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WELCOME TO TURKEY
Turkey is a paradise of
sun,sea,mountains,and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from
the stress and routineof
everyday life.From April to October,most places in Turkey have an ideal climate
that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beachesor
enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.
Turkey also has a magnificent
past,and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations
spanning 10,000 years.
Even if you spend only a
short time in Turkey,you can see a lot of this great past. There
is no doubt that one visit will not be enough,and you will want to come back
again and again as you discover one extra-ordinary
place after another.All of them ,no mater how different ,have one thing in common:the
friendly and hospitable people of
this unique country.
TURKEY IN BRIEF
GEOGRAPHY:
Turkey is 814,578 sq km in area.the European and Asian regions are separated
by the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus),the sea of Marmara,and
the Canakkale Bogazi (Dardanells).Anatolia is a high plateau rising progressively
towards the east,broken up by the
valleys of about 15 rivers,including the Dicle (Tigris) and the Firat (Euphrates).There
are numerous lakes and some,such as Lake
van,are as large as inland seas.In the north,the mountains along the eastern
Black sea coast run parallel to the sea;in the south,the
Taurus Mountains sweep down almost to the narrow,fertile coastal plain.Turkey
enjoys a variety of climates,ranging from
the temperate climate of the black sea region,to the continental climate of
the interior,then,to the Mediterranean climate of
the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions.The coastline touching the four
seas that border the country is 8333 km in
length.
HISTORY
Turkey has
been called"the cradle of civilization"and by travelling through this
historic land,tourists will discover exactly what is meant
by this phrase.The world's first known settlement,a neolithic city at Catalhoyuk,dates
back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of
Catalhoyuk up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the
centuries has made a lasting impression on modern
civilization.Being the heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise
of information and cultural wealth.Hattis,Hittites, Urartians,
Lycians,Ionians,Lydians,Persians,Macedonians,Romans,Byzantines,Seljuks,and Ottomans
have all made important
contributions to the history of the area.Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout
the country give sufficient proof of each
civilization's unique distinction.
Turkey also has a fascinating
recent history.Upon decline of the Ottoman Empire,a young man named Mustafa
Kemal,who was a soldier
and a great visionary,took the defeat of World War I and turned it into a shinning
victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying
forces.Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on Octcber 29,1923.
He led his country towards peace
and stability that brought about tremendous economic growth and increasing modernization.Through
decades of change and
growth,Turkey still boasts growing success,living by Ataturk's motto of "Pease
at Home,Pease in the World"
POPULATION
Turkey's population
is about 73 million, 35% of whom live in the countryside.The major cities are
Istanbul, Ankara (the capital), lzmir,
Bursa, Adana and Antalya.
RELIGION
Although Turkey
is 99% Muslim, it is a secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship
to non-Muslims.
ECONOMY
Tourism: In
recent years,Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe.With the
rapid development of both summer and winter resorts ,more and more people from
around the world are able to enjoy the history,culture,and beautiful sites of
Turkey year round.From swimming in the Mediterranean to skiing at Uludag ,Turkey
has something to offer every tourist.
Agriculture : This plays
a major role in the Turkish economy.The main crops are wheat,rice,cotton,tea,tobacco,hazelnuts,and
fruit.Sheep are the most important livestock,and Turkey is one of the major
cotton and wool producers.
Southeast Anatolia Project
(GAP):GAP is a multi-purpose,integrated development project of dams,hydroelectric
power plants and irrigation facilities on the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris)Rivers
,It will affect agriculture,transporation ,education ,Tourism ,health and other
sectors .Ataturk Dam, included in the project,is one of the ten largest dams
in the world.
Natural Resources: The principal
minerals extractad are coal,chrome (an important export),iron,copper,bauxite,marble
and sulphur.
Industry : Industry is developing
rapidly and is directed mainly towards the processing of agricultural products,metallurgy
textiles,and the manufacture of automobiles and agricultural machinery.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Republic
of Turkey is based on a secular,democratic,pluralistic,and parliamentary system
,where human rights are protected by law and social justice.The Grand National
Assembly is elected by popular vote,and the nation is governed by the Council
of Ministers headed by the Prime Ministers.Turkey is a founding member of OECD,the
Black Sea Economic Cooperation Orgazination,a member of NATO,The European Council,the
Islamic Conference Association,and an associate member of the European Union.
TRIP PREPARATION
For full information
concerning a trip to Turkey,contact your nearest Turkish Tourist Information
Office or your travel agent .In turkey, there are information offices in all
principal citices and tourist centers .
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