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Bookmark & shareHospitality, history and a hotline to the sun.
Check your Midnight Express stereotypes at the door - this is a rapidly modernising country with one foot in Europe and one in the Middle East. It's not all oriental splendour, mystery, intrigue and whirling dervishes but it is a spicy maelstrom of history knocking up against a pacy present.
The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations.
Travel Warning: Domestic Tensions - Border Troubles
Turkey is generally safe, but sporadic violence due to domestic and regional tensions does occur. Bomb attacks are sometimes aimed at targets that represent Western interests, such as banks and consulates. Shopping and tourist areas in Antalya and Marmaris have also been targeted. In August, 13 people were injured when a car bomb exploded in Izmir in the country's west. At least 17 people were killed and 150 injured after two bombs were detonated in a crowded pedestrian street in Istanbul on July 27. Other bomb attacks have been reported in Diyarbakir and Ankara in 2007.
The Iraq border region (south-east Turkey) continues to be very dangerous due to conflict between Turkish and Kurdish forces, and travel to this area is not advised. Incursion of Turkish troops into northern Iraq has resulted in heightened security concerns across the country. Check travel advisories before travelling to rural areas near the borders of Syria and Iran.
Travellers should exercise caution and monitor the news for any further warnings. Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.
severity: Mid-level alert
Fast Facts
Country Full Name
Republic of Turkey
Population
68,100,000
Currency
Name: New Turkish Lira
Code: TRY
Symbol: YTL
Electrical Plugs
220V 50Hz
Languages Spoken
Official: Turkish
Time Zones
GMT/UTC +2
Country Dialing Code
+90
Weights & Measures
Metric
Turkey - Free Guidebook Chapter
Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Turkey guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Turkey download page.
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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.
