About Türkiye:
Capital: Ankara
Currency: Turkish lira
Official language: Turkish
Continent: Europe, Asia
Population: 84.78 million (2021) World Bank
Dialing code: +90
The Republic of Turkey was established after the Treaty of Lausanne of July 24, 1923, led to the international recognition. Officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in West Asia, with a smaller part called East Thrace on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; Iraq to the southeast; Syria and the Mediterranean Sea to the south; the Aegean Sea to the west; and Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest. Cyprus is off the south coast. Most of the country's citizens are ethnic Turks, while Kurds are the largest ethnic minority.[4] Ankara is Turkey's capital and second-largest city, while Istanbul is its largest city and economic and financial center, as well as the largest city in Europe.
Istanbul is considered as one of the oldest still existing cities of the world. Istanbul is sometimes called the "City on Seven Hills" because the historic peninsula, which is the oldest part was built on seven hills, also represented with seven mosques, one at the top of each hill. Istanbul encloses the southern Bosphorus which divides it into a western, European and into an eastern, Asiatic area. The Golden Horn, a Bosphorus bay running to the west, separates the European part into a southern, between Marmara Sea and Golden Horn lying peninsula which is the historical Istanbul and the northern quarter to the historical Galata. Both to the west, to the north and the east Istanbul exceeds far over historical quarters. In the southeast the Prince's Islands belonging to Istanbul lie. The city boundaries cover a surface of 1.538,77 km2. The Metropol region Istanbul has a surface of 5,220 km2.
ISTANBUL GENERAL INFO: Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, and its cultural and economic center. It is located on the Bosphorus strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn (Turkish: Haliç), in the northwest of the country. Istanbul extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world, which geographically is situated on two continents. The census bureau estimate for July 20, 2005 is 11,322,000 for Istanbul province, which is generally considered as the metropolitan area, making it one of the twenty largest metropolitan areas in the world.
ISTANBUL CULTURE: Cultural activity, tourism and commerce will continue to be important to the life of the city. However, population growth, traffic, housing, restoration of historic buildings and planning a 3rd motorway transition to the Bosphorus continue to be issues. Daily life in Istanbul is colorful and vibrant and continues side by side with many carefully protected. Roman, Byzantine, and Turkish monuments. Istanbul is often considered the capital of Turkey in terms of commerce, entertainment, culture, education, shopping, tourism, and art. More than half of the population lives and works on the European side. The large number of people living in the residential areas on the Anatolian side use bridges and ferries to commute to work in a city that has been the most popular stop for voyagers throughout history.
SHOPPING: Shopping is one of the biggest pleasures of being in Turkey. From the little '' corner '' shop (Bakkal) to the colorful street markets and bazaars there will be plenty to tempt you. Main shopping hours are from 9am until 11pm. The Turks pride themselves on their hospitality, so do not be surprised if you are invited in out of the sun and offered a refreshing drink while the shopkeeper shows off his display. This is all part of what makes shopping in Turkey fun, and you should not feel obliged to buy. The weekly street markets are full of life and color with the local people bringing their produce to sell. You will see an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables, olives, cheese, honey and herbs and spices Turkey grows its own cotton, and the markets are excellent for cotton products. Turkey exports items such as bed linen and towels to chain stores in foreign countries, so these are a particularly good buy at the fraction of the price you would pay at home.
CURRENCY: The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available throughout Istanbul. It's advisable to use ATMs to withdraw Lira from your home bank account or utilize non-fee credit cards when possible.
CLIMATE: In Istanbul, October brings mild and pleasant temperatures. The average temperature ranges from 14°C (57°F) in the evenings to 20°C (68°F) during the day, making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
ATTIRE AND ACCESSORIES: Casual wear is suitable for most activities. However, formal attire is recommended for special events. Pack comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light jacket or sweater is advisable for cooler evenings.
PACKING TIPS: Ensure your luggage is securely tagged and carry valuables, travel documents, medications, and electronic devices in your carry-on. Turkish electrical outlets operate on 220 volts, so bring plug adapters. Don't forget high-factor sunscreen for protection against the sun.
LOCAL CULINARY DELIGHTS: Indulge in the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine, from mouthwatering kebabs to savory mezes and decadent baklava. Don't miss iconic dishes like Turkish delight, gözleme, and çılbır. Explore bustling bazaars for authentic street food experiences.
NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT: Experience Istanbul's vibrant nightlife scene with trendy rooftop bars, traditional taverns, and live music venues. Dance the night away in lively districts like Beyoğlu and Kadıköy, or unwind with a traditional Turkish tea along the Bosphorus.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: The primary language spoken in Turkey is Turkish.
COMMON TURKISH PHRASES
Note: Please be aware of the local customs and cultural sensitivities while interacting in Istanbul.
