Geography
The territory of Turkey covers a surface area of 780.000 km², and is partly in Asia (the Anatolian plateau), partly in Europe (the plain of Thrace) on each side of Istanbul Bogazi (Bosporus), of the Sea of Marmora and Canakkale Bogazi (the Dardanelles).
Anatolia is a region of high plateaux rising progressively towards the east and broken by the deep valleys of around fifteen rivers, of which the Dicle (Tigris) and the Firat (Euphrates).
There are many lakes of which some, like lake Van, are as big as an inland sea. To the north, the pontine range, parallel to the Black Sea, to the south, the Toros range give way to fertile coastal plains.
Turkey ahs a large variety of climates, ranging from the temperate climate of the northern area, to the continental climate of the interior, and the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and the southern coast.
Over 8.333 km of coastline stretch along the four seas which border Turkey.
Population : Approximately 67 million inhabitants.
The main towns are Istanbul, Ankara (the capital), Izmir, Adana, Antalya, Bursa, Gaziantep, Denizli, Diyarbakir.
Turkish language
The Turkish language belongs to the Uralo-altaic family, related to Finno-ugric languages. Turkish is written in Latin letters. Today, it is spoken by over 150 million people all over the world.
Religion
The Turkish population is 99% Muslim. A lay state and freedom of worship is total.
Politics
The Turkish Republic is a secular parliamentary representative democratic republic made up of a pluriform multi-party system.
The Grand National Assembly is chosen by the people and executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Turkey is a founder member of the OECD and the Black Sea Cooperative and Economic Organisation, a member of NATO, the European Council and the European Parliament.
It is linked to the EU by an associate membership and is a candidate for accession.
Constitution
Turkey is a secular republic. The executive is made up of the President, elected for 7 years and the Prime Minsiter from the Parliamentary majority and responsible before the deputies.
The President’s Council is comprised of the 4 members of the national Security Council – commanders of the three armies and the police.
Turkey’s Grand National Assembly has 550 members elected for 5 years.
The capital is Ankara and the currency the Turkish lira.
Tourism
Turkey has all the assets to attract large numbers of tourists. Turkey offers tourists the charm of its enchanted beaches, the seduction of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople ), the historical and archaeological sites (Ephesus, Pergamum, Didim, Milet, Side, Troy,...), the artistic and natural treasures of Cappadocia, the incredible site of Pamukkale, the Turkish riviera of Antalya, the mysteries of Nemrut Dagi (mount Nemrud ) and the interminable silence of Ararat. Turkey has the richest heritage of the Mediterranean basin.
Formalités douanières
Les ressortissants de la France, la Suisse et de Luxembourg sont dispensés de visa d'entrée en Turquie pour un séjour touristique jusqu'à trois mois Ils doivent présenter une carte d'identité ou un passeport en cours de validité pour un séjour de moins de trois mois et valable 90 jours après la date d’entrée sur le territoire turc.
Pour un séjour de
plus de trois mois, un visa est obligatoire.
Lors du passage en douane,
les titulaires d'une carte d'identité recevront un papier tamponné qui
sera réclamé à la sortie du territoire. Les
ressortissants belges et canadiens peuvent obtenir sur
place, à l'arrivée en Turquie, un visa d'entrée
pour un séjour touristique jusqu'à trois mois pour un séjour
de plus de trois mois, un visa est obligatoire
Customs formalities
French, Swiss and Luxemburg nationals do not need a visa for entering Turkey for tourism up to 3 months They must present valid identity papers or passport for a stay of less than 3 months; for a stay of more than 3 months, a visa is compulsory. When going through customs, identity card holders will receive a stamped paper which they will be asked for when leaving the territory. Belgian and Canadian nationals can obtain a visa for a stay of up to 3 months on arrival in Turkey. For stays of over 3 months, a visa is compulsory
Customs
Only objects whose value exceeds 15000 $ US are subject to declaration. On leaving, you will be asked for the invoice for your new carpets. All export of antiques is forbidden
Tourist Information 
For tourism promotion, there is a good network of information centres in Turkey. In each big town, the tourist office and information office gives out plans, maps and brochures..
As a tourist in Turkey
Foreigners are readily welcomed, even in village cafés hardly frequented by Turkish women. Contrary to given ideas, they can travel without male escort, but it is advisable to behave in a manner suited to the place you are in, simply a question of good sense.
Legendary hospitality
Turkish hospitality strikes you as soon as you arrive. Turks are the most generous and welcoming of hosts. Foreigners are always welcome. In Turkish, the word (Misafir) means both foreigner and guest. When you ask your way, it is not rare for the person to accompany you to the place you are looking for.
Climate and Habits in Turkey
On the coasts of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean summers are dry and hot, winters mild, spring and autumn rainy. Istanbul is hot in summer and the air is humid. Winter is cold and it sometimes snows and the roads icy. On the central Anatolian plateau (900 m high) summers and hot and dry, the nights cold and winter freezing.
In the East of Turkey winters are long and harsh, temperatures sometimes go down to minus 25° or minus 30°. Summers are hot and dry.
What to wear
For summer take light cotton clothes, and don’t forget sunglasses and sun hat, which you will need everywhere in this country. You can buy good quality cotton t-shirts cheap. In the spring, take a couple of woollens with you and a light canvas windbreaker. In winter, take a very thick coat for Istanbul and the central Anatolian plateau (Cappadocia, Ankara), something lighter in the Mediterranean (south) and Aegean (west) regions.
Times and Measures
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich and 1 hour ahead of France. Summertime comes into effect between 30th March and 25th October. Administrative offices are open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm except legal holidays. The shops are open every day except Sunday.
Electrical current is 220 volts. Turkey uses the metric system.
Currency
There is no limit for foreign currency entering Turkey. The monetary unit is the Yeni Turk Lirasi (new Turkish Lira), ( YTL). Look up the latest exchange rate before leaving (for 04.10.2006, 1 Euro = 1.91 YTL). Banks are open from 8.30 am to 12 and from 1.30 to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. During the weekend, all the tourist site exchanges are open (döviz bürosu). Since 01.01.2005, 6 zeros have been taken from the Turkish lira. It is now known as the new Turkish lira (Yeni Turk Lirasi)
Telephone
To call Turkey from France (or another country), dial 00 90 + the town calling code followed by your correspondent’s 7-figure number.
To call France from Turkey, dial 00 33 + your correspondent’s 9-figure number (leaving out the first 0)
Health
No vaccination certificates are necessary for entering Turkey. Only drink bottled water. As a precaution, wash all the fruit and vegetables you buy.
The Post in Turkey
For central post offices, Monday to Saturday from 8 am to midnight, and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. For other post offices, Monday to Friday, from 8.30 am to 12.30 and 1.30 pm to 5 pm.
Driving
Driving licences and green cards (insurance) are required at the border. You can drive in Turkey with your own car for 6 months. Beyond that, owners of cars must present themselves at the Turkish Touring Automobile Club or the Undersecretariat of Customs in turkey. To rent a car in Turkey, you need a valid driving licence and be at least 21.
Speed is lilted to 50 km/h in town, 90 km/h on national roads and 130 km on motorways. In Turkey driving is on the right.
Petrol
No problem for filling up as there are many petrol stations and you can find them easily everywhere in the country.
Events in Turkey
 Festival of camel fighting in Selçuk (Izmir) (January), Ankara international film festival (March), national holiday (23rd April), Tulip festival in Istanbul (April), international music and folklore festival in Silifke Mersin, May), Marmaris festival (May - June), Kirkpinar traditional wresting competition (Edirne, June), de folk music festival in Bursa (July), Memorial Day for the death of Ataturk (10th November), whirling dervish in Konya and in Istanbul (December). Akdeniz International music festival in Antalya (October).
Animals
An anti-rabies vaccination 15 days before departure and a health certificate are demanded at the border.
Going to a Mosque
To visit mosques, you must remove your shoes, and ladies must cover head and shoulders. Avoid wearing shorts. Do not walk around or talk loudly in a mosque during prayer.
Excursions
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