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Turkey - Travel Guide
Description
Turkey can be climatically divided into three areas. Central Turkey has a dry climate, very hot, sunny summers and cold winters, Western Turkey¡¯s climate is typically Mediterranean and, on the Black Sea coast, cooler summers are evident; Average temperatures in Ankara, Turkey¡¯s capital, range from -4¢ªC to +30¢ªC.
Present-day Turkey was created in 1923 from the Turkish remnants of the Ottoman Empire and the country has a rich, splendid history. Mount Ararat, the highest point in the country at an elevation of over 5,000m, is symbolically famous as the legendary landing place of Noah¡¯s Ark. Turkey is adorned with several stunning mountain ranges and around 7,000kms of coastline and has a distinctly Middle Eastern culture. Its vast interior has a plethora of unspoilt beauty spots; mountains, natural habitats, tiny villages and ancient ruins provide a perfect backdrop for hikers and anyone wishing to experience an archaeological treasure trove.
Turkey has strong cultural roots and shows no signs of allowing an increase in tourists to damage these. Modernisation programmes over the last few decades mean that it is becoming a more advanced country with regards to its infrastructure and facilities, yet it is still one of the friendliest and least expensive countries to holiday in. The bazaars in Istanbul almost guarantee that you return home with a selection of amazing bargains, as well as having experienced this exotic city.
Due to the geographical differences, Turkey offers plenty of opportunities for a whole range of activities. With such a large coastline, water sports are an absolute favourite with many holiday makers, but there are other sports on offer. Mountaineering, skiing (yes, it does snow in Turkey) and golf to name just a few. All in all, there is plenty to see and do in this friendly country, no matter what age you are and, if you find it all a bit tiring, you could always pamper yourself with a visit to one of the famous ¡®Turkish Baths¡¯.
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Turkey - Key Facts
Timezone: UK+2.Languages spoken: Turkish, German, English.
Capital City: Ankara.
Major Cities: Istanbul, Izmir.
Mojor Airports: Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Istanbul, Izmir.
Population: 66 million
Area: 780,580 sq km - 301,382 sq miles.
Climate Guide: The interior of the country has low rainfall, cold to very cold winters and warm to hot summers. Winter rain usually falls as snow, especially towards the E where it may lie for 3_4 months. The coastal areas have much milder winters with warm summers. The Black Sea coast is a little colder in winter than on the S and W coasts and has some rain throughout the year; summers are warm and humid with changeable periods. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and a midwinter rainy season.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRL).
Notes: TRL: 100000, 250000, 500000, 1000000, 5000000, 10000000.
Coins: TRL: 25000, 50000, 100000.
Telephone Code: 90
Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz.
UK Tourist Information: Turkish Tourist Office
1st Floor, 170/173 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EJ
Tel: 020 7355 4207; 020 7629 7771 (enquiries);
09001 887755 (brochures, 60p/min)
Fax: 020 7491 0773
E-mail: info@gototurkey.co.uk
Website: www.go2turkey.co.uk
Hotel Class: All accommodation in Turkey is officially licensed, inspected and classified by the Ministry of Tourism. Hotels are graded in the usual way from 1 star up to 5 star. Motels and holiday villages are graded either 1st or 2nd class. Apartments, aparthotels, pensions and inns are not graded but still have to meet government licensing requirements.