About TÜRKİYE

A bridge between Europe and Asia, Türkiye has a lot to offer its visitors: breathtaking natural beauties, unique historical and archaeological sites, constantly improving hotel and tourism infrastructure, a tradition of hospitality, and affordable prices. Due to these features, it is not a surprise that this country has recently become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Because of Türkiye's variable geographical conditions, you can experience four seasons on any given day. Four different seas surround Türkiye with beaches, bays, gulfs, ports, islands, peninsulas, and many natural wonders.

Wandering the historical lands of Anatolia, you will notice the cultural mosaic in which different civilizations are intertwined. Türkiye has been the "cradle of civilizations" for years. The Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, one of the first settlements in the world, dates back to 6500 BC. From Çatalhöyük to the present day, we continue to leave permanent traces on the path of modern civilization.

Türkiye, which has a deep culture and knowledge throughout history, hosted the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Persians, Romans, Byzantium, Seljuk Dynasty, and the Ottoman Empire. For this reason, it is possible to come across historical artifacts and ruins specific to civilizations in every corner of the country.

Undoubtedly, a single trip to Türkiye will not be enough. You will want to go back to our country and explore the magnificent places one by one. No matter how different the places to visit are from each other, the sun, mountains, lakes, and sea will offer you a unique opportunity to get away from daily stress and routine. From April to October, you can enjoy the beaches and relax in the peaceful environment of mountains and lakes in most regions of Türkiye.

OFFICIAL NAME

Republic of Türkiye

YEAR OF FOUNDATION

October 29, 1923

CAPITAL CITY

Ankara

MAJOR CITIES

Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Bursa

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY

Türkiye locates between 26° and 45° East Meridians and 36° and 42° North Parallels, with a total surface area of ​​814,578 km2.

Türkiye is on the transit route connecting Europe and Asia, with most of its territory in Southwest Asia, Anatolia. Three seas surround Türkiye: the Black Sea in the north, the Aegean Sea in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Türkiye borders Georgia, Armenia, and Iran to the east, Iraq, and Syria to the south, and Greece and Bulgaria to the west.

TONGUE

Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in major cities and main tourist areas.

CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS

Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira, TL.

Currency denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200

Coins: 5, 10, 25, and 50 Kurus and 1 TL

You can get Turkish Lira before you travel to Türkiye or when you arrive. Exchange rates are announced daily by the Central Bank. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels, airports, and exchange offices on regular business days (Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00). Turkish Lira can be bought and sold in hotels, banks, and special exchange offices called "Foreign Exchange Bureau."

Major credit cards, including American Express, Diners, MasterCard, and Visa, are accepted at major hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and department stores/shops. You will need cash (TL) for taxis, restaurants, and cafes. You can withdraw money using your credit or debit card using cash machines (ATMs) located in cabinets in bank buildings or on the streets.

TIME ZONE

GMT+2. CET +1. and EST (US - East) +7

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

There are two types of public holidays in Türkiye; holidays that fall on the same day of each year and religious holidays that are determined according to the lunar calendar (Hijri calendar) and have different dates each year.

TURKISH CUISINE

Turkish food is world well-known and has a wide range from soups to a vast variety of appetizers, followed by meat and fish dishes, many famous Turkish desserts and pastries, and Turkish coffee. The traditional breakfast is a fantastic flavor combination that includes bread, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, butter, jam/honey, yogurt, and sweet black tea.

TURKISH ELECTIC PLUGS & SOCKETS

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets/points.

COMMUNICATION

There are three GSM operators in Türkiye, that offer 4.5G service, and almost 98% of the country is covered. Internet access is available throughout the country.

INTERNATIONAL CALLING CODE

+90

TAXIS

Taxis are all bright yellow and easy to identify. All taxis have a taximeter, at the beginning of your journey, you should check whether the taximeter is turned on.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

In November, the average high temperature during the daytime is 12°C, and the average lowest temperature at night is 4°C.

For more general information on weather forecasts, you can visit http://www.mgm.gov.tr/.

PHONES AND FAX

It is a convenient way to make domestic and international calls from prepaid sim cards and payphones. Your hotel will most likely be providing fax service at the reception. Fax service is also provided in some markets.

MARKETS

Small markets can be found in almost every neighborhood and street. Various foodstuffs, beverages, personal cleaning materials, newspapers and magazines, stationery, recording devices and similar needs can be purchased from these 24-hour markets.

SMOKING APPLICATION

Please note that smoking in indoor public areas, as well as in restaurants and public buildings, is prohibited by law.

VISA INFORMATION

Turkey offers many opportunities regarding visa procedures. Please visit this page for updated information:

https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa