Turkey in Brief

Turkey is a stunningly beautiful country of many colours and contrasts. Steeped in history you will rarely find a more unique land with such a diverse heritage. Well known as the place where eastern mystique meets western sophistication, you don’t have to look far to find the ancient rubbing shoulders with the modern. Here is a brief fact file for you:

Population

Turkey has 67.8 million inhabitants (according to a 2000 census), 41% of whom live in the countryside. The major cities are: Istanbul (7.4 mil); Ankara, the capital (3.2mil); Izmir (2.7 mil); Adana (1.9 mil) ; Antalya (1.1 mil) and Bursa (1.6mil).

Language

Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and is spoken by some 150 million people around the world.

Religion

Although Turkey is 99% Muslim, it is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.

Currency

Turkish Lira (although £ and € are widely accepted when you are out shopping)

Flight time from UK & Ireland

Approx 4 hours.

Visa requirements

British citizens are required to pay a £10 entry visa upon arrival, Irish citizens will need to pay €10. Sterling is not accepted for Irish passport holders.

Continent

Europe (3%) & Asia (97%)

Geography

Turkey's land mass is 814,578 sq.km. The European and Asian sides are divided by the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus), the Sea of Marmara, and the Canakkale Bogazi (Dardanelles). Anatolia is a high plateau region rising progressively towards the east, broken by the valleys of about 15 rivers, including the Dicle (Tigres) and the Firat (Euphrates). There are numerous lakes and some, such as Lake Van, are as large as inland seas. In the north, the Eastern Black Sea Mountain chain runs parallel to the Black Sea; in the south, the Taurus Mountains sweep down almost to the narrow, fertile coastal plain along the coast. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, changing from the temperate climate of the Black Sea region, to the continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and Mediterranean costal regions. The coastline of Turkey's four seas is more then 8,333 km long.

History

Turkey has been called "the cradle of civilizaton" and by travelling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world's first town, a neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization. The heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittitess, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important contributions to Turkish history, and ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give proof of each civilization's unique distinction. Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young man named Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier by occupation but in character, a great visionary, took the defeat of World War I and turned it into a great victory by liberating Turkey of all foreign invaders. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923 and is commonly referred to as ‘the father of all Turks’ and truly adored by the Turkish people . He led his country into peace and stability, with tremendous economic growth and complete modernization introducing compulsory schooling for all children under the age of 12 and he also gave women the right to vote. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts this success, living by its adopted motto of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World".

Tourism

In recent years, Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe. With the rapid development of both summer and winter resorts, more and more people from around the world are able to enjoy the history, culture, and beautiful sites of Turkey. From swimming in the Mediterranean to skiing in Uludag, Turkey has something to offer every tourist.

Agriculture

This plays a very important role in the Turkish economy. The main crops are wheat, rice, cotton, tea, tobacco, hazelnuts, and fruit. Sheep are Turkeys most important livestock, and Turkey is one of the worlds major cotton and wool producers.

Popular holiday resorts

Marmaris

Situated around a stunning bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains, Marmaris is one of Turkeys’ most attractive maritime parklands and is ideal for watersports and sailing. The cosmopolitan marina of Marmaris makes an excellent starting point for our 'Blue Cruise' gulet tour of the Aegean coastline. After a night here you will set sail to languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.
In Marmaris you can sample the typical Turkish cuisine in one of the marina restaurants and even try the local tipple Raki, the traditional Turkish way, over ice and diluted with water. Later, a stroll along the brightly lit, palm-lined promenade is a must, to take in the sights. If you enjoy shopping there are many good buys to be had in Marmaris' boutiques, bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewellery and objects carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine-scented honey called 'Cambali' is delicious.
Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century Suleyman the magnificent had a citadel built on a hill, the remains of which can still be seen today.
On your Gulet you will also sail by Marmaris’ neighbouring resort Icmeler, the hazy mountains here slope down to popular sandy beaches. Under blue skies, the clear sea is ideal for all types of watersports. Just past Icmeler is the village of Turunc, with its spectacular blue waters beyond the natural harbour. The village itself is small and scattered around the bay. Most of the restaurants bordering the beach offer fresh fish and superb views.
Kumlubuk, a turquoise paradise, lies on the southern side of the bay. On the northern side, above the water, stands the ancient Rhodian city of Amos. Loryma, at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, where the ruins of the ancient harbour and castle remain, can only be reached by boat. Natural quiet bays and scattered islands punctuate the northern shore of the peninsular, ideal for those who want to get away from it all.

Dalyan/Koycegiz/Gocek

The town of Koycegiz lies at the northern end of a lake of the same name and is joined to the Mediterranean by a natural channel. This unique environment is being preserved as a nature and wildlife sanctuary. A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees leads to the village of Dalyan on the inland waterway. The maze of channels is easily explored by boat as you immerse yourself in this idyllic dream world. High on the cliff face, at a bend in the river is the city of Caunos where magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. The Dalyan Delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature conservation area and a refuge for sea turtles (Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs.
At Ekincik, a delightful yacht mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area. Nearby Sarigerme has lovely sandy beaches, and a holiday resort discreetly situated in a pine forest. The Dalaman River here is excellent for white water rafting between May and October.
The Gulf of Gocek and its friendly marina is one of the Mediterranean’s best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

Fethiye

The popular resort of Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, boasts an impressive marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A hill crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. The towns pedestrian cobbled streets are perfect for exploring and window shopping. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity), numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades of ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the fourth century B.C. is the most remarkable. Keen swimmers usually head for the popular Calis Beach, four kilometres west of the town, or to Sovalye Island, opposite the harbour, which blazes with flowers in the spring. The stunning Lagoon of Ölu Deniz is located 30 minutes drive away, and is very popular with paragliders who dare to jump off the mountain in droves. Hisaronu is a buzzing little resort situated just up the mountain from the lagoon, it is full of restaurants, bars and also home of the hilarious Dream Girls at ‘Talk of the Town’.

Marmaris Average Temperatures

Month	May	June	July	August	September	October
Average Temperature	20.8 C	26.1 C	30.6 C	29.0 C	25.7 C	19.8 C
Hours of Sunshine	9.0	10.5	11.3	11.2	10.2	7.2