time in the midst of wonderful scenery. Having housed many civilizations in Anatolia throughout its long past, the province is a rich center of historical remains bringing the oldest times of humanity to light. The attractive Yildirim and Zagnos Pasa Mosques in the city center are examples of the monuments of earlier periods besides the interesting clock tower, while the towns nearby also hold ruins from the remote ages, standing in a beautiful natural scenery. The Gulf of Edremit, lying on the Aegean, is one of these lovely sites, with a broad choice of beaches and seaside resorts overlooking the clear sea. Edremit and Altinoluk (which is an oxygen heaven, ranks second in the world for a high oxygen density) are the towns that stud this wonderful area, together with Oren, where green pine forests meet the sandy shores of fine holiday resorts. In one part of this beautiful village you may see Roman and Byzantine ruins, while in the other you can find the most fresh and delicious seafood and typical dishes of the district, offered by good restaurants. Called as "Olive Riviera", Ayvalik is reached by following the olive groves. This town is also a picturesque spot with its fine beaches facing a collection of 25 small lovely islands. An attraction in the town is the Taksiyarkis Church. Its great architecture and marble carvings are worth seeing. Nearby is the "Seytan Sofrasi" (the Devil's Banquet) which offers one of the most perfect panoramic sunsets in the world. The site also affords a marvelous view of the Sarmisakli peninsula, famous for its beaches, and the little island of Cunda (Alibey). Gonen, 30 kilometers from Bandirma, is another excellent relaxation center, possessing therapeutic thermal springs. The health and cure establishments here, have been used by people suffering from various illnesses since the earliest times. Located at the foot of Kazdagi, is Akcay, another popular spa-center with its spring waters that effect cures. Besides the health-related opportunities, this town offers a beautiful natural scenery, fitting its legendary fame. According to mythology, the world's first beauty contest was held here, on Mount Ida, and Aphrodite was chosen the queen from the three beautiful goddesses. This was considered as the starting point of everything in Trojan War. Lying off the coast from this province are the pretty islands, Marmara and Avsa. Famed for their wine and fish, these sites offer wonderful shorelines. Marmara island is full of historical treasures which increase its attractiveness. Here is the "Mermer Plaj" (Marble Beach) which takes its name from the marbles for which the town is famous. Erdek, on the coast of Marmara Sea, is a nice tourist center, situated on the beautiful Kapidag peninsula. Olive trees, vineyards and fruit gardens are features of this land which is surrounded by the clearest waters of the region. The Hadrian's Temple at Kyzikos is here, alongside many other historical remains that adorn the area. Of particular interest is the Manyas National Park near Bandirma which is the "Bird Paradise", sheltering 239 species of birds. It is a restful and lovely place for bird watchers, just as the whole city is for nature-lovers. ::::::::::::Bodrum Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Dodrum marina from the castle Dodrum marina from the castle Sezgin Aytuna Ancient Hallicarnassus, city of the great Mausoleum, one the seven wonders of antiquity, the famous castel, amphtheatre and very uniqe marine museum, is today modern Bodrum, a relaxing a party town with a magnificent mountain surrounding, that is full of great markets and home to stunning sunsets. The sand is warm as well as the water, and this popular destination has to be seen to be believed. The best place for scuba diveres, the place at Karaada, rigth acros to Bodrum. Bodrum is located on a penninsula if you have a car (or rent one) and make a loop c'lock vise tour around it, starting at Gümbet, and go Bites, Akyarlar,Turgutreis, Gümüslük, Yalikavak, Gündogan, Türkbükü,Torba and back to Bodrum. The trip will take about 2-4 hours depending on what you would like to see and where you would like to spend more time. Bodrum is the place where the famous Blue Voyage starts and ends in Antalya. We call it "Mavi Yolculuk" that I had made in 1968. The trip usually takes 15-20 days and you will see lots of historical sites/places like; Gökova Bay, Knidos, Datça, Marmaris, Dalyan (Chaunos), Fethiye (Ölü Deniz, Turkish Dead Sea), Kas, Kalkan, Kekova, Demre (Birth Place of Santa Clous), Finike, Olympus, Phaselis, Kemer and Antalya.. This is the best part of Turkey. In Bodrum there are three big marinas and lots of hotels and an airport nearby. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::::Bursa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_2 Bursa is known as the green city. It is a very attractive city and 150km south of Istanbul. In winter one can ski in the nearby Uludag mountain. There are two ways to visit Uludag, one is by a cable railcar or by road. If you go by a car, make sure you visit the oldest Plane Tree on the edge of the mountain at Çekirge. The tree is more than 550 years old. Bursa is well-known with its hot springs since byzantine era. The famous Turkish Baths are located all over the town in all the hotels. Also the most famous Turkish Kebab called, Iskender, is invented in that city, make sure you eat it if you visit the city. Plus the world famous chesnat candies are made in Bursa, also turkish towels are the best in whole country. It is a very important city in Turkish history since it was the first capital of Ottoman Empire. Graves of the first 6 Ottoman Empires as well as very many historic mosques and other building are found in the city. Ulu Cami is the most important one to visit. Although it is known as the green city, nowadays it is not as green as the good old days. It turned to be an industrial city. Textile and automotive industry is very strong in Bursa. :::::::::Canakkale Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Apallon Temple at Assos, over looking to Lesbos Island, Canakkale. Apallon Temple at Assos, over looking to Lesbos Island, Canakkale. Sezgin Aytuna Canakkale is situated on the Asian part of the Dardanelles known as 'the Narrows' as it is the narrowest part of Dardanelles being just over a kilometre across, the European site is called Eceabat. The Dardanelles strait is the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia and links the Aegean Sea to the south with the Sea of Marmara to the north. Somewhere here Alexander the Great had crossed the straits on his campaign against the Persian Emperor. It's handed down that he gave order to beat the waves to show them their master is coming to cross the sea. Nowadays, many travellers come to Canakkale to visit the World War I Gallipoli Battlefields where in 1915 Mustafa Kemal, later better known as Atatürk , (the first President of Turkey) defended against an invasion by Allied (French, British, Italians, Australians and New Zealanders) soldiers. During this nine months campaign more than 250,000 soldiers lost their life on both sides. Many of them are buried at the cemeteries of the vicinity. It can take up to six hours to visit the three war museums and many cemeteries. Some trenches are only 10m apart. Every year on April 25th, at dawn, the Allied and Turkish veterans commemorate the invasion. Another hotspot nearby is the ancient city of Troy. Where the famous Trojan Horse is located. Here is the place to see and feel that people have been living in this land continously since 3000 B.C.! Also, Assos (Behramkale) is located 90km south of Çanakkale, make sure you visit the area while nearby. Assos in an old historical place. The ancient city of Assos is located on the hill , 235 m above the sea level and only 15 km away from Lesbos (Mytilene) , Greek, Island. Also one can see the Bay of Edremit and Ayvalik at the top of the hill from the Athena temple. Besides the temple ruins of the theater, agora, stoa, churces and Ottoman mosque are at the site. The ancient city of Assos was discovered in 1879. This ancient city was mentioned in Homer also by the famous geographer Strabo. Aristotle lived and taught in the city for 3 years. The city had been changed hands by Lydia, Persia, Byzantine, Selecus and finally Ottoman. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: sezgin aytuna __________________Getting There Edit This Several bus companies have buses passing through Çanakkale. Buses run almost every hour of the day from Istanbul, 300 kms to the North of Çanakkale, to Izmir, 350 kms to the South of Çanakkale. They stop in Çanakkale en-route as they board the ferry to cross the Dardanelles here. Cost from Istanbul to Çanakkale is approx USD$ 12. Hassle Free Travel Agency runs a service from Istanbul to Çanakkale and then onto Selçuk the following day. Click here for more information. Fez Travel have a hop-on hop-off bus service which also stops overnight in Çanakkale Click here for more information. _____Things to do Edit This ANZAC Day 2008, ANZAC Day tours, Gallipoli tours, Troy tours, Gallipoli Campaign, Hassle Free Travel Agency is a local tour operator running Gallipoli & Troy Tours all year round. We also specialized at ANZAC Day Tours. :::::::::Cappadocia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Piegon Valley, Cappadocia Piegon Valley, Cappadocia Adil Soni Cappadocia is one of the most exciting destinations in central Turkey, 200 km SE of Ankara. This is the region where the famous "fairy chimneys" are located . The Cappadocia valley was first filed with volcanic ashes 10 miilion years ago from a nearby Erciyes volcanic mountain. Most of the pictures you will see are covered with white rocks, like snow. Those are white ashes called tuffs in geology and those rocks were eroded by rain, wind and rivers in 10 million year and also some erosion was done by people where they dug houses and churces. It was a hiding place for early Christianty during 100 AD. In the area, there are about 2000 churces dug underground. The churces are very small, less than for 20 people. Ürgüp- Göreme-Uçhisar have the best accommodation for exploring the area. The most spectacular sights are located within the triangle (Goreme). Urgüp and Goreme is the true heart of Cappadocia and if you want to see more than just the standard tour you should go there. You probably need at least 4-5 days to see the whole area. Recently there are several hot air ballons in the area surves for the tourist in the summer time and you should go up to air and enjoy the view, hovering or the valley and take lots of pictures. Just south of the above mentioned towns the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are extremely fascinating. Also make sure you visit Ihlara Valley while in the area. Ihlara Valley was first filled with Basalt lava flow from a nearby HasanDag volcanic Mountain and later erosion took place by the river and the whole valley is about 100 m deep due to erosion. The rocks in and around the valley was made by fractured basalts and those were easy to be eroded due to water and wind. The area is also famous of its wine and Turkish carpets. ::::::::Corum Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_1 Hatti-Net Corum is a city in north-central Turkey. It lies on the edge of a fertile plain. A historic town on old trade routes from central Anatolia to the Black Sea coast, Çorum became famous for its hand-spinning and weaving cottage industries, the manufacture of copper utensils, and its leather products. It is also the main trading centre for the surrounding plain; the plain, watered by the Kizil River (the ancient Halys), produces cereals, fruits, tobacco, and sugar beets. The city has a 13th-century mosque and several Ottoman structures. Pop. (1980) 75,726; (1990) 116,810. Corum, 242 kms from Ankara is the right spot for those who are fond of history and archaeology. It is situated in an important area, which combines the two geographical regions of Black Sea and Central Anatolia, and which hosted the earliest civilizations that left their signs all around. The remarkable specialty of the district is that it was one of the main settlement centers of the early Hittite era. Sites like Hattusas at Bogazkale, Yazilikaya and Alacahoyuk at Alaca town, which were important residences of those times, are to be found in the province of Corum, with their remains from the gorgeous ages of the Hittites. ::::::::::Dalaman Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Dalaman is an area of natural beauty. It is located between the sea and mountains and benefits from its proximity to many areas of interest both historical and geographic interest (e.g. Dalyan mud baths, ancient tombs etc). Dalaman is rapidy becoming an area of destination rather than just a stop over on the way to some other resort town. Recent investments to Airport, road ways and the continuous development of the area is making it more accessable. Over - development and exploitation of the area is stopped by the protection afforded to the rare loggerhead turtles that frequent the river and beach. This should ensure that Dalaman continues to develop in harmony with its surrounding environment and retain its natural beauty Dalaman is now rapidly becoming an investment area for many Europeans purchasing property for investment in Turkey. This seems due to many factors including the town being designated a main touristic area from now on: plans for new marinas and a golf course are underway. Dalaman town itself has many shops, resturants, bars and tea gardens and is growing quickly due to the investment in the area. Dalaman has its own huge natural beach, although not overly commercial 'yet' it is still pleasant and hosts lots of wildlife. The town is ideally situated for lots of resort areas but perfect if you prefer a quieter place to base yourself. There is also a tunnel underway to connect the town of Gocek and Dalaman, reducing the journey to only 5 or 10 minutes drive. If you are in the area, make sure you visit the Dalyan (Köycegiz). You enjoy the Kaunos acheologist site and see the carved tombs in the Limestone mountain while crusing along the Dalyan river when you reach the shore, walk on Iztuzu Beach. The area is world's 6th most famous beach, it is 6 km long and enjoy the sea turtles (caretta-carrettas). The beach is a sactuary for sea turtles. :::::::::Dalyan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Villa KIYDAN Villa KIYDAN Onur KIYDAN Dalyan is established in an environmentally protected area. This is one of the few surviving places of paradise, an area of natural beauty and historical interest. The ancient city of Caunos lies here with its ruins dating back to the 3rd Century. The Dalyan channel through which water circulates between the Mediterranean and Koycegiz Lake winds its way down past the ancient Rock Tombs to the sea, via a small network of lakes and waterways. Through the rustling reed beds rising between 3 and 5 metres in height. With its mixture of fresh and salt water, these wetlands are now home to a vast number of fish and other water life, as well as the birds of many species which feed on them, species such as the Sparrow hawk, Crane, Kingfisher and Jay. The Stork is also native to this area migrating here at the end of March to nest until the end of August. Dividing the delta is the Iztuzu sandbar stretching for 5 km east from the south of the channel. With fine crystal sand, shallow turquoise sea Iztuzu beach is the ideal seaside spot. Which can be reached by regular dolmus or boat service from Dalyan. This is also the beach where the endangered Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) have returned to lay their eggs since the beginning of time. The nesting time being from May till October. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Loggerhead Turtles and the wildlife in this area led to a campaign to designate the area for conservation. The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A heaven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try local Turkish cuisine, music bars and shops. There are a couple of discos on the outskirts of the village so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. A regular dolmus service that runs to neighbouring resorts such as Fethiye and Marmaris as well as surrounding villages. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgettable hospitality. A resort that you will undoubtedly return to year after year. :::::::Denizli Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Denizli is the second fasted-growing city in the Aegean region. Though not yet a big city, Denizli is worth a spot on your travel itinerary. If you are looking for a tranquil atmosphere and a little bit of "people watching", this is the place to be. The rooster has become a symbol for the city of Denizli , often you will find as many roosters around the city. An extra incentive to visit Denizli is Pamukkale. This "Cotton Castle", known as Pamukkale, is located approximately 20 kilometers North of Denizli . The calcium carbonate rich hot spring water comes down the mountain evaporates and forms white (Cotton castle) travertine deposits, from a distance looks like a cotton. The sight as you arrive to Pamukkale is breath-taking. Also the famous Hierapolis ancient city is located in the area. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna _________-Things to do Edit This The main street of Denizli has many shops and little cafes. Contributors :::::::::Diyarbakir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo The great basalt antique citywalls of Diyarbakir surround a city of many mosques packed on a rather small area. You can spend about two days here easy by just going to the tourist office in Kultur Sarayi and ask for a map showing you the mosques and other places of interest. Diyarbakir is probably the most important city in the south east of Turkey. From this place onwards you can travel to most important places in eastern Turkey using dolmus minivans or taking long the more comfortable and suitable bus. Also this place is a alternative stop instead of Antakya near the south coast for travellers coming out or going to Syria. Museums Diyarbakir Müzesi Address: Ziya Gökalp Bulvari - Diyarbakir Tel: +90 (412) 221 27 55 Fax: +90 (412) 223 08 02 Fairs Culture and Art Festival (as known water melon festival) Diyarbakir September :::::::::Dogubeyazit Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ishak Pasha Palace Ishak Pasha Palace Pascal Vandelanoitte Dogubeyazit, or jocularly referred to as "Doggy biscuit" is a small but pleasant town on the road to Iran. Situated in the far East of Turkey at the side of sweeping grass plains that run all the way up to Mount Ararat (supposed restingplace of Noah's Ark) you will enjoy the small size of the town, the unexpected friendlyness and be able to talk to Iranians spending their holiday abroad. Be sure to visit the Ishak Pasha Palace! On the main road there is a small travel agency where you can book a nice evening -programm with local music in a authentic atmosphere below the ishak pasha palace. There is also the possibility to book half- or full day tips to Noahs ark, the slopes of the ararat mountain, visting small villages and the meteore inside the no-mans-land between the NATO-country Turkey and Iran. Another travel agency (Tamzara Trek) is located at Hotel Urartu (opposite the post office) offering similar half-day tours (visiting Ishak Pasha palace, Noah's ark, meteor crater, stopping in Kurdish villages on the way) and day tours including visiting the hot springs in Diyadin. On demand, they organise a trip to the Ice Cave where the special microclimate turns the cave into a fridge during summer, whereas temperature rises in the winter. The tour to the Fish Lake takes you to one of the highest lakes in Turkey. Climbing permits for Mount Ararat can be arranged, tours to Mt Ararat and Mt Suphan are operated all through the year. To climb Mount Ararat, you will need a permit (50USD). It has to be obtained in advance, and the planned date(s) of your climb has to be specified in the application. Allow at least 45 days for the processing of your application. The application may be submitted by yourself at the Turkish Embassy nearest you, or via a registered Turkish travel agency. If you apply for yourself, the embassy may ask for a supporting letter by the guide you plan to go with (also asking for his registration and licence number). If you apply through a travel agency, you will need to send the information of your passport's photo page, the intended dates for your climb. Make sure, you do get the permit from the travel agent/guide before your climb as you need to have it with yourself in case the jandarma is checking it. There are plenty of hotels in Dogubeyazit, most of them pretty basic. If you are looking for cheap and clean accommodation, Hotel Saruhan may be your choice. Altough it has only shared showers and toilets, it is kept clean all day through. The rooms range from singles to triples, and on average cost 7YTL/person. Another good choice is Hotel Tahran with ensuite rooms. Hotel Urartu is one more grade up, however busy during school time, since many of the teachers coming from other parts of Turkey take up residence there. There are many small restaurants on Emiyet Caddesi, Tad is to be recommended (clean and good food). The serve the usual range of food from soups to kebabs, pide, and other day specials. For sweets and breakfast, go to Manyolia pastahane in the same street. ::::::::::Edirne Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Bahadir Edirne is situated on europe lands of Turkey. The city had been the central of Ottoman Empire for a long time. There are many historical buildings that reflects ottoman architecture. The most important of them is Selimiye Mosque that really impresses you with its wonderful appearance. And the city borders with both Greece and Bulgaria. ::::::Elazig Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see EMRAH EMRAH HAZAR GÖLÜ-ELAZIG Actually the city doesn't offer you so many things. There's only the Harput castle which can arise interest but if you are on the way of eastern Turkey or Iran you don't lose anything by visiting there and seeing the wonderful view from Harput. Elazig is the only city in Turkey built according to a plan with all streets perpendicular to each other. Harput koftesi meatballs made with ground meat and bulgur(cracked wheat) is well known all over Turkey as well as icli kofte(ground meat and walnuts wrapped in bulgur). The second largest dam, Keban Dam is located in the city. The near by Hazar Lake atracts people during the summer time where one can enjoys the water sports. Historically the Elazig and Harput were provided with ice in summer from the ice caves in the neighboring mountains. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personal :::::::::Ephesus Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Turkey, Ephesus, Cureto's Via, Sculpture Turkey, Ephesus, Cureto's Via, Sculpture cleopatra Ephesus, known as one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the world, was a large port and trading center at the crossroads of important trade routes, such as the Kind road and the Silk road. The amphtetre is very good shape and every summer live concersts are allowed, in 1995 Diano Ross gave a live concert without a microphone. As the most visited antic site of Turkey, Ephesus is the gate to Turkey’s presentation to the world. Every year millions of visitors come to Ephesus for its marvelous and mystical atmosphere. Huge granite columns are witnesses of the city’s former magnificence and many worth-seeing sites are surrounding it : the Artemision, one the Seven Wonders, the Saint-John’s church, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Shrine of Virgin Mary, the Mosque of Isabey and the archeological museum of Selcuk. Originally Ephesus was a harbor city but due to the Menderes alluviums over the centuries, the site is now remoted from sea for about 5-6 kms. _________Sights Edit This Pemium Tours operating Tours of Turkey, Tours of Istanbul, pamukkale Sightseeing, Ephesus Tours, Turkey Tour, Cappadocia Hotels, Troy flight Tickets. please click for more informmation: www.bilsentrvael.com ________Day Trips Edit This Ephesus, once the most important commercial center of the western Anatolia, is one of the highlights of Turkey that awaits for the exploring tourists. more details click web site: http://www.turkeytouristguides.com Contributors January 31, 2008 new by bilsentravel [Add Day Trip] Ephesus Tours Edit This Ephesus - 2 Days 1 Night by Plane Day 01 Transfer to Istanbul airport for morning or afternoon flight to Izmir. Transfer from aiport to hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi, free day and stay the night. Day 02 After breakfast you will join in tour of Ephesus (lunch is included) after the tour transfer to Izmir aiport for flight to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel. Price Please contact us for the price of this tour. Included Services All airport transfers from / to hotel to more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90535 722 0175 url: www.bilsentravel.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@bilsentravel.com Ephesus Tour Guide Edit This www.ephesustourguide.com understands that individual travelers like to create their own itineraries, choose their own schedules, and decide on their hotels in Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Troy, Bursa, Gallipoli, Pamukkale ( Cotton Valley ). With Turkey Travel Group, nothing is impossible. We offer the widest choice of destinations, hotels & tours, covering the whole of Turkey from cheap, budget travel to highly individual private tour packages. Our simple concept of mix-and-match, tailor-made holidays makes holiday planning easy and convenient. Choose from more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00905357220175 url: www.ephesustourguide.com address: Istanbul email: info@ephesustourguide.com Ephesus Tour Guide Edit This www.ephesustourguide.com understands that individual travelers like to create their own itineraries, choose their own schedules, and decide on their hotels in Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Troy, Bursa, Gallipoli, Pamukkale ( Cotton Valley ). With Turkey Travel Group, nothing is impossible. We offer the widest choice of destinations, hotels & tours, covering the whole of Turkey from cheap, budget travel to highly individual private tour packages. Our simple concept of mix-and-match, tailor-made holidays makes holiday planning easy and convenient. Choose from more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 00905357220175 url: www.ephesustourguide.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3/3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@ephesustourguide.com Ephesus Tours Kusadasi Edit This DAY 01 Ephesus - Pamukkale -2 Days 1 Night by Plane Early morning transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to Izmir. Transfer from Izmir to Selcuk, join in tour of Ephesus (lunch is included) after the tour back to the hotel and stay the night. DAY 02After breakfast join in tour of Pamukkale (lunch is included) after the tour transfer to airport for flight to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. All the transfers from airport to hotel and more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 532 340 01 52 url: www.turkeytravelservice.com address: Sultanahmet email: info@turkeytravelservice.com :::::::::::::Erzincan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Dörtyol Night Dörtyol Night Oguzhan PIR It is said that it is "Surrounded by mountains with vineyards in the center" and it really is... With the Kesisler to the north and the Munzurlar to the south Erzincan has a very special beauty and a different kind of splendour. Erzincan, o beautiful Erzincan... Everywhere on your grounds there is sadness, separation and pain. Earthquakes appearing time and again have given rise to your evil fate. The most important North Anatolian Fault passes in the city. But Erzincan has always put up its own resistance to these hurts; each time having been able to recover itself into an even more beautiful form. If you watch Erzincan from Esentepe to the south, across you will see a neat image criss-crossed with lovely lines. This is because it has always been planned. People from Erzincan will always say "There's no town with lanes and streets like ours." And they are right. All pleasing lines of geometry have been used in the design of Erzincan. Eearthquakes have toppled and eradicated the buildings carrying fair marks from the depths of history and they also have struck down the hopes of the people of Erzincan. The only things left are the Urartian remains of Altintepe to the east of Erzincan, Kemah Castle, the Mama Hatun tomb and caravan-stop, Gülabibey Mosque (Kemah), Orta Mosque (Kemaliye) and the Terzi Baba tomb. The spiritual father of Erzincan, Terzi Baba, had sanctuaries where "those who did not return from their travels" could find silent but pensive comfort in his sacred lap. After the earthquakes the buildings have not returned but the hopes have only grown. This ill-fatedness is not only geological. Its level of economy and trade is also most unfortunate. This ill circumstance has also unknowingly given rise to a lucky coincidence. The people of Erzincan make up their lack of involvement in trade with studying and teaching, and they have brought up a great many burocrats for our land. Besides the present faculties and schools for higher education our province has also started a soon to be opened university. The seasons in Erzincan have a beauty of their own. In the summer months the blistering heat is broken by cool winds. And the freezing colds of the eastern Anadolu give up their place for a "soft winter". There are a very many historical and touristic sights. Amidst the nice scenery in Çaglayan surroundend with the soothing sounds of water it is impossible to tire of the tea from the samovar. The best trout can be found here. In Eksisu you will taste the "mineral water" and you will seek ailment in its hot springs; in the sulphuric water you will refind yourself. The milk products from the meadows of iliç will wet your appetite and have you demanding more. In Üzümlü (Cimin) cloth-sack cheese will meet its table mate the black grape, qualified by the people of Erzincan as being blessed (because it is impossible to make wine from the grapes of Cimin). After you have eaten your fill of these grapes you will turn to the cherry, the unmissable fruit of the spring months. In Çayirli on the Otlukbeli Fatih and Yavuz are commemorated and the traces of the war can still be seen as if it had been fought yesterday. And in the deep history of Altintepe you will leave behind your weariness amidst the soothing coolness of Beytahti. Besides these historical and touristic sites there also many cultural riches. The people of Erzincan have expressed their feelings using designs and motifs on copper works which decorate the windows of the shops. O beautiful Erzincan... I cannot count your entirety. You have to be lived. What a pleasure it is to taste the grapes grown from your vineyards, to quench your thirst with water from the springs on your mountainsides. With these good feelings you will get to know Erzincan and will love her with your deepest affections. The Girlevik Waterfall It lies 30 km southeast of erzincan within the borders of the Çaglayan municipality. With its natural coolness and enchanting beauty it is one of Erzincan\'s most splendid sights. This waterfall is the second foremost example of its kind. In the winter it is possible to ice cliff climb the frozen waters of the Girlevik Waterfall. In the summer\'s scathing heat a lot of tourists come here looking for freshness. Eksi Su Being on the road to Erzurum and not far from the city this is a resting place of our people. This place is the source of the Erzincan Bögert mineral water and in the area eight kinds of salubrious water can be found. Together with the local and foreign tourists a lot of researchers and scientists visit here. And furthermore the gases which happen to arise from this area have a aspirinlike effect on the population. Fish can be caught in the canal which runs through the area. A bit above the area on the hill where the historic Kiz Castle is situated it is possible to parachute of the hillside. Hot Spring This is on the road from Eksi su to Erzincan. You can see this hot spring 1 km before Eksi su. The two meter high sulphuric water pool at the entrance leaves people nonplussed. There are a lot of pools in this area. People with their families look for well-being in these pools. Research has shown that the water from these pools has a wholesome effect on rheumatism, skin, arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The water has a temperature between 33 and 37 degrees centigrade. Çermik Park Area This is 20 km from Erzincan in the town of Üzümlü\'s Karakaya village. This park is worth seeing because of its special beauty, cold waters, mineral springs spraying out from green places. There are pools here where trout is bred and this is also one of the favourite places of the people of Erzincan. Otlukbeli Minerals and Kanli Çayir This place has not yet been discovered. It is like the mineral deposits at Pamukkale. It is on the same place as where Sultan Mehmet fought a war with Uzun Hasan. The red colored mineral water which springs from here creates the red mineral deposits of Otlukbeli and after that the Kanli Çayir. It has not yet been touched by human hands. Beytahti This is 6 km to the southwest of Erzincan. It is a resting place on the shore of the Karasu river. Because Seljuk and Ottoman Beys used to rest here its name has become Beytahti. There are water springs, rapids, wide meadows and lots and lots of trees. Kadi Lake and Green Egin Situated in the Kemaliye town of Erzincan province, this can be called a wonder of anture which has given rise to many legends. It is a spring water lake surrounded by green hills and trees. Lake Aygir This is a crater lake and is similar in beauty to the Kadi Lake. It lies above the Kesis mountains. This location is partial to winter sports and is near the Ergan (Munzur) mountains where a skiing facility is going to be established. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Erzincan Edebiyat Dergisi ::::::Erzurum Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Erzurum çifte minareli medrese Erzurum çifte minareli medrese For Information http//:erzurumluyuz.bz.tc Erzurum is one of the main travel hubs of Eastern Turkey, especially for Iranians. Erzum has got a wonderful historic sites. It has got historic mosque, medreses. Erzurum has good connections to Trabzon, Van and Malatya. It is very cold in winters where the temperature runs around -30C. The city is located 1600m above sea level. It has the best ski resort near by the city, called Palandöken. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::::Eskisehir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Eskisehir Porsuk Eskisehir Porsuk Ismail Bayrak Eskisehir is one of the oldest settlements (3500 BC) in this region of Anatolia. It was founded in the 1st millennium BC by the Phrygians. The Porsuk River and its banks have been a proper foundation place. The city is of interest with its museums; the Archaeological Museum which houses the Phrygian objects and sculptures; the Ottoman House Museum which is a very fine example of the 19th century domestic architecture and has the local ethnographical items. There are three significant tombs around Eskisehir. These are Sheik Edibali Tomb, The Kumbet Baba Tomb, and The Cupola of Alemsah. Phrygian Valley, The Falcon Fortress, The Unfinished Monument, and the Gerdek Rock are other historical sites to visit. In Eskisehir you will frequently see items made of meerschaum stone since this is the place where it originates. You will see the best meerschaum stone works at the Meerschaum Museum; it is a very light white stone and mostly used to make smoking pipes. The Rug and Seyitgazi Museums have many samples of different kinds of kilims and hand-knit socks and stockings. MEERSCHAUM STONE (LULETASI) The major local art in Eskisehir is Meerschaum, called as "white gold" or "aktas" or "patal" by locals. Working with meerschaum is a handicraft and special to this province. Meerschaum may have white, yellowish, gray or reddish and mat colors. Its hardness degree is between 2-2.5, and it is lightly adhesive and porous. It is extracted from 20-60-130 meters depth of the ground as big and small rounds. Small rounds are collected by digging deep wells and tunnels connected to these wells. Some wells are watery, some wells are dry. Stones of watery wells are much better. Meerschaum is produced in different places like Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Mexico, Madrid, and Nairobi; however, they are unimportant in quantity and low in quality. Meerschaum with the highest quality is found in Eskisehir. The property that while drying it keeps the remains of moisture and gases in its body, makes Meerschaum a suitable material for making tobacco pipes as well as a good filling material for absorbent, filter or isolation in industry. It became an indispensable material in industry for years. It is used in making cigarette-holder, tobacco pipe and decorative goods and in automobile paint industry. It is added to porcelain paste, insecticides, powder and stain removing medicines. There are three geological periods in its formation: First Order : It is an ore in sandy-clay soil at 10-14 meters depth. Second Order : It forms between 40-60 meters depth. It is an ore existing in clay. Third Order : Meerschaum with the highest quality forms in Conglomerate series and it exists in 80-130 meters depth fitting with the topography. Other kinds of meerschaum are: cotton-piece, granular cast, unit unity and puny. The places where Meerschaum extracted from are: Sarisu, Yenisehir, Türkmentokat, Gökçeoglu, Karaçay, Sögütçük, Sepetçi, Margi, Nemli, Kümbet, Yeniköy, Kepertepe, Karahöyük and Basören. Export of Meerschaum has brought 800-900 US dollars income between years 1978-1987. In addition to tobacco pipes, products like chess sets, bracelets, necklaces and earrings have an important ratio in export. Foreign customers are USA, Austria, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Nowadays, the amount of export is at least USD 1-1.5 million a year. Furthermore, some value is added to Turkish economy by selling handworks made by Meerschaum to tourists visiting Turkey. GORDION (YASSIHOYUK) Yassihoyuk (Gordion)-capital of Phrygia. Those with an interest in the history of the region will find a visit to Yassihoyuk (Gordion) (105 km), past Polatli on the Eskisehir highway, and Gavurkalesi (60 km/, on the Haymana Highway near to Derekoy, interesting and easily made. Gordion, a Phrygian capital, site of the Gordion Knot (the key to Asia), is today of interest for the tumulus of King Midas, of the Golden Touch and the asses ears. The remains of the old city, still being excavated can be seen; and there is a small, pleasant museum. At Gavurkalesi, there can be seen the remains of an open-air Hittite temple, a tomb, and two reliefs of Hittite gods. The 1993 season at Gordion--the site of the former capital of the Phrygian empire and the home of the legendary King Midas of the "golden touch"--involved many activities, including excavation; conservation, restoration, and site presentation on the City Mound; architectural and conservational study of the wooden tomb under the Midas Mound; geomorphological survey; geological and botanical survey; research on previously excavated materials; object conservation at Gordion; and conservation and study of wooden objects in Ankara. MIDAS One of the most important settlement centers of the Phrygians, between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, was Midas, situated 66 kms south of Eskisehir. At this place of distant past, stands the ancient city with an acropolis overlooking the lower land. On its northwestern side are two open-air cult temples, carved into the rock, and the most interesting sight in the area. There are rock tombs and Phrygian inscriptions nearby, and a recently discovered underground tunnel which links the site to the valley extending below. The Midas Monument which was built in dedication to Cybele lies to the northwest of the ancient city. Three tombs in the environs of Midas which are found at Kucuk Yazilikaya, Sutunlu Kale and Doganli Kale are especially remarkable. Kumbet and Deveboynu are other towns close to Midas, and visitors can enjoy the Phrygian monuments spread over these neighboring lands. Of four areas of the site investigated through excavation, the most important immediate discoveries were found in the courtyard of the Early Phrygian Citadel, at the eastern part of the City Mound. Here a second part of a structure first exposed in 1989 excavations and nicknamed the PAP ("Poros and Post") structure, and an adjacent courtyard, were excavated. The PAP structure was built near or perhaps up against the earliest Phrygian fortification wall excavated by Rodney Young in the 1960s. Although the date of the structure, which appears to have had a relatively elaborate superstructure, and its demolition remain uncertain, it precedes the eighth century citadel, and its construction may have extended into the ninth century B.C. Dr. Richard Liebhart continued his documentation and architectural study of the great wooden tomb. With the aid of a generous grant from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, a conference on the preservation of the tomb and wooden furniture from Gordion was organized by Dr. Elizabeth Simpson and Dr. Liebhart, and held in Ankara and at Gordion. The major conservation project undertaken in 1993, supervised by William C.S. Remsen, AIA, Director of Architectural Conservation for Gordion, was the partial rebuilding and mortar capping of two adjacent walls belonging to an early Phrygian terrace building. The project was a pilot program to determine the techniques, materials and systems that should be used in future conservation at the site. Mr. Remsen and his firm, RAD Associates of Boston, donated his time to the project. PESSINUS (BALLIHISAR) 117 kms from Ankara, on the Eskisehir road and 16 kms to the right you will find the Phrygian city Pessinus, its contemporary name is Ballihisar. There you will see the Temple of Cybele - the mother goddess, and an open-air museum housing interesting sculptures found in this ancient Phrygian cult center, which was built in the 10th century BC. :::::::::Fethiye Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Great location with the best views overlooking fethiye bay www.duygupension.com Great location with the best views overlooking fethiye bay www.duygupension.com Fethiye is a very pretty town at the hillsides of the Mount Mendos, the part of the Tourus Mountain chains, and surrounds the bay to which it gave its name. The high mountain range formed by rises and falls of the crust during the Tertiary Geological Period, and hundreds of bays lying at the mountainside seem to embrace each other along the Fethiye shore line. This limestone mountain range (it was called the Kragos and Antikragos in the antique period) with an altitude of more than 6560 feet (2000m.) forms the southwest end of the Toros (Taurus) chain and lies parallel to the shore without a single passage to the inner regions. On a warm and sunny winter day, peculiar to the Mediterranean climate while you are sipping at your Turkish tea or Turkish coffee, at one of the local tea gardens, along the coast, these mountains with pine trees at their skirts, white snow and mist on their summits will once more welcome you to heaven. Dry, long, hot summers and short, warm, rainy winters are climatic characteristics of Fethiye . The temperature which is around 86-105 F (30-40 C) during the summer, is usually above 50 F (10 C) in the winter. Considering the fact that in these turquoise-colored seas that in no season falls below 60 F (16 C) swimming is possible for nine months of the year, we might as well conclude that there are only two seasons in Fethiye : Spring and Summer! Due to the prevailing climatic conditions in the region, pine forests consisting of silver fir, Scotch fir, and Norway spruce cover the place. Olive, laurel, myrtle, acacia, plane tree, and popular trees are some other types that you can find in this rich flora. The frankincense tree (Liquidamber Orientalis) which is the source of myrrh widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, is among the rare species in the world. You could have a comfortable journey to Fethiye by the three highways through the pine forests, with connections to Mugla, Antalya and Burdur. Scheduled bus trips in all three directions provide the link between Fethiye and other cities. The nearest center for air travel is the Dalaman Airport 31 miles (50 kms.) to Fethiye. In addition to the year round Istanbul - Izmir - Ankara and Antalya connected flights of Turkish Airlines, there are direct flights to all major cities in Europe, Asia and America. During the touristic season, Fethiye's having the fourth largest seaport after Iskenderun, Mersin and Antalya provides great ease of marine travel. The naturally protected harbour is a drop-by place for all yacht crews. Fethiye is also famous for paragliding from Baba Mountain nearby. The parachuters land the Olü Deniz ( Dead Sea). the best beach of Turkey. The area is also famous for carved tombs in the mountain. :::::::::Gallipoli Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Grave yards Grave yards Sezgin Aytuna The World-I battlefields known as Gallipoli are just 15 kms West of Canakkale. It is located on the European site of Turkey where as Çanakkale is being on the Asia site. Gallipoli is also a town name 40km East of the battlefield and it is called Gelibolu in Turkish where the name is originated. It was here for eight and a half months in 1915 soldiers from every corner of the planet fought, mainy from SE Asia, against the Turks in an effort to open the Dardanelles for their war ships. But Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his army defeded the Western allies very badly and they could not able pass the channel. This war is also called gentlemes' war; being very long and very close fights, the trenches only 10 meters apart from each others. A visit to the battlefields, the cemetaries and the museum has become a "must do" pilgrimage for Australians and New Zealanders visiting Turkey. Daily tours of the battelfields operate from Çanakkale. The best time to visit in April 25th where all the people gather and remember that most bloody war of the human kind. A total of 250,000 soldier lost their lifes. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ___________Day Trips Edit This Premium Sightseeing Tours of Gallipoli and Troy Gallipoli Tour understands that individual travelers like to create their own itineraries, choose their own schedules, and decide on their hotels... With Turkey Tours, nothing is impossible. We offer the widest choice of destinations, hotels & tours, covering the whole of Turkey. Our simple concept of mix-and-match, tailor-made holidays makes holiday planning easy and convenient. Just stay 2 nights or more in a hotel of your choice. Choose from over 200 flexible itineraries covering every corner of Turkey. Combine them to create an itinerary to suit you & your family. So whether you are in Turkey for a layover, mini-vacation, extended holiday, or incentive tour, you can plan your trip exactly as you want. Gallipoli Tour Information: www.gallipolitour.com Contributors January 31, 2008 new by bilsentravel [Add Day Trip] Gallipoli Tours Edit This Gallipoli & Troy 2 days 1 Night Day 1: Early morning pick up from hotel and drive to Canakkale. We will visit WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, Anzac Cove, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and the Kabatepe Gallipoli Museum. Stay the night at Canakkale. Day 2: DAfter breakfast drive to Ancient City Of Troy, visit Troy Ruins and The Trojan Horse, afternoon drive back Istanbul or Selcuk/Kusadasi. Including:-Pick up from the hotel. -Drive to Canakkale -Tour of Gallipoli -1 Lunch -1 Night hotel more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 535 722 0175 url: www.gallipolitour.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@gallipolitour.com Anzac Day Tours Edit This Daily Gallipoli Tour Day 1: 06:30 Pick up from your hotel or hostel and drive to the World War I Battlefields of Gallipoli. 12:30 Arrive at lunch stop in Eceabat 13:00 Fully guided tour visiting Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair Memorials, Anzac Cove, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and Anzac Museum. 18:30 Gallipoli Tour ends, We take you to bus station and provide you a local bus ticket back to Istanbul. Including:-All transportations with air-conditioned & non-smoking buses -Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch D=Dinner) more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 535 722 0175 url: www.gallipolitour.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@gallipolitour.com Day Trips, Gallipoli from Istanbul Edit This DAY 01 06:30 Istanbul to Gallipoli, Canakkale Depart early morning for afternoon tour of Gallipoli. *Gallipoli and The Dardanelles - After our lunch we will stop to visit Gallipoli, a place of fierce World War 1 fighting between Allied forces and the Turks. At ANZAC Cove thousands lost their lives in one fateful dawn morning. We will also see other famous battle sites of World War 1 in this area, such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. From here we go to a ferry and cross the Dardanelles. For World War 1 buffs, you will know the more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 532 340 01 52 url: www.turkeytravelservice.com address: Sultanahmet email: info@turkeytravelservice.com :::::::::Gallipoli &Troy Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Turkey Tours of Gallipoli - Troy and Ephesus Pick up from your hotel or agency and drive to the World War I Battlefields of Gallipoli. Partake in a fully guided tour visiting Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair Memorials, Anzac Cove, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and Anzac Museum. http://www.gallipolitour.com/ __________Sights Edit This Istanbul to Gallipoli, Canakkale Depart early morning for afternoon tour of Gallipoli. *Gallipoli and The Dardanelles - After our lunch we will stop to visit Gallipoli, a place of fierce World War 1 fighting between Allied forces and the Turks. At ANZAC Cove thousands lost their lives in one fateful dawn morning. We will also see other famous battle sites of World War 1 in this area, such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. From here we go to a ferry and cross the Dardanelles. For World War 1 buffs, you will know the Dardanelle Straits were a strategic crossing point for the allied armies to cross from Europe to Asia Minor. Over a nine month campaign, more than half a million soldiers lost their lives in the fight to control this strait of water and nearby Gallipoli peninsula. Many villagers of this region speak of seeing ghosts wandering the cemetery sites or hearing battle cries.....still today! *Canakkale will be our final destination for today and where we will spend the evening. After dinner, you might want to stroll the harbor walk and experience the local culture. The locals buy sunflower seeds and stroll with their families, gossiping and looking at the sunset. When they reach the harbor's end, they turn around, buy their ice cream and walk the other direction. *Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner provided - overnight in CANAKKALE. We continue our scenic drive along the Aegean, stopping for photo opportunities and perhaps to indulge the taste buds at one of the many farmer road side stands that sell olives, figs, seasonal fruit and pistachios. We then will head east towards our first site of the day. Sites you’ll see today *Troy - is the ancient site written about by Homer in the Iliad. It dates back as far as 3000 BC and has been the site of nine different cities through the thousands of years it has existed. As you enter the site a large wooden Trojan horse dominates your view. You will definitely want to climb up and get your picture taken!. After lunch we will put you on a bus back to Istanbul, - We can also provide bus transfer to all of the available destinations, (Breakfast & lunch provided) http://www.turkeytravelservice.com/store/listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=50 :::::::::: Hatay Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo You will find a very interesting mixture of cultures, languages and religions. (Turkish sunnis and alevis, druses, greeks, arbab orthodoxes, jewish synagoges, churches). Nice beaches in Arsus, south of Iskenderun. People are very open-minded. Visit Antakya (the ancient Antiochia one of the first christian communities). Visit the waterfalls at Harbiye (ask for the selale restaurants), have food with raki (turkish ouzo) and salgam suyu (red legume juice) - so you won't get headache, there. Afterwards turkish mocca with ice-cream künefe (surprise-you will love is!). The area is also famous for row silk fabric and bay-tree soaps. Most of the people in the area speaks Arabic as a second language. The famous church is located in the city. Make sure that you visit the acheologcial museum and see Iskender the Great's tomb. ::::::::::Hisaronu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lively & Colourful Hisaronu Lively & Colourful Hisaronu Artemisia Martin Nestled within the picturesque Taurus mountains and just minutes away from Olu Deniz beach and famous blue lagoon lies the over rated resort of Hisaronu. Slightly off the beaten track but still the main base for holidaymakers. Hisaronu has been transformed from a tiny village into a complete resort. Happily, due to local restrictions regarding mass development, it still remains unspoilt, retaining its unique village charm by sympathetically designing newer buildings to compliment existing originals. Hisaronu is hugely popular with British visitors, English is, for the most part, very well spoken by locals and the sheer variety of bars, restaurants and nightlife is second to none. There is something for everyone of every age which has helped it develop into a lively and friendly resort with visitors returning year after year. Nearby Olu Deniz is in a league of its own for scenery and its turquoise lagoon and sun bleached sands have adorned the front cover of holiday brochures for years, quite rightly earning it the enviable title of most photographed beach in the whole of Turkey. The beach at Oludeniz offers a huge variety of water sports, there is paragliding from Babadag Mountain onto the beach below, a selection of boat trips departing regularly from Oludeniz or Fethiye for a day exploring the scenic coastline, windsurfing, waterskiing and, in the shallow, clear waters of the lagoon itself, scuba diving. ::::::::::::Istanbul Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Sultan Ahmet mosque and the flowers Sultan Ahmet mosque and the flowers Sezgin Aytuna I have been travelling around a bit and have seen quite a few big cities with a long history in and around old Europe: Berlin, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, Cairo and so many others. But there is one city that makes me coming back again and again - for more than 10 years now: Istanbul, the city on the straits, the city connecting two continents. Also as Frank Sinatra says " I would like to wake up a city which does not sleep" There are two cities fits that catagory in the world; New York and Istanbul. If you are in the town try to cross the Bosphorous bridge at midnight or drive along the Bosphrous see the traffic, the city indeed does not sleep. The population is 12 million and everybody is on the road!!!!!! No matter how and from which side you approach the city, from Yesilköy by the airport bus or taxi, by train to the European train station Sirkeci or by ship through the Dardanelles: the moment will come when on the horizon the scenery of the peninsula will raise, the skyline of the mighty mosques. Believe me when I say, this is a moment you will never ever forget! Or as the poet says: "Istanbulu dinliyorum, gözlerim kapali" - I am listening to Istanbul, while having my eyes closed. You need at least 1 full week to see the some main atractions; museums, parks, covered bazaar, old mosques and palaces etc.... The best time to visit the city between May- September time frame, and be sure you take a boat tour along the Bosphorus, zig zaging the cannel towards north, all the way to Black Sea Asia Site (Anadolu Kavagi). It is called a bagger ship, it stops every sea port (a total of 10) and enjoy watching the mensions/ palaces, castels on the way where you will pass under the two suspension bridges. www.exclusivetravelturkey.com for more details Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna :::::::::::Izmir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Bostanli mini harbor Bostanli mini harbor Ahmet Celikors "Beautiful Izmir" -- the "Pearl of the Aegean" -- is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. A city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set in sweeping curves along a circular bay, Izmir has an exceptionally mild climate and many fine hotels. The city is a busy commercial and industrial center as well as the gateway to the Aegean Region. Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Dotted with idyllic fishing harbors, popular holiday villages, and the remains of ancient civilizations, this region offers an exceptionally attractive venue for meetings, incentives and conferences. Izmir is also a good starting point to explore the many sights in the region. The city itself is of course absolutely worth a visit. Konak Square and Konak street are the best points to start your visit. The famous clocktower, symbol of the city, is on Konak as is the Asansor - the elevator used to transport goods from the harbour to the Halil Rifat quarter. While you are in the area make sure to visit Urla, Çesme and Seferihisar which has lots of historcial sites nearby. The best view in Izmir watch the sun set at the top of the Kadifekale East of the city at 250m high top, over looking to Aegean sea. Also 20km west of Konak suqaure at Balçova, take a tour to the mountain by a cable railway and enjoy the view from the forest and eat lunch or dinner. ::::::::::Kackar Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view of Kaçkar Mt from Murgul in the summer A view of Kaçkar Mt from Murgul in the summer Sezgin Aytuna Kackar Mountain is located between Trabzon-Rize, 50km inland which is the second highest peak(3,932m) in Turkey after Mount Ararat (5,165m). Ayder Yayla (Platue) is the last town where one can stay near the top which has pansions, hotels and hot spring of Turkish Bath. Ayder is the place where you may start the trekking tours but make sure you get a tour guide before you do it. The most popular trekking tour starts at Yukari Kavrun and crosses the mountain to Barhal, Yusufeli (south side of the mountain) but only can be done in June-August time frame and make sure you have a tour guide to lead your way. You may get lost easily when there is a dense fog which may happen several times a day!!!! You may still drive to edge of the mountain at Yukari Kavrun village but the road is very bumpy and only be operational in the summer time, the 17 km road easily takes one hour of driving. In winter time, people organize snow board tours when a helicopter drops them off at the summit and they ski down all the way to Ayder however, only the professional skiers can do it. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ___________ Rize Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Rize Rize Rize Belediye Rize is located at northern Black Sea region of Turkey, close to Georgia border 90 km. Trabzon airport 70 km. Rize is heart of Kackar mountains range and tea homeland. :::::::::::Kars - Ani Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ani Ani Near to the Armenian border, Kars is about 30 km from the ancient capital of Armenia, Ani. Earliest History Bronze and Iron age settlements have been excavated on the site, so have possible Uruatian buildings. There is re-used classical masonry in the citadel walls and the remains of what is probably a Zoroastrian fire temple. Ani is first mentioned by Armenian chroniclers in the 5th century A.D. as a strong castle built on a hilltop and a possession of the Kamsarakan dynasty. In the middle of the 7th century Armenia was invaded and conquered by the Arabs. The ethnic makeup of the population was little changed by this invasion, but it destroyed the existing power structures and paved the way for the eventual emergence of new ruling dynasties. By the end of the 9th century Armenia had regained most of her former independence - but was divided into numerous kingdoms and principalities. The two most powerful Armenian kingdoms were those of the Artzruni dynasty, who were based around Lake Van, and the Bagratid dynasty, who ruled most of north-eastern Armenia and who would eventually have their capital at Ani. The Bagratid Period The Bagratids bought the castle of Ani and its nearby estates from the Kamsarakans, and in the year 971 the Bagratid king Ashot III transferred his capital from Kars to Ani. At this time Ani was probably little more than a fortress town built around the citadel hill. King Ashot constructed new city walls across the narrowest point of the site, below and a little to the north of the citadel (there may have been older earthen ramparts along the same route). The city grew so quickly that the much larger outer walls to the north were completed by the year 989. The ruins that still extend beyond these walls prove that even they did not enclose a large enough area to contain the whole population. Ani became an important crossroads for merchant caravans and the city controlled trade routes between Byzantium, Persia, Syria and central Asia. Merchants and craftsmen flocked to Ani from Armenia's older cities, accompanied by a flow of population from the rural areas of Armenia. In 992 the Armenian Katholikosat moved its seat to Ani: at the start of the 11th century there were 12 bishops, 40 monks and 500 priests in the city. By the 11th century the population of Ani was well over 100 000, perhaps as high as 200 000, and its wealth and renown was such that it was known as "the city of a thousand and one churches". After King Gagik I died in 1020 his two sons quarrelled and fought over who should succeed him. The eldest son, Hovhannes-Sembat, gained control of Ani. His younger brother, Ashot, controlled other parts of the Bagratid kingdom. Hovhannes had supported the ruler of Georgia in that king's war against the expansionist Byzantine empire and he feared that the Byzantines would now attack the weakened Bagratid Kingdom. To try and avoid this he made the Byzantine emperor Basil the heir to his dominions. Ani Under Byzantine Rule King Hovhannes died in 1041, and the then Byzantine emperor Michael IV claimed sovereignty over Ani. Hovhannes had died childless so the people of Ani put forward the son of Ashot, Gagik II, as his successor. A Byzantine army sent to capture Ani was defeated in 1042. (Armenian chroniclers speak of Byzantine losses of more than 20,000 men, but Byzantine chroniclers are silent about the whole event). Pro-Byzantine Armenians in the city persuaded Gagik to go to Constantinople to sign a peace treaty; on arriving there Gagik was imprisoned. The Byzantines again attacked Ani, and again they were defeated, but in 1045 the city's population, realising that they were leaderless and surrounded by enemies, decided to surrender Ani to the Byzantines. King Gagik II was given a palace in Constantinople and the city of Caesarea (modern Kayseri) as compensation. After the Turkish invasions into the Byzantine empire, he was murdered in the Greek held castle of Cybistra in northern Cilicia. Constantine, the son of Rupen, one of Gagik's generals, was later to be the founder of the separate Armenian kingdom in Cilicia. Ani Captured By the Turks Raiding parties of Turks, originating from central Asia, began to reach Armenia and Byzantine Anatolia in the second half of the eleventh century. The Byzantine Empire was not successful in stopping the advance of the Turkish Seljuk armies that were ever increasing in size and in confidence. In the summer of 1064 a large Seljuk Turkish army attacked Ani, and after a siege of 25 days they captured the city. In the year 1071, at the Battle of Manzikert, the Turkish armies won a decisive victory over a combined Byzantine and Armenian force, and the Byzantine emperor Romanus Diogenese was taken prisoner. There was now nothing to protect Armenia, and much of the Byzantine Empire, from the waves of Turkish invasions. Ani Under Georgian Rule In 1072 the Turks sold Ani to the Kurdish Shaddadid dynasty, who maintained a precarious hold of Ani until the end of the 12th century (loosing it several times to the Georgians or to internal rebellions by the city's still almost exclusively Armenian population). In the year 1200 the Georgian queen Tamara captured Ani and gave it to the Mkhargrdzeli family, whose territory eventually resembled that of the Bagratid kingdom in size. Under their rule Ani regained much of its former prosperity - several of the churches date from this period, as do many of the towers in the city walls. The region was invaded and occupied by the Mongols in 1237, but after the usual killing and looting some stability returned and the Mkhargrdzeli dynasty continued to rule Ani, only now as vassals of the Mongols rather than the Georgians. However, by the 1330s they had lost control of the city to a succession of Turkish dynasties, including the Kara Koyunlu (Black Sheep clan) who made Ani their capital. The Decline and Death of Ani The mass emigration of the population had started with the Mongol invasions. By the mid 14th century Ani had ceased to be a trading city and the remaining trade routes now passed further to the south. Tamerlane captured Ani in the 1380s, but on his death the Kara Koyunlu regained control. By then Ani was about to collapse as a city - the Kara Koyunlu transferred their capital to Yerevan (the Armenian Katholikosat did the same in 1441) and much of the city’s remaining population abandoned it. It is a myth (still propagated in many guide books about Turkey) that the city was abandoned after an earthquake in 1319. Ani became part of the Ottoman Turkish empire in 1579. A small town still remained within its walls at least until the mid 17th century, and a European traveller in the early 17th century mentions the existence of 200 churches in Ani and the immediate neighbourhood. The final decline of Ani was accompanied by the desertion of the rural population as the region became over-run by nomadic Kurdish tribes who would rob and murder at will. The survival of any form of settled life, whether by Christians or Muslims, ultimately became unsustainable. The church at Kizkale was in use by monks at least until 1735, so the final and total abandonment of the site is probably the mid 18th century. By the beginning of the 19th century Ani was empty of human beings. NB: The text on this page has been taken from virtualani.org (without permission!) - however, it can remain on this site as long as this url for virtualani.org remains here. (This note is written by the webmaster of VirtualAni). :::::::: Kayseri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Huant Hatun Mosque - 13th century Huant Hatun Mosque - 13th century Mike Beck Kayseri is a large and good planned city in the middle of Turkey. There are lots of historical places. Local meals are very good, Manti is the most famous. Erciyes mount is perfect for winter sports. The area is also famous for its carpet and mining activities where mainly lead and zinc are being mined. ::::::Kirklareli Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kirklareli is located 200km west of Istanbul in the Europen side of Turkey. It is a typical farmer town where people grow mainly sun flowers. Also the area is famous for cheese and other daily products like yogurt. North of the city, the famous Istranca Mountains begin and the highly forested area and when you pass the forest you will be on the coast of Black Sea where beatiful beaches of Igneada lies. The Istranca Mountain has interesting lanscape and different kind of trees, always green and some ore deposits of copper, gold and others. The area is also famous for oil-gas fields, you may see several pumps or rigs in the area. This is most important gas prone basin in Turkey. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::Kocaeli Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Kocaeli, also known as Izmit. The city is located 90km East of Istanbul, on the shore of Marmara Sea. It is most industry city after Istanbul. It has a Refinary and major automobile factories are located in the area. Also there is a ski resort nearby. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel :::::::::::Konya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Konya is the city of dervishes, and has been for 800 years. Located about three hours' drive south of Ankara, it's an extremely old city, its roots going back to Hittite times. Today it is the most religiously conservative city in Turkey--and proud of it. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the city of Konya acted as the capital of the Seljuk Turks and advanced rapidly to become a great cultural center. The single most famous sight in Konya is the mausoleum of Jamal ad-Din Rumi, also known as Mevlana. He founded the order of the whirling Dervishes. The order was forbidden in the late 1920ies but for tourists dancers will still perform shows. On the way to Konya from Ankara you will be passing by the famous lake of Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). The lake is very shallow, 1-2m deep in winter and some parts no water in the summer time. The dried salt makes a huges white planes and you may walk across it in the summer time at north. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::Kusadasi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see shoping center shoping center internet cafe emre A foaming sea, good beaches and over 300 days of sunshine a year.... no wonder Kusadasi has grown into one of Turkey's major sea-resorts. The ancient ruins of the fortress and its gates are a reminder of the impact the Ottomans had on the city at the beginning of the 15th century. These days, you'll still see old houses in narrow streets altered with more fashionable streets, such as the 'Barlar Sokak', the place to go to when you're looking for restaurants and entertainment when the sun sets over the palm-lined boulevard of this harbour town. The Pigeon Island (just off the coast) offers the ruins of a Byzantine castle (better known as the Pirate Castle) and some good views of the coastal town itself. Originally, the island was named 'Bird Island' but when the Ottomans decided to name the city like that (Kusadasi means Bird Island), the island was renamed Pigeon Island. From Kusadasi, ferries leave to and for Italy or one of the Greek islands - there are daily ferries for Samos in summer. But before you rush off, Kusadasi is also an excellent city from which to explore impressive historical sights including Miletos and Ephesus and the rock formations at Pamukkale. For those holidaying by cruise ship, Kusadasi is a favourite port of call. Whilst most will go off to the historical sights, some will prefer the local Bazaar. Here haggling is the order of the day! Whilst almost all traders will attempt to stop you, if something catches your eye, feel free to negotiate. All part of the fun. Be aware also that this is one of Turkeys Genuine Fakes outlets. Here you will see every famous brand that you can think of, but beware of watches, which whilst cheap have a 50:50 chance of working on your return home. ::::::::::Malatya Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see malatya malatya KOFIK Malatya is located in the south of Anatolia. The town itself is of no particular interest but is a good starting point for a trip to Nemrut Dagi a sight not to be missed! Malatya is also prime apricot country - in fact, most of Turkey's Apricots come from the region. You can fly to Malatya from Ankara. Actually the town has a very rich historical past, there are many ruins to visit (if your into that kind of thing). There is a really cool museum, which is free. There are several annual festivals not to be missed like the Kaysi Festivali, (the Apricot Festival) with famous live acts from all over turkey. :::::::::::Manisa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Manisa is a modern city with a history that goes back to 500 BC. Sights include Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, the 16-th century Sultan Mosque, the Muradiye Mosque (same period) built by the great architect Sinan, and the Murad Bey Medresse which houses the Archaeological Museum of Manisa. For hiking head for the Spil Mountain National Park. You can go mountaineering or camping in this area as well as seeing the famous "crying rock" of Niobe, and the carving of Goddess Kybele. Nearby Sardis is the ancient capital of Lydia, once ruled by King Croesus. Most of the remains you find here stem from Roman times, however. ::::::::Mardin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view from Mardin A view from Mardin Sezgin Aytuna Mardin is located near the Syrian-Iraq border in SE Turkey, 90 km South of Diyarbakir where Christians ( Syrinias) and Muslims live side by side. The city is famous for off-yellow stone houses and the city is located on the top of the hill. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna ::::::::::: Marmaris Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Marmaris Waterfall Marmaris Waterfall Marmarischat.com Marmaris rivals Kusadasi as the major tourist resort on Turkey's West Coast. Hovever, Marmaris has more forest and natural beauty, landscape to offer than Kusadasi, except the historical site which is not as rich as Kusadasi. The name Marmaris supposedly comes from the Turkish saying "Mimari as", meaning hang the arhcitect. When you see the high rise package holiday appartment buildings you know what is meant by this. The best way to go Marmaris is by plane to Dalaman airport (90km). The old town and the bazaar are found east of Ulusal Egemenlik Bulvari. Neither is particularly interesting, but the Castle Museum is worth a look. Marmaris is mainly useful as a starting point for excursions to the main sights of the coast and make sure you visit Günlük and Turunc by boat. It's a pretty useful base too. There's plenty (some say way too much) accommodation, restaurants and bars. When you are at Marmaris if face to the sea, it may look like a lake. There is small straigth connects to open see which is hard seeing it. During the World-II most of ships hide in the Bay. Marmaris has two the large marina. Marmaris is easily accessible as a day trip destination from the Island of Rhodes, fast ferries operate daily, and the journey time is about an hour. The Local Tourism Board operate a free shuttle service in to town from the docks, giving a tour of the area in the process, the aim is to promote the area in the hope you will return for a longer stay. Beware of the amount of goods you carry back to Rhodes though, the Greek Customs officers can be be very strict in enforcing the limits. _______Sights Edit This icmeler icmeler icmeler Just 8 kms away from Marmaris, Icmeler is the quiter of the two resorts. By day soak up the sun, or try out the range of watersports on offer, then the evenings can be spent in any one the numerous pleasant bars and restaurants. There are delightful gardens to stroll around, boat trips to nearby sandy coves, or you can pick up a dolmus time for a short ride into Marmaris, if you are after the more serious shopping or nightlife. A carefree holiday in a relaxed resort. _________Day Trips Edit This Seascooter safari in Marmaris Seascooter safari in Marmaris One of the advantages of choosing Marmaris as your holiday destination is the number of activities available when sitting around a pool or lazing at the beach side begins to pale. There are activities ranging from a few hours to a full day and tours involving a day to several days. Staying in Icmeler or Marmaris couldn't be perfect without daily trips around... Seascooter Safari , Boat Trips , Village Tours , Jeep Safaris , Horse Riding, Rafting, Diving, Paragliding, visiting Ephesus and Hierapolis, Turkish Baths, Beach Parties, Turtle Beach, Shopping in Mugla Market exploring Gokova Gulf. :::::::Mersin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see mersin coast mersin coast History This coast has been inhabited since the 7th millennium BC. Excavations by John Garstang of the hill of Yümüktepe have revealed 23 levels of occupation, the earliest dating from ca. 6300 BC. A fortification was put up around 4500 BC, but the site appears to have been abandoned between 3200 BC and 1200 BC. Afterward the city was part of many states and civilizations including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, the Macedonians of Alexander the Great, Seleucids, Lagids. During the Ancient Greek period, the city bore the name Zephyrion and was mentioned by numerous ancient authors. Apart from its natural harbor and its strategic position along the trade routes of southern Anatolia, the city profited from trade in molybdenum (white lead) from the neighbouring mines of Coreyra. Ancient sources attributed the best molybdenum to the city, which also minted its own coins. Then the area became the Roman, province of Cilicia, which had its capital at Tarsus while nearby Mersin was the major port. The city, whose name was Latinized to Zephyrium, was renamed Hadrianopolis for emperor Hadrian. The Roman Empire split and this area fell into the half ruled from Byzantium (later Constantinople), which became the centre of trade in this part of the world, drawing investments and trade, and causing Mersin to lose its shine. The city was Christianized early; and was the see of a bishop. Le Quien (Oriens Christ., II, 883) names four bishops of Zephyrium: Aerius, present at the Council of Constantinople in 381; Zenobius, a Nestorian, at the Second Council of Constantinople in 432- 434; Hypatius, present at the Council of Chalcedon in 451; and Peter, at the Council in Trullo in 692. The city remains a titular see of the Roman Catholic Church, Zephyriensis; the see has been vacant since 1966. [1] Then came Arabs, Egyptian Tulunids, Seljuk Turks, Mongols, Crusaders, Armenians, Mamluks, Anatolian beyliks, and finally the city was conquered by the Ottomans in 1473. During the American Civil War, the region became a major supplier of cotton to make up for the high demand due to shortage. Railroads were extended to Mersin in 1866 from where cotton was exported by sea, and the city developed into a major trade center. By 1900, the Catholic Encyclopedia reports the city having about 14,000 inhabitants, of whom 3,000 were by ethnicity Greeks, 1,000 Armenians, and 650 Roman Catholics; the remaining approximately 10,000 inhabitants were presumably Muslim. The Roman Catholic parish of Mersin was administered by Capuchins; there were also Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition; schools for boys and girls, and hospitals. In 1918 Mersin was occupied by French and British troops in accord with the Treaty of Sevrès. It was liberated by the Turkish army in 1920. In 1924, Mersin was made a province, and in 1933, Mersin and Içel provinces were joined to form the (greater Mersin) Içel province. Up until the 1970s Mersin had a population of 300,000 and a classy feel to it, with carriages parading under palm trees. The seafront was all orchards of oranges and lemons, perfect for a quiet stroll, and you could play on the beach. The heart of this tree-lined bourgois establishment were the patisseries along Flamingo Yolu, a name that evokes nostalgia among those who lived here through the 60s and 70s. But the vast expansion and immigration from other parts of Turkey, especially further east, in the 80s and 90s has changed it completely. Now the sea front is lined with huge concrete buildings, there are no beaches, and the orange trees have all been dug up. And further out of town where there were one or two areas of seaside holiday flats now there are hundreds and hundreds. No one will ever know what archaeological treasures have been dragged away by the bulldozers at the same time. This greedy destruction has gone on and is still going on without effective control by the local authorities who at the same time have failed to put in the infrastructure (roads, drains, sewage treatment etc.) to cope with the large population that has come to the coast. Mersin today Today Mersin is a large city spreading out along the coast, with Turkey's second tallest skyscraper, huge hotels, an opera house, expensive real estate near the sea or up in the hills, and many other modern urban amenities, although still nothing like the long-established nightlife and culture of Istanbul or Izmir; but Mersin is a smaller and calmer city. The municipality is now trying to rescue the sea front with walkways, parks and statuary, and there are still palm trees on the roadsides especially where the young generation like to hang out in the cafes and patisseries of smart neighbourhoods such as Pozcu or Çamlibel. These are established neighbourhoods where there are many well-known shops and restaurants with years of experience and reputations to protect. The city centre is a maze of narrow streets and arcades of little shops and cafes, with young people buzzing around on scooters. The old quarter near the fish market is where you will find the stalls selling tantuni and grilled liver sandwiches. One of the most distinctive features of the city as a whole is the solar heating panels, they are everywhere, on top of every building. Demographics Mersin experienced immigration from the south-east of the country during the 1980s and 1990s in a period of unrest in those areas. It now has a significant Kurdish community co-existing with the Turkish majority. [2] [3] The city was in the centre of inter-ethnic clashes during the 2005 Newroz celebrations in which two kurdish boys were arrested after setting fire to a Turkish flag in the streets. This sparked off a huge reaction throughout the country, flags were displayed on buildings, cars, everywhere culminating in a parade through the streets with a Turkish flag 1 kilometre long. [4] Cuisine The local cuisine includes: kebab of course but especially the hot sandwich of grilled meats wrapped in flat bread called tantuni; the home-made sausage bumbar; carrot helva ( cezerye); karsambaç (a kind of ice slush); kunefe a baked cheese pastry (known throughout south-east Turkey including Mersin); and kerebiç, a semolina pudding, especially made in the month of Ramadan, and many other local soups and stews. The traditional drink of this corner of Turkey, including Mersin, is salgam suyu (the water used to pickle turnips in). Economy The port is the mainstay of Mersin's economy. There are 23 piers, a total port area of 786,000 m² (194 acres), with a capacity of 3,800 ships per year. Adjacent to the port is Mersin Free Zone established in 1986, the first free zone in Turkey, with warehouses, shops, assembly-disassembly, maintenance and engineering workshops, banking and insurance, packing-repacking, labelling and exhibition facilities. The zone is a publicly owned center for foreign investors, close to major markets in the ( Middle East, North Africa, East and West Europe, Russian Federation and Central Asia. The trading volume of the free zone was USD 1.6 billion in 2002. Mersin has highway connections to the north and east, and is also connected to the southern railroad. Adana airport is 69 km (43 miles). 60% of the male population and 16% of the female population is employed. Unemployment is about 22.7% Mersin port is an international hub for many vessels routing to European countries.Its now operated by PSA. Mersin University Mersin University was founded in 1992 and started teaching in 1993-1994, with 11 faculties, 6 schools and 9 vocational schools. The university has had about 10 thousand graduates, has broadened its current academic staff to more than 100 academicians, and enrolls 18.000 students. Culture Because the city has been a crossroads for centuries the local culture is a medley of civilizations. Mersin has a State Opera and Ballet, the fourth in Turkey after Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. Mersin International Music Festival was established in 2001, and takes place every October. The photography association Mersin Fotograf Dernegi (MFD), is one of the most popular and active cultural organizations in the city. There is a small museum in the city centre. The municipal cemetery is interesting as people of all faiths and denominations can be buried here. In order to swim in clean water you need to get out of town, perhaps an hour along the coast. The beach at Kizkalesi is popular with families while young people prefer Akyar or quieter bays along the coast, some of which are very attractive indeed. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mersin ::::::::::Nemrut Dagi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view from West of Nemrut Mt, Eski Kahta, Adiyaman, Turkey A view from West of Nemrut Mt, Eski Kahta, Adiyaman, Turkey Sezgin Aytuna Nemrut Mountain is located South of Malatya (75km) or North of Kahta (50km), Adiyaman in SE Turkey. The statues were found in 1881 by Kral Sester, a German archeologist. In 1987, Nemrut mountain was made a world heritage site by Unesco and immediatly after the area was declared a national park by the Turkish Ministry of Forest. At the cone shape summit of this 2,200m elevated mountain one can find statues mythical figures of Apollon, Zeus, Hercules and others. The statues stare at you silenty more than 2000 years. More statues on the Western side than the East side. The altar is located on the east site. These statues were carved around 63 B.C during the reign of Antiochus-I, the emperor of the Commagene King. Here you can wonder around the cone shape, a man made summit, where Antiochus's tumules was located which were hidded under the man made limestone dome. It is amazing to watch the sun sets and sun rises at the summit. However, the sun rise is very cold, make sure that you have thick sleeping bags or blankets from the hotel you stay in, even in the hot summer days. Remember, you will be watching the sun rise at 2,200m (7,000ft) elevated mountain. Actually, the best way is to stay (sleep) at the mountain on the eastern site which I did in 1986 and watch the sun rise at 3am. The colors are more than beautiful!!!. The best way to travel the area is by plane to Adiyaman (from Istanbul or Ankara) and take a special tour to Kahta and follow the road signs where you will pass the small tumulus of Karakus (belongs to Antiochus's wife), over looking to Nemrut Mountain (as seen on the picture), the Cendere Bridge (over Kahta River), Eski Kahta Castle, Arsemia, the towns of Damlacik, Narince and Karadut ( it has good pansions after passing the town) and reach the Mountain. The good road ends near the edge of the summit, however, one has to walk (or rent a mule) 1 km more, steep up hill, to reach the top where the statues are located. While you are there make sure to make a loop around the summit and enjoy the view and see more stateus on the north side as well. There are lots of restaurants on the way (at Damlacik and Karadut) and at the top, no need to carry food or water with you. This is at least a 12 hours tour to enjoy. You may swim in the Kahta River, under the Cendere Bridge (see the picture), during July and August (a branch of famous Euphrates) during the hot summer days. In the area, the weather is always very hot ,over 45C during the day time but very dry, between June-September make sure to stay at the hotels which have air-conditon rooms. If they do not have it stay at Karadut village pansions, at 1000m high, over looking to Nemrut Mountain where you do not need an air-condition. I worked in the area (1985-1990) as a petroleum geologist for ARCO International Oil and Gas Company and did lots of field work and mapping the geology every corner of the area and visited all the villages and towns A.. to Z. When you go to Nemrut, you will pass in front of the two oil fields discoved by ARCO that I had worked, one is rigth after the town of Damlacik on your rigth called "Cendere Oil Field" and the other one is very near Karadut Village, called "Ozan Sungurlu Oil Field", both of them are still pumping oil. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::::::Olympos Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Olympos, Beach baking Olympos, Beach baking Eduardo Baer This is a backpacker destination which offers lots of fun, the hostel lifestyle in a treehouse environment (that's right - the area has a number of Pansyons that have built rooms on trees to court the backpacking traveller), and magnificently accessible ruins walking to the ancient Olympos. The beach is long curve which ends at a castle ruins which you can explore - beyond it are a few hillside trails that allow for even more exploring. There are organised trips to see the ancient "Chimera" or perpetual flame on the side of the hills at night, and it is sometimes done in a tractor towed trailer! However, there is steep hill to walk to the site. The natural gas seepage on the surface burns if you lighted with a match. There is a ruin of church at the site where the people used the same gas for cooking... Olympos is a great place to relax or to party depending on the pansyon you decide to stay at - and two meals are usually included in the accommodation price (which is done per person) so the cost is really quite minimal - unless you drink all your money away (which is not entirely unlikely in many cases!). 12 Feb 2007 - Turkish Daily News Reports that a massive fire destroyed Kadirs Tree Houses, which was one of the most popular back packer destination in the area. Although the fire was put out in a few hours, almost 90 percent of the tree houses were lost during the fire, reported the Anatolia news agency. Kadir's Tree Houses comprised 100 bungalows 15 cabins and 10 dorm rooms, mostly built in treetops in the national park. Ramazan Kaya, brother of the resort's owner Kadir Kaya, said there was some solace in the fact that no one was hurt during the incident, but that 90 percent of the resort had been lost. "I hope we can rebuild the facilities for the new season" he said. So before you head to this area check what your accomodation options are: http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=65783 ::::::::::::Pamukale Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see in pamukkale in pamukkale Spectacular - a must see. Pamuk means cotton in Turkish and Kale fortress, so the name means Cotton Fortress. The white waterfall is indeed a lot like a huge cotton castle. At one point visitors were able climb all over the "travertines" or collected pools of mineral water, but since the government has disallowed the climbing and has thus saved the white hillside from further degredation. At the top of the hill there were various spas and hotels that have been closed by goverement regulations. you can swin in the cleopatra's swimingpool (for 30 new turkish liras pp) which has the hot, bubbly water (it has been described as swimming in rather warm champagne!). If you open your eyes underwater, the minerals in the water are supposed to be good for your eyes. Pamukkale (correct spelling) is a World Heritage Site. The white travertinese forms when hot spring of high concenrated of CaCO3 evaporates and deposites on the surface.There are some man-made travertines that visitors can walk through the top left part of the mountain to get the experience. The real travertines are now off limits, but can easily be viewed from many different angles, and are mostly only 10 - 20 feet away. In 2005, there is substantial construction (nearly completed) which will allow visitors better paths (handicap accessable) and seating to view the travertines. Lots of walking and altitude change. You must take off your shoes to walk in the water. Don't forget to check out the adjacent Heriopolis, ancient Roman city and cementary, which is part of this site and the anphitheatre. You can easily spend a day here. The site is also close to a confluence for you confluence hunters. There are lots of ruins at the site which is called Hierapolis and grave yards (Necropolis) all over the place. YAC uk ::::::::::Pergamon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view of red Church at Bergama A view of red Church at Bergama Pinar Aytuna Pergamnon is located 150km North of Izmir or 100km south Ayvalik. The town is called Bergama. It is one of the oldest historical side in Turkey. It has the steepest amphiteatre in the world, located on 35 degree slope. ::::::::::Sanliurfa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Unique houses in Harran Unique houses in Harran Sezgin Aytuna Sanliurfa is located in the south of Turkey. It is a very old town - known as Edessa in Roman and Greek times. And according to some it is where Abraham was born. No wonder that there is a lot to see and do if you are looking for historic sights. Mevlid Halil mosque, with the cave of Abraham and the citadel with its Corinthian columns are highlights. Take a minibus to visit Job's cave at Eyup Peygamber. While you are in the area, make sure to visit Harran, 40km south to the Syrian border and see the dome shape house and other archeologcial sites. You can also start your trip (expedition) to Nemrud Dagi in Sanliurfa, although it may be easier to do so from Adiyaman (90km north) and Kahta. While driving from Sanliurfa to Adiyaman, make sure you stop at the Atatürk's Dam (30km N of Sanliurfa) and take a tour to the dam which was built over the famous Ephrateus River. In the neighbourhood of Harran Oteli you may find some nice traditional restaurants - but without alcoholic drinks. Also make sure go to Turkish Hamam (bath) at the same hotel, it is a famous place. The only place in the City- Centre where you can get served them is the Hotel Harran Bar. :::::::::Selcuk Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Selcuk is a great place to stay while exploring the nearby sights, such as Ephesus, Isabei Mosque, Temple of Artemis, the House of Virgin Mary and many more. The area has much to offer. A little Greek village (Sirince) is also just up the road, a great place to spend a morning or a lazy afternoon!. There is a small airport nearby. Some companies arrange special tours daily tours from Istanbul to visit famous Ephesus and House Virgin Mary house. Make sure you visit the castle and the museum in Selcuk. __________Day Trips Edit This Tours are handled by our professional tour guides. All our guides have guiding licence through Turkey Ministry of Tourism. Our tour busses are fully air-conditioned. Package covers all entrance fees, guidance, transportation. For more details: www.allistanbultours.com Contributors January 31, 2008 new by bilsentravel [Add Day Trip] Selcuk Tours Edit This EPHESUS & PERGAMON TOURS - ITINERIRY 1- DAY: Depart from hotel to airport for fly from ISTANBUL to IZMIR Met on arrvel and transfer to EPHESUS Check in Hotel Depart for the tour @ 09:30 am Finish @ 16:00 pm FULL DAY EPHESUS TOUR WITH LUNCH • Virgin Mary Hous • Artemis Temple • Ephesus Ruins • Isabey Mosque more.. World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +90 535 722 0175 url: www.ephesustourguide.com address: Klodfarer Caddesi No : 3 Sultanahmet - Istanbul - Turkey email: info@ephesustourguide.com Ephesus Tours Edit This Ephesus Tour Guide Ephesus Tour Guide offers high quality private and group Turkey tours and hotel reservations in Istanbul and all regions of Turkey World66 rating: [rate it] tel: +905357220175 url: www.ephesustourguide.com address: Selcuk - Ephesus email: info@ephesustourguide.com :::::::::::::Side Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Side (pronounced 'see day') is situated on the Mediterranean coast approximately 75 kilometers from one of Turkey 's largest cities' Antalya . This unique seaside resort lies on a small, flat peninsula which is 300 meters wide and 800 meters long and is just packed to the brim with archaeological wonders and surrounded on both sides by the deep, blue water of the Med. At certain points along the main street that runs through the centre and down to the quaint fishing harbour, you can look between the buildings and streets and see the sea on either sides. Side was once an important commercial town. With its large merchant fleet it traded with the countries of the eastern and western Mediterranean and served as a port for many parts of inner Turkey . Side was a slave market from which African slaves were sold and also a center for piracy. After this period, Side turned to legitimate commerce and still prospered. Whilst Side has become extremely popular with European and Turkish holidaymakers alike, it has managed to retain its ‘quaintness’ and authenticity. Due to its abundance of archaeological treasures, all the architecture in the old part of Side is of a certain style – pretty, two – storey stone buildings with varnished, wooden balconies all along the labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways. Side has just everything you could want. For the culture – vulture there is obviously a treasure chest of ancient history all around which includes: The Amphitheatre dating back to Hellenistic period and is one of the largest (after Aspendos) in Turkey seating approximately 15,000 people; The Roman Temples of Apollo and Artemis; The City Gates; Aqua ducts and Museum. One of the most enjoyable experiences is walking through these ruins at night when all are illuminated. During summer time no motor trafficing is allowed downtown and you need to walk about 1 km to reach to sea. The best fish restaurants in the area. ____________Practical Information Edit This Medicus® Clinic Fatih street No.6, Side 07330, Antalya, TURKEY Tel:+90 242 753 1111 Fax.:+90 242 753 5656 Url: www.medicus.com.tr e-mail: info@medicus.com.tr Well-tended and well equipped medical service provider located in the heart of Side. Although the clinic has 4 patient rooms, one room for emergency monitoring and 4 beds, it mainly focuses on out-patient treatment. In addition to the medical service provided at the clinic, patients can choose their Visiting Doctor Service(Drcall services) where primary care physicians visit the patients in their accommodations and perform a detailed medical examination. This service provides medical care directly at the place where needed. The necessary medicaments are brought to the patient by a pharmacist-service. The diagnostic service comprises Laboratory, X-ray, ECG, Ultrasound, Outpatient Minor Surgery, Emergency Service, Ambulance Service, Occupational Medicine, Dentist, Social Services and Observation rooms for patients with length of stay maximum 24 hours. The rooms are very clean, bright and have satellite TV, Phone, refrigerator, shower, toilet. They are widely suitable for wheel-chair. For larger blood tests and treatment of severe injuries the Medicus Clinic cooperates with the hospitals in Antalya region. All physicians are well experienced in general medicine and tourist health. They speak fluently English and German. The Medicus Clinic is open all-season. Medicus Clinic has agreements with most private health insurance companies and has been appointed as the only preferred service provider for the primary medical care. Most patients with private health insurance do not face any out of pocket costs from Medicus. ::::::::::Tekirdag Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Ancient Municipality Building in the city centrum,Tekirdag Ancient Municipality Building in the city centrum,Tekirdag Nilgün Sedes Tekirdag is located about 150km west of Istanbul, in the ''Thrace'', the european part of the Republic of Türkiye . Tekirdag is worldwide known with it's famous Raki, called " Tekirdag Rakisi". It is sold all over Turkey including all the airports. It is a national drink of Turkey, 45 degree, made from grape to be mixed with cold water (1/2) and some ice cubes, it changes its color to milky white. It is similar to the Greek's ''Ouzo'' with the flavour of anise. The best way to drink raki with Turkish white cheese (fetta), meat and water melon. Tekirdag is also famous for its meat balls, called Tekirdag Köfte. It is an agricultural town where most people grow sun flowers all over the place. If you are in the area make sure you drive to south of Tekirdag to Kumbag and follow to shore line to Ucmakdere-Sarköy shoreline road where the best grapes are grown and visit the wine yards/wine factories. This is one of the most famous spot for the Turkish wines. This road is very unique which goes to Murefte and than to Saros Bay. However, this road can only good for cars/mini buses not for big buses. It is a country dirt road but the scenary is excellent. It has a very good picking place when you reach the shore, you will pass one village (after Ucmakdere) and east of village there is a park next the shore, it is an ideal place to get rest and have picnic. The road is subparallel to the world famous fault, called " The North Anatolian Fault ". The fault reachs to shore from the sea at Ucmakdere and continues on land till it reaches to Saros Bay. As you may know, the most of earthquakes in Turkey are caused by this fault. The fault is 1500km long, it crosses the country E-W direction and starts around Erzincan, in Eastern Turkey and it goes to Greece. You may touch the fault surface while draving along the road which has been killing thousands of people in the past. The geology along the road is facinating. As a geologist, I did lots of field work for ARCO International Oil and Gas Company where the most important reservoir and sources rock crops out at the surface on this road. The provence of Tekirdag is surrounded by three seas; Black Sea, Marmara Sea and Agean Sea. People from western Turkey, mainly from Istanbul have summer houses on the Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea Shore lines at the provence of Tekirdag. The most important spot is in Bay of Saros where the water is crystal clear. Corlu and Cerkezköy are two important cities in the provence and outcoming industrial cities, located 40-60 km NE of Tekirdag. After the late 1970's the region evolved into an industrial area bearing people from all over Türkiye. As in the 1970's both area were only small farmers' towns. But this has changed rapidly. In 2005 the population has grown up to an amount of over 250.000 people. The railroad connection and also the new TEM highway connections make it a preferable location for local and international industry. Main sectors in both cities are textile, glass factory, mining, lumber, sun flower oil factories, gas run power plants, automotive, petroleum activities and pharmacy. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::Trabzon Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see An old fasion stone brideg still in use in Eastern Black Sea An old fasion stone brideg still in use in Eastern Black Sea Sezgin Aytuna Trabzon is an old city on the Black Sea coast line, at the northeast corner of Türkiye. The population of the city is aproximately 480,000. While staying at Trabzon make sure you eat the local food, Akcaabat Köfte (meat ball) special cheese meat ball and Kara Lahana (black caggabe) soup. The Black Sea people love to eat fish, mainly, Hamsi (anchovy), they have more than 30 kinds of dishes made from Hamsi, including bread, baklava (the most famous Turkish dessert), omelette, rice and etc..... Trabzon is also famous for its bread "Trabzon ekmegi", not only at Trabzon, but all over the country. At the main square of the city, one can find buses to the famous Sumela Monastery at Maçka (50km SE) and the mountain village of Uzungöl, 70km (a lake) - you may feel like you are in an alpine village of Switzerland or Austria. In Uzungöl, there are lots of small hotels and fresh water fish restaurants. The lake is a landslide lake and the best view of the lake is in the afternoon looking west from a mountain on the east. If you have time, go to Sultan Murat Yayla (a plateu), 30 km SW of the lake where the altitude is 2400m and there are no trees on the plateu due to the high altitude. But you will be mesmerized with view as I was. Sumela Monastery was built in a natural cavity at the edge of the cliff (see in the picture). The mountain is made of volcanic rocks, due to heavy rain in the area, there has been falling rocks onto the stucture and demages it. Some protection measures are being taken to protect it. When you go to Maçka on the way back make sure you go/pass to the Zigana Tunnel (20km south of Maçka) on the Trabzon-Erzurum road. It is the longest and the highest tunnel in Turkey (2,000m). The road to the tunnel has the best scenery in the whole area, lots of forest and all kind of green colors, when you pass it you will be in a different country site, no trees what so ever!!!. The scenery is much better when you are coming down from the tunnel to Trabzon!! Also on the righthand side of the road 2-km from the tunnel make sure you stop at a small coffee shop and eat sütlac (rice pudding). If you have time make sure go to East: Rize-Hopa and than to Artvin., to enjoy the scenery and dense forests. In the region, several different local languages are spoken, the most famous ones are; "Laz and Hemsince". Most of the Black Sea people can not pronounce the letter "g", "c" instead. So when they speak Turkish they sound funny!!!The area is famous for its music called "tulum", made of a goat skin, a special instrument, like a back pipe and "kemence" (a small knee type fiddle). "Horon" is their local dance. When the music starts everybody dances, fun to watch these guys/gals, the music has the same tones and never ends so do the dancers!!! When you are in the area make sure you visit the Kackar Mountain, 90km East of Trabzon. You will follow Firtina River to reach the top (Ayder), the river is small but flows wildly. Kackar is the second highest peak (3,932m) in the country and always covered with snow. In the summer time, you may stay at Ayder Plateu near the Kackar top where you will find lots of small hotels and pansions and make sure that you eat mihlama in morning whereever you stay. It is a special cheese omlet, a local food. Make sure you stay at Ayder for minimum of two days, go to Asagi Kavrun (next to Kackar top, 17km east) and visit Zil Castle (10km south) nearby. There is a hot spring at Ayder where you can enjoy the Turkish Hamam. If you find a rigth tour guide, you may do a hiking tour south of Mountain to Yusufeli, but do not do it by yourself, you must have a tour quide. It is a 12 hour hike and you stay a small town south of the mountain at Barhal !!.I did the same trip back in 1998 and enjoyed it very much. I did lots of field works as a field geologist for ARCO Internataional Oil and Gas company in 1998 and for Australian and Canadian mining companies between 2004-2005 in the area and wondered around the whole Eastern Black Sea, all the villages/roads and all the cities A-to-Z. The Eastern Black Sea is the most beatifull part, as far as the mountains and forests are concerned in Turkey. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel ::::::::::::::Troy Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Just outside of Canakkale is the ancient city of Troy. Famous from the writings of Homer and Virgil, here you can find the remains of the legendary city, unearthed by Heinrich Schliemann. :::::::::Van Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Church Akdhamar in Lake Van Church Akdhamar in Lake Van Pascal Vandelanoitte This beatiful church, the main sightseeing spot of the Van region, is located on Akdamar Island on the Van Lake in historical Armenian Vaspurakan province. Built in 915-921, the Church of Holy Cross and the royal palace were built here by the architect Manuel under the auspices of King Gagik Ardzrouni. In 1113, The Church of Holy Cross became residence of the Catholicos of Akadamar. The lake is unique of its kind, made of soda water when a river reaches its shore the water changes to milky white color, like a soap. It is good for villagers to wash their clothes (free soap). Ferryboat runs between Tatvan to Van on the lake. Van is famous of its cats, called "Van Cat", all white and the eyes have two colors. In the centre of Van one can find an astonishing modern and open minded atmosphere. There are shops with western standards as well as pizzerias and some luxury hotels. In the late afternoon the tea garden is frequented by young people and some middle aged women - dressed openly, having their tea with their girlfriends. For nightlife there is the "beyaz saray" (white house) with a roof restaurant and a oriental live show in the bar below. Its frequented by rather wealthy locals and drinks are quite cheap. All together this rather small town gives the impression of "the last possibility to consume western life-style in a oriental way" very close to the border of the sharia-ruled Iran. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel _________Getting There Edit This My travelling in Easter Turkey was mainly hitch hiking. However if you are by yourself and are maybe not so eager of taking the risk of doing your travel in this way there are other options. Comparably to the west of Turkey there are many private operated bus companies around and for shorter distances domuses operate frequently ::::::::::: West Coast Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view from Çesme, Izmir A view from Çesme, Izmir Sezgin Aytuna The West Coast of Turkey is one of the prime tourist attractions. Since ancient times, this region has been one of the most important cultural centers of the world. The area runs between Çanakkale in the north and Marmaris in the south. Troy, Asos, Ayvalik,Pergamon, Izmir, Çesme, Miletos, Selcuk, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Magnesium, Didim, Aisos, Halicarnasous, Knidos, Dalyan, Chonos, Datca and Marmaris are the most important archeological places in the area. The area offers you the possibility to get an overdosis of Greek temples (much more than Greece), Roman ruins and baths and archeological museums. If you dig deep enough here you are sure to find the remains of a once important city; many archeologists have dug deep and many cities have been found. At the same time the West Coast has many great beach resorts at Çanakkale, Ayvalik (Sarmisakli), Dikili, Kusadasi, Didim and Bodrum being the most important ones. Izmir is the biggest city and the transport hub of the West. The city has had a very strong Greek character right up to this century. It is now a big, lively harbour town with some nice sights. There are 6 airports in the area; Çanakkale, Edremit, Efes where you can make domestic flighs and private landings, however, Izmir, Bodrum and Dalaman ( Marmaris) airports are International where you may fly to several places in Europe. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personel |
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| Turchia Itinerario 1 Dalle Dolomiti all'Anatolia attraverso i Balcani alla scoperta della Turchia Testo e foto di Marco Vanzo Punto di partenza: Cavalese (Trento) Punto di arrivo: Ancona - Cavalese (Trento) Distanza: 5400 km circa Durata: 19 gg. Mezzo di trasporto: moto Honda Africa Twin 750 e Bmw GS1000 Difficoltà: nessuna Prezzo: 1200 euro circa Inizialmente volevamo raggiungere la Turchia via mare, da Ancona a Igoumenitza ed attraverso la Grecia arrivare ad Istanbul....In seguito abbiamo optato per l'itinerario "via terra" attraverso Croazia, Slovenia, Serbia e Bulgaria. Abitiamo nel nord-est, ed i km fino ad Istanbul sono 1800, contro i 1500 dell'itinerario via Grecia. Abbiamo letto il bellissimo libro di Emilio Rigatti La strada per Istambul che ci è stato d'ispirazione e guida per pianificare il viaggio. Primo giorno: Cavalese - Slavonsky Brod (km 680 circa) didascalia Finiti i preparativi, caricati i bagagli sulla moto, abbiamo in più rispetto agli scorsi anni la borsa da serbatoio che ci permette di partire avanzando dello spazio. Partiamo alle otto verso Ponte nelle Alpi, Belluno, luogo dell'appuntamento con i nostri compagni di viaggio che partono da Trento; passiamo per il passo S. Pellegrino (fa freddo : 8° C.). Puntuali ripartiamo verso Trieste, passiamo la frontiera slovena, Zagabria, frontiera croata, in autostrada, poco traffico, alle 17 siamo a Slavonski Brod, la meta di oggi (ricordatevi di controllare di essere in possesso di tutti i documenti utili: carta identità e carta di circolazione, assicurazione e carta verde). Pernottiamo alla "Garten Pension" , poco distante dal casello (Maka Dizdara 2, tel.035 465 072, fax. 035 466 338; eko-garten@sb.htnet.hr ; 50 euro la camera doppia + cena per 2 persone; gestione familiare, comodo e pulito) Secondo giorno: Slavonsky Brod - Sofia (Bulgaria) (km 606 circa) Rientriamo in autostrada, dopo un centinaio di km siamo alla frontiera per entrare in Serbia: ci aspettavamo controlli e lunghe attese, ma fortunatamente passiamo in una decina di minuti. Altri 100 km e siamo a Belgrado, la strada passa vicino alla città, il traffico è intenso. La strada è in ottime condizioni, con asfalto rifatto da poco; si possono tenere tranquillamente velocità elevate (140 /150 km orari). Ci fermiamo per la pausa pranzo in un "autogrill" serbo assomigliante più ad un area di sosta per le carovane: ristorante all'aperto, banchetti con frutta e verdura, negozietti, ma distributore di carburanti ultra moderno. Riprendiamo la marcia e, dopo pochi km, facciamo conoscenza con la Polizia serba: viaggiavamo fortunatamente piano... ci controllano attentamente le moto, i documenti, ci segnalano un irregolarità su una patente (non è riportata la sigla A per la guida della moto, ma solo B). La situazione sembra critica: commissariato, migliaia di dinari di multa, sequestro del mezzo, rientro coatto in treno...Dopo mezz'ora di trattative, disposti ad offrire una "mancia", il poliziotto cambia idea, e ci congeda augurandoci buon viaggio: ancora oggi non riusciamo a capirne il senso... Il paesaggio è meraviglioso, ci scorrono davanti centinaia di km di campi con granoturco e girasoli, un arcobaleno di colori e splendidi panorami. Lasciamo la Serbia per entrare in Bulgaria: anche in questo caso passiamo senza problemi ed in poco tempo, circa mezz'ora per i vari controlli dei documenti ecc.. Alle 20 siamo a Sofia, troviamo un'ottima sistemazione all'hotel Amphora (409,"Tsar Boris III" Blvd.Knjazewo, tel. +359 2 957-15-09; 37 euro la camera doppia; alla reception parlano italiano) sulla strada che porta al monastero di Rila, tappa di domani. Terzo giorno: Sofia- Rila - Plovdiv (km 395 circa) didascalia Partiamo con calma alle 10, siamo sulla strada che unisce la Bulgaria alla Grecia, da Sofia a Salonicco. Attraversiamo zone industriali abbandonate, segno evidente della caduta del sistema socialista, le strade sono percorse da carretti tirati da asini e capre che vanno verso i pascoli.Giungiamo al bivio per il monastero, entriamo nel pittoresco paese di Rila con case in pietra ornate da balconi e verande di legno. La strada si stringe e comincia a salire gradualmente, un vero piacere, dopo tanta autostrada, piegare, accelerare, scalare.... Il monastero si staglia con sorpresa davanti a noi dopo l'ennesima curva. L'impatto è forte, immersi nel verde siamo in una valle che scende dai monti Rodotopi, con cime che raggiungono anche i 3000 m. Il complesso si presenta come una fortezza. Posteggiamo le moto, varchiamo il primo portale, ed entriamo in un ampio cortile circondato da quattro ali di 3 e 4 piani che comprendono 300 celle di monaci. Al centro la Chiesa con splendidi affreschi e sculture in legno, dedicata alla Natività della Vergine, e la torre dell'orologio. Il contrasto tra il bianco dell'intonaco e i colori rosso, ocra e nero dei mattoni delle arcate accresce la suggestione del luogo. Dal 1961 il complesso è monumento nazionale e l'UNESCO lo ha inserito nell'elenco del patrimonio culturale mondiale. Pienamente soddisfatti della deviazione fatta per raggiungere questo luogo ripartiamo, dopo aver mangiato con pochi euro in un ristorante in riva al torrente, poco sotto al monastero. Non torniamo a Sofia, che sarebbe l'itinerario più breve, ma decidiamo di aggirare il massiccio del Rila. Le indicazioni stradali in cirillico non ci sono di grande aiuto, ci facciamo tradurre i nomi dei paesi che intendiamo attraversare dalla cameriera di un baretto... Transitiamo per Doupnitsa, Razlog; da qui la strada si inerpica verso un altipiano a quota1800 m, passiamo per piccoli paesi agricoli, i locali tentano di vendere i piccoli frutti di bosco lungo la strada. Siamo circondati dagli abeti, sembra di essere a casa; vediamo i primi minareti accanto a minuscole moschee. Scendiamo verso Velingrad in una stretta valle scavata nella roccia, fino al fondovalle dove, costeggiando l'autostrada, raggiungiamo la città di Plovdiv, pernottando all'hotel Rodopi (12 Kouklensko shousse blvd., tel.: 00359 32 6108, fax: 00359 32 673967; 40 euro la camera doppia; grande hotel di città, crediamo gestito dal governo.Tutti i confort, ristorante non all'altezza). Quarto giorno: Plovdiv - Istanbul (km 440 circa) Oggi trasferimento ad Istanbul. Percorriamo velocemente i 150 km fino al confine bulgaro-turco e impieghiamo circa 1 ora per espletare le formalità d'ingresso in Turchia (acquisto del visto, annotazione della moto sul passaporto). I doganieri turchi sono cordiali e regalano banane alle nostre ragazze.... L'autostrada inizia appena dopo il confine e ci porta dopo altri 250 km alle porte di Istanbul. Siamo costretti ad uscire e rientrare in autostrada per fare il pieno di benzina, non esiste nessun distributore per l'intera lunghezza (240 km) dell'autostrada!! Guida e piantina della città alla mano arriviamo nei pressi del hotel prenotato da casa, a Sultanahmet. Siamo incantati dalla magica atmosfera di Istanbul dove oriente e occidente si fondono in un miscuglio di stili architettonici. Giunti alla sommità della città vecchia rimaniamo senza parole davanti all’imponente sagoma della Moschea Blu, con i minareti e le cupole di chiara impronta ottomana. Poco distante si scorge la moschea di Santa Sofia, caratterizzata da una struttura estremamente ardita. L’impatto visivo è grandioso. Dopo infruttuosi giri e scoraggiati dal traffico caotico, decidiamo di farci guidare verso l'albergo da un taxista.... da soli ci saremmo arrivati con molta difficoltà.. Posteggiamo le moto davanti all Hotel Askin, proprio come ci avevano promesso ( Askin Hotel Istanbul, Dalbasti Sokak No.16, Sultanahmet , Istanbul ; 40 € la camera doppia; in ottima posizione, vista sulle moschee, molto confortevole). Ceniamo al Kirevi un ottimo ristorante poco lontano dalla via principale,e dalle moschee (10 euro a persona). Quinto giorno: Istanbul La colazione in terrazza con vista sulla moschea Blu è una piacevole sorpresa... Visitiamo per prima la Basilica Cisterna. Costruita in epoca romana, fungeva da serbatoio per l’acqua (80.000 metri cubi) in grado di garantire l’approvvigionamento idrico alla città fin dai tempi di Giustiniano. Quasi invisibile dall'esterno, entrando ci sorprende per la grandezza: colonne immerse nell'acqua ed atmosfera magica data dall'illuminazione artificiale. Nel pomeriggio siamo alle imponenti moschee: Ayasofya (Santa Sofia), costruita tra il 532 e il 537 sotto il regno di Giustiniano e simbolo dell’età d’oro dell’Impero bizantino, nel 1453, con la conquista ottomana, il sultano Maometto II la convertì immediatamente in moschea; Sultan Ahmet Camii (la Moschea Blu),costruita da Ahmed I tra il 1603 e il 1616, è l’ultima delle grandi moschee imperiali prima del declino del potere dei sultani e, con esso, dell’architettura ottomana. Entrambe bellissime dall'esterno, con gli alti minareti che si stagliano nell'azzurro del cielo, lasciano col fiato sospeso all'interno: grandi spazi, la maestosità delle cupole, le vetrate, i mosaici. Bei giardini fioriti separano le due moschee, a poche centinaia di metri una di fronte all'altra. A fianco l'Ippodromo, oggi una grande piazza e posteggio dei pullman turistici, un tempo luogo di eventi sportivi e celebrazioni imperiali, e della vita politica. Ammiriamo l'Obelisco di Teodosio, la Colonna dei Serpenti e la fontana di Guglielmo II. Dalla piazza dell'Ippodromo si stacca la via Divanolu, un arteria di traffico nel cuore della città percorsa anche dal tram, sempre piena di vita e di movimento. Visitiamo il Gran Bazar, il più grande mercato coperto del mondo; lunghissime gallerie parallele, collegate con traverse, formano un intricato labirinto di negozi di ogni tipo, dalle gioiellerie ai laboratori di sartoriapassando per gli immancabili tappeti. Percorriamo stradine coperte di volte dipinte da cui traboccano mercanzie, una più esotica dell'altra. Sesto giorno: Istanbul Proseguiamo alla scoperta delle meraviglie di Istanbul. Raggiungiamo il palazzo di Topkapi in pochi minuti di passeggiata, valichiamo passando attraverso il grande portale, il muro di cinta che circonda il palazzo, e ci rendiamo conto della grandezza di questo luogo: giardini immensi, costruzioni di vario genere, terrazze, pagode. Visitiamo l'harem e molte delle sale che costituiscono il Topkapi, che conserva i tesori dei sultani. La visita ci impegna per diverse ore. Nel pomeriggio scorazziamo in battello sul Bosforo, sui battelli usati dalla gente comune,e non quelli dei turisti, passando in pochi minuti dall'Europa all'Asia.. Rientrando verso l'hotel visitiamo il mercato delle spezie; siamo colpiti dagli aromi, profumi e colori della merce in vendita in una moltitudine di bancarelle, assaggiamo dolcetti di varie forme e gusti, annusiamo erbe e spezie alcune a noi sconosciute. Tutti i mercanti ci invitano a visitare i loro negozi ed assaggiare qualcosa.... usciamo inebriati dal miscuglio di sapori ed aromi. Istanbul si rivela una metropoli carica di storia e brulicante di vita. Divisa tra Oriente e Occidente concludiamo la nostra permanenza consapevoli di aver visto solo una parte del grande patrimonio che la città offre. Settimo giorno: Istanbul - Goreme (km 763 circa) didascalia Partiamo da Istanbul alle 9. Ci attende un lungo trasferimento, vorremmo arrivare a Goreme in Cappadocia. Usciamo agevolmente dal traffico cittadino seguendo le indicazioni per l'autostrada fortunatamente su cartelli a sfondo verde come nel resto d'Europa; attraversiamo il lungo Ataturk Bridge, il ponte sospeso, che abbiamo ammirato ieri navigando. Dopo circa 400 km di autostrada siamo nei pressi di Ankara, capitale del Paese. Decidiamo di percorrere una strada secondaria (e non la più diretta e trafficata via che passa da Kirikkale), seguiamo le indicazioni per Adana e 15 km dopo Golbasi svoltiamo per Bala.Saremo premiati della deviazione da splendidi paesaggi, viaggiando lungo una stradina senza traffico, in mezzo ai campi; saliamo di quota superando trattori e lentissimi camion stracarichi di cereali: è in pieno svolgimento la mietitura che, a queste altezze (1500 m), è in ritardo rispetto al resto del Paese. Qui il turismo è lontano, il nostro passaggio deve essere un avvenimento, tutti ci guardano e salutano amichevolmente. Nei pressi di Kirsheir il traffico aumenta notevolmente e, per fortuna, anche le dimensioni della strada. Siamo indecisi se fermarci per la notte: abbiamo sforato i tempi. Veloce consulto, si prosegue, arriviamo a Goreme alle 20, il primo assaggio di questa rinomata zona ci si apre davanti scendendo poco dopo Nevsehir, proprio mentre sta tramontando il sole: uno spettacolo! Ci sistemiamo presso la Backpacker's cave pension (15 euro la camera doppia; il prezzo è molto basso, le camere graziose, ma avremmo speso volentieri qualcosa in più ed avere una maggiore pulizia). Ottavo giorno: Valle di Goreme (km 60 circa) La Cappadocia è un posto assolutamente fantastico;più propriamente, il triangolo di una decina di chilometri di lato racchiuso tra Avanos, Urgup e Uchisar è un luogo unico in cui davvero ci si sente fuori da tutto, in una sorta di paese fatato. Violente eruzioni vulcaniche, avvenute tre milioni di anni fa, ricoprirono di lava, cenere e fango l’altopiano intorno a Nevsehir. Il vento e le piogge, erodendo queste rocce friabili, hanno creato un paesaggio suggestivo: rocce a forma di coni e camini, di pinnacoli, con colori che variano dal rosso all’oro, dal verde al grigio. Goreme è un grazioso paese con decine di abitazioni (ancora utilizzate) ricavate scavando nella roccia soprattutto nella parte alta del villaggio che, pur accresciuto per soddisfare le richieste del turismo, ancora conserva buona parte dell'originario aspetto e fascino. Partiamo a piedi dalla nostra pensione e, con una comoda passeggiata, siamo al museo all'aperto di Goreme, perla della zona, con decine di chiese rupestri scavate nel tufo costellate da magnifiche decorazioni e pitture murali in gran parte realizzate dai monaci che vivevano in questi luoghi. La valle di Zelve è poco distante da Goreme, vediamo pinnacoli erosi dal tempo, alte colonne di tufo che conferiscono alla valle un aspetto quasi fiabesco. Queste colonne prendono il nome di "camini delle fate" poichè la leggenda vuole che i massi tondeggianti sulle sommità siano stati posati da divinità celesti. didascalia Per concludere la giornata inforchiamo le moto che, scariche dei bagagli ci sembrano galleggiare sull'asfalto, e ci concediamo una piacevole gita in questo scenario irreale: rocce scavate con scale, finestre, balconi, pinnacoli, ciuffi di roccia rosa che sembrano creati da un bizzarro pasticcere. Passiamo per piccoli campi coltivati, su strade strette e deserte; i gruppi turistici sono lontani, scopriamo luoghi non "assediati" dalle bancarelle... Nono giorno: Goreme - Bozayazi (km 487 circa) Lasciamo questi posti incantati dopo aver fatto visita, nei pressi di Avanos, al caravanserraglio di Sari Hani. I caravanserragli furono costruiti nel XIII sec. come stazione di sosta delle carovane; in passato ce n'era uno ogni 30 km di strada circa, vale a dire il percorso che con i cammelli si poteva coprire in un giorno. Scorgiamo dalla strada gli insediamenti rupestri di Cavusin, scavati in una parete di tufo fino a 100 m d'altezza. Puntiamo verso il mare. Vogliamo visitare la parte di costa occidentale che ci è stata raccomandata. La strada scorrevole taglia l'altipiano anatolico verso sud, nei pressi di Ulukizla incrociamo la strada Konya-Adana. Il traffico aumenta a dismisura, guidiamo con prudenza. Fortunatamente dopo pochi km la via diventa autostrada, traffico pesante, discese da mettere a dura prova i freni dei tir sovraccarichi. Nel tratto finale una verdeggiante e selvaggia gola rocciosa. Il mare ci si staglia davanti improvviso dopo una curva. Siamo ad Icel (Mersin il vecchio nome in turco), grossa città industriale. Proseguiamo per la strada costiera superando cantieri iniziati e mai completati; rischiamo di cadere arrivando in un tratto di strada in cui stanno posando asfalto turco (strana miscela di ghiaia e catrame). Passiamo per località balneari dove sono presenti grossi complessi turistici, ma non è quello che cerchiamo, pertanto proseguiamo. La strada lascia il mare spostandosi nell'entroterra, superando ed aggirando in un continuo saliscendi di curve le asperità della costa. Si sta facendo tardi e cerchiamo una sistemazione ma non vediamo nulla di interessante, forse al prossimo villaggio. Silifke, Tascu, Aydincik.: paese dopo paese, curve, salite e discese, ormai stanchi arriviamo a Bozayasi. Sono le 21, abbiamo fatto tanti km su bellissime strade ma a velocità molto ridotta, sotto un sole cocente. Ci arrendiamo davanti all'Otel Zeysa, una pensione familiare, semplice ma pulita ed economica, frequentata da giovani turchi. (Otel Zeysa, Ada Karsisi, tel. 00 90 (324) 851 20 51, fax. 00 90 (324) 851 25 05; 18 euro la camera doppia compresa la cena). Decimo giorno: Bozayazi - Side (km 210 circa) didascalia Riprendiamo la strada costiera che ci regala continui paesaggi da cartolina: a tratti siamo a pochi metri dal mare, a tratti entriamo nel bosco e ne usciamo in un favoloso scorcio, sembra un quadro appena dipinto... e noi siamo nel quadro. Oggi non vogliamo fare molta strada: scrutiamo alla ricerca di un posto gradevole dove fermarci: preferiamo le piccole pensioni agli enormi albergoni e villaggi. Superiamo Alanya, simpatica ed animata località, transitiamo per paesi dove sono presenti in modo massiccio grandissime serre nelle quali crescono rigogliose piante cariche di banane. Arriviamo a Side. Side è un concentrato dei pregi e dei difetti offerti dalla Turchia: una bella spiaggia, rovine greco-romane sparse per l'abitato, pensioni e ristoranti in gran numero, una bella atmosfera, ma anche orde di turisti (in prevalenza scandinavi e tedeschi) che, specialmente di sera, abbandonano i grandi villaggi turistici posti alle due estremità del paese, per invadere le strade del centro storico. Abbiamo alloggiato ottimamente alla pensione Sevil in una zona tranquilla e vicina al mare, a sinistra della strada centrale, girando dopo la piccola moschea (20 euro la camera doppia). Undicesimo-dodicesimo giorno: Side La bella spiaggia di sabbia fine di Side è raggiungibile in 2 minuti di passeggiata attraverso le rovine della zona est. Ci divertiamo a sguazzare nelle onde di questo limpidissimo mare turchese. Trascorriamo due piacevoli giornate di sole in questo bellissimo paese.Side è un concentrato dei pregi e dei difetti offerti dalla Turchia: una bella spiaggia, rovine greco-romane sparse per l'abitato, pensioni e ristoranti in gran numero, una bella atmosfera, ma anche orde di turisti (in prevalenza scandinavi e tedeschi) che, specialmente di sera, abbandonano i grandi villaggi turistici posti alle due estremità del paese per invadere le strade del centro storico. Tredicesimo giorno: Side - Oludeniz (km 390 circa) didascalia Decidiamo di spostarci verso ovest anche per avvicinarci lentamente a Cesme, ultima tappa del viaggio.Superiamo senza fermarci Antalya, rinomata ed affollata (grazie al vicino aeroporto) località della zona. Superato un rilievo ci si apre davanti uno spettacolo: un promontorio di terra che si spinge verso il mare creando due baie con un paese al centro, incastonato come una pietra preziosa. Siamo a Kas, ci fermiamo per il pranzo nei pressi dell'evidentemente troppo piccola moschea che non riesce a contenere tutti i fedeli riuniti per la preghiera del venerdì: pregano infatti rivolti alla Mecca, all'esterno. Kas ci appare come una tranquilla località dove il turismo non è la principale fonte di reddito anche se sono presenti diverse strutture ricettive e parecchi negozi e ristoranti. La strada scorrevole ci permette di viaggiare veloci, forse anche troppo.... il radar della polizia è in agguato nascosto nel bosco. Poco dopo siamo fermati dalla pattuglia: siamo in torto: 107 km orari, il limite è di 70 km, 180 milioni di lire turche (circa 90 €) la multa che paghiamo. Alle 16 siamo arriviamo a Fethye. Da qui si stacca la strada che ci porta alla famosissima spiaggia di Oludeniz. La foto di questa spiaggia è presente su tutti i depliant turistici della Turchia ed, effettivamente, il posto è paesaggisticamente molto bello, una bianca lingua arcuata di sabbia (sassolini) si protrae nel mare aperto creando una baia di rara bellezza. Giriamo velocemente per il posto che ci appare subito poco turco, ma costruito a misura di turista: bar, ristoranti, negozi e boutiques si susseguono ininterrottamente. Ciononostante decidiamo di fermarci. Visitiamo vari alberghi, molto belli da fuori, non altrettanto possiamo dire delle camere: conviene sempre valutare attentamente prima di fermarsi. Torniamo indietro fino alla fine del paese e troviamo un'ottima sistemazione all'Hotel Arlik, abbarbicato alla montagna, con una bellissima vista sul mare (Arlik hotel, Oludeniz, fethiye, 25 euro la camera doppia). Inizialmente ci era stata proposta una stanza che abbiamo rifiutato, al che il gestore ha riparato su di un'altra, di tutt'altro aspetto, nella parte da poco aggiunta all'albergo (fatevi mostrare più di una sistemazione e poi decidete!). Quattordicesimo giorno: Oludeniz - Selcuk (km 315 circa) Proseguiamo nell'avvicinamento a Cesme mentre si riducono i giorni a nostra disposizione.... Rinunciamo a visitare le zone di Marmaris e Bodrum: sarà per la prossima volta. Ci rimettiamo in marcia diretti alle rovine di Efeso. Sotto un sole cocente ( il termometro sfiora i 40 ° C.) arriviamo al passo di Sakar a 650 m dal quale godiamo di una bellissima vista sulla baia di Gokova. Superiamo Mugla e Cine, nei pressi di Ovaymiri; inizia l'autostrada, ma decidiamo di percorrere la statale, alle sei arriviamo a Selcuk che scegliamo come luogo di sosta. Molto gradevole l'Hotel Bella proprio di fronte alla basilica di S.Giovanni (Hotel Bella, Ataturk Mah. St. John Street No.7 ; 18 € la camera doppia). Ci rilassiamo, in attesa della cena, sulla terrazza panoramica dotata di una bella biblioteca con molte guide turistiche ed ottimi libri sulla Turchia, pc con accesso gratuito ad internet e... vista sul nido che le cicogne hanno edificato alla sommità di un palo telefonico. Quindicesimo giorno: Selcuk - Efeso - Cesme (km 210 circa) didascalia Visitiamo in mattinata il sito di Efeso (3 min. in moto/auto oppure una mezz'oretta di passeggiata su percorso pedonale ben tenuto e segnalato a fianco della strada). Delle mille città antiche che si trovano in Turchia, Efeso è sicuramente la meglio conservata. Abitata già dall'antichita', nel 129 la citta'divenne capoluogo della provincia romana di "Asia" . Furono numerosi gli imperatori che vi costruirono monumenti ed edifici pubblici, molti dei quali sono, seppur in rovina, ancora visibili. Iniziamo la nostra visita partendo dall'ingresso superiore. Vediamo l'odeon, templi e portali. Camminiamo sulla Via Arcadica, lastricata di marmo, passiamo davanti al possente tempio di Adriano, una serie di fontane, piscine, bordelli, biblioteche, bagni pubblici, la biblioteca di Celso, manufatto restaurato e riportato agli antichi splendori; arriviamo al grande teatro per scendere dolcemente verso l'estremità orientale dove concludiamo la visita. Pur non essendo particolarmente attratti dai siti archeologici lasciamo quest'antica città molto soddisfatti. Ci attende il trasferimento a Cesme... Riprendiamo il viaggio e, non amando viaggiare in autostrada, scegliamo la via normale; purtroppo la strada attraversa tutta la città di Izmir e quindi perdiamo parecchio tempo. Arriviamo a Cesme verso le 18. Visitiamo e scartiamo alcuni alberghi per fermarci all'Hotel Mert, 2 km dal centro (Mert Hotel, Adnan Menderes Bulvari 36, cevre Yolu, Cesme; unico hotel del viaggio con piscina a 30 €la camera doppia). Sedicesimo giorno: Cesme Cesme si rivela una sorpresa: un vivace e vitale luogo di villeggiatura con negozi, ristoranti ecc. Passiamo l'ultima giornata di mare sulla bella spiaggia di Altinkum, a poca distanza dalla cittadina.In moto o auto ci si impiega una decina di minuti e sulla strada si trovano parecchi ristoranti, a prezzi modici (18 € pranzo di pesce per 2 persone). Diciassettesimo giorno: Cesme - Chios (traghetto) didascalia Inizia oggi il viaggio di rientro. Alle 9 ci imbarchiamo: il battello è veramente piccolo, scomodo ed affollato, sicuramente non all'altezza del prezzo pagato per il biglietto (100 euro per moto + due persone. Dopo 1 ora di traversata, con mare mosso e vento al traverso arriviamo all'isola greca di Chios. Le formalità doganali ci impegnano 1 buona ora, ma non abbiamo fretta, il prossimo traghetto per il Pireo (Atene) parte alle 22. Bighelloniamo sull'isola. Alle 21 entra in porto la grande nave che sarà il nostro passaggio verso la Grecia. La nave parte in orario alle 22: ci sistemiamo sulle quasi comode poltrone per affrontare la notte (costo del biglietto35 € a persona e 38 € a moto per entrambe le tratte. Totale 142 €. Ci sono collegamenti diretti Cesme - Ancona solo il giovedì, 55 ore di nave, partenza alle 22.30 di giovedì e arrivo ad Ancona sabato alle 18.00; costa 265 € a persona + tasse d'imbarco). Diciottesimo giorno: Chios - Pireo (traghetto) - Patrasso (km 230) Sbarchiamo alle 8 al Pireo, impieghiamo parecchio tempo per uscire dal porto ed imboccare la strada per Patrasso, una superstrada pericolosa per le molte curve e dossi per cui conviene moderare la velocità, molte pattuglie della polizia in agguato. Ci accorgiamo di essere giunti a Patrasso quando vediamo il grande ponte sospeso Harilaos Trikoupi che da Rio ad Antirio unisce il Peloponneso alla Grecia continentale. Alle 18 partiamo a bordo del traghetto Europa Palace della Minoan Lines (118 € a persona in cabina da 4 + 33 € a moto). Diciannovesmo giorno: Ancona - Cavalese (km 500 circa) Arriviamo ad Ancona alle 14 dopo una piacevole navigazione: quest'anno abbiamo viaggiato in cabina ed il confort vale il prezzo del biglietto. Da Ancona a Cavalese impieghiamo 5 ore percorrendo gli ultimi 500 km. Il viaggio è terminato! L’intero viaggio è stato stupendo e le meraviglie della natura non finiranno mai di stupirci. Possiamo dirvi che la Turchia ci è rimasta nel cuore!...ma non fatevela raccontare dagli altri.... andate a scoprirla! Note Non abbiamo mai avuto la sensazione che le nostre moto potessero essere oggetto di furto; in ogni caso, sempre meglio posteggiare in luoghi frequentati ed usare un buon sistema di blocco della moto (catena, bloccadisco). Nessun problema al passaggio delle frontiere, tutto si è risolto in tempi ragionevoli. Serbia: abbiamo viaggiato solo in autostrada; siamo stati fermati dalla Polizia, ma dopo mezz'ora di discussioni/trattative siamo ripartiti indenni. Bulgaria: la segnaletica stradale è scritta in caratteri cirillici, solo sulle autostrade e sulle strade nazionali più importanti vi sono segnalazioni scritte in caratteri latini e solo per le località più importanti. Le strade secondarie hanno scarsa manutenzione e risultano quindi molto sconnesse e con pericolose buche nel manto stradale. Moderne aree di servizio presenti lungo tutto il percorso. Siamo stati fermati dalla polizia (sorpasso in divieto e velocità), ma ci hanno congedati amichevolmente. Turchia: la benzina costa circa come in Italia, se non di più . Solo sul tratto autostradale dal confine bulgaro (Edirne) verso Istanbul non abbiamo trovato distributori, . per il resto nessun problema di rifornimento. Officine e gommisti (lastik) sono presenti lungo tutto il percorso fatto, noi non ne abbiamo avuto bisogno. Le strade sono abbastanza buone, ottime le autostrade, scorrevoli e con poco traffico; sulle secondarie l'asfalto non sempre è in ottime condizioni, ma non crea problemi. Consiglio di viaggiare sempre prudentemente, i frequenti ed improvvisi lavori stradali sono a malapena segnalati e non è raro trovare catrame e ghiaia sparsa sulla strada specialmente a lato della carreggiata. Sconsiglio di guidare la notte, pericolo pedoni !!! La polizia è poco presente. |
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turchia Cronologia/Autori: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turchia&action=history TurchiaDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
La Repubblica di Turchia (in Turco Türkiye Cumhuriyeti) è uno stato il cui territorio comprende l'estrema parte orientale della Tracia, in Europa, e la penisola dell'Anatolia, cinta a sud dal Mar Mediterraneo, ad ovest dal Mar Egeo, a nord-ovest dal Mar di Marmara ed a nord dal Mar Nero, tradizionalmente considerata la propaggine più occidentale del continente asiatico. La Turchia confina a nord-ovest con la Grecia e la Bulgaria, a nord-est con la Georgia, ad est con l'Armenia, l'Azerbaijan e l'Iran, a sud-est con l'Iraq ed a sud con la Siria. La Turchia si estende su una superficie di 780.580 km², e nell'ultimo censimento (2002) è risultata avere 67.308.928 abitanti, professanti perlopiù la religione musulmana; sono presenti piccole minoranze cristiane (soprattutto ortodosse, ma anche cattoliche) ed ebraiche, mentre poco diffuso è l'ateismo. La capitale è Ankara, una delle tre grandi città turche insieme a Smirne (in turco İzmir), ed ad Istanbul; quest'ultima è la più grande metropoli del paese, nonché maggior centro industriale e commerciale. Lingua ufficiale è il turco, ma sono presenti moltissime minoranze linguistiche. La moneta ufficiale è la lira turca. Il presidente della Repubblica Turca è attualmente Ahmet Necdet Sezer, mentre il primo ministro in carica è Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
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GeografiaLa Turchia è due volte e mezzo più estesa dell'Italia, una penisola circondata dal Mar Nero a nord, dal Mar Mediterraneo a sud e dal mare Egeo a ovest. A nord-ovest invece si trova il Mar di Marmara. Il territorio asiatico confina con la Georgia, l'Armenia, la Repubblica Autonoma di Nakhcevan, l'Iran, l'Irak e la Siria. La parte europea del paese, confina con la Grecia e con la Bulgaria. La Turchia è occupata da un maestoso fascio di catene montuose che vanno da est ad ovest: i monti Pontici ((Karadeniz Sıradağları) e i monti del Tauro. La massima elevazione è raggiunta dal monte Ararat (5165 m s.l.m.); altre montagne sono l'Elmadag, il Karabuk e il Bozdaglar. La catena montuosa dell'Abant Daglari (altitudine massima 1.794 m) si trova nella parte settentrionale del paese. Tra le vette del paese va annoverato anche il vulcano Erciyas Dag, oramai spento. I fiumi più importanti sono il Tigri e l'Eufrate, a cui si aggiungono il Meriç, l'Ergene e il Gediz. Il territorio si suddivide in tre diverse zone climatiche: sulla costa delMar Mediterraneo si hanno estati molto calde e inverni miti, sulle montagne del Tauro il clima è più umido, mentre il resto del paese ha un clima più caldo e secco.
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Storia
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Età antica e MedioevoLa Penisola Anatolica è stata la culla di una moltitudine di civiltà e di organizzazioni statali durante tutto il corso della storia dell'umanità. Tra le varie civiltà che vi si svilupparono nell'antichità, ricordiamo gli Ittiti, i Frigi, i Traci, i Lidii, gli Armeni e gli Elleni. Incorporata negli Imperi Persiano, Macedone, Romano e Bizantino, l'Anatolia ne seguì le vicessitudini, finché non fu invasa da tribù di etnia Turka a partire dall'XI secolo, a seguito della vittoria sull'esercito Bizantino ottenuta nella battaglia di Manzicerta dal condottiero Alp Arslan. I coloni Turchi furono presto unificati sotto il vessillo della tribù dei Turchi Selgiuchidi, i quali fondarono una fiorente e potente organizzazione statale, distrutta però nel corso delle grandi invasioni Mongole.
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La conquista ottomanaNel corso del XIV e del XV secolo un'altra tribù Turca, quella degli Ottomani, riuscì ad ottenere nuovamente la preminenza in Anatolia, riuscendo ad imporre la sua egemonia non soltanto in Anatolia, ma anche in Grecia ed in buona parte della Penisola Balcanica, espansione coronata dalla conquista di Costantinopoli da parte del sultano Mehmet il Conquistatore (in Turco Fatih Mehmet). Sotto i suoi successori l'Impero Ottomano continuò una politica di espansione che lo portò ad essere alla metà del XVI secolo, durante il regno del sultano Solimano il Magnifico, la prima potenza militare ed economica dell'Europa e del bacino del Mediterraneo. Con Mehmet III (1566 - 1603) l'impero ricevette i primi insuccessi.
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Fine dell'Impero e nascita della RepubblicaImmagine satellitare della Turchia Iniziò però a questo punto una decadenza politica e militare dell'Impero Ottomano, etichettato ad un certo punto come Il malato d'Europa, che culminò al termine della Prima Guerra Mondiale con la sua dissoluzione, e la spartizione delle residue province da parte delle potenze vincitrici. In questo periodo venne portato a termine ilGenocidio Armeno che determinò la scomparsa della minoranza Armena dall'Anatolia (diverse fonti concordano sul fatto che soltanto tra l'etnia Armena vi sarebbero state 1 milione e mezzo di vittime, sebbene ciò sia negato decisamente dagli storiografi turchi). In questo contesto emerse la figura di Mustafa Kemal, un ufficiale del disciolto esercito Ottomano, eroe di guerra per il ruolo avuto nella battaglia di Gallipoli, che riuscì a coagulare attorno a sé un esercito di resistenza che con una serie di vittorie liberò la Penisola Anatolica dagli eserciti delle potenze occupanti. La Repubblica Turca fu quindi fondata nel 1923, e Mustafa Kemal ne divenne il primo Presidente, carica che mantenne fino alla morte; sotto la sua guida ed i dettami della sua dottrina, il cosiddetto Kemalismo, la Turchia venne trasformata in uno stato moderno e secolare, sullo stampo delle democrazie occidentali. Tra le varie riforme effettuate da Mustafa Kemal sicuramente la più importante è quella linguistica(riforma lingistica turca), mediante la quale la lingua turca fu epurta dai prestiti arabi e persiani per introdurvi parole di origine turca o di nuova formazione. Importante fu inoltre l'adozione di una variante leggermente modificata dell'alfabeto Latino ,più adatto alla lingua turca che, presentando otto vocali, mal si prestava ad essere scritta tramite l'alfabeto arabo. Durante la presidenza di Kemal venne inoltre imposto l'uso del cognome in sostituzione all'uso orientale del patronimico (per l'occasione il parlamento Turco onorò Mustafa Kemal con il cognome Atatürk, in Turco Padre dei Turchi), il suffragio universale esteso anche alle donne (che in molti paesi europei non godevano ancora di questo diritto). Mustafa Kemal inoltre, per modificare l'immagine del poprio paese, invitò il popolo a vestire abiti occidentali, tuttavia non ne proibì l'uso, fatta eccezione che per il fez, tipico copricapo turco che aveva sostituito il turbante nel XIX secolo.
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Dalla seconda metà del XX secolo ad oggiLa Turchia divenne un membro della NATO nel 1952, ed è stato sin dall'inizio uno dei paesi cardine dell'alleanza, con un esercito convenzionale secondo tra i paesi membri soltanto a quello degli USA. L'esercito Turco ha giocato un ruolo centrale nella storia moderna della Turchia, assurgendo a custode ultimo dei principi di laicità ed occidentalità, a volte arrivando addirittura ad interrompere la dinamica parlamentare con una serie di 4 colpi di stato seguiti da brevi governi militari volti a ristabilire i principi del Kemalismo, l'ultimo dei quali avvenne nel 1980. Negli ultimi anni l'esercito Turco ha evitato il ricorso ai colpi di stato, e però non ha mai rinunciato al suo ruolo di custode della Repubblica, come nel cosiddetto colpo di stato post moderno con cui alla fine degli anni '90 del XX secolo venne disciolto il partito dei fondamentalisti islamici allora al governo. Gli ultimi governi della Turchia (paese membro del Consiglio d'Europa, paese associato alla Comunità Economica Europea dal 1963 e successivamente all'Unione Europea, con cui è in unione dogale dal 1996) stanno cercando di riformare ulteriormente lo stato nel tentativo di fare ammettere il paese nell'Unione Europea, a cui è ufficialmente paese candidato dal Consiglio Europeo di Helsinki del 1999. Nel 2005 sono iniziati ufficialmente i negoziati per l'entrata nell'Unione Europea. Tra i vari nodi da risolvere, oltre che l'adozione dell'acquis comunitario, la questione del coinvolgimento Turco a Cipro, la cui parte settentrionale, sede di una minoranza di etnia Turca, fu invasa dall'esercito Turco all'inizio degli anni '70 del XX secolo, la questione delle minoranze Curde, sfociata negli ultimi 20 anni del XX secolo in un'aperta ribellione nelle province dell'Anatolia sud-orientale, le differenze culturali con l'Europa che, seppur mitigate dalla politica di Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, sono ancora evidenti ed infine la questione del riconoscimento delle responsabilità storiche dell'Impero Ottomano nel Genocidio Armeno, che il governo turco non vuole ammettere anche per evitare di dovere rifondere i danni all'attuale repubblica armena.
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Province
La Turchia è divisa in 81 province (in Turco iller, al singolare il); il numero viene utilizzato anche nelle targhe.
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Lingua
La lingua ufficiale è il Turco, usato perlopiù nella forma standard stabilita negli anni '30 del XX secolo nel corso della riforma linguistica della lingua turca e le forme dialettali da questa derivate; più rare, ma ancora presenti e variamente comprese, le varianti dialettali dell'Ottomano.
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Altre lingueTra le altre lingue parlate, al giorno d'oggi sempre più come seconde lingue, tra le svariate minoranze presenti nella popolazione Turca, ricordiamo l'Albanese, l'Arabo, l'Armeno, l'Avaro, l'Azero, il Bosniaco, il Circasso, il Cosacco, il Curdo, il Daghestano, l'Estone, il Georgiano, il Greco, l'Ispano-giudeo, il Kazaco, il Kirghiso, il Laz, il Macedone, il Polacco, il Russo, il Tedesco, il Tartaro, il Turkmeno, il Turoyo (un dialetto della lingua aramaica), l'Uzbeko e lo Zazaki. Il greco pontico nell'area di Trebisonda (pontos, abbreviazione di pontos euxeinos, indica il Mar Nero in greco). Una versione moderna dell'aramaico è parlata in alcuni villaggi della Turchia centrale e meridionale; un dialetto arabo è diffuso a sud-ovest del Lago Van. Del gruppo delle lingue caucasiche del sud, il laz e il georgiano sono ampiamente usate nel nord-est della Turchia come il circasso in alcuni villaggi geograficamente dispersi. Inoltre nel sud-est il kirmanch e il zazaki sono parlati come dialetti del (curdo) sebbene siano due dialetti significativamente differenti e spesso considerate due lingue diverse. In aggiunta sono parlati da piccoli gruppi altre lingue del ceppo turco. Una piccola minoranza ebrea di Istanbul parla ladino o giudeo-ispanico, e discende direttamente dagli ebrei fuggiti dalla Spagna nel 1492 che trovarono rifugio nella zona di Istanbul. Il professor Einar Haugen (1906-1994) della Norvegia ha studiato l'ekte gudbrandsdalmål - un dialetto parlato nella regione norvegese del Gudbrandsdalen - tra i Norvegesi immigrati nello Iowa, trovando tracce di reminescenze del cretico e degli antichi dialetti spagnoli della Turchia, rendendo la zona estrememente interessante per le ricerche sul linguaggio e sull'antropologia.
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PoliticaLa Turchia è una repubblica parlamentare sin dalla sua fondazione, avvenuta nel 1923, ed è stato uno dei primi paesi a concedere ai suoi cittadini il suffragio elettorale universale. L'attuale sistema legislativo unicamerale è entrato in vigore con la costituzione del 1982, che ha assegnato l'esclusiva del potere legislativo alla Grande Assemblea Nazionale Turca (in Turco Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi, il cui acronimo è TBMM), composta da 550 deputati eletti ogni 5 anni con un sistema proporzionale corretto da uno sbarramento del 10%. Il potere legislativo della TBMM, dalla cui maggioranza viene eletto il primo ministro (in Turco Başbakan), viene controbilanciato da quello del Presidente della Repubblica (in Turco Cumhurbaşkanı), il quale, eletto ogni 7 anni, ha ampi poteri di controllo e supervisione sia dell'esecutivo che del corpo legislativo. Negli ultimi anni la struttura politica e legislativa della Repubblica Turca è stata oggetto di riforme e ristrutturazioni, nell'intento di centrare gli obiettivi richiesti dall'Unione Europea nel quadro della strategia di preadesione.
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CulturaDervisci piroettanti.
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ReligioniMusulmani sunniti 98%, cristiani 1%, atei e agnostici 1%.
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Festività
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Voci correlate
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Collegamenti esterni
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www.imondonauti.it Guida alla TURCHIA Bandiera Turchia Testi e foto a cura di Flavia Daneo Cappadocia: i camini delle fate Magica Cappadocia: i camini delle fate L'antica Asia Minore ha da sempre attirato l'uomo occidentale vuoi per il fascino esercitato da una terra che fu culla di civiltà vuoi per la seduzione molto più terrena che sprigionavano le sue sensualissime odalische. L'altra faccia del fascino è stata - per secoli - il terrore per le imprese di un popolo capace di arrivare alle porte di Vienna facendo tremare l'Occidente e trasponendo nell'immaginario collettivo il grido di "mamma li Turchi". Queste contraddizioni rendono ancor oggi affascinante un viaggio nelle molteplici anime della Turchia, un Paese capace di sorprendere il viaggiatore straniero con la calda ospitalità e gentilezza della sua gente, con la bellezza incontaminata dei suoi paesaggi, con la capacità di offrire molto spendendo davvero poco. Geografia e territorio Mappa Turchia Click per ingrandire La Turchia confina a N con la Grecia, la Bulgaria e il Mar Nero, a E con la Georgia , l'Armenia e l'Iran, a S con l'Iraq , la Siria e il Mar Mediterraneo che a O prende il nome di Mar Egeo. Con una superficie di 780.580 kmq, la Turchia è grande circa il doppio dell'Italia: il 3% del suo territorio si trova nel continente europeo (Tracia orientale) mentre l'Anatolia appartiene all'Asia. Fatta eccezione per una piccola zona del tavoliere arabico a sud-est il Paese appartiene alla zona delle catene montuose eurasiatiche: i monti Pontici a nord e il Tauro a sud che si prolunga nei rilievi dell'Antitauro; la cima più elevata del Paese è l'Ararat (5165 m), di biblica memoria. I monti del Tauro degradano più dolcemente dei monti Pontici permettendo la formazione di due pianure, quella più ampia di Adana e quella più stretta di Antalya. L'uniforme andamento delle coste settentrionali e meridionali contrasta con la molteplicità delle frastagliature della costa occidentale. L'aridità dell'interno e la struttura ad altopiano, chiuso da catene montuose, fanno sì che la Turchia abbia una rete idrografica di scarso rilievo. Tra i monti del Tauro orientale sgorgano le sorgenti del Tigri e dell'Eufrate che scorrono in terra turca rispettivamente per 1950 e 2760 km. Popolazione Donna turca Mercante a Perge, Turchia meridionale, zona di Antalya I Turchi, di origine centro asiatica, costituiscono circa il 90% della popolazione della Turchia. La più grande minoranza è rappresentata dai Curdi, in via di costante aumento demografico a causa dell'alto tasso di natalità, stanziati soprattutto nelle zone sud-orientali del Paese mentre lungo la zona di confine con la Siria abitano gruppi di Arabi (1-2%). Fino alla prima guerra mondiale risiedevano in Turchia forti minoranze di Armeni e di Greci ma dei primi, dopo il loro sterminio, ne restano circa 40.000 mentre i greci turchi furono scambiati con turchi abitanti in Grecia; i circa 10.000 greci rimasti oggi vivono soprattutto a Istanbul. Poche migliaia di individui contano anche le minoranze dei Lasi, Circassi, Georgiani e Bulgari islamici. Clima Lungo le coste turche il clima è tipicamente mediterraneo con estati calde e inverni miti. La stagione calda è decisamente secca mentre le precipitazioni sono abbondanti durante i mesi invernali; le temperature estive si aggirano sui 30° C. superando anche i 35° C. nelle zone riparate dal vento. L'Anatolia ha un clima continentale e semidesertico con estati calde ed inverni freddi. Di sera, anche in estate, la temperatura si abbassa perché si rimane sempre a un'altitudine di quasi 1000 m; la primavera porta invece le piogge. La costa del Mar Nero è la zona più mite e piovosa della Turchia il che significa alta umidità dell'aria e un'afa tropicale in estate; rare le nevicate invernali. A Istanbul infine, la temperatura non raggiunge punte molto elevate nemmeno in estate. Ora I turisti italiani devono mettere avanti di 1 h. l'orologio al momento del loro arrivo in Turchia (quando in Italia sono le 12 in Turchia sono le 13). Stessa differenza quando in Italia è in vigore l'ora legale, adottata anche in Turchia. Lingua Lingua ufficiale del Paese è il turco, appartenente al gruppo uralo-altaico. Con la riforma voluta da Ataturk, molte parole persiane e arabe furono eliminate dalla lingua e sostituite da nuovi vocaboli turchi mentre l'alfabeto latino sostituì nella scrittura la vecchia grafia araba. Nelle località turistiche sono estremamente diffusi l'inglese e il tedesco ma anche parlando italiano spesso non ci sono problemi. Religione Ufficialmente la Turchia è uno Stato laico ma il 98% della popolazione è composto da musulmani di credo sunnita. Il restante 2% comprende piccoli gruppi di sciiti delle regioni orientali del Paese, comunità di ebrei sefarditi, greci e armeno-ortodossi, cattolici di rito bizantino e armeni protestanti. Storia Istanbul, S. Sofia, mosaico del timpano Istanbul, S. Sofia, mosaico del timpano: Maria tra Costantino e Giustiniano Tra il 6250 e il 5400 a.C. in Anatolia viene fondata Catal Hoyuk, una delle più antiche città del mondo. Con il regno degli ittiti (1850-1200 a.C.) la Turchia entra per la prima volta nella storia mentre, verso il 1250 a.C., gli achei attaccano i principati della costa egea e inizia la guerra di Troia. Nei secoli successivi l'Anatolia diventa un grande crogiolo di razze: frigi e cimmeri, mesi e lidi, greci e carii, urartei e persiani; con Alessandro Magno la regione rientra nella sfera culturale greco-ellenistica. Ereditando il regno di Pergamo, Roma pone piede in Asia nel 133 a.C.: Efeso ne diventa il capoluogo mentre Antiochia, Cesarea e Pergamo sono metropoli potenti e famose in tutto il mondo di allora. L'impero bizantino dura più di mille anni (330-1453 d.C.) e Costantinopoli diventa una città ricca e potente. Nel VII sec. gli Arabi attaccano per la prima volta Costantinopoli, poi compaiono i Turchi selgiuchidi mentre nel 1301 Osman I fonda l'Impero Ottomano che, nel 1453, conquisterà Costantinopoli e poi, via via, la Siria, L'Egitto, i Balcani, l'Iraq, l'Ungheria e il Mar Mediterraneo diventando uno degli imperi più vasti di tutti i tempi estendendosi dalla Russia all'Algeria. L'Impero Ottomano durerà 5 secoli e subirà la sconfitta definitiva con la I Guerra mondiale. Nel 1919 scoppia la Guerra d'indipendenza guidata dal generale Mustafa Kemal che, nel 1923, proclama la Repubblica con capitale Ankara. Kemal, che il Parlamento chiamerà Ataturk (padre dei turchi) occidentalizza il Paese: abolisce la poligamia, dà il diritto di voto alle donne, abolisce l'Islam quale religione di stato, introduce l'uso dell'alfabeto latino. In seguito la democrazia sarà minacciata da un paio di colpi di stato nel 1960 e nel 1971. Nel 1991 la Turchia partecipa alla Guerra del Golfo mentre nel 1993 sale al potere Tansu Ciller. Alla fine del 1995 le nuove elezioni vedono la vittoria del partito islamico Refah e del suo leader Erbakan che verrà sostituito, nel 1997, da un governo di coalizione di centro-sinistra guidato da Yilmaz e, nel 1999, da un nuovo governo riaffidato a Ecevit mentre a peggiorare una situazione già fortemente instabile, si inserisce il problema curdo (Ocalan). Costituzione Dal 1923 la Turchia è una Repubblica che la Costituzione del 1961 definisce "nazionale, democratica, laica e sociale". Tre anni dopo il colpo di stato incruento del 1980 i cittadini turchi furono chiamati alle urne per eleggere i membri della Grande Assemblea Nazionale che detiene il potere legislativo e che è composta dall'Assemblea Nazionale e dal Senato. La Grande Assemblea elegge il Presidente che resta in carica 7 anni e non può essere rieletto. Il potere esecutivo è in mano al Presidente della Repubblica e al Consiglio dei Ministri. Amministrativamente la Turchia è divisa in 67 zone con a capo altrettanti governatori. Oggi il Paese è retto da un sistema politico pluripartitico ispirato a concezioni democratiche. Situazione politica Il teatro di Aspendos Il teatro di Aspendos La Repubblica turca fondata nel 1923 da Kemal Ataturk vede minacciata la propria democrazia dai colpi di stato del 1960 e del 1971. Due anni più tardi Bulent Ecevit ordina alle truppe turche di invadere la parte settentrionale di Cipro. Nel 1983, dopo tre anni di governo dei militari, la vittoria del Partito della Patria porta al governo Torgut Ozal che avvia la Turchia verso una forte crescita economica e sociale facendola al contempo uscire dall'isolamento politico. Nel 1991 la Turchia partecipa alla Guerra del Golfo contro l'Iraq. Morto Ozal nel 1993 sale al potere l'energica Tansu Ciller mentre il Paese chiede di entrare nell'Unione Europea. Alla fine del 1995 le nuove elezioni vedono la vittoria del partito islamico Refah e del suo leader Erbakan che mettono a dura prova il tradizionale laicismo e occidentalismo turco. Nel 1997 Erbakan è costretto alle dimissioni e il suo partito viene sciolto consentendo la formazione di un governo di coalizione retto da Mesut Yilmaz. Nel 1999 il nuovo governo del Paese viene riaffidato a Ecevit mentre a peggiorare una situazione già fortemente instabile concorre il problema curdo e il processo contro il leader curdo A. Ocalan. A seguito poi del disastroso terremoto che ha colpito la Turchia nell'estate-autunno 1999, si è sviluppato in tutto il Paese una forte presa di posizione contro la corruzione politica, l'esercito e il governo che non hanno saputo gestire in maniera adeguata l'emergenza. Attualmente la Turchia si trova al centro di una grave tempesta finanziaria scatenata dai contrasti tra il presidente Sezer e il premier Ecevit, emergenza che ha aperto crepe nel governo turco. Economia Antalya, lavorazione di tappeti Antalya, lavorazione di tappeti Se fino a 20 anni fa la Turchia era un paese rurale, oggi ha varcato la soglia dell'industrializzazione anche se continua ad avere un grande bisogno di investimenti per modernizzare e ampliare le infrastrutture. Lo Stato, onnipresente, controlla settori chiave come quelli dell'industria pesante, tessile, petrolchimica, siderurgica e metalmeccanica. Sono in continuo aumento le fabbriche per il montaggio delle auto, la costruzione di macchine utensili e il settore della trasformazione. Più della metà della popolazione attiva è tuttora impegnata nell'agricoltura; particolarmente sviluppata sono le coltivazioni del grano, patate, legumi, cotone, frutta, olive, semi di girasole, tabacco e barbabietole da zucchero. Pecore, bovini e capre pascolano sui vasti altopiani dell'Anatolia; i montoni da lana si allevano per la fabbricazione dei tappeti. Un costante e progressivo incremento continua ad avere l'industria turistica alla quale si dedicano molte risorse. Lo sfruttamento di materia prime (carbone, lignite, rame, bauxite, boro, cromo), di cui il Paese è ricchissimo, viene portato avanti con lentezza. Complessivamente si può dire che le importazioni superano ancora decisamente le esportazioni, divario questo in parte coperto dalle rimesse effettuate dai lavoratori turchi all'estero. Il deficit della bilancia commerciale e l'altissimo tasso di inflazione, pur in miglioramento, non hanno pertanto ancora permesso alla Turchia di costruire un'economia sana e di porsi alla pari con gli altri paesi occidentali che di fatto hanno congelato la sua ammissione all'Unione Europea temendo di doverla sostenere finanziariamente e di dover aprire le porte a masse di immigrati. Festival e tradizioni popolari Cappadocia, la valle di Urgup Cappadocia, la valle di Urgup Festività nazionali sono il 1° gennaio, il 23 aprile (Giorno dell'Indipendenza), l'1, il 19 e il 27 maggio, il 30 agosto, il 29 ottobre (Festa della Repubblica), il 10 novembre (Anniversario della morte di Ataturk; non è una festività fissata per legge). Vengono osservate tutte le festività islamiche quali il Capodanno, la vigilia e la fine del Ramadam, la Festa del Sacrificio che è la festa più importante dell'Islam paragonabile al nostro Natale e il Giorno della nascita del profeta Maometto. Esse seguono il calendario lunare islamico il che significa che cadono ogni anno in momenti diversi. Feste di vario tipo vengono organizzate in tutti i villaggi del paese e in ogni periodo dell'anno. Tra le più famose ricordiamo: la Lotta dei cammelli a Selcuk (15-16 gennaio), la festa del Mesir, un dolce alle spezie, che si tiene a Manisa (21-24 marzo), il Festival della musica e del folklore a Silifke (20-26 maggio; la più autentica tra le molte manifestazioni simili), la Festa di Pamukkale a Denizli (25-27 maggio), il Festival della musica, del folklore e degli sport acquatici a Foca (24-27 giugno), il Torneo di lotta orientale di Kirpinar a Edirne (1-7 luglio), il Festival internazionale della danza popolare a Samsun (1-31 luglio), la Festa di Ihlara ad Aksaray (2-6 luglio), la Festa di Nasreddin Hoca ad Aksehir (5-10 luglio), il Festival di Troia con concerti e danze popolari a Canakkale (10-14 agosto), il Festival ittita a Corum (17-22 settembre), la Festa di San Nicola a Demre (3-7 dicembre) e la Festa di Mevlana, con i dervisci danzanti a Konya (14-17 dicembre). Links www.turkey.org in lingua inglese; la sezione dedicata al turismo offre consigli utili e informazioni a carattere generale. www.turchia.it in lingua italiana; a cura dell'Ambasciata turca è ricco di notizie utili a chi intende recarsi nel Paese. www.infoexchange in lingua inglese; informazioni, consigli e aggiornamenti utili per programmare un viaggio in Turchia. Guide Turchia - Torino, Edt, 1999. Indispensabile a chi ama organizzare i propri viaggi. Turchia - (Le guide Routard) Milano, Touring, 1999. Adatta ai giovani e a coloro che si creano il viaggio giorno dopo giorno Turchia - (Guide del mondo) Milano, TCI,1999. Classica con approfondimenti dell'aspetto artistico. Turchia - (Nelles guides) Munchen, Nelles, 1994. Manuale aggiornato e pratico. Turchia - (De Agostini Baedeker) Novara, De Agostini, 1997. Con carta stradale allegata. Turchia - (I paesi) Milano, Clup, Marcarini-Romano, 1994. Ricca di notizie e di informazioni pratiche. Turchia - (Guide turistiche vivilmondo) Milano, Rizzoli, 1991. Notizie pratiche e curiosità in formato tascabile. Turchia - (Guide Apa) Modena, Zanfi, 1990. Oltre che guida libro di piacevole lettura. Turchia - (Meridiani) Rozzano, Domus, 1996. Spunti, suggerimenti ed approfondimenti sulla realtà turca. Turchia classica - Milano, Garzanti. Vallardi, 1992. Dedicate agli aspetto storico-artistici del Paese. PRIMA DEL VIAGGIO Burocrazia e sanità in cifre Visto Necessario Passaporto Necessario a coloro che non partecipano a un viaggio organizzato Febbre gialla Non necessaria Profilassi antimalarica Non necessaria Vaccino Epatite A ed antitifico Consigliati Vaccino Epatite B Consigliato Quando andare Vista sulla valle di Urgup Vista sulla valle di Urgup La data di partenza di un viaggio in Turchia dev'essere scelta in funzione delle località che si intendono visitare. A Istanbul primavera ed autunno sono le stagioni ideali anche se bisogna dire che, neppure durante l'estate, si raggiungono le temperature che invece si hanno in altre parti del Paese. Lungo le coste dell'Egeo e del Mediterraneo la stagione balneare va da aprile ad ottobre con temperature intorno ai 30° C e una temperatura dell'acqua che oscilla tra i 26° e i 28° C. Per le visite turistiche delle città lungo le coste i mesi di aprile, maggio, settembre ed ottobre sono da preferire in quanto la temperatura non supera i 20-25° C ; tra l'altro è bene ricordare che questi mesi sono quelli meno affollati e con i prezzi assai meno elevati. Le regioni centrali del Paese fanno preferire la primavera e l'estate che, se pur calda, non è mai torrida come invece avviene nelle pianure vicine al confine con la Siria. Lungo le coste del Mar Nero cade molta pioggia durante tutto l'anno ma sia in estate che in inverno la temperatura rimane accettabile. Per un viaggio nella Turchia orientale il periodo compreso tra metà maggio e inizio ottobre è senz'altro il migliore. Burocrazia e visti Per entrare in Turchia, ai cittadini italiani è sufficiente la carta d’identità. Il passaporto (con almeno 3 mesi di validità) è necessario a coloro che vi si recano per motivi diversi dal turismo e a coloro che vi si recano con mezzi propri (il solo proprietario di auto, moto, camper ecc.). Alla frontiera viene rilasciato un visto turistico che ha validità trimestrale e costa 10 euro. Telefono Per telefonare in Turchia dall'Italia bisogna comporre lo 0090 seguito dal prefisso della città senza lo 0 e dal numero dell'utente. Per telefonare dalla Turchia in Italia bisogna comporre il prefisso 0039 seguito dal numero dell'abbonato; per fare telefonate internazionali a carico del destinatario comporre il numero 115. Possono essere utilizzati esclusivamente i telefoni portatili della rete GSM. La riesportazione degli apparecchi telefonici viene verificata al momento della partenza. Vaccinazioni Efeso, particolare di un'arcata Efeso, particolare di un'arcata Nessuna vaccinazione viene richiesta al turista italiano per entrare nel Paese. Sono consigliate le vaccinazioni contro il tifo, l'epatite A e l'epatite B (6 milioni di portatori). Esiste un rischio malaria, esclusivamente nella forma benigna da P. vivax da marzo a fine novembre nelle regioni di Cukurova/Amikova e da metà marzo a metà ottobre nel sud-est dell'Anatolia. Da mettere in valigia Per una vacanza balneare portare vestiti leggeri di cotone mentre se si intende visitare l'interno del Paese è bene avere a portata di mano anche qualche maglione e un impermeabile leggero. Utili cappello, occhiali da sole, sandali o scarpe comode, farmacia da viaggio. Se si intende visitare la Turchia in inverno è necessario portare un abbigliamento pesante. Elettricità La tensione della rete elettrica turca è quella standard di 220 volt e le prese sono in genere compatibili con le normali spine europee. Quanto costa I tour operator propongono diversi pacchetti che costano mediamente 800-1100 euro per i tour di 8 gg. e 1300-1500 euro per quelli di 15 gg. Per viaggiatori indipendenti: volo aereo per Istanbul 245-430 euro in classe economica (a/r); prezzi inferiori sono possibili in base al periodo prescelto per la partenza. Pernottamento medio in camera doppia 40-50 euro (hotel), 15-35 euro (pensione), 10-15 euro (ostello); pasto medio 15 euro. Il noleggio di un’auto costa 300-600 dollari a settimana a seconda del tipo di auto; costo benzina, al litro, 1.817.000-1.823.000 lire turche. (A causa dell’alto tasso di inflazione tutti i prezzi espressi in euro possono essere soggetti a forti oscillazioni). TraghettiOnLine Vuoi viaggiare in traghetto e avere maggiori informazioni sui prezzi delle tratte? Clicca qui per prenotare il tuo viaggio su TraghettiOnLine Indirizzi utili burocrazia Ambasciata di Turchia in Italia Via Palestro 28, Roma, tel. 06-4941694, 06-4469932; fax 06-4941526 Consolato Generale di Turchia Via Battisti 2, Milano, tel. 02-5456832; fax 02-55181811 S. Marco 2414, Venezia, tel. 041-5230707 Via Einaudi 3, Trieste, tel. 040-7600022 Via Magenta 57, Torino, tel. 011-544050 Piazza De Ferrari 4, Genova, tel. 010-2474313 Consolato di Turchia in Italia Via Pergolesi 1/13, Napoli, tel. 081-681561; fax 081-7611016 Ufficio informazioni dell'Ambasciata di Turchia Piazza della Repubblica 50, Roma, tel. 06-4820856, 4871190, 4871393 Ambasciata italiana in Turchia Ataturk Bulvari 118, Kavaklidere, Ankara, tel. 312-4265468, 4265461, 4265462, 4265463; www.itaamb.org.tr Consolato Generale d'Italia in Turchia Tom Tom Kaptan Sosak 15, Tophane, Istanbul, tel. 212-2431024, 2431025, 2525437, 2513294 Consolato d'Italia in Turchia Cumhuriyet Meydani 12/3, Izmir, tel. 232-4636676, 4636696, 4638132 Indirizzi utili turismo e cultura Ufficio turistico di Turchia Piazza della Repubblica 56, Roma, tel. 06-4871393, 06-48711190; fax 06-4882425; www.turchia.it Ministero del Turismo di Turchia Turizm Bakanligi, Ismet Inonu Bulvari 5, Bahcelievler, Ankara, tel. 312-2128300; www.turkey.org Istituto italiano di cultura Mesrutiyet Cad. 161, TK-80050 Tepebasi , Istanbul, tel. 212-2510487, 2939848 Istituto italiano di cultura Mahatma Ghandi 32, G.O.P. Ankara, tel. 312-4464085, 4465178 Automobile e Touring Club di Turchia informazioni turistiche, Istanbul, tel. 212-2690875 Informazioni tel. 118 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Informazioni turistiche Ataturk Aeroporto, Yesilkoy, tel. 212-5734136, 6630793 presso l'hotel Hilton, Istanbul, tel. 212-2330592 presso il porto, Istanbul, tel. 212-2495776 Tutti questi uffici effettuano anche prenotazioni alberghiere Associazione Nazionale Alberghi Istiklal Cad. 184, Gala Ishan, Galatasaray, Istanbul, tel. 212-2495153, 2514859; www.turkishhotel@sim.net.tr Indirizzi utili sicurezza Basin ve Turizm Polisi Sultan Ahmet, Istanbul, tel. 5285369 Soccorso stradale tel. 212-2786214 (numero unico funzionante dalle 9 alle 17 dei giorni feriali) Pompieri tel. 110 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Polizia municipale tel. 153 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Vigili tel. 154 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Polizia tel. 155 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Indirizzi utili sanità Ambulanza tel. 112 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso Ospedale italiano Defterdar Yokusu, Tophane, Istanbul, tel. 212- 2441578 Ospedale americano Admiral Bristol Guzelbahce Sok. Nisantasi, Istanbul, tel 212-2314050 Informazioni sanitarie tel. 184 da qualsiasi località della Turchia senza alcun prefisso IL VIAGGIO Quanto stare Anche se la maggior parte dei turisti soggiorna a Istanbul al massimo 3 gg., una settimana dovrebbe costituire il tempo minimo per conoscere questa multiforme città, dal fascino sottile e ammaliante. Un soggiorno di 15 gg. consente di unire alla visita di Costantinopoli anche quella della Cappadocia , una delle zone più suggestive e fantastiche della Turchia, e proseguire per Konya e Pamukkale. In una settimana, raggiungendo in volo Antalya, sulla costa mediterranea, si può unire a un piacevole soggiorno balneare anche la visita delle antiche città di Termessos, Side e Aspendos per poi dirigersi in caicco verso la splendida baia di Kekova. Chi opta per la costa egea invece, in 7-10 gg., può unire l'utile al dilettevole e alternare sole e bagni alla visita delle splendide città di Pergamo, Efeso, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye. Condizioni di sicurezza permettendo, estremamente interessante è il tour dell'Anatolia orientale con le colossali statue di Nemrut Dagi e le lontane Diyarbakir, Van e Trabzon: 7 gg. costituiscono il tempo necessario al tour. Per un giro completo del Paese è necessario almeno 1 mese. Come arrivare Partenza da: Expedia Travel Destinazione: Dal: (GG/MM/AA) Al: (GG/MM/AA) Ulteriori opzioni di ricerca L'aereo è sicuramente il mezzo più comodo e veloce per arrivare in Turchia; dall'Italia sono sufficienti 3-4 ore per raggiungere Istanbul o Izmir. La compagnia di bandiera turca Turkish Airlines (Piazza della Repubblica 56, Roma, tel.06-4873368, 06-4819535 oppure Largo Augusto 1A, Milano, tel. 02-76007107, 02-76007111) offre voli giornalieri da Roma e Milano per Istanbul da cui è poi possibile proseguire con comode coincidenze per le principali città turche. Anche l'Alitalia (tel. 147865643; da Roma e dai cellulari, 0665643; www.alitalia.it) effettua voli giornalieri da Roma e da Milano. In estate, ai voli di linea si affiancano i charter effettuati dai principali tour operator che permettono di raggiungere le località turistiche (Izmir, Antalya, Ankara) senza scali intermedi. Tra le compagnie low cost che collegano, a prezzi concorrenziali, alla Turchia c'è la Germanwings (vedi pannello offerte www.germanwings.com a lato). Se non si hanno problemi di tempo si può optare per il traghetto che consente, tra l'altro, di imbarcare la propria auto. La Turkish Marittime Lines (c/o Bassani Spa, Via XXII marzo 2424, Venezia, tel. 041-5208819) effettua servizio settimanale da Venezia per Izmir (partenza ogni sabato alle 21 e arrivo il martedì successivo alle 12; il costo per due persone in cabina doppia costa mediamente 557,77 euro+154,94 euro per auto+25,82 euro di tasse) e da Brindisi per Cesme (solo in alta stagione; il posto ponte costa 103,29 euro a/r , la cabina 134,28-165,27 euro solo andata, escluse le tasse di imbarco). Quest'ultima tratta è coperta anche dalla Med Link (Epirotiki Cruises and Ferries, Via Barberini 47, Roma, tel. 06-4817806; www.mll.gr) e dalla Sea Serenade (Morfimare, Corso de Tullio 36/40, Bari, tel. 080-5210022-5246803) che poi prosegue per Marmaris. A Cesme ci si può arrivare anche partendo da Trieste (Anatolia Ferries, tel. 221-6161110; www.ferrycenter.se). Manca un collegamento diretto Italia-Turchia con il treno; si può montare a Venezia e raggiungere Bucarest via Vienna e di lì proseguire per Istanbul oppure raggiungere Brindisi in treno e proseguire in traghetto. E' invece attivo un collegamento con tra Turchia tramite pullman (Eurolines, tel. 055357110; www.eurolines.it) lungo le tratte Milano-Brindisi-Istanbul (con traghetto da Brindisi a Igoumenitsa; costo del biglietto a/r 146,15 euro) o Genova -Torino-Milano-Verona-Padova-Venezia-Trieste-Sofia-Istanbul (biglietto a/r a partire da 118,50 euro).Collegamenti regolari con l'autobus per la Turchia si hanno solo partendo da Austria, Francia, Germania, Olanda, Svizzera e Grecia. Chi volesse raggiungere la Turchia con la propria auto potrebbe affrontare il percorso più breve (circa 1600 km) che da Trieste passa per Ljubljana, Zagreb, Beograd, Nis, Sofia, Edirne; l'alternativa è seguire l'itinerario sopraindicato fino a Nis e proseguire attraverso Skopje e Thessaloniki per poi attraversare il confine turco a Ipsala. (circa 1950 km). Le recenti vicende belliche sconsigliano per il momento di attraversare il territorio della ex Yugoslavia. Tasse di ingresso e di imbarco Il visto turistico di ingresso costa 10 euro. Cosa vedere e cosa fare Pamukkale, le vasche naturali Pamukkale, le vasche naturali La Turchia offre infinite opportunità di scelta considerata la molteplicità dell'offerta. Ad ogni modo, se andate in Turchia per la prima volta, le mete d'obbligo sono Istanbul, Ankara e la vicina Bogazkale (Hattusas), Bursa, il paesaggio da fiaba della Cappadocia, una delle meraviglie geologiche del mondo, con i centri di Goreme, Avanos, Ortahisar e Urgrup e poi, oltre, le città sotterranee di Kaymakli e Derinkuyu per terminare con la visita di Konya e Pamukkale. Approdi spettacolari, tesori archeologici e spiagge da sogno si trovano lungo la costa egea (Pergamo, Efeso, Izmir, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye) e mediterranea (Kekova, Antalya, Side, Aspendos). Splendida anche l'Anatolia orientale dove il complesso monumentale di Nemrut Dagi vale da solo il viaggio. Estremamente interessanti anche le località di Diyarbakir, Van, Dogubeyazit e il Monte Ararat, Trabzon e Samsun. Ovunque gli amanti dello shopping non avranno che l'imbarazzo della scelta vista la ricchezza e la varietà dell'artigianato turco. Dormire Esistono possibilità di alloggio per tutte le fasce di prezzo e di qualità, dagli hotel di lusso ricavati in antichi palazzi ai caratteristici alberghi scavati nel tufo della Cappadocia, ai villaggi - vacanza della costa pronti a ricevere chi vuole godersi solo sole e mare. Gli alberghi migliori si trovano ovviamente nelle città di maggior afflusso turistico (120 - 300 euro la camera doppia in hotel a 4-5 stelle, min 10 - 15 euro, doppia media 40 - 50 euro in hotel a 3 stelle) ma anche nelle zone meno battute è sempre possibile trovare un alloggio modesto: le tipiche pansiyon sono frequentate soprattutto dai turchi e offrono servizi essenziali a circa 15 - 35 euro per notte in camera doppia. Spendere ancora meno è possibile dormendo negli ostelli (Yucelt Interyouth Hostel, Caferye Sock 61, Istanbul, tel. 212-51361501) e nelle residenze studentesche che si trovano a Istanbul, Bursa, Izmir, Canakkale e Ankara (10 - 15 euro in camera, 4 - 6 euro per letto in camerata; info: Genctur Turizm ve Seyahat Acentesi, Gurkan Cad. 14, Cagaloglu Sultanahmet, Istanbul, tel. 212-5205274-5, 5190864 oppure 7 Tur Tourism, Inonu Cad. 37/2 Gunussuyu, Istanbul, tel. 212-2525921). I campeggi ufficiali sono limitati e di buon livello; quelli privati costano meno (10 euro per una stanza in bungalow) ma quanto a pulizia lasciano molto a desiderare; il campeggio libero non è consigliato. Ricerca e prenotazione hotel con sconti fino al 50% Mangiare Come per il dormire, la scelta è estremamente ampia: dai ristoranti di lusso con spettacoli di musica e danze ai piccoli locali frequentati soprattutto dai lavoratori ma dove il cibo è sempre buono e il servizio cortese (max 30 - 35 euro, min 6 - 12 euro, pasto medio 15 euro). Si mangia bene anche per la strada: polpettine, spiedini, fritture e il costo è irrisorio. I turchi sono molto orgogliosi della loro cucina e a ragione essendo essa davvero speciale, ricchissima ed appetitosa, una delle più varie e raffinate del Mediterraneo. Posta Efeso Il servizio postale turco è affidabile anche se non molto veloce. Gli uffici postali principali (PTT) delle città più importanti sono aperti dal lunedì al sabato con orario 8-24 e la domenica con orario 9-19. Gli uffici secondari sono invece chiusi nei giorni festivi mentre nei giorni feriali seguono l'orario 8.30-12.30 e 13.30-17.30. Telefono Per telefonare in Italia dalla Turchia bisogna fare lo 0039 + il numero dell'abbonato completo di prefisso. I telefoni pubblici funzionano con schede telefoniche che si possono acquistare negli uffici postali e negli appositi botteghini; dalle grandi città e dalle località turistiche balneari si può invece telefonare direttamente in teleselezione o usare i telefoni che consentono l'uso delle carte di credito. E' possibile chiamare l'Italia con telefonata a carico del destinatario componendo lo (00800)391177. I cellulari hanno copertura nella maggior parte del territorio. Moneta, carta di credito e cambio La moneta ufficiale della Turchia è la Lira turca (T.L.) e sui quotidiani locali è possibile verificare ogni giorno i fluttuanti tassi di scambio. A fine febbraio 2001, a seguito della tempesta finanziaria scatenata dai contrasti tra il presidente Sezer e il premier Ecevit, la lira turca ha perso oltre il 36%. Per questo motivo è bene non cambiare rilevanti quantità di denaro e conservare sempre le ricevute del cambio qualora si desideri riconvertire le lire turche al ritorno. Le banche sono chiuse il sabato e la domenica e talvolta anche il venerdì pomeriggio; l'orario di apertura è 8.30-12 e 13.30-17; sabato e domenica sono aperte solo quelle degli aeroporti internazionali e della stazione ferroviaria Sirkeci di Istanbul. I commercianti e le agenzie di cambio accettano senza difficoltà non solo dollari ma anche euro. Le carte di credito sono accettate soprattutto nelle grandi città e nei paesi delle zone turistiche. Spostarsi Istanbul, vista sul Bosforo Istanbul, vista sul Bosforo Le linee aeree turche (Turk Hava Yollari, THY) offrono più voli per raggiungere tutte le città più importanti del Paese; i prezzi sono in forte aumento. La Turkish Airlines offre ai turisti stranieri la possibilità di acquistare 2, 3, 5 voli interni in abbinamento ad un volo internazionale (Visit Turkey). Voli interni a prezzi inferiori sono offerti anche da Istanbul Airlines. Le città lungo le coste del Mar Egeo e del Mar Nero sono collegate tutto l'anno da traghetti per passeggeri e talvolta per auto (Istanbul-Izmir, Istanbul-Trabzon). Esistono inoltre servizi di traghetti sul Mar di Marmara e sullo stretto di Dardanelli. E' possibile noleggiare anche un caicco ossia una goletta a due alberi con o senza skipper per visitare più comodamente gli angoli segreti della costa egea e mediterranea. Il costo varia in base al tipo di barca e al periodo prescelto. Vari treni giornalieri collegano le città di maggior interesse turistico e le zone di confine; lungo la costa mediterranea non ci sono ferrovie e sull'Egeo c'è solo il tratto tra Izmir e Soke. Solo la linea Istanbul-Ankara è allineata a standard europei, una qualche comodità nelle tratte Istanbul-Kars, Istanbul-Izmir, Ankara-Isparta, Ankara-Basmane, per il resto i treni sono in genere poco frequenti, lenti e affollati. Collegamenti più rapidi ed economici sono invece assicurati dai pullman che raggiungono anche i centri più sperduti (per es., la tratta Istanbul-Ankara costa 15-24 dollari a seconda della compagnia prescelta). Conviene affidarsi alla compagnia che ha il maggior numero di bus nella regione e ricordarsi che soste non previste o guasti meccanici sono l'occasione per poter conoscere più da vicino i propri compagni di viaggio! Chi vuole viaggiare in totale autonomia può noleggiare un'automobile presso le varie agenzie di autonoleggio presenti nelle grandi città e negli aeroporti (300-600 dollari a settimana è il prezzo base a seconda del tipo d'auto scelto); visti i prezzi non proprio economici è forse più conveniente optare per la forma fly and drive proposta da molti tour operator. E' necessario essere in possesso della patente italiana e della carta verde. La benzina costa, al litro, 1.817.000 - 1.823.000 lire turche. Per spostarsi nelle grandi città vi sono economici taxi e taxi collettivi (dolmus) che coprono itinerari prestabiliti. Prenota il noleggio auto con Expedia.it Sanità La situazione sanitaria della Turchia è soddisfacente anche se è bene ricordare di adottare alcune norme di igiene quali non mangiare verdura cruda, sbucciare la frutta, non acquistare antipasti e insalate miste già confezionate per la possibile presenza, recentemente accertata, di colibatteri "E". Al fine di evitare diarree è buona norma bere acqua imbottigliata; l'acqua non è potabile in particolare nel sud-est anatolico. Anche se alcuni medici e farmacisti hanno studiato all'estero e quindi parlano inglese o tedesco, in genere il servizio sanitario e ospedaliero non è a livello occidentale; nei casi di emergenza è bene pertanto rivolgersi agli ospedali italiani o americani presenti nelle città principali (Istanbul, Ankara e Izmir). Negli ospedali turchi si riceve comunque soccorso senza problemi e, nei casi meno gravi, gratuitamente. I medici privati richiedono invece il pagamento di un onorario ufficiale. Le farmacie vendono praticamente tutte le medicine indipendentemente dal fatto che vadano vendute su ricetta medica o meno. Sicurezza Sono in aumento scippi e furti, in particolare di passaporti e di carte d'identità, sia negli alberghi che negli appartamenti soprattutto delle grandi città. In aumento anche gli incidenti stradali dovuti alla scarsa manutenzione delle strade e alle abitudini di guida dei locali; in caso di incidente è indispensabile attendere l'arrivo della polizia che farà i dovuti accertamenti. E' punito duramente lo spaccio e l'uso di droga anche in piccole quantità. Il partito curdo PKK può tentare di servirsi di turisti e viaggiatori per portare lettere e pacchi fuori dei confini turchi: sta a voi scegliere se correre o meno il rischio nella consapevolezza che, se scoperti, l'arresto è quasi inevitabile. Per quanto riguarda le aree di instabilità politica (quelle orientali e sud-orientali del Paese) è in corso un evidente miglioramento della situazione; ciononostante è bene avere estrema prudenza nella zona delle città di Sivas, Malata e Mardin. e lungo la zona di confine con l'Iraq. Il monte Ararat è zona militare e bisogna avere il permesso del governo turco per visitarla. Lo scoppio della guerra in Iraq consiglia al viaggiatore di innalzare il livello di cautela. A tal fine resta altamente opportuno aggiornarsi quotidianamente, tramite Ambasciata, sulla situazione di sicurezza del Paese ospitante. In particolare, si invita alla prudenza in prossimità di moschee, Università, Ambasciate americana e britannica, luoghi in cui sono in corso manifestazioni di protesta. Comportamenti Istanbul, cupole delle moschee Istanbul, cupole delle moschee Sebbene la Turchia sia uno Stato laico è raccomandabile avere rispetto per le regole islamiche; in particolare è bene non indossare abiti aderenti e succinti, coprirsi il capo e togliersi le scarpe quando si visitano le moschee. Toglietevi le scarpe anche se siete invitati a casa di qualche turco: la possibilità di un invito è meno remota di quanto possiate pensare perché i turchi sono estremamente gentili e ospitali. Curiosità "Mi sono spinto alle sorgenti del Tigri proprio là dove fuoriescono le acque. Le armi del mio esercito si bagnarono. Offrii sacrifici agli dei.": sono le parole incise da Salmanassar III che ricordano, a distanza di millenni, l'emozione di uno dei primi scopritori delle mitiche sorgenti create dal dio assiro Marduk e da molti cercate invano. Ricordate anche dalla Genesi che le situa nell'Eden, le sorgenti del Tigri si trovano in realtà tra i monti del Tauro orientale: scaturiscono dalle grotte di Birkilin dette anche grotte di Alessandro Magno. |
