Turkey has recently become one of the world's most popular tourism destinations due to its beautiful landscape, unique historical and archeological sites, exotic culture and modern infrastructure. Turkey’s unique geographical position has ensured a rich and diverse history.


Istanbul, Turkey’s most populated city, is literally located at where two continents meet; Asia and Europe. The city’s natural beauty and historical mosques, churches, bazaars and palaces attract visitors from all around the world. Today, the city is a modern metropolis connecting continents and cultures.

MUST SEE PLACES

 Dolmabahçe Palace: The Dolmabahçe Palace, served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, was home to six sultans from 1856 to 1924. The design of the palace contains elements from the baroque and neoclassical styles, blended with Ottoman architecture. The décor of the palace reflects the increasing influence of European styles. The palace contains 285 rooms and 6 Turkish baths.


Santralistanbul: It is an art centre with its exhibition galleries. The Silahtarağa Power Plant, preserved and converted into Santralİstanbul, was the first urben-scale power plant of Ottoman Empire. Visiting hours are between 10 am-8 pm everyday except Mondays.


Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia): Ayasofya, originally built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, was initially used as a church for over 900 years and then became a mosque for nearly 500 years. In 1935, Atatürk, Turkey’s first President, declared it a museum.



İstanbul Museum of Modern: Founded in 2004, İstanbul Modern offers a wide range of services including permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, photography gallery, library, cinema center, cafe and a design store. Museum hours are between 10.00 am - 6.00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday; until 8 pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque ppularly known as the Blue Mosque for its blue tiles.It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it comprises a tomb of its founder. Today, although it is still used as a mosque, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Please be aware that the mosque is closed for about an hour for visiting during the praying time.


Miniaturk: Miniaturk is the world's largest park of architectural miniatures. The park contains 105 selected works of the terriotories of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire in a scale of 1/25

Maiden’s Tower: The first notes about The Maiden’s Tower dates back to B.C. 410. The older name of the tower was the Leander's Tower. It has eyewitnessed everything about the city throughout the history. This tower was constructed during the ancient age and through the renovations from the ages of the Ancient Rome, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, the tower has reached to its present appereance. Used as a lighthouse for centuries, today, the tower is open to the public during the day as a cafe-restaurant with an excellent view of Istanbul. Small boats make trips to the tower several times a day.

Topkapı Palace: Topkapı Palace, located in Istanbul, was the official and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans, from 1465 to 1853. The palace was a setting for state occasions and royal entertainment. Today, it is a major tourist attraction.


Galata Tower: Galata Tower, built in 1384 during an expansion of the Genoese colony, is one of the oldest and most important towers of the world. During the Ottoman period the tower was used as an observation tower for spotting fires. You can see the panoramic view of Istanbul from Galata Tower.


Yıldız Palace and Park: Yıldız Palace was one of the last residences of the Ottoman sultans. The palace was established by Selim III for his mother at the end of the 18th century. Over the years, new villas and mansions were built each by a different master. Thus, a collection of different architectural styles have evolved with time. Today the palace and the park overlooking the Bosphorus has become a popular weekend getaway.

Grand Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Since its opening in 1461, it has been an important trading centre. The bazaar is well known for its carpet, jewelry, pottery, antique, and spice shops. It has 22 doors.


TIPS & HINTS

Each country and city has its own unique lifestyle rules. We have compiled some of the practical and useful information for you so that you will not feel yourself as an outsider when you encounter the norms and behaviors which are valid or prevalent in Istanbul and Turkey.
It is for sure that the information about the transportation, working hours, holidays, currency, banks, shopping and various customary behaviors of daily life will be quite beneficial for you...

Customs & Visa Procedures
  • Turkey does not ask for visa from the citizens of many countries. For this reason, it will be better if you check whether Turkey asks for visa from your country before travelling to Istanbul.
  • It is allowed to have two cartons of cigarette and alcohol beverages up to 2.5 liters while passing through the customs in Istanbul.
      • Currency & Exchange
    • You can go to the Exchange offices at the airport in order to convert your money into Turkish Lira(s) which is the official currency in Turkey.
    • You can carry out the Exchange transaction in the banks as well.
    • There are also many exchange offices located in the downtown or busy streets of the city.
    • You can learn the currency rates both from the newspapers and also from the boards and electric signs of the banks and exchange offices.
      Value Added Tax & Shopping
    • Value Added Tax (VAT) is generally included in the price, and if not, then it is separately specified. VAT rates generally fluctuate between 8 -18 % and this change is based on the type of the goods and the services.
    • You can learn the VAT rate from the invoice or from the cash register receipt given after the payment.
    • Bargaining is like a shopping tradition for the Turks. Therefore, feel free to bargain while you are shopping in the tourist centers such as Grand Bazaar.
      Working Hours & Holidays
    • Working hours for the shops, restaurants and markets are variable. Most shopping malls are open until 22.00 at night. There are lunch counters, night clubs and restaurants which are open for 24 hours in Istanbul especially in Beyoglu area.
      Museums & Historical Places
    • Museums are generally open 6 days a week (closed on Monday) between 09.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. You can get detailed information from the information desks of the museum about changes if any.
    • There is an entrance fee while entering the museums and the historical places. You can consult to the museum officers whether it is allowed to take photos or make camera records.
      Religious Beliefs & Traditions
    • Most of the population in Istanbul is Muslim. Istanbul is also the center for the Orthodox Christians and in addition there are Catholics and Jews as well. So, in Istanbul where different religions co-exist, you can find churches and synagogues and perform your worships and prayers freely.
    • In Ramadan (fasting month) most of the Muslim fast, however all the shops, cafes and restaurants where you can find all kinds of foods and beverages are open. In this month the restaurants where alcoholic beverages are served are also open.
    • There are some rules that you have to obey while visiting the mosques regardless of the purpose of your visit such as:
    • *  Take off your shoes while entering the mosques.
    • *  Women have to wear scarves, so bring one with you or you can get one from the mosque agents.
    • *  Please be aware that the mosques are closed for visiting during the praying time.
    Taxi & Transportation: All the taxis in Istanbul are yellow and taxi fees are calculated by the taximeters.
    Tips: The ideal rate for the tip is 10% of the product or service price.
      Banks & Credit Cards
    • Openning hours for branches are from 8.30 am or 9 am to 5 pm or 5.30 pm during the weekdays. Most branches at the malls have extended working hours and may be open until 10 pm.
    • The credit cards of international organizations (Visa, Mastercard) are valid in all kinds of restaurants, markets, travel agencies and hotels.
    • You can draw cash from the ATMs. You can use the bank offices during working hours and the ATMS at all times a day for your banking transactions.
      Being a Guest
    • Turkish people are famous for their hospitality. It is a tradition to host the guest in the best way, to do the best offerings possible and to make him/her comfortable. The sensitivity and care increases especially if the guest is a foreigner. For this reason, if you're the guest somewhere, you may be paid extra attention for your comfort. Hosts can be insistent especially about eating. This is an old tradition.
    • In most houses in Turkey, people take off their shoes and wear slippers inside the house. While visiting a house as a guest, the same custom may be expected from you.

      • Handing Money in the Dolmus (Small Minibus) or Minibus
    • Do not be surprised if some hands you money while traveling in the dolmus or the minibus. This person is trying to give/pass his fee to the driver. He/she tells you the place he/she is going and for how many people he is paying for. If you are just behind the driver, you have to pass this money to the driver. If you are not close to the driver, you have to pass the money to the person sitting in front of you and repeat what the other person has said to you.
    • You can try this procedure as well. If you are sitting in the back seats, pass your fee to the person sitting in front of you and tell him where you are going and how many passengers you are, and then this person will pass your fee to the driver.

      • WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION
      www.mfa.gov.tr (Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
      www.turizm.gov.tr (Turkish Ministry of Tourism)
      www.kultur.gov.tr (Turkish Ministry of Culture)
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