Information On Turkey
Posted: 24 Mar 2008 16:10Quite a few things i didnt know here:
GENERAL INFORMATION
Turkey is located along the northeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its climate is semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Turkey is a developing nation but is in the upper half of the world's economies. Tourist facilities of all categories are found in the main tourist destinations. Adequate medical care is available in major centers and tourist resorts but is not up to the standards of industrialized countries. Medical care is substandard in the rest of the country.
Visa applicants may need to meet specific requirements. Review the application and contact Turkey's embassy if you have questions. According to the U.S. Department of State, HIV testing is required for any foreigner immigrating or applying for permanent residence.
VACCINES AND MALARIA
Vaccines: Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, or typhoid. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria:
Risk (exclusively P. vivax) exists May through October in the south and southeast. The provinces with higher risk are Batman, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, and Sirnak. Risk also exists in the provinces of Adana, Adiyaman, Bingol, Bitlis, Elazig, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Mus, Osmaniye, and Van. Risk is not considered to exist in Istanbul, the entire west and southwest of Turkey, at the Incirlik U.S. Air Force base, or on any usual cruise itinerary.
Take evening and nighttime insect precautions in risk areas. The medicine chloroquine protects against malaria in this area. The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider.
Because no preventive measure is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.
OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs (loperamide and/or a quinolone antibiotic) may be prescribed by your provider.
Insect-borne diseases: Diseases transmitted by insects are not generally a problem in this country, although mosquitoes and flies do transmit malaria and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are important when insect exposure is anticipated.
Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries and also presents risk in certain developed countries. This country, while not in the highest risk category, has a prevalence of over 25 cases per 100,000 population. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Those who expect to have close contact with the local populace should be tested if staying more than 1 month. Travelers should avoid persons who are coughing in crowded public places whenever possible. Domestic help should be screened for TB.
Avian influenza H5N1, excreted in large amounts in the droppings of infected birds, is endemic. Sporadic human cases acquired by direct contact with poultry are reported in this country. The last human case was reported in January 2006. The last case in birds was reported in March 2008. Although risk to travelers is minimal, avoid places where direct contact with birds and/or their secretions may occur, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Well cooked chicken is safe to eat. Current influenza vaccines are not protective. Oseltamivir is effective.
TRAVEL ADVISORY
The material below has been compiled or quoted verbatim from the consular Web sites of the United States (travel.state.gov), United Kingdom (www.fco.gov.uk/travel), Canada (voyage.dfait-maeci.gc.ca), and Australia (www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice). Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel are not included in this advisory. Please refer to the "Safety and Security" handout for standard precautions.
Warning against Travel
Due to ongoing security concerns, an Australian consular warning currently advises against all non-essential travel to provinces in the southeast, including those in the border region between Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Crime
Muggings, assaults, pick pocketing, and bag snatching occur in Turkey, especially in Istanbul in areas where tourists congregate including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Visitors are often robbed while distracted by a staged fight or altercation.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even if wrappings or containers appear intact. Tourists, including backpackers, have been drugged and subsequently robbed and raped. Refuse unsolicited invitations from strangers to go to down-market bars and neighborhoods. Sexual assaults have been reported by foreign tourists, including in coastal tourist areas. Women have also reported being harassed and may be the specific target of muggings and other crimes.
Travel
Drive defensively at all times. Travel by road is dangerous due to reckless driving, hazardous road conditions, inadequate lighting, poor signage, and high traffic congestion. Turkey has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Fatal road accidents occur frequently, and pedestrians constitute a high percentage of victims. Always watch for oncoming traffic when crossing a street, as drivers often refuse to stop for pedestrians. The holidays, or "bayrams", that follow Ramadan are accompanied by a dramatic increase in traffic and the highest accident rates of the year. With the exception of major freeways and arterial roads, the standard of road construction in Turkey is generally poor. Travel at night on most country roads is very dangerous due to inadequate lighting and local driving practices.
In the event of an accident, the vehicle should not be moved (even though it may be blocking traffic) until the police have made an official report. To reach traffic police, call 154. Drunk drivers are fined on the spot, and their licenses are confiscated for 6 months.
Visitors to the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park should be aware that winter storms and the heavy volume of traffic seriously affect many coastal roads, including those in the park. Traffic restrictions may apply to the Anzac Cove road. However, pedestrians will still be able to access places of interest in the park.
Train travel is slow and inefficient due to an antiquated railway system, and numerous train accidents have occurred in recent years. There are reports of violent crime such as muggings aboard trains and other transport facilities. Extensive and reliable bus, tram, and subway services are available in major cities. A modern and convenient intercity bus network exists throughout Turkey. Avoid hiring automobiles from unknown car-rental companies, as some have reportedly overcharged customers or refused to return cash deposits.
Travelers should avoid non-essential travel to provinces in the southeast of Turkey, including those in the border region between Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation. Security Forces continue to enforce restrictions upon movement in areas bordering Iraq. Those who fail to comply with these restrictions risk arrest.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has assessed this country's civil aviation authority and determined that it licenses and oversees air carriers in accordance with aviation safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Other
There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey. International terrorist groups, as well as indigenous ones, are currently active in Turkey. Attacks have taken place against government and security targets, and also in restaurants, public transport and other public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Terrorist incidents in the southeast, perpetrated by the PKK/Kongra-Gel, a Kurdish separatist terrorist organization, have increased in recent years. There have been frequent bombings and hit and run attacks on military personnel and convoys. There is a need for increased vigilance in this area.
Large public demonstrations occur on occasion and can become dangerous. Avoid large crowds and gatherings, be vigilant, and keep informed of current events at all times.
Mount Ararat is a special military zone, and mountain climbing is permitted only with prior permission from authorities and if accompanied by a professional guide.
The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexuality is not illegal but is not widely tolerated: public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offenses. It is illegal to desecrate the Turkish flag, government, security forces, or the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in many parts of the country. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behavior. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts (e. g., women should cover their head with a scarf and visitors should cover their arms and legs in all places of worship and in many rural areas).
Explicit authorization is needed for the purchase and/or removal of Turkish antiquities and other cultural artefacts. A receipt and official "museum export certificate" (issued by the Turkish customs office) are needed to legally export an item. Taking photographs of military or public installations is forbidden. Photographing public demonstrations or members of police or security forces is also strongly discouraged. Cameras and film may be confiscated.
The currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which was introduced in January 2005 to replace the old Turkish Lira (TRL). The conversion entailed dropping 6 zeros off the old Turkish Lira. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted for exchange and can also be used in many large hotels. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars can be difficult to exchange. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Local currency can also be obtained from banks and exchange bureaux, known as DOVIZ in Turkish. There are reports of credit card fraud, especially in Istanbul, where extreme overcharging may occur in cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. Travelers should pay careful attention when their credit cards are being handled by others during payment processing. To avoid overcharging, ensure receipts are in New Turkish lira (TRY) rather than old Turkish lira (TRL).
Turkey is located in one of the world's most active seismic zones. The north is particularly vulnerable to major earthquakes. Floods and snow storms may also have widespread impacts, as Turkish cities are not as well equipped to deal with severe weather. Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Turkey is located along the northeast coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its climate is semi-arid, with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Turkey is a developing nation but is in the upper half of the world's economies. Tourist facilities of all categories are found in the main tourist destinations. Adequate medical care is available in major centers and tourist resorts but is not up to the standards of industrialized countries. Medical care is substandard in the rest of the country.
Visa applicants may need to meet specific requirements. Review the application and contact Turkey's embassy if you have questions. According to the U.S. Department of State, HIV testing is required for any foreigner immigrating or applying for permanent residence.
VACCINES AND MALARIA
Vaccines: Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, or typhoid. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria:
Risk (exclusively P. vivax) exists May through October in the south and southeast. The provinces with higher risk are Batman, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, and Sirnak. Risk also exists in the provinces of Adana, Adiyaman, Bingol, Bitlis, Elazig, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Kahramanmaras, Kilis, Mus, Osmaniye, and Van. Risk is not considered to exist in Istanbul, the entire west and southwest of Turkey, at the Incirlik U.S. Air Force base, or on any usual cruise itinerary.
Take evening and nighttime insect precautions in risk areas. The medicine chloroquine protects against malaria in this area. The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider.
Because no preventive measure is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.
OTHER HEALTH ISSUES
Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs (loperamide and/or a quinolone antibiotic) may be prescribed by your provider.
Insect-borne diseases: Diseases transmitted by insects are not generally a problem in this country, although mosquitoes and flies do transmit malaria and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are important when insect exposure is anticipated.
Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries and also presents risk in certain developed countries. This country, while not in the highest risk category, has a prevalence of over 25 cases per 100,000 population. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Those who expect to have close contact with the local populace should be tested if staying more than 1 month. Travelers should avoid persons who are coughing in crowded public places whenever possible. Domestic help should be screened for TB.
Avian influenza H5N1, excreted in large amounts in the droppings of infected birds, is endemic. Sporadic human cases acquired by direct contact with poultry are reported in this country. The last human case was reported in January 2006. The last case in birds was reported in March 2008. Although risk to travelers is minimal, avoid places where direct contact with birds and/or their secretions may occur, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Well cooked chicken is safe to eat. Current influenza vaccines are not protective. Oseltamivir is effective.
TRAVEL ADVISORY
The material below has been compiled or quoted verbatim from the consular Web sites of the United States (travel.state.gov), United Kingdom (www.fco.gov.uk/travel), Canada (voyage.dfait-maeci.gc.ca), and Australia (www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice). Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel are not included in this advisory. Please refer to the "Safety and Security" handout for standard precautions.
Warning against Travel
Due to ongoing security concerns, an Australian consular warning currently advises against all non-essential travel to provinces in the southeast, including those in the border region between Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Crime
Muggings, assaults, pick pocketing, and bag snatching occur in Turkey, especially in Istanbul in areas where tourists congregate including Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Visitors are often robbed while distracted by a staged fight or altercation.
Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even if wrappings or containers appear intact. Tourists, including backpackers, have been drugged and subsequently robbed and raped. Refuse unsolicited invitations from strangers to go to down-market bars and neighborhoods. Sexual assaults have been reported by foreign tourists, including in coastal tourist areas. Women have also reported being harassed and may be the specific target of muggings and other crimes.
Travel
Drive defensively at all times. Travel by road is dangerous due to reckless driving, hazardous road conditions, inadequate lighting, poor signage, and high traffic congestion. Turkey has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Fatal road accidents occur frequently, and pedestrians constitute a high percentage of victims. Always watch for oncoming traffic when crossing a street, as drivers often refuse to stop for pedestrians. The holidays, or "bayrams", that follow Ramadan are accompanied by a dramatic increase in traffic and the highest accident rates of the year. With the exception of major freeways and arterial roads, the standard of road construction in Turkey is generally poor. Travel at night on most country roads is very dangerous due to inadequate lighting and local driving practices.
In the event of an accident, the vehicle should not be moved (even though it may be blocking traffic) until the police have made an official report. To reach traffic police, call 154. Drunk drivers are fined on the spot, and their licenses are confiscated for 6 months.
Visitors to the Gallipoli Peninsula Peace Park should be aware that winter storms and the heavy volume of traffic seriously affect many coastal roads, including those in the park. Traffic restrictions may apply to the Anzac Cove road. However, pedestrians will still be able to access places of interest in the park.
Train travel is slow and inefficient due to an antiquated railway system, and numerous train accidents have occurred in recent years. There are reports of violent crime such as muggings aboard trains and other transport facilities. Extensive and reliable bus, tram, and subway services are available in major cities. A modern and convenient intercity bus network exists throughout Turkey. Avoid hiring automobiles from unknown car-rental companies, as some have reportedly overcharged customers or refused to return cash deposits.
Travelers should avoid non-essential travel to provinces in the southeast of Turkey, including those in the border region between Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, due to the unpredictable security situation. Security Forces continue to enforce restrictions upon movement in areas bordering Iraq. Those who fail to comply with these restrictions risk arrest.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has assessed this country's civil aviation authority and determined that it licenses and oversees air carriers in accordance with aviation safety standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Other
There is a high threat from terrorism in Turkey. International terrorist groups, as well as indigenous ones, are currently active in Turkey. Attacks have taken place against government and security targets, and also in restaurants, public transport and other public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Terrorist incidents in the southeast, perpetrated by the PKK/Kongra-Gel, a Kurdish separatist terrorist organization, have increased in recent years. There have been frequent bombings and hit and run attacks on military personnel and convoys. There is a need for increased vigilance in this area.
Large public demonstrations occur on occasion and can become dangerous. Avoid large crowds and gatherings, be vigilant, and keep informed of current events at all times.
Mount Ararat is a special military zone, and mountain climbing is permitted only with prior permission from authorities and if accompanied by a professional guide.
The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexuality is not illegal but is not widely tolerated: public displays of affection could result in prosecution for public order offenses. It is illegal to desecrate the Turkish flag, government, security forces, or the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. It is illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in many parts of the country. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behavior. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Visitors should dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts (e. g., women should cover their head with a scarf and visitors should cover their arms and legs in all places of worship and in many rural areas).
Explicit authorization is needed for the purchase and/or removal of Turkish antiquities and other cultural artefacts. A receipt and official "museum export certificate" (issued by the Turkish customs office) are needed to legally export an item. Taking photographs of military or public installations is forbidden. Photographing public demonstrations or members of police or security forces is also strongly discouraged. Cameras and film may be confiscated.
The currency is the New Turkish Lira (TRY), which was introduced in January 2005 to replace the old Turkish Lira (TRL). The conversion entailed dropping 6 zeros off the old Turkish Lira. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted for exchange and can also be used in many large hotels. Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars can be difficult to exchange. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Local currency can also be obtained from banks and exchange bureaux, known as DOVIZ in Turkish. There are reports of credit card fraud, especially in Istanbul, where extreme overcharging may occur in cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. Travelers should pay careful attention when their credit cards are being handled by others during payment processing. To avoid overcharging, ensure receipts are in New Turkish lira (TRY) rather than old Turkish lira (TRL).
Turkey is located in one of the world's most active seismic zones. The north is particularly vulnerable to major earthquakes. Floods and snow storms may also have widespread impacts, as Turkish cities are not as well equipped to deal with severe weather. Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months.
or maybe you want the place to yourself? 
did i mention the exchange rate is 0.025 lira to thepound and this year all aircraft land at Istanbul and you have to walk the rest due to a dolmus and taxi strike?...... 
