The lands of Turkey are located at a point where the three continents making up the old world. Asia, Africa and Europe are closest to each other, and straddle the point where Europe and Asia meet. Geographically, the country is located in the northern half of the hemisphere at a point that is about halfway between the equator and the north pole, at a longitude of 36 degrees N to 42 degrees N and a latitude of 26 degrees E to 45 degrees E. Turkey is roughly rectangular in shape and is 1,660 kilometers wide.

  Because of its geographical location the mainland of Anatolia has always found favour throughout history, and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. It has also been prominent as a centre of commerce because of its land connections to three continents and the sea surrounding it on three sides.

Area

    The actual area of Turkey inclusive of its lakes, is 814,578 square kilometres, of which 790,200 are in Asia and 24,378 are located in Europe.

Boundaries

  The land borders of Turkey are 2,573 kilometres in total, and coastlines (including islands) are another 8,333 kilometres, Turkey has two European and six Asian countries for neighbours along its land borders.

  The land border to the northeast with the commonwealth of Independent States is 610 kilometres long; that with Iran, 454 kilometres long, and that with Iraq 331 kilometres long. In the south is the 877 kilometre-long border with Syria, which took its present form in 1939, when the Republic of Hatay joined Turkey. Turkey's borders on the European continent consist of a 212-kilometre frontier with Greece and a 269-kilometre border with Bulgaria.

Geographical Regions

  Turkey is generally divided into seven regions: the Black Sea region, the Marmara region, the Aegean, the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, the East and Southeast Anatolia regions. The uneven north Anatolian terrain running along the Black Sea resembles a narrow but long belt. The land of this region is approximately 1/6 of Turkey's total land area.

  The Marmara region covers the area encircling the Sea of Marmara, includes the entire European part of Turkey, as well as the northwest of the Anatolian plain. Whilst the region is the smallest of the regions of Turkey after the Southeast Anatolia region, it has the highest population density of all the regions.
The most important peak in the region is Uludag (2,543 metres), at the same time it is a major winter sports and tourist centre. In the Anatolian part of the region there are fertile plains running from east to west.

  The Aegean region extends from the Aegean coast to the inner parts of western Anatolia. There are significant differences between the coastal areas and those inland, in terms of both geographical features and economic and social aspects.
In general, the mountains in the region fall perpendicularly into the sea. and the plains run from east to west. The plains through which Gediz, Kücük Menderes and Bakircay rivers flow carry the same names as these rivers.

  In the Mediterranean region, located in the south of Turkey, the western and central Taurus Mountains suddenly rise up behind the coastline. The Amanos mountain range is also in the area.

  The Central Anatolian region is exactly in the middle of Turkey and gives the appearance of being less mountainous compared with the other regions. The main peaks of the region are Karadag, Karacadag, Hasandag and Erciyes (3.917 metres).

  The Eastern Anatolia region is Turkey's largest and highest region. About three fourths of it is at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 metres. Eastern Anatolia is composed of individual mountains as well as of whole mountain ranges, with vast plateaus and plains. The mountains: There are numerous inactive volcanoes in the region, including Nemrut, Suphan, Tendurek and Turkey's highest peak, Mount Agri (Ararat), which is 5,165 metres high.
At the same time, several plains extended along the course of the River Murat, a tributary of the Firat (Euphrates). These are the plains of Malazgirt, Mus, Capakcur, Uluova and Malatya.
The Southeast Anatolia region is notable for the uniformity of its landscape, although the eastern part of the region is comparatively more uneven than its western areas.

Coastlines

  Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest there is also an important internal sea, the Sea of Marmara, between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, important waterways that connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world.

  Because the mountains in the Black Sea region run parallel to the coastline, the coasts are fairly smooth, without too many indentations or projections. The length of the Black Sea coastline in Turkey is 1,595 kilometres, and the salinity of the sea is 17%. The Mediterranean coastline runs for 1,577 kilometres and here too the mountain ranges are parallel to the coastline.

  The salinity level of the Mediterranean is about double that of the Black Sea. Although the Aegean coastline is a continuation of the Mediterranean coast, it is quite irregular because the mountains in the area fall perpendicularly into the Aegean Sea. As a result, the length of the Aegean Sea coast is over 2,800 kilometres. The coastline faces out to many islands.

  The Marmara Sea is located totally within national boundaries and occupies an area of 11,350 square kilometres. The coastline of the Marmara Sea is over 1,000 kilometres long; it is connected to the Black Sea by the Bosphorus and with the Mediterranean by the Dardanelles.

Rivers

  Most of the rivers of Turkey flow into the seas surrounding the country. The Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) join together in Iraq and flow into the Persian Gulf. Turkey's longest rivers, the Kizilirmak, Yesilirmak and Sakarya, flow into the Black Sea. The Susurluk, Biga and Gonen pour into the Sea of Marmara, the Gediz, Kucuk Menderes, Buyuk Menderes and Meric into the Aegean, and the Seyhan, Ceyhan and Goksu into the Mediterranean .

Lakes

  In terms of numbers of lakes, the Eastern Anatolian region is the richest. It contains Turkey's largest, Lake Van (3.713 square kilometres), and the lakes of Ercek, Cildir and Hazar. There are also many lakes in the Taurus mountains area: the Beysehir and Egirdir lakes, and the lakes that contain bitter waters like the Burdur and Acigoller lakes, for example. Around the Sea of Marmara are located the lakes of Sapanca, Iznik, Ulubat, Manyas, Terkos, Kucukcekmece and

   Buyukcekmece. In Central Anatoia is the second largest lake in Turkey: Tuzgolu: The waters of this lake are shallow and very salty. The lakes of Aksehir and Eber are also located in this region.

  As a result of the construction of dams during the past thirty years, several large dam lakes have come into existence. Together with the Ataturk Dam lake which started to collect water in January 1990, the following are good examples: Keban, Karakaya, Altinkaya, Adiguzel, Kilickaya, Karacaoren, Menzelet, Kapulukaya, Hirfanli, Sariyar and Demirkopru.

Visas

  Citizens of New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and most of the countries of Western Europe, need only a valid passport for stays of up to 3 months. Australian, UK and US citizens, as well as those from Austria, Canada, Israel, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain - do need visas, obtainable in advance at a Turkish consulate, or upon entry to Turkey.

Weather

  The southern coastal regions of Turkey are warm and pleasant even at night during the summer. In winter the temperatures rarely fall below 7°C making the Turquoise coast an ideal destination even in early Spring and late Autumn, in fact many of the resorts stay open all winter. The central Anatolian plateau because of the altitude can make Goreme cool in the evenings even in summer but during the day it can be hot often in the mid thirties. In Spring and autumn it can be very crisp and suitable clothing is advised.

Temperatures

Whilst it is impossible to predict the exact temperatures of a region that one will encounter in any particular month from one year to the next the following chart will give some idea of the temperatures to be encountered.
Average mid day temperatures in degrees centigrade.

Safety

  Despite popular stereotypes, you`re unlikely to encounter any trouble inTurkey. Violent street crime is uncommon (though pickpocketing and purse-snatching do happen), and the authorities generally treat tourists with courtesy. Keep your wits about you and an eye on your belongings just as you would anywhere else, and make sure your passport is secure at all times.

Money

  The Turkish currency is the Lira. Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Some notes may be confusingly similar in color and size. So watch out to avoid giving a 1 note instead of a 10 note.
It is wise to take a fair wad of overseas cash with you to Turkey. Though leaving a money belt in the hotel`s safe deposit would be enough of a safe guard. It is often possible to pay for accommodation and souveniers in foreign currency.
Credit cards are widely accepted. Travelers` cheques are accepted in more touristy areas.

Eating and Drinking

  Turkey is a gourmet's paradise although many unadventuresome travellers come away having only consumed vast quantities of doner and shish kebab that they are familiar with from home. Breakfasts can become monotonous with bread, feta type cheese, tomatoes, olives and cucumbers being constantly on the menu. You may find jam if you are lucky or try one of the delicious varieties of honey.

  A filling breakfast on its own available from bakeries, stalls and small cafes is borek - rich fluffy layered pastry filled with either cheese or mince - utterly delectable. Throughout the day you will see kiosks and stalls selling pide (Turkish pizza) - flat bread with toppings. Restaurants will give you the option of the toppings you want but these establishments often do not have their ovens fired up early in the morning; it will be a late morning or lunchtime meal.

  In more salubrious restaurants you can order meze (appetizers) where a bewildering array of dishes is available. These are small dishes ranging from stuffed vegetables and tightly rolled cheese pastries to pickled vegetables, courgettes and aubergines in their many guises. Vegetarians are especially catered for in mezes, which usually come with a range of purees and vinaigrettes.

  Fish is usually charged by the weight but you may end up with only a small piece after preparation and it is relatively expensive. The Mediterranean has been over-fished for years with the resultant over pricing of seafood.

   Throughout your tour you will see stalls selling an array of dried fruits and nuts, especially pistachios which are much cheaper than at home and used in much of the Turkish delight. They fill a welcome void between meals. If a friendly vendor places a dish of fresh almonds on your table and you haven't ordered them ask "ikramiye mi?"('Is it a gift'?). Otherwise you may be surprised by the higher than normal bill they will present you with.

  Travellers often find it surprising that tea (cay) rather than coffee is the national drink of Turkey. Grown along the Black Sea coast it has become an essential element of socialising. It is served in small fluted glasses with a very small spoon and saucer and cubes of sugar alongside. Coffee is experiencing an increase in popularity although it is much more expensive than tea. You can have Nescafe or the more pungent fine ground coffee that leaves a thick deposit at the bottom of the glass.
Carbonated soft drinks are available everywhere. - Coke or Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, natural fruit and pulp drinks served in bottles include orange, lemon, apricot, peach and sour cherry. Thick enough to stand a spoon up in they are never the less delicious and certainly tastier than the thin diluted carbonated fruit drinks.

  Whilst Turkey is a Muslim country it has also adapted to Western ways. Despite opposition from fundamentalist groups alcohol is sold in most towns although in more easterly cities like Konya it is not so readily available. The two major beer brands are Efes and Tuborg, both lager type beers, which are very refreshing in the summer. They are sold in bottles, cans (more expensive) and draught. Establishments often have an agreement with only one of the breweries and therefore will only sell one brand.

  Wine is grown in areas as diverse as Thrace and Cappadocia. Although not renowned for their wines some are very palatable. In more up market restaurants the waiters can usually advise you on wine type. Raki the national aperitif is aniseed flavoured and similar to the Greek ouzo. Served with ice and water which turns the clear spirit cloudy it is a very warming drink although you may find it a bit rough at first - persevere. Domestically produced gin, vodka and brandy are available but you may find it better to pay the additional money and buy the foreign imported spirits.

Opening Hours

  There is no hard and fast opening hours but banks and main post offices generally open from 08.30h to 12.00h and 13.3h0 to 17.30h Monday to Friday.

  Shops are open non-stop from around 08.00h or 08.30h until 19.00h or 20.00h hours, later in bazaars. They are usually closed on Sunday but this is by no means universal.

Electricity

   All appliances require a double round pin type plug for 220 volts AC, 50-hertz.

Tipping

   It is customary in restaurants and bars to leave a tip and 15% is the standard amount. Tips to your driver, guide and the hotel personnel are not included and left to your discretion.
Belly dancing is exotic and alluring and the dancers will try and entice a note or two from you at your table after the show as appreciation and enjoyment of the performance.

TRANSPORTATION IN TURKEY

  Turkey is a vast country who could fit many countries in Europe within its` boundaries with plenty of room to spare. It is also the only country in the world that bridges two continents,

Asia And Europe.

  The main public transportation means in Turkey could be listed as buses, planes, trains and ferries.On major routes it`s essential to make a reservation a few days in advance especially during high season, regardless of what form of transport you are using.

  Within turkey, foreign students with appropriate identification are entitled to various percentages of discounts on transport tickets.

Planes

The state airline Turkish Airlines (THY) flies between Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir and from Istanbul to most other major centers and a few of the minor ones. As an example of fares, you`ll pay about 150 USD return Istanbul-Ankara or Izmir and about 175 USD return Istanbul-Antalya at full fare on THY. They also offer student and youth discounts.

Buses

  Buses are a popular form of transportation in Turkey. There are various bus companies and the prices vary between the best and the 'not so good' companies. Bear in mind that long-haul journeys generally take place at night, and that because of rest stops buses never cover more than 60km a hour on average. As a broad example of fares, Istanbul-Selcuk costs around 17 to 25 USD, Istanbul-Antalya 20 to 30 USD, Istanbul-Cappadocia 17 to 25 USD.

Trains

  Turkey`s train network is best used to span the distances between the three main cities and the provincial centers. Unfortunately trains are not so fast and may take up to twice as long as buses. On major train routes, it is essential to make a reservation a few days in advance.

City buses and taxis

  In large towns the main means of transport are the red and white city buses, which take pre-purchased tickets.
Yellow city taxis are found everywhere, though in rush hour finding a free cab can be difficult. Urban vehicles all have digital-display meters and double tariff is applicable between midnight and 6am. In cities, it`s illegal to ask for a flat rate, though attempted rip-offs aren`t unheard of. Out in the country, you`ll have to bargain.