About Turkey
Things to Buy
Turkish Carpets
Carpet weaving is traditional in Turkey. Turkish carpets are famous for their beauty and durability. That's because they are the most important shopping products for foreign people.Ceramics
Ceramics made in Kutahya and Iznik are unique and well-known. There are also handmade tiles, plates, cups, bowls which are very decorative and interest taking.Copper Vessels
They are one of the most purchased antique-like decorative goods by foreigners. Being a coppersmith was traditional in Ottoman Empire.Jewellry
Gold and silver are well found.Leather
It is a big industry in Turkey. You can find many Leather shoes, bags, cushions, jackets, hats, trousers are attractive.Meerschaum
It is a hydrous magnesium silicate-a clay-like material which is carved into a pipe. It is a unique material found in Eskisehir. The beautiful pipes carved out of this stone are recommended highly for usage and decorative purchases.What to Bring
In hot times of the year (June to mid-September) of Marmara, Aegean, and Meditarenean
Take light, cotton summer clothings and cardigans for the evening.In hot times of the year (June to mid-September) of Black Sea, Central and Eastern Anatolia
Besides summer wear, warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes.In winter
Woolens and rain gears are needed. Most of the country is cold and rainy, High Central and Eastern Anatolia are mostly snowy. Mediterenean coast does not get very cold.Comfortable shoes are neccessary for visiting archeological and historical sites.
Geography
The coastline of Turkey's four seas is over 8333 km. long.
Climate
Summers are hot, springs are warm and winters are usually are cold or cool. Autumn is nice for the entire duration of September and October. Then the wheather starts to cool down.
The above is what you should expect normally. However global climate changes, as you may have noticed in your own country. So there may be small changes in the climate descriptions given above.
Government and Policies
Economy
Industial goods have also come to play an important role in the economy bringing the economic growth to a higher ratio, from white goods to cars.
Turkey has become a major touristic destination in Europe. With the rapid development of summer and winter tourism facilities, people from all over the world are able to enjoy the cultural, historical and natural sites of Turkey.
Population and People
Turkish society have modernized after the revolutions and reforms of Ataturk-the founder of Turkey. Westernization is high at cities but traditions of Turkey are different from West. The people at the country side are more conservative and traditional.
Hospitality is one of the cornerstones of the Turkish way of life. Every Turkish people feels bound to honour his guest in the best possible manner.
Education
Money
Tipping
Postal System
Other offices have the same hour as government offices; 09:00 - 12:30, 13:30 - 17:00.
Choose express mail-APS-to send your mails in the fastest way within Turkey.
Telephone cards are available to make cheap phone calls at PTT phone boxes. At many touristic places you can use your credit card in the phone machine. Also there are private telephone and fax offices.
Radio and TV
There are also international TV channels available like CNN, NBC-Europe, BBC, Eurosport.
Electricity
Laundry
Water
Doctor and Dentists
Modern Western style health care can be found in Istanbul.
Cigarette Smoke
Business Hours
Shops are open between 9:00-19:00.(13:00-14:00 noon break)
Official Holidays of Turkey
Apr 23 = National Independence and Children's Day.
May 19 = Ataturk Commemoration and Youth and Sports Day.
Aug 30 = Victory Date.
Oct 29 = Republic Day.
Religious festivals such as Ramazan and Kurban Bayrami are also official holidays. Since these festivals are according to Hicri calender, their dates change every year.