Turkey 

With its breath-taking natural beauty, unique history, amazing archeological ruins, highly developed tourism infrastructure and the tradition of hospitality, Turkey is one of the countries that should be visited.

Turkey, capital city which is Ankara, is principally located on a very large peninsula Anatolia where Europe, Asia and Africa, the so called “old” continents of the North hemisphere, join. In Roman times it was known as “Asia Minor” – the little Asia. While the major part of the land is on the Anatolian Peninsula, another stretches out to Thrace, is an extension of the Balkan Peninsula of Europe. The three sides of the country are surrounded to the south by the Mediterranean Sea, the north by the Black Sea, and east by the Aegean Sea. The straits of Marmara connect the Aegean and Black Seas. Istanbul, the largest city, is on both sides of the strait of Marmara and the only city in the world to span two continents (Europe and Asia).

Neighboring countries are Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Turkey is a member of various international organizations including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, European Council, Islamic Conference Organization and Black Sea Economic Cooperative. As of October 3rd, 2005, negotiations on full membership for the European Union began and continue to present. Labeled as a “regional power” by political scientists and economists the Turkish economy ranks fifteenth largest of the word. Our target is to rank in the top ten by the 100th anniversary of our Republic in 2023.

The fact that Turkey is surrounded by seas on three sides with numerous mountain ranges and great geologic diversity leads to many different climates with the country. Due mainly to the seas, the climate tends to be mild in the coastal regions. The North Anatolian and Taurus (Toros) Mountain Range block in this tempering effect of the seas. Thus, a continental climate is found in central Anatolia. With the variable geographic conditions of Turkey, it is quite possible to experience four different climates in one day. The coasts of the rectangular country are adorned with beaches, islands, gulfs, bays, ports and peninsulas and are blessed with a tourist season which can last as long as eight months. Magnificent mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and caves decorate all parts of the country and are suitable for all kinds of sports.

Skiers, mountain climbers, hikers and hunters can experience new and unforgettable adventures in Turkey. Turkey can be seen as a gigantic outdoor archeological and sociologic museum at the cradle of all civilizations nourished by the land of Anatolia. An intersection of cultures for millennia, religion has naturally been affected. Numerous forgotten religions as well as Islam and Christianity are highly represented. Followers of any religion however may well find an area, a temple, a sacred building, a tomb or ruins representative of their faith. Turkish Cuisine stands with the Chinese and French as the richest and most diverse in the world. Turkish Cuisine has great variety highly influenced by Mesopotamian, Balkan and Ottoman tastes. Fresh vegetables, fruits and breads are ubiquitous and there are many regional and local specialties. Both delicious and healthy Turkish food will please you regardless of your origin.

COUNTRY PROFILE AND NECESSARY INFORMATION

Official Name : Turkish Republic
Date of Establishment : October 29th, 1923
Capital : Ankara
Largest Cities : Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Antalya
Surface Area : 814,578 km2
Geographical Coordinates : 26° and 45° East Meridian and 36° and 42° North Parallel
Coastal Borders : the Mediterranean in the South, the Eagean in the west, and the Black Sea in the North
Language : Official language is Turkish. English is widely spoken in big cities.
Unit of Currency : TL (Turkish Lira) 1 Euro is approximately equal to 2 Turkish Liras.
Time Zone : GMT +2; CET +1; and EST (USA - East) +7
Office Hours : Working days are between Monday and Friday in Turkey. Most of the banks and public and private sector offices open between 9.00 and 17.00 hrs.
Electricity : 220V. Standard European type double-ended plugs are used.
Medical Services : In cities and touristic towns, a lot of international private hospitals and state hospitals which offer high-quality services are available.
Communication Services : In Turkey, there are three GSM operators each of which offer 3G services and have a coverage area of approximately 95%. Internet access is available in all parts of the country.

To make call to Turkey
Dial the your country international access code
Dial the country code (Turkey is 90)
Dial the area code (Erzurum is 442 – Ankara is 312)
Dial the desired 7 digits phone number

To make call from Turkey
Dial Turkey’s international access code: (00)
Dial the country code of the country you are trying to call
Dial the area code
Dial the desired 7 digits phone number

To make call within Turkey
(from any type of phone including a pay phone or mobile phone)
Dial the preceding 0.
Dial the area code (Erzurum is 442 – Ankara is 312)
Dial the desired 7 digit phone number

To make call within Erzurum
(from any type of phone including a pay phone or mobile phone)
Dial the desired 7 digit phone number