Useful information about Turkey

Turkey

Turkey is a beautiful and charming country steeped in history and with the most wonderful coastline. The white sandy beeches are fabulous, the sea is a rich deep blue, and the culture is vibrant.

Turkey is a pleasing mixture of the ancient and the modern; a land where dazzling new marinas comfortably sit alongside roman amphitheatres and ancient cobbled market streets are home to chic boutiques. Its charm works its magic on all those who visit and with more and more British people being drawn to the country each year; many are being tempted into owning a little piece of it.

The Turks are deservedly famous for their warmth, hospitality and the generosity of their welcome. The cuisine is varied and tasty, as the climate allows for virtually any ingredient to be grown.

Turkey is home to 65 million people. It is surrounded by four seas and has 8000 kilometers of coastline. It has a position straddling east and west, an ancient tradition of civilization and a remarkable geography. With a cost of living somewhere between one third and one fifth of that in the UK, Turkey offers tremendous value for money and a luxurious standard of living.

Beaches

The Aegean and Mediterranean coast lines are spectacular and offer mile upon mile of clean sun-drenched sand and shingle beaches. The best are to be found along the Bodrum peninsula where the turquoise-blue Aegean waters gently wash the shore, lending themselves admirably to a range of water sport activities such as scuba diving and windsurfing.

History

Turkey is a fascinating country where Christian relics happily sit alongside glittering mosques, and where the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures go hand in hand. At many archeological sites you can actually see the layers left by each civilization. The Castle of the Knights of St John in Bodrum is a must see, as are the tombs at Caunos which were carved into the cliffs some 2,000 years ago and located in the most beautiful setting.

Cuisine

Whilst the climate allows for all types of vegetables, fruits, wild herbs and spices to be organically grown, the sea provides an abundance of fresh fish and seafood, making cooking and eating in Turkey a truly unique, healthy and enjoyable experience. Order a meze and you will be provided with an endless selection of fish, lamb, chicken, aubergines, stuffed vine leaves and sweet pastries. There is a huge variety of food on offer to satisfy either the most simple or sophisticated palate. Turkey has several varieties of good wine and the local beer is excellent and very cheap. The coffee is very strong so watch out!

Shopping

Many towns have bustling bazaars, shops, and boutiques where you can enjoy haggling over everything from food to clothes, leather goods to jewelry, and shoes to carpets. Shopping in Turkey is an adventure and is an experience not to be missed.

Evening Entertainment

There are the usual night time activities you would expect in a Mediterranean resort, with plenty of night clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Bodrum in particular caters to all in terms of taste and budget with the region most famous for its live music scene, intimate seaside cafŽs, floating discos, belly dancing and open air nightclubs. You may however want to join the Turks and take a seat in a bar or cafŽ and simply watch the world go by.

Outdoor Activities

The Aegean Sea has a huge variety of fish, turtles, dolphins, plants and coral all of which are waiting for the underwater photographer. You can enjoy many outdoor water pursuits such as diving, parasailing, water skiing, canoeing and kayaking. And, if you are feeling very adventurous, then paragliding is for you. For a more peaceful atmosphere, head to Torba - a pretty coastal village with a picturesque mountain backdrop, a small pebble beach and compact harbour.

Bodrum Region

The Bodrum region of Turkey is truly a paradise. Turquoise seas and pine clad mountains make this one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. It is a centre of tourism - attracting well over half a million tourists during peak seasons - offering everything from warm beaches, excellent sailing, vibrant shopping malls and small boutiques to the finest in Mediterranean cuisine. It is the ever-changing kaleidoscope of available experiences which make Bodrum truly unique.

Iasos

Iasos today is connected to the mainland, but it was once situated on an island - probably chosen by its founders for its protected natural harbour. Excavations of the area by a team of Italian archaeologists have revealed its earliest settlement to date back to the Early Bronze Age, recovering a number of ancient artifacts and relics to which Iasos is still home. A number of buildings such as the Roman agora, theatre aqueducts and cisterns, are too, listed.

Given the historical and cultural significance of Iasos, many areas - including 100 metres of coastline - have been protected from commercial interference, protecting the area from overdevelopment and preserving the natural beauty.

Iasos fishing village, more commonly known as Kiyikislak features an array of fabulous waterfront restaurants; famous amongst the locals for the fish and fresh seafood. A cluster of small shops selling the basic essentials can also be found here.

Güllük

Gulluk - a beautiful bay and harbour that is still an authentic fishing village. With its lovely promenade and newly built marina, friendly bars, small sea front fish restaurants, beaches and calm, clear seas, Gulluk has something to offer for everyone.

Torba

A pretty coastal village, with a picturesque mountain backdrop and a typically Turkish, peaceful atmosphere. Here you will find a small pebble beach and a compact harbour. Restaurants are limited but authentic.

Türkbükü

A pretty, traditional fishing village set on a peninsula hillside. And with crystal clear waters, excellent seafood restaurants and trendy bars, a fashionable hotspot for Turkish celebrities. Much of the seafood in Turkbuku is caught by the fishermen who still ply their trade from the traditional wooden jetties on the seafront.

Ortakent

Ortakent, a large village situated in the centre of Bodrum Peninsula, is famous for its attractive 17th century 'tower houses' and architecture. These tower houses were built by locals to protect themselves from the dangers coming from the sea. The market, selling the freshest fruit and vegetables imaginable - is open every Wednesday. Kargõ Beach is certainly one of the best beaches in the Bodrum Peninsula with its white sand and palm trees. Camel rides available.

Gümbet

Gümbet offers one of the longest and most popular beaches on the peninsula. And is known as the place to go for entertainment and water sports.

Yalikavak

Yalikavak is one of the oldest fishing villages in Bodrum, with many of its inhabitants still seafarers. It is also famous for its citrus trees, fish and new marina. Visit the village bazaar for souvenirs, textiles and rugs. The area has recently been made a 'car-free' zone.

Healthcare

There are two private hospitals and one state hospital in Bodrum. Up to date dentistry is available in Bodrum and at a fraction of the cost of the UK. Staffs at the private hospitals and dental practices are English speaking. Medical insurance is available in Turkey.

Education

The Turkish education system has recently been restructured. The government has recognized the important role that education plays in supporting a modern and thriving economy. All children between the ages of three and five can go to pre-school, primary school education is mandatory for all children from the ages of 6 to 14, then Children move into higher education and approximately 1.5 million apply to enter Turkish universities every year.

Climate

The rains come in January and February which provide a welcome change from cloudless skies. Despite the rain, temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees centigrade. Further up the mountains temperatures are lower and for a large part of the year, the mountains, providing the beautiful backdrop, are snow capped. Temperatures range from 16 degrees in January to 34 degrees in August.

Air travel

Flight companies operate charter flights to Bodrum International Airport over the summer season. There are also Dalaman and Izmir Airports which are 3 hours away from Bodrum

ONUR AIR: Summer 2008
. . . one of Turkey's newest airline charting flights to most major Turkish airports.

ONUR AIR: Winter 2007/2008