HOME > About Turkey: General Information

General Information

photo: Istanbul

Bridging two continents, Turkey is blessed with a stunning variety of natural environments and cultural experiences. She is rich in reminders of a fascinating past and lives in an exciting and optimistic present.

Sun - kissed beaches, sparkling seas. Sail into hidden emerald coves, dive into her cool waters and emerge into the bright, warm light. Climb through fragrant woods to discover ancient ruins forgotten but content. Sit at ease in the shade of an olive tree, listening to the tinkling bells of foraging goats and see the quick smile and friendly wave of a young goat-herd.
Breathe the crisp morning air atop Mt Nemrut Dagi as you wait for the warm golden light of dawn to wash over your face, see it animate the mysterious stone faces of statues that have witnessed the same scene for millenia.
Experience the serene calm of Sumela Monastery perched improbably on a cliff rising 500 meters from a forest valley. The breathtaking sight of lake Van, azure water surrounded by windswept plains with lonely ruined monuments sitting quietly.
Explore the colourful bazaars of Istanbul with their carpets and spices and wind - down on a roof - top terrace with Turkish coffee and sweet baklava while watching a romantic sunset over the splendour of the Blue Mosque.
Trek through mysterious Black Sea mountains where traditional lifestyles survive intact. The thick, lush forests, wild streams and waterfalls will delight.

photo: Black Sea
The Roman Theater at Ephesus

And so much more awaits you. The Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamon, the heights of Mt Ararat, the whirling Dervishes of Konya, the pools of Pamukkale, the Georgian Churches of Artvin, the myths and legends, the music, the food, temples, theatres, palaces, caravanserai's, mosques and churches and above all. The hospitality of the people you will meet.

Turkey General Information

Official name Republic of Turkey
Anthem istiklal Marsi (English: Independence March)
Capital Ankara
Largest city Istanbul
Official language Turkish
Religion Muslim 99% (mostly Sunni)
Government
- President
- Prime Minister
Republic
Abdullah Gul
Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Major industry Agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism are the main industries in Turkey.
Area
- Total
- Water

783,562 km2 (37th)
1.3%
Population
- 2009
- Density

74,816,000
95.5/km2 (102nd)
Currency The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TL)
*from 1 January 2009, the "New Turkish lira" was removed, its official name in Turkey becoming just "lira".
>>Exchange Rates(Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey)
Time zone
- Summer(DST)
EET (UTC+2)
EEST (UTC+3)
Daylight Saving Start/ last Sunday in March
Daylight Saving End/ last Sunday in October
Electricity 220V 50Hz
Internet TLD .tr
Calling code +90
Public holidays

Turkey Public holidays 2010

pagetop

ZENTURKEY.COM

Klodfarer Cad. Altan is merkezi. No.3/52, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey

TEL: +90 212 458 97 77
FAX: +90 212 458 97 98
Cell: +90 538 708 21 91(24hrs)