Frequently
Asked Questions on Turkey
Do I need a visa to visit
Turkey?
U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Turkey. U.S. citizens
may obtain a visa upon entry into Turkey or in prior to departure from one of
the five Turkish Consulates in the United States. Please find your state in the
Turkish Consulates Jurisdiction List. Business visas must be issued prior to
departure by Turkish consular offices.
Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for
longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance.
Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their
port of transit do not require visas.
Non-U.S citizens must apply for tourist or business visas
before traveling to Turkey. Applicants should contact the relevant Turkish
Consulate in person, by mail or by a courier service.
Applicants outside the united States should contact the
nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to learn their visa requirements and
procedures. Turkish missions abroad are listed at www.mfa.gov.tr
Is it safe to travel in
Turkey?
Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which
to travel, and its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European
countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe
for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the
same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that
affect all international travelers.
The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and
maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey's civil aviation
authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety
standards in overseeing Turkey's air carrier operations. In the days following
the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international
airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.
When is the best time to
travel in Turkey?
The high season for travel in Turkey generally runs between
mid-April and late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler
and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many visitors enjoy the spring and
fall, with their mild weather and small crowds.
Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during
the summer. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast
with beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between Izmir
and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities and
is perfect for yachting. A large number of international-quality marinas provide
services for the yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing,
water-skiing, surfing and diving are available.
Turkey also enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal
for canoeing, skiing and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in mountain
ranges throughout Turkey in spring and summer.
The high plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea Region are covered
by colorful flowers and green pasture during spring and summer. Naturalists will
enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora as well as the heart-stopping splendor of
the surrounding landscape.
Central and Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of
snow, and snow skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several ski
centers, which are generally open from December through April depending on snow
conditions.
What are the Average Air and
Water Temperatures for Turkey's major cities?
Temperatures are given in oC (degrees Celsius) in Turkey,
which can be converted to oF (degrees Fahrenheit) with the formula: oF = (9/5)oC
+ 32
| Average Air and Water Temperatures For Major Cities in oF |
| |
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Antalya |
Air |
50 |
52 |
55 |
61 |
68 |
77 |
83 |
83 |
77 |
68 |
59 |
54 |
| Water |
63 |
63 |
63 |
64 |
70 |
75 |
81 |
83 |
81 |
77 |
72 |
66 |
| Izmir |
Air |
48 |
50 |
52 |
61 |
68 |
77 |
83 |
81 |
73 |
64 |
59 |
50 |
| Water |
52 |
52 |
54 |
59 |
68 |
75 |
79 |
79 |
75 |
70 |
63 |
55 |
| Istanbul |
Air |
41 |
43 |
45 |
54 |
61 |
70 |
73 |
73 |
68 |
61 |
54 |
46 |
| Water |
48 |
45 |
46 |
52 |
59 |
68 |
73 |
73 |
70 |
63 |
57 |
52 |
| Trabzon |
Air |
43 |
43 |
45 |
52 |
59 |
68 |
75 |
77 |
75 |
68 |
61 |
55 |
| Water |
50 |
48 |
48 |
50 |
57 |
68 |
75 |
77 |
75 |
68 |
61 |
55 |
| Ankara |
Air |
32 |
34 |
41 |
52 |
61 |
68 |
73 |
73 |
65 |
55 |
46 |
36 |
| Erzurum |
Air |
16 |
19 |
27 |
41 |
52 |
59 |
66 |
68 |
59 |
48 |
36 |
23 |
| Diyarbakir |
Air |
36 |
36 |
46 |
57 |
66 |
79 |
88 |
88 |
77 |
63 |
50 |
50 |
The web site of the General Directorate of the Turkish State
Meteorological Service, www.meteor.gov.tr,
gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather forecasts for
all cities in Turkey and for the holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum,
Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.
What is the best way to travel
to Turkey from the U.S.?
Most American visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly
into Istanbul or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul,
Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may arrive in Turkey by land at border crossings
from neighboring countries. There are also ferry connections from several Greek
islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
By Air: Turkish Airlines operates the fastest non-stop flight
from New York to Istanbul and the only non-stop service from Chicago. Thanks to
a code sharing agreement with American Airlines you can connect to these flights
from 15 major US cities. Passengers can call Turkish Airlines at 1-800-874-8875
or visit their new North American web site at www.flyturkish.com
for reservations. Delta Airlines is the only US-based carrier with non-stop
service to Turkey. Most European-based airlines fly from North America with
stopovers in Europe. You may also visit www.priceline.com
for cheap airfares from US.
By Sea: Many cruise ships sailing in the Eastern
Mediterranean dock in Turkey. Cruise ships arrive at customs entry points where
it is easy to obtain a visa and satisfy entry requirements. Major ports are
Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Antalya. For a complete list of
cruise lines which sail to Turkey, contact the Turkish Government Tourism Office
in Washington D.C.
Passenger and automobile ferries between Turkey and
neighboring countries also provide entry by sea.
Ferry Lines between Turkey and the Greek Islands run between
Marmaris - Rhodes, Bodrum - Cos, Kusadasi - Samos, Cesme - Chios and Ayvalik -
Lesbos. These ferries run regularly from April through October, and operate on a
reduced schedule in winter. Ferry schedules can be found at www.tourismturkey.org
in the facts for visitors section.
Turkish Maritime lines operates passenger ferries between
Turkey and Italy (Cesme-Brindisi) and between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (Mersin-Magosa). Ferry schedules can be found on their web site
at www.tdi.com.tr.
There are also ferry services from Trabzon on Turkey's
Eastern Black Sea Coast to Sochi and from Istanbul to Novosibirsk, both on
Russia's Black Sea Coast. Ferry services also operate between Istanbul and
various Ukrainian ports including Odessa, Yalta, Sevastopol and Yevpatorya.
Contact information for the companies operating these services may be obtained
from the Turkish Government Tourism Office in Washington, D.C.
By Land: Turkey has many border crossings with its neighbors.
Varan Bus Company operates regular bus services between Istanbul-Athens and
Istanbul-Vienna. Schedules and fares can be found on their web site at www.varan.com.tr.
In addition, Istanbul can be reached by train directly from and via some of
Europe's major cities.
What are the most popular
travel destinations in Turkey?
From the perfect beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to
the pulse of its cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts. Visitors
can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a
world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in
the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Whatever your fancy, there are countless things to see and do
in Turkey. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most
travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents
and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of
Istanbul's most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque,
Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the
Underground Cistern, Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands
and the Grand Bazaar.
From Canakkale Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the
fairytale Crusader castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean shores of
Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in Turkey. The highlights of an Aegean
tour are Troy, the site of the legendary Trojan War and its wooden horse;
ancient Pergamon, once a great center of culture and now one of Turkey's finest
archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the
goddess Artemis whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World;
Aphrodisias, the center of the greatest school of sculpture in antiquity;
Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcified castles; and Bodrum,
a charming coastal town with a long, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful
beaches.
Antalya province on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey's
principal holiday region. It is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports.
Best of all, Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby archeological
attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in a remarkable state of preservation
at Aspendos and Perge and visitors can tour the sunken city of Simena in Kekova.
Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Myra and
Apollonia are also within easy traveling distance. These are among the most
fascinating sites on the Anatolian Peninsula.
Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic
landscapes in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in
Turkey. The area's early Christian inhabitants utilized its remarkable rock
formations to create more than 220 churches and numerous underground cities in
which they took refuge from their persecutors.
Other popular destinations include Safranbolu in the Black
Sea Region, an open-air museum of traditional Turkish houses; Mount Nemrut in
southeastern Turkey, where enormous stone statues of deities commemorate the
first century BC Commagene Kingdom. Konya in Central Anatolia was home to the
great Islamic philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi who in the 13th century
founded the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes. Each year in early
December, the white-robed Mevlevi commemorate the death of Mevlana with their
trance-like turning dance or sema - an amazing sight to behold.
What attractions does Turkey
offer related to religious history and issues of faith?
History has been incredibly generous to Turkey, which has
been vital in the history of the three major Western religions -- Christianity,
Judaism, and Islam. Turkey is one of a few countries where all three religions
have co-existed peacefully for centuries. There are a many important sites in
Turkey of interest to people of all faiths.
Christianity
More and more people are discovering the important role Turkey played in
the history of Christianity. Travelers can discover many magnificent churches,
some nearly as old as Christianity itself, and can retrace the footsteps of
Saints Peter and Paul from the Biblical city of Antioch to the underground
churches of Cappadocia. Many of the most important events in Christian history
occurred in Turkey.
Born in Tarsus, the Apostle Paul spread the word of Jesus
Christ across Anatolia, expanding Christianity's reach from a predominantly
Jewish base to Gentile communities.
Not far from Tarsus on Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean coast
is Antakya, known in biblical times as Antioch. This ancient city was founded
around 300 B.C. and was home to the first important Christian community, founded
in 42 AD by St. Paul. Jesus' followers were first called "Christians"
in Antioch and from here Christianity spread to the world. St. Paul departed
from Antioch on his three missionary journeys. The city holds the Church of St.
Peter, a cave-church where the apostles Peter and Paul are believed to have
preached. In 1963, the Vatican designated the site a place of pilgrimage and
recognized it as the world's first cathedral.
The "Seven Churches of Asia Minor," a series of
communities located near the Aegean coast, is where St. Paul visited, preached
and built the early church. Their ancient names - Ephesus (Efes), Smyrna (Izmir),
Thyatira (Akhisar), Sardis (Sart), Philadelphia (Alasehir), Laodicea (Eskihisar)
and Pergamon (Bergama) are familiar from the New Testament's Book of Revelation.
Ephesus, perhaps the most prominent of the Seven Churches, is
where St. Paul wrote his letters to the Ephesians, and where St. John the
Evangelist brought the Virgin Mary to spend her last years. The Vatican
recognizes the Virgin Mary's house, located in the hills near Ephesus, as a
shrine. Just outside Ephesus, in Selcuk, is the Basilica of St. John where he
preached and is believed to be buried.
Many other regions in Turkey offer a wealth of attractions to
the Christian traveler. St. Nicholas was born and lived in Demre on the
Mediterranean coast. A church dedicated to the original Santa Claus still
stands. Visitors to the biblical area of Cappadocia, located in Central
Anatolia, can explore more than 200 carved rock churches beautifully decorated
with frescoes depicting early Christian motifs, and a seven-story underground
city where Christians took refuge from their persecutors.
The stunning Monastery of the Virgin Mary located near the
Black Sea in Trabzon is a well-known monastic center dating to the 4th century.
Built on the edge of a l200 foot cliff and accessible only by foot, it housed
some of the Orthodox Church's greatest thinkers.
Istanbul became the center of Christianity in 330 AD and it
was here that the largest church in Christendom at the time, Haghia Sophia or
the Church of the Divine Wisdom, was dedicated by Emperor Justinian in 536 AD.
The Kariye Museum, a Greek Orthodox Church from the 11th and 14th centuries, is
famous for its incomparable Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.
Judaism
Judaism has had a continuous presence in Turkey since ancient times.
Signs written in Hebrew and menorahs carved into stone at historical sites such
as Ephesus, Kusadasi, Priene, Hieropolis, and Pamukkale attest to long history
of Jews in Turkey. In Sardis, near Izmir, the remains of the largest ancient
synagogue in existence date to the 3rd century AD. Its frescoes and mosaics
suggest a large, well-established and successful Jewish community in Sardis.
According to the legend of the great flood, Noah's Ark ran
aground at Mount Agri (Ararat). When the floodwaters receded, Noah and his
family descended from the mountain to the fertile Igdir Plain and repopulated
the world.
Jewish Patriarchs Abraham and Job also made their mark in
eastern Turkey. Sanli Urfa in southeastern Turkey is known as the city of
Prophets. A cave there is said to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. It
has become a place of pilgrimage and is now surrounded by the Halil Rahman
Mosque. The Prophet Job, who was famed for his patience, is believed to have
spent seven years recovering from illness inside another cave located in the
district of Eyyübiye two kilometers south of Sanli Urfa.
Jews have enjoyed tolerance and peace in Turkey for
centuries. After the Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal were exiled in
1492 during the Inquisition, Sultan Beyazit II welcomed them to the Ottoman
Empire. As a result, many Jewish communities still thrive in modern Turkey.
Istanbul is of particular significance to Jewish visitors. In
the city's old Jewish Quarter is the 19th century Neve Shalom Synagogue, the
Zulfaris Jewish Museum and nearby, the 15th century Ahrida Synagogue. The first
Jewish printing press began operating in Istanbul in 1493 and Jewish literature
and music flourished during this period.
In Bursa, a short drive south of Istanbul, visitors will find
the Gerus Synagogue, built at the end of the 15th century by the first Jews who
settled in the city after being expelled from Spain. The name of the synagogue
in Hebrew means, "Expelled". Izmir, located on the Aegean coast, has
several synagogues, including Beth Israel Synagogue; Bikour Holim Synagogue,
named in memory of an epidemic when city hospitals were so full that synagogues
were used to house the sick, and Giveret Synagogue, rebuilt after an 1841 fire.
Islam
Visitors to Turkey are often touched by the call to prayer from lofty
minarets. The call is heard five times a day, inviting the faithful to face
towards Mecca and pray from the Koran. Although Turkey is a secular democracy
which guarantees freedom of religion for all people, Islam is the country's
predominant religion. People of all faiths may visit Turkey's mosques.
Islam's roots in Turkey date to the 10th Century. In the
ensuing centuries Seljuk and Ottoman Turks constructed impressive mosques with
elegant interior decorations and imposing domes and minarets. Virtually every
Turkish city has a mosque of historical or architectural significance.
Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul stands as perhaps the most impressive. Built
between 1609 and 1616 in the classic Ottoman style, the building is more
familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior paneling
of blue and white Iznik tiles. The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest in
Istanbul. It was built between 1550 and 1557by Suleyman the Magnificent, the
greatest sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Other cities also have impressive Islamic architecture. The
Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) with its 20 domes and Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) in
Bursa, was constructed between 1419 and 1420. The mosque derives its name from
the exquisite green and turquoise tiles in its interior. Haci Bayram Mosque in
Ankara was built in the early 15th century in the Seljuk style and was
subsequently restored by the master Ottoman architect Sinan in the 16th century.
Selimiye Mosque in Edirne reflects the classical Ottoman style and Sinan's
lasting genius.
Konya ranks as one of the great cultural centers of Turkey.
As the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries Konya was
a center of cultural, political and religious growth. During this period, the
mystic Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi Order known in the West as the
Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana's striking green-tiled mausoleum is Konya's most
famous attraction. Attached to the mausoleum, the former dervish seminary now
serves as a museum housing manuscripts of Mevlana's works and various artifacts
related to the mystic sect.
How can I travel in Turkey?
By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines
offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul or Ankara,
both of which have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish
Airlines' schedules and book flights at www.turkishairlines.com
or call them toll-free in the U.S. at 1 800 874 8875.
By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey. Private
bus companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish
cities. Local Tourism Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their
regions; their addresses can be found at www.turizm.gov.tr
by clicking on "Tourism Information."
The major bus lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and
offer coffee, tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, www.varan.com.tr
and www.ulusoy.com.tr,
provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.
By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major cities.
On some trains, sleeping compartments are available. Detailed train schedules
and prices as well as reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents
are listed on their web site at www.tcdd.gov.tr.
Transportation From and To the Airport
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable
alternative to taxis for transportation from airports to downtown areas or from
downtown areas to airports in Turkey. You can find detailed information about
the schedules at www.havas.com.tr
Where should I stay in
Turkey?
Turkey offers a wide array of comfortable and modern lodgings
to fit any budget. Larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, offer a
range of international chain hotels, as well as many charming locally run
Turkish properties. Seaside resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and
other popular tourism destinations abound with hotels, pensions and holiday
villages. Many of the Turkey tour specialists listed in our guide can make hotel
reservations.
The Ministry of Tourism licenses a number of hotels
throughout the country. Rated from one to five stars, they must meet standards
set forth by the Ministry. Renovated and refurbished Ottoman mansions, 19th
century wooden houses and other historic buildings now operate as special
licensed hotels.
How should visitors dress in
Turkey?
Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. Women
wear pants or skirts, but when visiting mosques it is recommended that they
cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of
respects for religious customs.
Should I exchange money
before I go to Turkey?
The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey
extremely affordable. Most banks in the U.S. do not have Turkish Lira. However,
Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange
office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central
Bank web site at www.tcmb.gov.tr.
This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks.
Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily exchange rates.
There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in
larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most
merchants.
Are any vaccinations required
for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no vaccination requirements for any international
traveler.
The World Health Organization web site, www.who.org,
provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic
distributions of potential health hazards to travelers and information on health
risks and their avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
Is it safe to drink tap water
in Turkey?
Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is
suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is
customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors
drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink
bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
What is a Turkish bath (Hamam)?
Communal baths were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as
the name "Turkish Bath" suggests, they played a significant role in
Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of cleanliness was not yet accepted
in Europe, the Turks were very fastidious due to Islam's emphasis on
cleanliness. Countless baths were built in the typical Ottoman architectural
style throughout the empire. Unfortunately, few have survived to the present.
Cagaloglu Hamami and Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with
tourists.
A classic bath usually has three sections: changing rooms, a
hot room and a cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's clothes
for a "pestamal" or towel, you then proceed to the "gobek tasi",
a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant.
If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room. This method of
bathing is the most refreshing.
What to buy in Turkey and
where to buy it?
Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey
and the rich variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying
something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry;
leather accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper,
brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of course
heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among the most popular
purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found
everywhere, from small towns to big cities.
Unique regional handicrafts make shopping that much more
enjoyable. Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets, ceramics
and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings, decorative glass, and embroidery
are a major component of Turkish culture. They are a stunning reflection of
Turkey's diverse cultural heritage and thousands of years of history.
The Grand Bazaar, or "Kapalicarsi," in Istanbul is
a unique combination of fantastic merchandise and a memorable shopping
experience. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of some 4,000 shops, selling treasures of
every type. Still the commercial center of the old city, the Grand Bazaar's 80
roads and streets form the original shopping mall.
Where can I find information
on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in Turkey?
There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In
addition to the local festivals organized in almost every city of the country,
international culture and art festivals are held in major cities including
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most important center in
Turkey of international culture and art festivals.
Information on the principle Turkish international art and
culture festivals and other important events can be found at www.turkey.org .
The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's web site, www.istfest.org,
gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.
In recent years, Turkey has been very popular with the
congress tourism market, and Turkey hosts more congresses, fairs and conventions
every year. With over 50 airlines flying to Turkey and most major European
cities just a two or three hour flight away, Istanbul has become the venue of
choice for many conventions and exhibitions. Istanbul offers the 5,000-person
capacity Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center (ICEC), two fair and
exhibition halls, the International Exhibition Center (CNR) and the Fair and
Congress Center (TUYAP), and numerous five star hotels with convention
facilities. Istanbul can host 25,000 conference and exhibition delegates and
visitors at any one time. For more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a
calendar of fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web sites: www.icec.org,
www.itf-exhibitions.com,
and www.tuyap.com
A list and a calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be
found at www.igeme.org.tr
(the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
