Area Guide – Turkey

Astride two continents, Turkey is a country of contrast and beauty. As the cradle of civilisation and with a varied landscape, it has much to offer both the visitor and investor.

Use the following links to see specific information on the following areas:

Bodrum Area Information
Dalaman Area Information
Fethiye Area Information

Often called the gateway to the East, Turkey is not only a bridge between continents but also between nations and civilisations.

Both the country and its capital city, Istanbul is in the unique position of lying on two continents. The Bosphorous separates the eastern part of the city from the west.

Turkey covers an area of 814,578 sq km, roughly the size of Texas in the USA, of which 790,200 sq km are in Asia and 24,378 in Europe. The European part of Turkey is called Thrace, while the Asian part is Anatolia or Asia Minor.  The coastline is more than 8,333 km long.

Turkey borders eight other countries with Bulgaria lying to the northwest, Greece to the west, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan to the northeast, Iran to the east and Iraq and Syria to the southeast.

The country is separated into seven geographical regions: the Black Sea region, Marmara, the Aegean region, the Mediterranean region, South eastern Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and central Anatolia.

The Mediterranean and the Aegean regions are at the heart of the tourist industry. The irregular coastline means there are many coves and little peninsulas, ideal for yachting. The charming town of Bodrum, home to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus and once a stronghold of the crusaders, lies on one of these peninsulas.

If you are interested in hiking, Fethiye is the starting point of the Lycian way (a 311 mile footpath through the Tekke peninsula). However for the less energetic, Fethiye boasts the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.

Colourful and diverse, Turkey is a country with landscapes ranging from snow capped mountains to oak and pine forests, wide green meadows and large lakes.

Turkey has something to offer everyone, even winter sports in the Uludag region,

The climate is a Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet and cold winters, though conditions can be much harsher in the more arid interior

With more than 70,000,000 people, Turkey would seem to be crowded, yet the country is so vast that there are large uninhabited areas. 99% of the population of Turkey is Muslim but it is a secular state that assures complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims. The Turkish language is spoken by 90% of the population.

Turkey is rich in folklore and traditions that have been kept alive for centuries due to the characteristics of the Turkish people.

While in Turkey you should make time to try a Turkish bath (Hammam) it is a never to be forgotten experience. Bath houses have existed since medieval times and are an integral part of the culture.

The History of Turkey

Modern Turkey owes its existence to Kemal Attaturk the first president of the Republic of Turkey. His forward-looking policies led Turkey out of the middle ages and placed it firmly in the twentieth century.

"The Cradle of Civilization" - from Neolithic times to the present day, Turkey has been at the center of world history. By travelling through this historic land, visitors will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world's first known settlement, a Neolithic city at Çatalhöyük, dates back to 6.500 B.C.

Rich in information and cultural wealth, Turkey is the historian’s paradise. Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans have all made important contributions to the history of the area. Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each civilization's unique distinction

The Anatolian peninsula, because of its geographical location, has always found favour throughout history and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. It has also been prominent as a center of commerce because of its land connections to three continents and the sea surrounding it on three sides.

Traveling to Turkey

All the major airlines fly into Istanbul and Ankara while low cost flights connect with all international airports in Turkey and northern Europe.

Turkish Airlines (THY) provides a large network of domestic flights from the international airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Trabzon, Dalaman and Antalya to all of the major Turkish cities. For timetables, prices and reductions, enquiries can be made at THY agencies. There are excellent bus connections to and from all airports and city terminals.

Major Airports in Turkey

• Istanbul (Atatürk and Sabiha Gökcen)
• Ankara (Esenboga)
• Izmir (Adnan Menderes)
• Adana
• Trabzon
• Van
• Erzurum
• Bursa
• Samsun
• Antalya
• Dalaman
• Milas-Bodrum

The wide network of the Turkish State Railways, totaling some 8,697 km, connects most major cities. The trains are modern with couchettes, restaurants, and lounge cars offering first and second class service.

Bus travel is a popular means of transport within the country and every town will be linked by a service. They are run by private bus companies and coaches depart from city bus stations or the town center in smaller regions.

Yellow taxis are numerous in all Turkish cities. The fare shown on the meter reads according to the distance traveled.

The 'Dolmus', a special service found only in Turkey, is a shared taxi which follows specific routes and is recognizable by its yellow band. Each passenger pays according to distance traveled and can get off at specific stops. Fares are relatively cheap and are fixed by the municipality. The 'dolmus' serve large cities and will go to suburbs, airports and often to neighboring towns. This is a very practical means of transport and cheaper than a privately hired taxi.

Turkey has 8 430 Km of coastline and 15 principal state-owned ports. The main ports are; Samsun, Haydarpasa (Istanbul), Izmir, Izmit, Trabzon, Mersin, and Iskenderun and run extensive passenger ferry services.

Medical, Water and Vaccinations

Mains water is usually chlorinated in larger towns and cities, but this is not so in all areas. If used for drinking or making ice it should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised so bottled water is a wise precaution.

Information Required When Travelling to Turkey

Visa Requirements For Foreigners:

Visas are required for the citizens of the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America

These can be obtained at the port of entry and last for three months

Vaccinations:

No vaccinations are required for visitors from European countries

Time Zone:

Turkey is 2 hours ahead of GMT

Electricity:

220 volts, throughout Turkey. Two pin plugs are used

Weights and Measures:

Metric system.

Tel. Dialing Code:

00 90 area code tel no.

Healthcare in Turkey

Often when visiting a foreign country, health problems can seem daunting. Here we give you an insight on what to expect when travelling to Turkey.

Owing to limited funding, Turkish State hospitals don’t always have the same standards as we do “back home”. Ironically however, they have some of the most well-known and respected doctors on staff, particularly at the university hospitals. There are plans afoot to improve the standards in state hospitals and this should improve the problem.

Private Healthcare has flourished in Turkey in the last decade owing to the long queues and impersonal service in state run hospitals. Care standards in private hospitals are usually on a par with international standards in terms of expertise and equipment. Most private hospitals have contracts with various insurance companies so it is important to make sure you have good health insurance.

The main centers are well served with hospitals some of which have direct agreements with BUPA. There are private clinics in the tourist areas of Bodrum, Antalya and Marmaris

Pharmacies are open from 9.00 to 19.00 hrs from Monday to Saturday and there is usually an emergency pharmacy in each area.

Health Risks

There is a risk of malaria in the south-eastern part of the country, but not in the main tourist areas in the west and south-west of the country, although mosquitoes can still be an irritation in summer.

If you are travelling to Turkey , you should consult your usual healthcare provider for travel medical advice before departure. The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low, provided you avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish food and drink are one of the many pleasures of visiting Turkey. Find out below the ingredients that make up Turkish cuisine and learn about some of the typical dishes.

A distinctive feature of Turkey’s home cooking is that you start with cooking the meat, gradually adding all other ingredients. At the end of the cooking process, you will have completely finished the course in one saucepan. This method saves time, especially if you work from scratch.

Typical Turkish cuisine consists of plenty of fresh vegetables, eaten raw, roasted or stewed with meat in terracotta pots with lots of garlic, onions, oil and spices. The basic ingredients are:

• Meats - pork, beef, lamb, chicken and fish.
• Dairy products – the main dairy product used is plain yogurt. In general it is prepared from cows milk, but it can be made from sheep milk or buffalo-cow milk, which are thought of as being much more tasty than cow milk.
• Cheese – there are two main kinds: Feta (white cheese) which is in two types, cow feta and sheep feta. In Turkey it is most common to use cow feta in cooking and sheep feta to eat uncooked. Yellow cheese is also eaten according to western style.
• Cereals - rice, corn, beans, lentils.
• Vegetables - potatoes, cabbage(green and red), carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, egg plants, cucumbers, garlic, zucchini, pumpkin, onions (yellow and green, peas, celery, spinach, cauliflower, lima beans, lettuce, radishes, turnip, gumbo, mushrooms, olives.
• Fruits - cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, apricots, watermelons, melons, grapes, and quinces
• Nuts - peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, chestnuts.
• Spices - parsley, mint, paprika.
• Herbs - many different, from thyme to milfoil. They are also used in cooking and for herb teas.

Little by little European foods like pasta and mayonnaise and other products not produced in Turkey are being used. Turkish cuisine is slowly changing to a mixture of typical Turkish food blended with food common to the rest of the world.

In the restaurants you may eat steaks, chops, hamburgers, usually roasted, broiled or barbequed and garnished with potatoes, beans, salad and a Turkish sauce called luttennitza. In the larger cities there are special restaurants offering fried chicken, fish, pizza and spaghetti. In the capital Ankara you can also taste German, Russian, Italian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese food.

Travelling in the countryside you can find 'kebabchetta' and 'kyuftetta' which are Turkish barbequed hamburgers shaped into rectangular or round portions.

Alcohol – There is no restriction on the sale and use of alcohol in Turkey. The famous local anis drink is Raki and is widely drunk in Turkey.

Typical Turkish Dishes

• Shopska salata - chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and peppers sprinkled with sirene (Turkish white cheese)+
• Snezhanka – thick, creamy yoghurt with chopped cucumber or gherkins, walnuts and garlic
• Kyopulo - roasted aubergines, peppers, loads of garlic and parsley
• Soups - also a very important element in the Turkish menu:
• Bob Chorba - traditional bean soup with plenty of herbs
• Shkembe Chorba - tripe soup with garlic, vinegar and chili
• Tarator - cold yoghurt and cucumber soup. Turks like their meat - mainly pork (svinsko), Veal (teleshko) and chicken (pile)- grilled, fried or as a stew
• Kavarma - meat and vegetable stew, usually served in individual pots
• Gyuvech - stewed chunks of vegetables and lamb
• Kyufteta - spicy meat balls/ hamburgers
• Kebapcheta - spicy mince meat, sausage shaped, grilled
• Chushki byurek - fried peppers stuffed with egg and cheese
• Sirene po shopski - white cheese, egg, tomatoes and peppers baked in a pot.

Driving in Turkey

With a total of 354,421 km of roads, Turkey boasts an extensive network of modern, well-maintained routes linking its cities, small towns and major tourist areas. Unlike many emerging markets, Turkey has a very adequate infrastructure at the ready to cope with rapid growth.

As a modern country, Turkey also has a well developed public transport system, and therefore does not always require visitors to use a car. However if you wish to get off the beaten track, where public transport is limited, then driving will give you the freedom to do so.

Driving Conditions

Some of the highways in Turkey only have two lanes and many of the roads across Turkey have pot holes which you should be cautious of.

Some of the bigger commercial highways including the one connecting Ankara to Istanbul are broader and offer better road conditions for driving however there are usually a lot of trucks and lorries driving on these highways which can slow things down.

Driving in the crowded cities of Turkey can be frustrating although there are some quieter highways which provide a pleasant driving experience in Turkey.

Driving Laws

Motorists drive on the right hand side of the road and right of way always belongs to traffic coming from the right. In reality, however, you will often see this law ignored when driving in Turkey so you will just have to observe, go with the flow and get a feeling for what is acceptable. The speed limit for driving in Turkey is 90 km/h on the highways and 50 km in towns, although once again these limits are often ignored and people driving in Turkey drive very fast.

Driving Permits

Car hire companies and police will require you to show your full driving license from your home country. Provided you have your full driving license there should not be any need to obtain an international driving permit.

Main Roads

The Bosphorus crossing to Asia has been greatly improved by the completion of the Istanbul bypass. In addition there are two Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul - Ankara Expressway.

The E80 and E90 are the two main roads leading to Turkey from European borders and they also link the Iranian and Iraqi borders. All Turkish expressways are constructed in accordance with Asian and Middle Eastern international road standards.

Crime & Police in Turkey

Unfortunately one of the downsides of modern life is that we have all seen an increase in crime in our countries. Here we give you a guide of what to look out for. Safety lies in being aware and taking suitable precautions.

Organised crime is indeed a problem in Turkey at the present time, with criminal groups being currently active in casinos, nightclubs, prostitution and elsewhere. In an effort to eradicate this problem, Turkish Police are using increasingly aggressive tactics both in the investigation and arrest of suspects, while the Turkish Judiciary are reflecting this tough stance themselves upon prosecution and sentencing.

Street crime figures are relatively low in Turkey, although it is on the increase in large urban centers such as Istanbul and Izmir. As in other large metropolitan areas throughout the world, common street crimes include pick pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging.

Visitors can be robbed while distracted by a staged fight or altercation and women are considered to be easy targets. It is strongly recommended that you leave your passport in the hotel safe, as a lost or stolen passport can disrupt your travel plans and be expensive to replace. However be sure to carry a good photocopy of your passport with you as proof of identity

English-or French-speaking foreigners have befriended tourists and then drugged them, using tea, juice, alcohol, or food. Two common drugs used are Nembutal and benzodiazepine which, when used incorrectly, can cause death.

In other cases, tourists are invited to visit clubs or bars, and then presented with inflated bills (often exceeding $1000), and coerced to pay them by credit card. Residential crime appears to be on the increase in major cities, with criminals targeting ground floor apartments for theft.

Do remember, however, that street crime is a problem in every large city in the world. Relatively few visitors are victims of crimes and those who practice good urban safety precautions are least likely to be bothered by crime.

What to do if you are a victim of crime in Turkey

Under no circumstances should you try pursuit yourself. This is extremely dangerous and could lead to tragic consequences. Call the police immediately. The numbers are:

• Police: 155 (all over Turkey)
• Tourism Police: (0212) 5274503 (Istanbul only)
• Gendarme: 156 (all over Turkey)

In Turkey, Police officers wear navy-blue uniforms and caps. Patrol cars can be identified using the unique blue-white design and the writing “Polis” on the side doors and hood. Lieutenants and captains wear silver stars on their shoulders, highest ranking officers wear golden stars.

There have been some disputes in the past about the Police Department. One of many is the scandals that have been on the international press about handling demonstrations with excessive use of force. In Turkey the police is regularly criticized for being ill-mannered and bullying. However more importantly, the government is constantly accused for underpaying and under-staffing the department, limiting its rights to exercise lethal force (today legally, a Turkish Policeman is not allowed to fire his weapon unless very exceptional circumstances are at hand), and trying to induce political influence in it.

To improve the problem, pilot projects under a European Union project for strengthening the responsibility, productivity and effectiveness of the Turkish police force have got under way in 10 cities, according to information from the Police Department. The officers working under the EU project will act as a bridge between the local community and the police force.

Bodrum Area Information

Here, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet, is one of Turkey 's loveliest holiday resorts, with its long palm lined waterfront and its marina crowded in the summer with elegant yachts. Not far from the town it is possible to swim in unbelievably clear, tide-less, warm seas. It was the birthplace of Heredotus and the site of King Mausolus's Tomb (4th century BC) one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Bodrum is Turkey's gateway to world tourism. Various races with differing cultures, religions and languages have lived here since times immemorial. The inclination to 'live and let live' has evolved into strong attitudes of tolerance, broad-mindedness and warm hospitality by now bred into the people of Bodrum.

Bodrum is a famous resort both with the Turkish and overseas tourists and the population goes from 50,000 in the winter months to more than half a million during the summer period. Around the bay there is a big assortment of bars, restaurants, shops and discos and is a mixture of native and cosmopolitan culture. While the nights in the town itself are alive and busy the outlying areas offer quiet and relaxing tavernas and restaurants.

Bodrum castle (or the medieval castle of St Peter ) built by the knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's harbour and has been converted into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with remains dating back to the Bronze Age.

On the southern coast of the peninsula lie the golden sandy beaches at Bardakci, Gumbet, Bitez, Ortakent Yahsi, Karaincir, Bagla and Akyarlar, while on the western side are Gumusluk, Yalikavak and Turgut Reis. For those looking for a quiet relaxing holiday the northern coast fishing villages of Turkbuku, Golkoy and Gundogan offer just this.

The reputation of Bodrum's boatyards dates back to ancient times and craftsmen still build the traditional yachts today. The tirhandil has a pointed bow and stern and the gulette has a broad beam and rounded stern. The latter, especially, are used on excursions and pleasure trips and in the annual October Cup Race.

Dalaman Area Information

Dalaman is a historical and beautiful place and since the opening of the Dalaman airport more and more people have been attracted to visit enabling it to start developing into a tourist center. Dalaman is a region that has a lot to offer including wonder beaches, lakes, mountains, thermal baths, historical remains and many sports.

The village of Dalaman is 130 years and the area around is known as the region of lakes with Kocagol being the larges and at 40 m the deepest. The area is renowned for its plant species.

Nearby Dalyan is in the center of a broad delta and at the head lies the 7 km sandbar called Iztuzu beach where the endangered Loggerhead Turtle has returned for hundreds of years to lay its eggs.

There are many souvenir shops selling every imaginable trinket or gift with one of the most popular being Turkish Delight. The nearby town of Fethiye holds its market on a Tuesday where even better bargains can be secured.

In Dalaman and its surrounding area are beautiful coves some of which can only be reached by sea but some of them such as Sarsala can be accessed by road.

There is an abundance of fruit and vegetables as the Dalaman Valley is very fertile making the local dishes very popular.

Fethiye Area Information

This region is the heart of ancient Lycia and has many historic sites among which are Kadyanda, Kaunos, Tlos, Pinara, Letoon, Xanthos and Patara are particularly noteworthy. It is a region of dramatic mountains, stunning beaches, cosmopolitan ports, rustic villages and the wonderful islands of the gulf all combine to provide a snapshot of the diversity that makes Turkey and in particular the Lycian Coast so special. 

The bustling harbour and market town of Fethiye is on the south-eastern corner of The Gulf and is the major commercial center of the region particularly on market day each Tuesday.

The nearest airport is Dalaman which is approximately 50 km away and the drive from there to Fethiye is unforgettable with forest-clad mountains giving the dramatic backdrop to the plains, coastal towns, villages where time appears to have stood still and beaches that are scattered throughout the region. During the months of mid June – August there is a direct ferry service between Fethiye and Rhodes in Greece.

Fethiye with its cultural wealth, natural beauties and geography, is among the important tourism centers of Turkey . It is famous for its works of art belong to Persians, Lycians, Carians and Romans. This charming town is in a bay within Fethiye Gulf where both large and small islands are scattered. The rear of the bay is surrounded by pine forests.

The area has a Mediterranean climate, which is hot and dry during summer and warm and rainy during winter. The temperature is approximately 30 degrees during the summer months and is generally over 10 degrees during winter. Sea water temperature never goes below 16 degrees during any season making swimming possible for nine months of the year. Really we might as well conclude that there are only two seasons in Fethiye – Spring and Summer!!

Fethiye Castle which ascends in the south of the area, belongs to the Knights of St John. There are two small and a simple rock tombs on the east of the hill excluding a few writings carved out on the walls and a cistern of which date a date is indefinite.

Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) has been described as “the Eden bestowed by God to the World” has a beach 3km long. It has the appearance of a natural lagoon with tepid water during 10 months of the year.

Sporting facilities are excellent with paragliding available in Mount Baba, sailing and yachting, diving in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean, windsurfing, kite surfing, horse riding, mountaineering in the Beydaglar mountains and mountain biking.