General information

Population: 67 mil. of inhabitants
Capital: Ankara
Language: Turkish language; written in Latin Alphabet
Religion: 99% Muslims
Currency: New Turkish Lira (YTL)
Government: democratic, secular and social state governed by the rule of law
Major cities: Istanbul with 10 mil of inhabitants; Ankara with 4 mil; Izmir with 3.3 mil; Konya with 2.2 mil; Bursa with 2.1 mil and Adana with 1.8 mil of inhabitants.
Time: GMT + 2 hours; same time zone all over the country
Electricity: 220 VAC throughout Turkey Tap
Water: Safe to drink in all the cities
Regions:

• Marmara Sea Region is in the nortwest part of the country as the juncture between Europe and Asia. Istanbul, the historical and magnificent city, is located here on two sides of Bosphorus, therefore partly in Europe and partly in Asia. It is the city of diversity and certainly one of the most glorious places of the world, with its churches, mosques, bazaars and natural sights. One of the most popular ski resorts, Uludag, makes this region more beautiful and magnificent. The whole region is covered with olive groves, while Thrace is rich in vineyards and sunflower fields.
• Black Sea Region is in the north part of the country characterized by steep and rocky coast which has always been isolated from the inland due to only few narrow valleys between them. It is an area of cultivation and farming with favourable climate conditions, while the western part is more into heavy industry.
• Aegean Region boasts with one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country; magnificent beaches, pine woods, olive groves, fishing harbours, villages...a real paradise for visitors. Not only they can enjoy sunbathing and water sports, but they can explore picturesque places and ancient ruins as well for this region is rich in archeological sites. Izmir the modern capital of the region and the major port, as attractive as other resorts; Bodrum, Kusadasi and Altikum.
• Mediterranean Region is is an alluring destination, with magnificent scenery of picturesque coves and rocky headlands, turquoise waters, golden beaches and pine forests. Many harbours, beautiful resorts such as Antalya, Fethiye, Kas, Marmaris, Hisaronu...and sunshine make it more enchanting. It's rich in agricultural resources ideal for growing fruits, cereals, rice and cotton. The backland is mostly karst and rises sharply from the coast up to 2,800 m.
• Central Anatolian Region with an area between two zones of mountains with volcanic peaks. Highlands of Anatolia are considered the heartland of the country. The region is mostly bare and is used for grazing. Cultivation is restricted to the areas surrounding the neighboring rivers where the valleys are sufficiently wide. Ankara, the capital of Turkey is located here.
• Eastern Anatolian Region is famous for Mount Ararat which is located in this area. From the highlands in the north to the mountain ranges in the south, the stretches of this eastern region consist only of wild or barren wasteland. It is the region with traces of different civilizations; Byzantine monasteries and churches, Seljuk mausoleums and caravansaries, Ottoman mosques and citadels.
• Southeastern Anatolian Region is the smallest region in the country, but not less interesting. It is the region of ancient cities, natural and historical beauties as Sanliurfa, once being a city of 1001 nights and camel caravans; Diyarbakir with its wonderful architectural designs and city walls as an example of medieval military architecture, then a trade and industrial center of Gazi Antep, the Malabadi Bridge besides the Dicle Bridge over the Tigris river. The Euphrates flows through Harran with its ancient city walls and castle.

 

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