Turkey, with Ankara as its capital city, is a democratic state governed by the rule of law and based on the principle of separation of powers. The executive branch is lead by the President with the Council of Ministers, the legislative branch is governed by the Turkish Grand Assembly, while the judicial branch is managed by independent courts and a supreme judiciary. Its 80 administrative provinces are found in seven regions – Aegean Region, Black Sea Region, Marmara Region, Mediterranean Region, Central Anatolia Region, Eastern Region, and Southeastern Anatolia Region.

CLIMATE

The Black Sea in the North, the Mediterranean Sea in the South, and the Aegean Sea in the West, surround Turkey, leaving those regions with mild rainy winters and hot dry summers. In Instanbul, summer averages around 28-30º C while winters are chilly with some snow and rain. Rainfall is relatively highest in the Black Sea Region, with rains during both winter and summer. Colder winters and hotter summers are experienced in Anatolian Regions. Mountainous areas have the coldest and snowy winter and pleasantly warm in summer. The hottest summer is found in the southeast with temperatures commonly above 45º C (113º F).

PEOPLE

Turkey is home to 68 million Turks, 99% of which adhere to Islam beliefs. It is a secular state however, allowing other religions with freedom of worship. Turkish is the official language but other European Languages and English are also used in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

CURRENCY

Turkey uses the New Turkish Lira (TRY or YTL). It uses the metric and kilo systems for weights and measures. Turkey lies at GMT/UTC +2 time zone.

ACTIVITIES

Turkey offers a diverse range of attractions from venturing in historical tours to exploring seas in yacht cruises, from spelunking in caves to relaxing in thermal spas.

Sailing in Turkey is one of the most popular tourist activities. Many yacht operators offer cruise packages to explore Turkey’s coves, inlets, bays and beaches; including the Blue Voyage, which would take vacationers on a tour from the private beach of Cleopatra, to Mount Olympus and the remains of ancient civilizations. Yachting gives a spectacular view of Turkey’s coastline and mountain peaks from the turquoise sea.

Another popular tourist activity in Turkey is relaxing in the country’s many thermal resorts and spas that are believed to help heal digestive system disorders, rheumatic and respiratory ailments, improve metabolism, and maintain a healthy circulatory system. Situated over a major geothermal belt, Turkey has over 1000 thermal springs, ranging from 20-110º C in temperature. Ancient cities were built because of these natural thermal baths like Hieropolis, which was built upon the rich mineral springs of Pamukkale; and Kaunos, which was near Lake Koycegiz where people took mud baths rich in minerals. Popular thermal resorts include the Balcova and Cesme Thermal Resorts in Izmir, the Pamukkale Thermal Resort in Denizli, and Sultaniye Thermal Resort for mud baths in Mugla.

Mountaineers can hike Turkey’s variety of mountains boasting of diverse wildlife and foliage. Popular climbing sites include Bolkar Mountains and Antalya-Beydaglar in the Mediterranean Region; Mounts Ararat and Suphan, and the Mercan Mountains in Eastern Anatolia; and Mount Erciyes and Nidge Aladaglar in Central Anatolia.

Turkey is also religious center with synagogues, churches, and foundations of ancient civilizations revealing the first quarter if Christianity and the history of Jewish people withstanding centuries of progress. Christian and Islamic works of arts and historical writings are a must see for historic and cultural visits in the Ayasofya Museum, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Dolmabahce Palace. Tourists can also check out the remnants of ancient Troy, the setting of Homer’s Iliad; or the historical site of Agamemmnon.

ENTRY REGULATIONS

A valid passport and visa is required for all visiting tourists entering Turkey. For tourism purposes, U.S. Citizens may obtain a single entry visa upon entry in Turkey, or multiple entry visas from Turkish Consulates around the U.S.A. Canadians can have a multiple entry visa upon entry for stays not exceeding 3 months.

For longer visits, visas must be obtained in advanced personally from the Turkish Embassy in Ottawa. Other nationals must obtain their visas before going to Turkey from Turkish Consulates.

Tourist visas obtained from Turkish Consulates are valid for a year upon issuance. Tourists with single entry visas can stay not exceeding three months upon entry. Multiple entry visa holders can come and go to Turkey within one year from the visa’s date of issue, and stay for a maximum stay of 3 months at a time.

For more information about entry regulations, click here.

SOURCES:

Lonely Planet Website

Turkey Tourism Website

Turkish Embassy Website