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Turkey may be a country of diversity, stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and an entire range of resorts and activities to suit all tastes. a rustic spanning two continents where east meets west and 10,000 years of civilisation, Turkey may be a treasure trove of history and culture.
Weather in Turkey – Southern Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts
Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts boast an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity. The long, extended summer runs between May and October with temperatures starting from the low 20°Cs at the start and end of the season, up to the mid 30°Cs within the hottest months of July and August.
During spring, the scent of citrus blossoms fills the air, the hills and valleys are green with vegetation and therefore the cool, sunny days are ideal for hiking and sightseeing. During the autumn months it’s a pleasure to go to historical and natural sites within the cool weather or to shop for up bargains at end-of-season sales! Winters tend to be mild with some sun, and occasional showers, and it’s commonplace to be ready to swim within the sea even in November.
Turkish Culture
The mix of cultural influences and traditions in Turkey is one among the items that draw tourists to the country. Turkey features a rich cultural heritage with an extended history of influences from both Europe and Asia, which is reflected within the complexity and variety of certain Turkish arts, language and handicrafts. Turks are pleased with their centuries-old musical tradition, which is analogous to the music of nearby Islamic regions like Saudi Arabia , Iran, and northern India. A cosmopolitan nation, Turkey has also adopted and developed ideas and traditions that combine Western, Asian, and Arabic elements.
The Family
Turkish family units are extremely important. Children often stick with their families until they marry then still be the most focus of their families’ lives. Grandparents are often available to seem after the youngsters allowing the oldsters to travel bent work. there’s an excellent respect for elders in Turkish Culture and you’ll often see the younger generation kissing an elder’s hand then touching the forehead as a symbol of respect.
Turkish Women
Equal rights for ladies were officially added to the civil code in 2002, so women now have equal say in reference to family matters and property and assets are divided equally within the event of a divorce. Women not need their husbands consent to get jobs and that they also are entitled to continue using their surname if they want once they’re married.
The look
The ‘evil eye’ is an ancient belief and is one among the foremost widespread superstitions in Turkey. it’s believed that the ‘evil eye’ is made by feelings of utmost envy towards an individual or object which it can cast a spell on the thing of it’s gaze bringing bad fortune. The ‘nazar boncuk’ or ‘evil eye bead’ is really a benevolent eye wont to keep off harm and evil. It are often seen providing protection everywhere – in homes and buildings, within the car, and that they are even worn by babies and young children.
Hamam
The Hamam, or Turkish Bath, was a Roman and Byzantine tradition which was adopted by the Selcuk Turks within the 11th century and has been a part of the Turkish Culture and how of life ever since. It claimed a crucial role in society as not only was it an area where the faithful could follow the Muslim precept of cleanliness, it had been also an area during which to socialize, gossip and even talk business or politics. The exfoliation, bathing and massage routine provide both a soothing and exhilarating experience. Today Hamams are often found in most Turkish towns and cities and are they’re fashionable both locals and tourists alike.
Family Holidays in Turkey
Turks love children and always extend a warm welcome to our young holidaymakers. There are many activities in Turkey which can keep children happy, the foremost popular being spending time on the gently shelving beaches which are ideal for families. For the more active, walking, horse riding, cycling and watersports are available.
Did you know?
- Turkey is home to 2 of the Seven Wonders of the planet , the temple of Artemis at Ephesus, and therefore the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (present day Bodrum)
- St Nicholas, popularly referred to as Santa Claus , was born and lived in Turkey
- Noah’s Ark is claimed to possess landed at Ararat in Eastern Turkey
- Turkey provides 70% of the world’s hazelnuts
- Gave English language many words including chock-a block, turquoise, yoghurt, kismet, kilim and parchment
- Turkey first introduced tulips to Holland and today still supplies tulips worldwide. The tulip is additionally Turkey’s national flower
- Turkey was the primary ever land to mind and use coins 2700 years ago by the Lydians
- Turkey has the world’s first female Supreme Court Judge, and gave the ladies the proper to choose 1934
Religion
Whilst the population of Turkey is about 99% Muslim, the country may be a secular state which allows complete freedom of worship to non-muslims. Tourists visiting coastal resorts are unlikely to ascertain much evidence that they’re during a Muslim country, apart from the decision to prayer which may be heard 5 times per day. If visiting a mosque, dress conservatively and avoid visiting during prayer times or on Fridays, the religious holiday . On the coast, dress is usually relaxed beachwear for locals and tourists alike. it’s only in smaller villages, more remote areas and therefore the east of the country that the dress codes are more formal and more traditional.
During Ramadan, or Ramazan, because it is understood in Turkey, some locals may fast from sunrise to sunset. this is often quite relaxed within the resort areas and will not have any affect in the least to visitors.
Public Holidays in Turkey
Government offices and banks are going to be closed on public holidays, but life within the resort areas continues very much like usual. Money exchange bureaux and most shops and restaurants open as normal.
History of Turkey
Historically referred to as Asia Minor or Anatolia, this vast region reflects an interesting and interesting history with settled habitation dating back to the eighth millennium BC. Anatolia has seen virtually every major western civilisation come and go including the Assyrians, Hittities, Phrygians, Urartian, Greeks and Romans. Treasured artefacts, including what’s believed to be the primary landscape picture ever painted were left behind and are displayed at Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Many of the museums’ artefacts are the sole clues we’ve to the earliest civilisations.
Some of the best sites emerged from the Hellenistic period like the remains of ancient Troy and therefore the ruined settlements of Lycia. the foremost impressive of all of them is ancient Ephesus. it’s believed that Mary Mary spent her last days during a small house on the sting of Ephesus whilst St John the Evangelist came to seem after her. Now an area of Pilgrimage for Roman Catholics, the house has received the official sanction of the Vatican.
In 560 BC the King of Persia, Cyrus, conquered everybody and everything and shortly subjected the Aegean cities to his rule. However, 200 years later they were defeated by Alexander the good . He led the Macedonians eastward across Anatolia as far as India in pursuit of gaining the domination of Asia. surely , he rapidly conquered the whole Middle East , from Greece to India.
Following its conquest by Rome within the 2nd century BC, Asia Minor enjoyed centuries of peace. During the center Ages as a part of the Byzantine Empire it became a centre of Christianity.
The Great Seljuk Empire, based in Persia, was the primary real Turkish state in Anatolia. This empire had a particular culture with beautiful architecture and style . The Seljuks Empire quickly declined with Anatolia fragmented into variety of small emirates. The Turks gradually moved in on these states one by one which eventually grew to be the most important empire in recent history, the Ottoman Empire . The Ottomans ruled for quite six centuries until 1922. the subsequent year, Asia Minor became the larger a part of the Turkish Republic led by Ataturk.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the most drive behind the event of recent Turkey. the previous military officer became Turkey’s first President and steered the country from the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire . Ataturk introduced dramatic reforms that touched upon every aspect of Turkish life. there have been many significant changes including replacing the Arabic script with Latin characters. Primary education was made compulsory and non secular law was abolished. Women were granted equal rights in matters of custody and inheritance and by 1934 women’s rights had extended to Universal Suffrage.
Ataturk was and still may be a national hero- a huge presence within the long history of Turkey. In every town and village you’ll find reminders of the leader everywhere you switch . As time goes by Ataturk becomes even more of a hero because the country’s people recognize his extraordinary influence in making Turkey what it’s today.
Turkish Food & Drink
Turkish food is amongst the simplest within the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally, there’s a huge array of produce to excite and entice the palate.
Besides its famous kebab dishes, there are many other traditional Turkish foods to settle on from. Meze (appetisers) that Turkey is justly famous, are a variety of many small dishes from simple combinations like cheese with melon to ornately stuffed vegetables. These are served altogether Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki, a transparent anise- flavoured spirit claimed to be Turkey’s national alcoholic drink.
Turkey’s hottest beers are the house produced Efes Pilsen and Tuborg, and whilst the wine industry has yet to understand it’s full potential, Kavaklidere and Doluca, the simplest known brands, produce a variety of both red and white wines.
Shopping in Turkey offers the foremost unusual and diverse range of gifts tempting even the non-shoppers amongst us.
Traditional handicrafts like carpets, kilims, copper goods, painted ceramics and jewellery are popular buys, along side an honest selection of leather goods, sandals and beachwear which may be found in most of the larger resorts.
In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and through the summer many shops stay open until late within the evening, seven days every week , leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the warmth of the day.
In souvenir shops and stalls, it is often worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping, local minimarkets provide basic essentials, whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are almost like those we are wont to reception . Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce, crafts and textiles and are well worth a visit.
Transport
Hiring a car is one among the simplest ways to urge out and about, supplying you with the liberty to explore at your leisure.
Local transport within the towns and resorts consists of dolmus or minibuses (taxis) that run from one point to a different and you’ll mount and off anywhere along the route and pay consistent with the space travelled.
Things to try to to in Turkey
Turkey offers a good sort of activities for couples and families alike.
Watersports including windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing and canoeing are popular on designated beaches in or near many of the larger resorts. skin diving is additionally widely available, and therefore the calm, clear waters are ideal for beginners and novice divers. Walking and trekking are getting increasingly popular and that they offer one among the simplest ways to explore the countryside.
Currency in Turkey
New lira (YTL) is that the official currency in Turkey. “Y” stands for “Yeni” (“New”) in Turkish because the new notes and coins replaced the old currency which was withdrawn from circulation in January 2006. It are often purchased from your bank beforehand , during which case we might advise you to order a minimum of fortnight before your departure date. Alternatively you’ll change money, or travellers cheques once you’ve got arrived in Turkey. it is easy to vary up all major currencies in exchange offices, post offices and hotels. Exchange offices also are located within the arrivals halls at the most Turkish aiports.
Currency are often also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be ready to offer you further information on using your card abroad. If you are doing end up in need of lira at any point, many shops and restaurants within the coastal resorts and bigger cities will accept payment in foreign currency. But if you’re getting to visit other parts of the country, it’s advisable to hold some lira .
The New lira comes in notes of 5,10, 20, 50 and 100. The coins, called New Kurus (Ykr), come in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and one New lira . 100 New Kurus equals one New lira .
Please note that Scottish currency isn’t accepted in Turkey. it’s also worth noting that they’ll not accept any foreign bank notes for exhange which are ripped or are scribbled on.
Passports & Visas
British citizens require a typical ten year passport which must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of arrival back within the UK. Children under 16 years require their own passport if not already on a parents passport before October 1998.
British citizens (including infants) need to pay a tourist visa of £10 upon arrival. This must be paid in note form in cash. Scottish currency isn’t accepted in Turkey.
Full details and application forms for a full British passport are often obtained from main post offices or direct from the Passport Office.
Non UK passport holders are recommended to contact the acceptable Embassy in London on their visa fee.
Turkey Time Difference
Turkey is 2 hours before the united kingdom . it’s an honest idea to regulate your watch as soon as you arrive, as any airline timetables are expressed in civil time .
Vaccinations for Turkey
No vaccination certificates are compulsory for entry to Turkey. you ought to always ask your doctor, in blast before departure, if there are any inoculations the Department of Health consider necessary or advisable for any specific areas.
When To Go
The main season for visitors to Turkey’s western Aegean and Mediterranean coastal resorts is between May to October, when the weather is settled and therefore the days are long and sunny.
Temperatures range from the mid 20°Cs early and late season, to the mid 30°Cs during the height season of July and August which is additionally the foremost popular time to go to when all the activities are fully swing. the ocean temperatures are warm and ideal for swimming throughout the summer, and it’s commonplace to be ready to swim within the sea even in November.
In the coastal resorts we’ve a variety of properties suitable for occupation in late autumn, winter and early spring where you’ll discover the changing seasons. Please contact us for further information. There could also be a further charge for heating. The Turkish resorts do subsided in winter and lots of facilities available during the summer months might not be available during winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be ready to use my mobile phone?
Generally speaking, mobile coverage in Turkey is extremely good – the exception being a number of the more remote and/or mountainous areas. it’s important to recollect that when employing a British mobile , in Turkey, to contact our overseas offices and staff, albeit you’re linking up to the local network your call must be prefixed by 00 90 and you ought to then drop the primary 0 of the Turkish telephone number .
What currency will I require?
New lira (YTL) is that the official currency in Turkey. Currency are often purchased within the UK but we advise you to order a minimum of fortnight before your departure date to avoid any eleventh hour rush. Once in Turkey, it is easy to vary up all major currencies in exchange offices, post offices (PTTs) and hotels. Currency are often also obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be ready to offer you further information on using your card abroad. If you are doing end up in need of lira at any point, foreign currency, including pounds sterling, is quickly accepted in many shops, hotels and restaurants within the tourist areas.
Travellers Cheques or Credit Cards?
Credit cards are now very widely accepted in shops and a few restaurants within the main towns and resorts. Though you ought to always check beforehand if you plan to possess a meal and pay afterwards using the cardboard . Many small, family run restaurants or establishments might not accept cards. The smaller villages and places ‘off the beaten track’ can also not accept credit cards so have some cash handy.
Currency are often obtained from ATM/cash machines throughout Turkey, providing the symbols on the machine match those on your debit/cash card. Your bank should be ready to offer you further information on using your card abroad. Travellers Cheques are often cashed at banks, exchange bureaux and most of the larger hotels.
What is the voltage and can we got to use adaptors?
The current is 220 V. Wall sockets take two rounded pin plugs, like many European countries. you’ll need an adapter plug to use UK appliances.
Is there a time difference?
Yes, Turkey is on GMT + 2 (daylight saving GMT +3 operates between late March to late September). this suggests that for many of the year, Turkey is 2 hours before the united kingdom . it’s an honest idea to regulate your watch as soon as you arrive in Turkey.
What should I take?
You can now find most western goods, including holiday essentials like suntan and aftersun lotions, insect and mosquito repellents, and such like in most of the larger resorts and supermarkets. Taking these things with you saves time and also ensures that you simply can find your preferred brands. It’s worth taking a high protection sunscreen, especially during peak season when temperatures can soar, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and a mosquito repellent both for your room and a sprig for yourself once you are outside within the evenings. Also do take a European-type 2 pin adaptor for your electrical equipment – these are often difficult to seek out in Turkey. A photocopy of your passport is beneficial to stay on you as a way of ID, and if you’re driving, a replica of your license also to stay within the car.
Are shops open on the day of our arrival?
During the summer season, and particularly within the resort areas, supermarkets, minimarkets and lots of shops are open daily, often till early evening.
As a general guideline opening days and times are as follows:
Banks: 09.00 – 12.00 and 13.30 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Post Offices: (identified by yellow PTT signs) 08.00 – 20.00 Monday to Saturday, and 09.00 – 19.00 on Sundays.
Museums – 09.00 – 17.00 Tuesday to Sunday.
Chemists (eczane) – 09.00-19.00 Monday to Saturday. a requirement chemist is appointed on a rota basis to stay open for twenty-four hours, details of which are posted in any chemist’s front window.
Shops: within the resorts, and particularly during the summer months, bazaars and lots of tourist shops open daily from around 09.00 till late within the evening, often till 22.00. More regular type shops may close earlier within the evening, and on Sundays.
Supermarkets: Most supermarkets are open daily, and therefore the larger ones are often open till 22.00 during the summer, a couple of open 24 hours.
Cafés and restaurants tend to work open-ended hours and should not close till early within the morning.
Are there insects?
There are often mosquito’s in certain areas so a connect deterrent is a thought . Ants are frequent in some rural areas.
What is driving like in Turkey?
As within the remainder of the Mediterranean, other road users could seem to the united kingdom driver to drive unpredictably. The roads are generally well kept though some coastal or mountain roads are often narrow and winding. you ought to remember of the subsequent points:
Traffic drives on the proper in Turkey, which suggests you want to subside to the proper at junctions and roundabouts (vehicles joining the roundabout have right of way).
The wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
There are strict drink driving laws – the rule is completely no alcohol if you plan to drive. Random tests are quite common and police will issue on the spot fines.
If another vehicle flashes it’s lights, this suggests that it’s coming through, not that they’re giving thanks to you.
You should drive defensively in the least times, and care should be taken when driving after dark as you’ll encounter inadequately lit vehicles, slow moving lorries or animals wandering across the road.
