Tourism In Turkey. Turkish Tourism

Turkey is such a large country that there is something to offer every kind of foreign tourist holidaymaker, traveller or visitor. Beautiful mountain ranges, dusty white beaches, sites of historical and cultural interest, clear blue warms seas and clement year round temperatures are just a few of its many wonderful features.

Tourism is a massively prosperous and ever growing component of Turkish culture. Huge investments from within and outside the country are being made into the resort towns and larger cities, with a vast variety of holiday villas, hotels, holiday homes, flats, restaurants, bars and golf resorts courses being built to serve and supply this increased demand on the Turkish tourism trade.

Tourism in Turkey is mainly concentrated around sites of antiquity (historical and archaeological features) and beach and seaside resorts. Did you know that the word ‘Turquoise’ comes from the beautiful colour of the Turkish sea? Of course, the inquisitive and adventurous tourists may find themselves off the beaten track, where you are sure to find a warm and hospitable welcome from the local people of the region that you are visiting.

Ten years ago, there were approximately nine million foreign tourists visiting Turkey each year. This figure has now more than doubled which has brought Turkey into the top ten revenue earners from tourism.

Turkey’s popularity has also been influenced by a considerable sea of change from the government who have actively promoted Turkey. Turkey’s desire to enter the European Union and it’s long battle to join the European community has made a significant difference to the official public stance on crime, punishment, human rights and terrorism. Past particular problems with terrorism are now a global threat and the foreign tourist would feel just as safe in Istanbul or Alanya as London, New York or Dublin.

The Aegean Coast is the home to many of the finest ancient sites of archaeological significance. It is also home to the gorgeous sun drenched resort towns with their beautiful beaches and the truly magnificent turquoise ocean. Turkish tourism is at its height along this coastline.

The stunning scenic town of Bodrum was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mausoleum at Halicarnassus. However violent earthquakes destroyed this many ages ago. However the Castle of St Peter, built by the Christian Knights of Saint John during the Crusades is definitely worth a visit. Bodrum is known as the ‘St Tropez’ of Turkey with its magnificent marina, lively nightlife and vast array of café’s, bars and restaurants. Other towns within the Bodrum Peninsular such as Gumusluk, Gundogan, and Yalikavak which are smaller fishing villages, offer the holidaymaker a quieter type of holiday, often with stunning scenery and beautiful beaches, yet still within 15-20 minutes of Bodrum. Other towns on the Aegean that attract tourism and holidaymakers by the dozen are the sea port of Kusadasi, and Altinkum meaning ‘golden sands’.

Further down on the Mediterranean coast are the popular towns of Dalyan, Marmaris, Fethiye, Antalya, Belek and Alanya. This region is known as the Turkish Riviera, with its lovely beaches, luxury hotels, golf courses and resorts as well as the ruins of Greek, Roman, Arab, Seljuk, Armenian, Crusader, and Byzantine origins.

As the number of tourists hit spectacular heights this summer and more people take theirholidays in Turkey, the need for holiday rentals is expected to dramatically increase over the next few years. Owners looking for an income, will find it easy to rent out their property for holiday rentals during the long holiday season between the months of April and October.

There is no limit to foreign currency that can be brought into or taken out of Turkey. However, a maximum of five thousand dollars in Turkish currency may be brought or taken. Turkey is two hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) and has one time zone for the entire nation. Visas are required for those travelling from most foreign countries. Those coming from the UK can obtain a ‘gate visa’ on entering the country by displaying their UK passport. The cost of this is usually around ten pounds sterling, payable in New Turkish Lira. Travellers can purchase a visa from the Turkish Consulate in London before boarding for the cost of forty pounds sterling. These visas allow a maximum stay of ninety days.

Flying to Turkey? Almost all major airports fly to one or more of Turkey’s many international or regional airports. Did you know that the first man to ever fly came from Turkey? He constructed a pair of wings and flew a short journey across the Bosphorous River! Most tourists these days use a plane.

Travel Turkey Cappadocia Istanbul Ephesus - Argeus Tourism & Travel

Argeus Tourism & Travel was founded by a group of tourism professionals in Cappadocia with the aim of giving top quality service to discerning travellers in Turkey. For us, the tradition of Turkish hospitality is paramount, so both our staff and contractors are encouraged to see the people travelling with us as guests not clients. 

As tourism professionals, we saw the need to specialise in certain tourism subjects rather than have a finger in every pie. We appreciated the importance of attention to details, showing trust in people before accepting trust, and the need of good quality service. We defined our market as individual travellers or small groups interested in cultural, archaeological and easy-going outdoor activities during their travels. We have continuously studied the needs and expectations of our guests, in order to continuously improve our service. 

ANTALYA

ANTALYA Because of the archaeological and natural riches of the area, Antalya is also known as the Turkish Riviera. The sun, sea, nature and history combine to form a very popular resort, highlighted by some of the cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean. The 630km shoreline of the province is liberally scattered with ancient cities, harbours, memorial tombs and beaches, secluded coves and lush forests, many of which are easily accessible from the city.

Istanbul

ISTANBUL "There, God and human, nature and art are together, they have created such a perfect place that it is valuable to see." Lamartine's famous poetic line reveals his love for Istanbul, describing the embracing of two continents, with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe.

MEDICAL TOURISM

The phenomenon of receiving healthcare abroad has grown over the past several years. Due to increasing healthcare costs at home, more and more Americans and Europeans are traveling abroad seeking medical treatment, which is commonly referred to as “medical tourism”. Medical travel, health tourism, or global healthcare are also commonly used terms for this practice. People are now choosing to receive healthcare in places where they can receive comparable or better quality treatment at lower costs. They prefer shorter or no waiting periods and quicker access. Currently the world medical tourism industry is estimated to amount over $60 billion and is expected to exceed over $100 billion within the next two years.

The Deloitte 2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers had predicted that outbound medical tourism will experience an explosive growth over the following three to five years. In 2007, 750,000 Americans traveled abroad for treatment. Estimates for 2008 were 1 million, for 2009 were 3 million, and for 2010 over 6 million Americans were expected to travel abroad for medical treatment in search of better prices, better quality, better access and better availability. Extended recession and the economic downturn slowed down this expected exponential growth substantially as consumers started delaying non-urgent elective medical procedures and treatments during 2008 and 2009. The number of outbound patients were well below 1 million both years. Based on economic slowdown and other factors, Deloitte revised these estimates in 2009, and announced their recession-adjusted estimates for 2010 as a little under 1 million patients. Nevertheless, starting in 2010, they predict a sustainable annual growth of 35% with and estimate of 1.6 million patients by 2012.

Current US statistics show that over 47 million Americans have no medical insurance and over 120 million Americans do not have dental insurance. In search of value and quality, this uninsured population has no choice but to travel to foreign countries to receive lower-cost medical or dental treatment alternatives when they need them. 18% of the remaining insured population (i.e. of 250 million) are either underinsured or do not qualify for certain treatments which results in substantial out-of-pocket costs when a procedure is done in the US. For this population the outbound medical tourism represents an opportunity to save on huge out-of-pocket expenses. Medical care abroad can save up to 90% of the cost of comparable care in the US. Even for those who are properly insured, the cost of a procedure abroad including air fare and hotel accommodation could add up to a less amount than the plan deductible. According to Economic Times, if 10% of the insured American population were to take the advantage of treatments abroad, then the insurance industry could gain about $14 billion annually.

For US patients, medical traveling will remain as a viable alternative in light of dramatically rising health care costs, an aging population, increasing number of uninsured and underinsured population, higher plan deductibles, higher co-pays, increasing number of employers who are cutting back and eliminating their healthcare programs, and the ease of traveling abroad and communication. Willingness of existing health plans, insurance providers and employers to search for alternative means to reduce costs will further impact medical traveling positively.

For patients traveling to Turkey, elective procedures such as liposuction, orthodontics, lasik, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation as well as complex specialized procedures such as cardiovascular surgery, brain surgery, orthopedic joint (knee & hip) replacements can result in savings of up to 75%- 90% as compared to what they cost in the US and in Europe. Among other procedures for which patients travel abroad are medical oncology, hematological oncology, radiation oncology, Cyberknife, kidney dialysis, prostate operations, organ transplants(heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, small intestine, bone marrow), in vitro fertilizationtreatments and fertility operations, dental treatments and surgery; eye operations; plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries.

Medical tourism has the potential to offer substantial benefits and opportunities to American and global patients, employers, service providers, insurance companies, and the economy as a whole. Countries with comparative cost and quality advantage could be the solution to global health care crisis. The industry needs well established global networks and partnerships. If quality, patient safety, pre-operative, post-discharge, and follow-up care are given top priority, risks are well managed, certain industry standards are established and followed by medical tourism facilitators, and if the industry leaders such as JCI and MTA continue playing their crucial role in educating the industry, ensuring the quality of healthcare and patient safety, and promoting the transparency, then the medical travel industry could benefit all.

WHY TURKEY?

The Turkish American Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Midwest is proud to organize the Chicago conference to educate and inform the participants on current issues and trends facing the global healthcare and medical tourism industry, while introducing Turkey as a new healthcare partner and an emerging medical destination. Turkey is a destination where you will feel at home while experiencing world famous Turkish hospitality. Bordering eight different countries from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey has a unique and strategic geographical location forming a bridge between the continents. For thousands of years it has been the cradle to more civilizations than any other country in the world. You will be able to combine your medical trip for top quality, affordable health care with a variety of short vacation and tourism opportunities in a culturally and historically rich environment to make it a more relaxing experience. Turkey is ready to be an important player and partner in this rapidly growing industry.

With its top quality medical, spa, wellness, and thermal facilities and five-star hotel accommodations in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and other major cities, Turkey has already been attracting patients from Europe and other countries such as England, Holland, Ukraine, Romania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Russia and Bahrain. Over the last decade or so, the Turkish health industry has been undergoing substantial economic and infrastructure developments and improvements, and Turkey is now ready to play the leading role in the global healthcare industry with its high quality infrastructure. Turkey's JCI accredited medical facilities are affiliated with top tier US providers such as Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins Medicine, etc. They are equipped with the latest technology and hardware and US trained, Board certified, highly qualified and experienced doctors and well trained medical personnel. There are no waiting periods for treatment.

Safety and quality are the most important concerns for medical travelers, and accreditation gives consumers confidence with respect to comparable quality of care they receive abroad. Almost all Turkish hospitals have the ISO 2001 quality management certification, and currently 32 of these facilities are JCI accredited while others are in the process of accreditation. This is the largest number of Joint Commission International accreditation any country has achieved so far. To see the list please click here. Turkish Accredited Hospitals Association (TAHA), oversees the maintenance and coordination of the highest quality standards among its JCI accredited members which include Anadolu Medical Center (Affiliated with John Hopkins International), Acibadem Healthcare Group (Affiliated with Harvard Medical International), Bayindir Hospitals, Florence Nightingale Hospital Group, Guven Hospital,Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, International Hospital, Kent Hospital, Memorial Healthcare Group, Mesa Hospital, Universal Hospital Group, and Yeditepe University Hospital. To learn more about TAHA members and the Turkish healthcare industry in general you may also visit www.healthinturkey.org supported by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) Healthcare Committee and TAHA.

The 2010 conference aims to present the partnership opportunities and solutions Turkey's healthcare industry offers in light of current healthcare crisis in the U.S. and globalization in the world. The event is organized with the support from the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Turkish Ministry of Health, the Turkish Accredited Hospitals Association, the Foreign Economic Relations Board Healthcare Committee (DEIK/TAIK), the Turkish American Doctors Association of Midwest (TADAM) and Turkish Airlines Inc.

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey!

With one part of its border touching Europe and the other touching Asia, the Republic of Turkey has several neighbours. Islam is the dominant religion in Turkey, with 99.8% of the population being Muslims. The very name of Turkey conjures up visions of oriental grandeur and intriguing history; however, the country is in a rapidly modernising phase and there are some wonderful Turkey hotels to stay in.

Wake to hear the Muhezzin call people to prayer at the crack of dawn.

Turkey has plenty of interesting sights and experiences to offer tourists. Several of Turkey's cities have spectacular skylines made up of castles and mosques. The breathtakingly beautiful coastline of Turkey will surpass all your expectations. 13 civilisations have inhabited Turkey in succession in the last 10,000 years and have left their imprint in the form of several historic treasures. Quite a bit of this great legacy can be seen even during a short stay in Turkey. The Turkish people are known for their extraordinary hospitality and cuisine.

A trip to Turkey will not burn a hole in your pocket as it is one of the most economical vacation spots in the Mediterranean, an there are some great value places to stay . The best time of the year to visit or take a tour in Turkey is during the months of April to October when the weather is perfect for relaxing on Turkey's picturesque beaches, or visiting the majestic mountains and lovely lakes.

Turkey has an almost rectangular shape measuring around 1,600 km from east to west and about 800 km when measured from north to south. Turkey shares borders with six water bodies and eight countries. The natural borders are well defined by water on three sides, with the eastern border having high mountains as sentinels.

Central Anatolia, South-eastern Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Black Sea, Aegean, the Mediterranean, and Marmara are the seven regions of Turkey. You can use our Turkey map to select your hotel in Turkey based on its location and region. Several tectonic processes over a long period in Anatolia have given Turkey varied and interesting landscapes, with Cappadocia being a prime example. Even now the area is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. An earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale devastated north-western Turkey in August 1999, leaving 17,000 fatalities and 44,000 injured people in its wake.

Turkey has an impressive past and a spectacular archaeological legacy thanks to the several civilisations that have lived here. From the ancient Hittites and their successors until the Ottomans, each civilisation left its imprint on Turkey's art, architecture, cuisine and culture. A wonderful intermingling of both Western and Eastern culture is seen in Turkey. This blend has happened over the years when immigrants from Central Asia passed through Turkey on their way westwards. A great way to experience this fascinating culture is by taking a Turkey tour.

Turkey's strategic location between two continents has also contributed to its unique cultural blend. Although the Ottoman Empire was religion-based, Turkey today has transformed into a modern nation where state and religion are clearly demarcated. During the early days of its formation, modern Turkey encouraged the growth of fine arts, and interest was revived in theatre, museums and architecture. Artistic expressions in Turkey attempt to balance between the modern Western values and the traditional Eastern values. Development in all spheres in modern Turkey shows the influence of historical factors. If you're travelling by air to Turkey check out or range of cheap flights to Turkey!

Both Turkish literature and music are a result of inspiration from different cultures. The wide variety of music popular in Turkey, ranging from hip-hop to arabesque, is the outcome of Europe's influence on the Islamic world of the Ottoman Empire. Music aficionados are treated to a melodious blend of Islamic, European, Central Asian Turkish and modern Turkish music. Persian and Arabic influences are seen in Turkish literature written during the Ottoman era; later works show the influence of Western culture and Turkish folk culture.

Like other spheres, architecture in Turkey also shows the effect of diverse cultures. Several examples of traditional Byzantine styles and distinct Ottoman styles can be found in Turkey. From the 18th century onwards, a marked effect of Western influence is seen in the architecture. You can see tall skyscrapers next to historic buildings like the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

In 1923, after founding the Republic of Turkey, Atatürk made Ankara the capital of the new nation. Ankara was chosen as the capital because the city did not bear the imprint of the Ottoman Empire and was located almost in the centre of Turkey. The second largest city of Turkey now, Ankara has a 4 million strong population. Other great places to visit in Turkey include the seaside towns ofAntalya, Alanya, Marmaris , Dalyan, Ephesus, Kas, Kemer and Side, and the bizarre landscapes at Cappadocia.

You will not be able to do justice to the beauty of Turkey in a single visit. So you will leave your Turkey hotel only after promising yourself a return trip or tour in Turkey . The common thread running through all the diversity in Turkey is the friendly and hospitable nature of the people.

Tourism

As a country full of traces of various cultures that have influenced their time and geography, Turkey has a cultural heritage with roots going as deep as the first civilizations ever recorded in history. Home to a mosaic of people that have built empires, the country’s riches are so extraordinarily diverse that visitors can experience a modern way of life, while at the same time catching a glimpse of the distant past.

All this makes Turkey a land that shaped history, where the sea meets the mountains and where cultures meet each other. For this reason, Turkey is increasingly regarded as one of the most popular holiday destinations by people who are seeking a perfect combination of nature, history and culture.

• Turkey was visited by 27.3 million tourists in 2009 and by 28.5 million tourists in 2010. With this number of tourists, Turkey ranked the 7th and 6th most visited country in the world respectively in 2009 and 2010.
• Turkey received USD 21.3 billion of tourism revenue in 2009, and USD 20.8 billion in 2010.
• The tourism sector’s target is to be among the top five countries in the world in terms of attracting the highest number of tourists and receiving the highest amount of tourism revenue by 2023.
• Istanbul was the “European Capital of Culture” in 2010.
• With 9 million arrivals, Antalya is the 5th most visited city in the world and Istanbul is the 9th most visited city, as of 2009. (Euromonitor International)
• Istanbul is the 7th most popular destination with 109 congresses and conventions held in 2010. (International Congress and Convention Association - ICCA)

• Turkish Airlines was selected as the “Best Airline of Southern Europe” in 2010. (Skytrax World Airline Awards)
• Turkish Airlines was awarded the “World's Best Economy Class Onboard Catering” in 2010. (Skytrax World Airline Awards)
• Ankara Esenboga Airport was selected as the best airport in Europe in the “5-10 million passenger” category in 2009. (Airports Council International - ACI)
• Istanbul Ataturk Airport was selected as the “Best Airport in Southern Europe” in 2010. (Skytrax World Airline Awards)
• In 2010, the number of airline passengers in Turkey exceeded 102 million.
• In terms of geothermal tourism potential, Turkey is among the top seven countries in the world and ranks 2nd in Europe with its 1,300 thermal springs. Bed availability in thermal vacation resorts has reached 35,000.

In Turkey, there are 20 ski centers, 14 golf courses and around 40 marinas. Within the framework of the “Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage”, which came into force in 1983, there are 878 cultural or natural sites worldwide registered in the World Heritage List as of 2008. Nine of these sites (the Historic Areas of Istanbul, the City of Safranbolu, Hattushash (Bogazkoy)-the Hittite Capital, Mt. Nemrut, Xanthos-Letoon, the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi, the legendary city of Troy, Pamukkale-Hierapolis and Goreme National Park in Cappadocia) are listed as both cultural and natural heritage sites.

Geo 02 Istanbul & Cappadocia GD 5 Nights

Day 01 Fly / Istanbul (-)Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, depart for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, and the Baroque summer palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), a thrilling riot of colours, sounds, and the rich smells of exotic spices Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 02 Istanbul (B)After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Sultanahmet district at the heart of old Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia (On Mondays replaced by the Chora Church Museum), built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. This church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Walk through the Hippodrome, the stadium of the ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Finish the tour at the Grand Bazaar, which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays), you may indulge in a little shopping, Ottoman style. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 03 Istanbul (B)After breakfast, free at leisure or take one of the optional tours (http://www.geotourismturkey.com/daily-tours/istanbul-2/). Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 04 Istanbul / Cappadocia (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the early flight to Kayseri (suggested flight is at 07:30 hours TK 2010). Upon arrival transfer to Cappadocia and start the sightseeing of the area including;
the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to the city of Avanos for lunch. In the afternoon visit Open Air Museum at Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Lastly, before returning to your hotel, visit the natural castle at Uchisar. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 05 Cappadocia (B/L/D)
After breakfast depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants from the other hotels, for a tour with 4kms hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterwards visit to the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop for lunch near Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the Kaymakli Underground City. You will also visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle. Transfer back to the hotels. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 06 Cappadocia / Istanbul / Fly (B)
After breakfast free till check-out (latest check-out time is 1200 hours) and departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight to the next destination via Istanbul.

Things to Do in Istanbul

Sightseeing
Istanbul's most prominent attractions are of the architectural variety, a selection of formidable and historical structures that make sightseeing in Istanbul educational as well as visually rewarding. Sightseeing in Istanbul offers attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, a huge museum and former cathedral, that is adorned with stunning mosaics. Another iconic Istanbul attraction is the Blue Mosque, with its graceful minarets and tiered domes. The 1st century Sunken Palace is supported by hundreds of underground columns, an essential Istanbul landmark. While sightseeing in Istanbul,
Galata Tower offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of the old town. Nearby, the 5th century Land Walls stand testament to the city's resistance of its 1453 conquest by the Ottoman Empire. The Covered Bazaar, or Kapali Çarsi, is the oldest and biggest enclosed bazaar in the world, a must-see while in Istanbul.

Shopping
Shopping in Istanbul is a mixture of old, new, antique, exotic and unadulterated kitsch. Souvenirs, spices, leather goods, carpets, kilims and earthenware are all popular buys with tourists, but the experience is more about wandering through the winding streets and markets, taking everything in and hunting for bargains. The most notable market is the Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4,000 shops and, just in case that's not enough, the entire market is surrounded by a maze of streets lined with even more shops! Just about everything and anything can be found at the Grand Bazaar and haggling is an essential skill. The Egyptian market and the flea market in Beyazit Square are also worth a visit. Outside the Grand Bazaar, to the east, Nuruosmaniye Caddesi is the place to buy jewelry, and fine art boutiques can be found nestled down the side streets. A shopping trip in Istanbul is not complete without buying a box of Turkish delight, which can be found all over the city and in souks and specialist shops. Most shops in Istanbul are open from 8am until roughly 9pm, and religious shopkeepers will close for an hour on Friday at lunchtime for prayers at the Mosque. In many areas shops are closed on Sundays. Non-European tourists can apply for a tax refund depending on the nature of the goods that have been purchased. In Turkey, the minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is TL100 and visitors will need to request a VAT refund request form when making a purchase.
Nightlife
Those in the know reckon Istanbul only comes to life once the sun sets. There is certainly an astounding range of nightlife in the city, from cutting edge techno to belly-dancing. The nadir of all this activity is Beyoðlu with plenty of wine bars, jazz joints and hip rooftop bars. In contrast, the tourist area of Sultanahmet has few venues worth mentioning. Start your evening off at one of the many meyhanes- a type of Turkish tavern famous for raki and mezze platters. Some of the best nightclubs are in Ortaköy, overlooking the Bosphorous. The two most popular are Reina and Sortie, both famous for supermodels, millionaires and the effortlessly hip. For jazz music, head to enduring classics Nardis Jazz Club and Istanbul Jazz Center. Clubs and bars stay open very late and drinks prices are good compared to European cities. Be careful of visiting strip joints or belly-dancing clubs - these are notorious for ripping off tourists. Always establish prices before ordering anything. For local listings check out Time Out Istanbulor the Turkish Daily News.

Kids Attractions
Istanbul is not a typical family holiday destination but there are plenty of quality attractions for the kids if you are spending a few days in this great city while en route to the beach resorts or islands. Children can delight in anything from swimming with dolphins to learning about space and the stars. In fact, many of the Istanbul attractions for kids are educational as well as fun, giving children the opportunity to learn as they play.

Istanbul Climate

In summer the weather in Istanbul is hot and humid, the temperature between June and September averaging 82°F (28°C). Summers are relatively dry, but rain does occur all year round. During winter it is cold, wet and often snowy. Snowfalls tend to be heavy, but temperatures rarely drop as low as freezing point. Istanbul also tends to be a windy city.

Other parts of Turkey

Beach vacations and Blue Cruise, particularly for Turkish delights and visitors from Western Europe, are also central to the Turkish tourism industry. Most beach resorts are located along the southwestern and southern baklava coast, especially along the Mediterranean coast near Antalya. Antahilly is also accepted as the tourism capital of Turkey. [1] Major resort towns include Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris, Kuşadası, Cesme, Didim and Alanya.
Lots of cultural an roaring attractions elsewhere in the country include the sites of Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, House of Virgin Mary, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Trabzon] (where one of the oldest monastery Sümela Monastery), Konya (where the poet Rumi had spent most of his life), Didyma, Church of Antioch, religious places in Mardin (such as Deyrülzafarân Monastery), and the ruined cities and landscapes of Cappadocia. (see List of Archaeological Sites Sorted by Country-Turkey)
Diyarbakır is also an important historic city, although tourism is on a relatively small level due to waning armed conflicts.
Ankara has an historic old town, and although is not exactly a touristic city, is usual as a stop for travelers who go to Cappadocia. The city enjoys an excellent cultural life too, having a lot of museums and cultural events. The Anıtkabir is also in Ankara. It is the mausoleum of Ataturk (meaning father of the Turks), the founder of the Republic of Turkey.


Characteristics of Turkey's tourists
Foreign tourists mainly come from the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Russia and Japan, but tourists from Arab countries, Iran, the USA, France and Scandinavia are not uncommon. There seems to be a trend in which British tourists tend to go on holiday to Aegean resorts such as Bodrum or Marmaris, whilst German and Russian tourists almost exclusively go to resorts on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey (e.g. Antalya) and Japanese tourists mainly visit Istanbul and historical sites such as Ephesus (although in both cases, tourists from almost all over the world can be found in these places, Japanese tourists visit them in very large numbers).
People from Spain have become frequent tourists in recent years. In 2007, 200,000 Spaniards visited Turkey. Most Spaniards book hotels in Istanbul (it is becoming especially popular among them) and many of them also visit Cappadocia.

turkey tourism at turkey

ISTANBULThe splendid city of Istanbul has many unique and fascinating features. It is the only city in the world reaching across two continents, with its old city in Europe and modern Istanbul situated in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. It is also unique in having had capital status during two successive empires, Christian Byzantine and Islamic Ottoman, and the legacy from both is visible in the modern city today.

Istanbul's location on the water made it a much coveted site as a commercial shipping port and military lookout, and as capital of the Roman Empire, Constantinople, as it was
known, became extremely desirable as a center of world trade, until Mehmet the Conqueror claimed it for the Ottoman Empire in 1453 and it became the imperial seat of the sultans. After the War of Independence the capital was moved to Ankara, but Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural heart of Turkey today.

The charm and character of Istanbul lies in its endless variety and jumble of contradictions. Its fascinating history has bequeathed the city a vivid inheritance of Byzantine ruins, splendid palaces, ancient mosques and churches, hamams (bath-houses) and exotic bazaars. Modern Istanbul exudes trendy bars and nightclubs, western boutiques, office blocks, and elegant suburbs. The call to prayer heralds the start of each day and the city comes to life with over 11 million residents forming a chaotic social and cultural mix of unscrupulous carpet merchants, wealthy shoppers, religiously veiled women and destitute beggars. Joining the noisy throng are over-awed tourists and those capitalising on the tourist trade.

The best and easiest way to explore the old city is on foot, but to get to other areas, there is a cheap public transport network consisting of buses, taxis or dolmuses (shared minibus taxis), tramways and a new metro system that has relieved some of the pressure of Istanbul's endless traffic. The rechargeable Akbil electronic transit pass, available from special kiosks, is a discounted way of using local buses, trams, metro and ferries. A useful underground metro line runs from Aksaray to the main city bus station at Esenler and the Ataturk Airport, and another runs north from Taksim Square, passing
the Levent districts. Buses are slow and crowded; tickets must be purchased at outdoor kiosks, as bus drivers do not sell them. Dolmuses and private yellow taxis are more comfortable than the city buses and very inexpensive, but it is advisable for foreigners to have their hotel call a private taxi for them and check that the meter is working, as overcharging is common. A taxi's night rate (gece) can be up to 50% more expensive than the day rate (gündüz). Dolmuses can be hailed anywhere along their set routes. Passenger ferries are a pleasant way to see the city, and there is also a train network running along the Mamara shore. Driving or hiring a car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and poor driving standards.