Official Name: The Republic of Turkey (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti) Founder: Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK ( 1881-1938 ) Capital: ANKARA Population: 70 million (as of 2004) Literacy rate: 2004 % 96 Language: Turkish (uses Latin Alphabet) Currency: Turkish Lira (YTL) Location: Eastern Mediterranean. Located on two contitents, Europe and Asia. Area: 814 578 Km sq (314 500 square miles)
Time zone: GMT +2
ISTANBUL One of the worlds greatest citiest...
Istanbul is where the majority of business takes place. Formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul contains many historic buildings of the Christian and Muslim periods. It is situated on the shore of the Bosporus in Europe, and is the only city in the world that is situated on two continents.
IZMIR The Pearl on the Aegean...
Formerly known as Smyrna, Izmir is the third biggest city, and second largest port of Turkey. The city of Smyrna is claimed to be the birthplace of Homer, legendary author of Iliad and Odyssey. Alexander the Great was told by Aristo, the philosopher like the following “ If you do not see Smyrna you remain lacking”.
Today, Izmir city is proud of its broad palm-lined avenues, bustling commercial life, and its two big summer festivals: the International Arts Festival (June-July), and International Trade Fair (August-September).
BODRUM
Bodrum is located on the South-Western coast of Turkey. The Bodrum-Milas international airport is only 30 minutes away. Ferries are available from Bodrum Marina to visit the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes every day in the season.
This bustling beach resort on the Aegean has pretty much got the lot: breathtaking scenery, fabulous beaches, warm waters, archaeological treasures, great restaurants and a top nightlife.
In the middle of the town is the Castle of St Peter. It dates from the 15th century and is home to the excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology .
KUSADASI
Kusadasi is the largest holiday Resort on the Aegean Coast. With its proximity to the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary, it is a preferred stop for the cruise lines.
Kusadasi has a big marina with yachts from all over the world. Along the promenade are many shops, restaurants and bars that are open all year round.
The landmark of Kusadasi is the Pigeon Island, a charming islet topped by a small Genoese fortress.
Closest airport to Kusadasi is Izmir Airport: 50 min.
FETHIYE / OLUDENIZ
Fethiye is a popular destination on the Mediterranean, known as the Turquoise Coast. The town absorbs the tourist traffic and still retains a sense of its old-fashioned rural character, with herds of goats and sheep blocking the roads on market days and the smell of herbs and spices in the air.
The beach resort of Oludeniz is just 25 minutes away by dolmus (the local minibuses are called so) and offers numerous activities, including parasailing, pedaloes, banana boating, diving, snorkelling water-skiing and paragliding.
MARMARIS
Marmaris is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations. The town is built around a sweeping natural bay at the foot of steep pine covered mountain slopes.
The old town is a maze of twisting little streets and alleys with whitewashed houses in the Turkish style.
The resort is ideal for water sports, sailing, relaxing in the sun, or strolling along the palm lined promenade.
AYVALIK
Ayvalik is a charming port, surrounded by beautiful pine forests. Nearby, the Seytan Sofrasi (translated as Devil's Table) offers a splendid panorama of the archipelago along the Gulf of Ayvalik and the little island of Alibey (Cunda), where pleasant seafood restaurants are. Sarmisakli Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in this area.
Ayvalik is popular with its olive trees and the olive oil produced in the region which is known to be the best in the country.
ANTALYA
Antalya is known as the Turkish Riviera and the golfing area. The sun, sea, nature and history combine in Antalya to form a popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean. Along the 630km coastline are ancient cities, harbors, memorial tombs and beaches, secluded coves and lush forests where many of them are easily accessible from the city.