Turkey F1 Grand Prix - 2011

Turkey - General Information

Overview

The Republic of Turkey is an Eurasian country that stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in western Asia and Thrace. It is bordered by eight countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan and Syria. Turkey's position makes it an important link between Europe and Asia. Turkey, being in the position it is, is one of the world's oldest continually populated countries, and discoveries have shown the country to be one of the earliest human settlements on earth. Turkey therefore is a country filled with rich history.
Modern-day Turkey is a mixture of olden-day pastoral farming villages, cosmopolitan centers, barren wastelands, steep mountainous areas and peaceful Aegian coastline.

Capital

Ankara

The people

More than 70 per cent of the population of Turkey, made up mostly of Turkish and Kurdish, live in urban areas, where the Western lifestyle is preferred.

Language

Turkish, Northern Kurdish, Dimli, Kabardian, South Azerbaijani

Religion

Islam, Christianity

Climate

Turkey's coastal areas have a moderate climate, while temeratures tend to be harsher inland.

Time

GMT +3

Entry Requirements

Americans

US passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which can be obtained from the point of entry, valid for three months and single entry only.

Britains

UK passport holders must have a valid passport. British Citizens and British National (Overseas) residing in Hong Kong can obtain a multiple-entry visa on arrival for three months, but other passport holders must obtain a visa from an overseas Turkish mission prior to arrival.

Canadians

Canadian passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for up to three months (multiple entry), and can be obtained from the point of entry.

Australians

Australian passport holders must have a valid passport. A visa is required, which is valid for up to three months (multiple entry), and can be obtained from the point of entry.

South Africans

South Africans must hold a valid passport. A visa is required which can be obtained on arrival for a period of one month (multiple entry). South Africans may be required to show they hold US$50 funds per day for the duration of their intended stay.

New Zealanders

New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Irish

Irish nationals require a valid passport. A visa is required which can be obtained on arrival for a period of three months (multiple entry).

Passport/Visa Note: All passports must be valid for at least the period of stay. All travellers to Turkey are required to hold return or onward tickets, documents for the next destination and sufficient funds for the period of their stay. Entry may be refused to those of unkempt appearance. Visas on entry incur a fee of around US$20.

Currency

Turkish lira

Credit Cards And Travellers' Cheques

The use of travellers checks in Turkey is not advisable, since it is expensive, and offers the visitor more hassles than using a credit card or ATM.

Banking Hours

Most Turkish banks operate from 9:00 am to 17:00. Although banks are open during lunch time, you may find yourself waiting longer due to it being a busy time of the day.

Water

Bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Shopping

Turkey offers visitors a fantastic shopping experience. There are open-air markets, bazaars and chic boutiques, offering something for everyone.
You can find from books to brass and copper pieces to carpets to jewellery, and everything inbetween.

Shopping hours

Tourist areas: 09.30am to 19:00 daily.
Istanbul covered market: Mon-Sat 0800am to 1900 (closed Sunday).
Some shops stay open till midnight, while shops outside of tourist areas may close at lunchtime, and on Sunday.

Sightseeing

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque got its name from its interior, featuring beautifully decorated blue Iznik tiles. The official name of the mosque is the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, named after Sultan Ahmet, who started building the mosque in 1609 and finished it seven years later.

Underground cistern

The underground cistern used to be the main water storage facility of the old Byzantine city when it came under siege in difficult times. Today it serves as an underground water cavern; a beautifully Roman columned ancient wonder, with spotlights creating beautiful earthen hues.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia's origin dates back to the sixth century, and was known as the largest church building in the world for a 1000 years. It was a spectacular feat of architecture in its day.

Topkapi Palace

Sultan Mehmet II began building the Topkapi Palace not long after the city was conquered by Ottoman Turks. The palace displays a magnificent collection of Islamic relics.

Galata Tower

Galata Tower was constructed by Genoese in 1348, and formed part of the fortifications of the city.

Suleymaniye Mosque

Sinan, the most respected architect of the Ottoman Turkish empire, built the great Suleymaniye Mosque, in 1550. It took him seven years to complete.

Beylerbeyi Palace

The Ottoman sultans used Beylerbeyi Palace as a summer palace. It was completed in 1865, and was built by the Balyan Brothers.

Rumeli Fortress

Sultan Mehmet II built the Rumeli Fortress with the aim of stopping aid to the beaten Byzantines, prior to Istanbul's conquest.

Dolmabahce Palace

Dolmabahce Palace was a decadent palace which served the last six Ottoman Empire sultans. It is an opulently decorated palace situated on the Bosphorus shore.

Hippodrome

The hippodrome was to the ancient world what a modern olympic stadium is today. It served as a racetrack where athletic competitions and chariot races took place.

Princes' Islands

Nine islands situated off Marmara make up a collection which is known as Princes' Islands, which served as a place of exile for disgraced princes in earlier times.

Pera & Galata Area

The Pera & Galata Area serves as Istanbul's downtown dining area. A variety of different historical and church buildings form part of the area, since in earlier times it was inhabited by Italians, French and Jews.

Chora Church

Chora features fantastic mosaics depicting the life of Mary and Jesus, as well as 11th century frescoes, which are some of the best preserved from Turkey's Roman era.

Do's And Dont's

Turkey has an incredible history, and some customs date back centuries. Below is a list of things to keep in mind when visiting the country:

• When you are finished eating, place your fork and knife side-by-side on the plate to indicate that you had an elegant sufficiency.
• Do not use your left hand to eat with. It is considered unclean in Turkey.
• Do not be surprised to find people smoking while dining. This is common practice, and not recommended that you ask a dining partner to stop.
• Tips aren't expected, but leaving a modest tip of between 10 and 15 per cent is appreciated.
• Tip hotel porters between 50 cents and a dollar per bag.
• Do not stand with your hands in your pockets or on your hips.
• Men and women in more conservative areas are expected to not touch members of the opposite sex, and something as simple as a handshake could be taboo.
• To indicate a "yes" gesture, the head is nodded downwards, while a "no" is indicated by an upwards nod of the head, accompanied by a sucking sound through the front teeth.
• Do not point at another person with your finger.
• When sitting down, keep your feet flat. It is considered an insult in Turkey to show the soles of your feet.
• In Turkey it is rude to make the OK sign, and putting your thumb between your index and middle finger is also considered rude.
• When meeting someone, shake the person's hand. Shake hands with everyone that is present, starting with the eldest first, and ending with the kids.