The First Geography Congress, which was convened in Ankara in 1941, at the conclusion of the research that had continued for a long time, separated Turkey into seven geographical regions. During the congress activities, the fact that Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, the presence of mountain ranges lying parallel to the length of the long coastline, the fact that these mountains separate the high, but slightly steep and uneven central section from the influence of the sea and because of this, factors such as the climate, natural plant cover and the distribution of types of agriculture, and the influences of these on the transportation systems and the types of housing between the coastal strip and the central sections, had been taken into consideration and it was possible to divide Turkey into four border and three inner regions. The first four of the seven regions determined were given the names of the seas, which are adjacent to them (the Black Sea, the Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean Regions).
Stretching out on two continents, Turkey is a paradise where one can experience the four seasons simultaneously... Whether you are fond of art, history, archeology or nature, you will feel the happiness beyond desires and hopes during your stay in Turkey.
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of a shinning sea at four directions, Turkey generously offers her 8000km long shores before your eyes. Turkey is also rich in flora and fauna.
Twenty fascinating civilizations render Turkey the heir of 10.000 years old history, which has still been examined for further ancient secrets to be brought up into daylight. These lands inhale at any moment the mystery of the past through the existence of the statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theatres, agoras, churches, mosques, medresseh, palaces and caravanseraies. Becoming a united whole of daily life and all other values, Turkey forms the ideal circumstances.
For those who travel to engage in culinary pursuits, the Turkish Cuisine is worthy of exploration. The variety of dishes that make up the cuisine, the ways they all come together in feast like meals, and the evident intricacy of each craft involved offer enough material for life-long study and enjoyment. It is not easy to discern a basic element or a single dominant feature, like the Italian pasta or the French sauce. Whether in a humble home, at a famous restaurant, or at dinner in a Bey's mansion, familiar patterns of this rich and diverse cuisine are always present. It is a rare art, which satisfies the senses while reconfirming the higher order of society, community and culture.
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| Climate |
The interior of the country has low rainfall and cold to very cold winters and warm to hot summers. Winter rainfall usually falls as snow especially towards the east where it may lie for three to four months. The coastal areas have much milder winters with warm summers. The Black Sea coast is a little colder in winter than on the southern and western coasts and has some rain throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid with changeable periods. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and a midwinter rainy season |
| Local Time |
From 31 Oct 04 to 27 Mar 05 GMT +2
From 27 Mar 05 to 30 Oct 05 GMT +3 |
| Customs |
Import
Allowances
a) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200gr of tobacco (additional 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500gr of tobacco if purchased at dutyfree shops)
b) 5 x 1 lit bottles or 7 x 70cc bottles of alcohol
c) 5 x 120ml bottles of toilet water or cologne
d) Gifts to the value of EUR 255.64
Currency
a) 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 200gr of tobacco (additional 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500gr of tobacco if purchased at dutyfree shops)
b) 5 x 1 lit bottles or 7 x 70cc bottles of alcohol
c) 5 x 120ml bottles of toilet water or cologne
d) Gifts to the value of EUR 255.64 |
| Passport & Visa |
The following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different), if any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate
Required, but NOT by the following:
1) For tourist visits by holders of a National Identity Card issued to nationals of Belgium, Cyprus (Turkish), France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Spain & Switzerland (only at certain borders, contact Embassy prior to departure)
Where a visa is required passports must be valid for at least 6 months if visa is issued on arrival or 1 year if issued at a Turkish Consulate
The following DO NOT require a visa:
1) Nationals of Turkey
2) For stays up to 3 months by nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Cyprus (Turkish), Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong (S.A.R. passport holders), Iceland, Iran (USD 100 per day of stay required for entry), Israel, Japan, Korea (South), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua (tourists only), San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago (USD 50 per day of stay required for entry), Tunisia, Uruguay & Vatican City
3) For stays up to 3 months by nationals of Bulgaria, provided entering through certain custom points (check with nearest embassy/consulate)
4) For stays up to 2 months by nationals of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia & Romania (USD 50 per day of stay required for entry)
5) For stays up to 1 month by nationals of Costa Rica (USD 50 per day of stay required for entry), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & Macao (S.A.R. passport holders) |
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