About Istanbul

Istanbul: A world center of great value in the past as well as in the present, Istanbul embraces Asia on the one hand and Europe on the other. Istanbul, with its historical peninsula, numerous scenic and historical beauties is a magnificently unique city that has been capital to many civilizationscapital to many civilizations from past to present and still continues to be home to residents from all over the world. This rooted city, with a history dating back to 300 thousand years before, constitutes a mosaic of many civilizations and cultures combined.

One may come across legacies and monuments of thousands of years behind any door or around any corner in Istanbul. Whether you take a round tour in Istanbul or visit any of the 39 districts nearby, you will catch hold of various historical and natural wonders any minute. You may begin your Istanbul tour at the Grand Bazaar that will enchant you with its bright and pleasant environment while a sense of peace and security will wrap you tightly in Hagia Sophia. A tour of the pearl of the Bosporus, Ortaköy, will let you enjoy the delightful views along the deep blue coast.

With the Black Sea in the north, the Marmara Sea in the south and the Istanbul Strait running in all its glory through the middle of the city, you will experience great moments in Istanbul and witness the unique combination of the Mediterranean and Black Sea climates. You may encounter a hot and humid weather in the summer and a cold and snowy weather in the winter.

Watching the flying seagulls at Eminönü by the time the rising sun illuminates the city, you will notice the docked boats rocking gently as if to greet you. What’s more, you won’t be able to resist the fresh scent of the city when the first ray of lights illuminate the shimmering fishes swimming around the fishing twines.

The setting sun illuminates the city like a painting every evening. The candle- like silhouettes of the mosques rise above the historical peninsula to greet the city while the sun and the moon salute each other as the day turns into night. Right at that moment you will feel like a sultan in the cradle of civilizations.
Bridging two continents, this unique city, where one can encounter people from different countries and witness diverse cultures merging in harmony, will awaken completely different feelings in you.

There is a lot to experience and share in Istanbul. Are you ready to explore this magic city? 

Turkey in Brief

Turkey is a rapidly developing secular democracy with a population of nearly 70 million and is a candidate for membership of the European Union. It is the only country to straddle Europe and Asia, a fact that is reflected in its complex cultural make up. Asiatic Turkey, or Anatolia, constitutes the bulk of the country. It consists of a vast peninsula framed by four seas, the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean and the Mediterranean, each of which has its own distinctive character. Both in human and geographical terms, Turkey is a country of immense diversity. 

There are crowded cosmopolitan cities, Visa
All participants are required a valid passport and may be required a visa for visiting Turkey. Please contact your nearest Turkish Embassy / Consulate for this purpose. Participants from those countries where there is no Turkish diplomatic representation office can obtain their visa at the airport on arrival to Turkey.

Click here to see The General Visa Policy of Turkey.

Banking & Currency Exchange
The currency unit is “Turkish Lira". Some foreign currency can be exchanged on arrival at the airport in İstanbul. Most of the banks are open from 9:00 to 16:30 Monday through Friday, some banks in the city provide extended banking hours. Exchange facilities are also available in hotels and exchange bureaus located in the city center and shops near the venues.

Credit Cards
Most of the hotels, restaurants and shops accept major international credit cards.

Local Time
GMT +2

Climate & Dressing
As of the end of October with the temperature starts to drop significantly . The average 17 degrees during the day, the weather in Istanbul is around 11 degrees at night . Rain likely . And the nights are cooler weather compared to the daytime. Do not forget your umbrella and warm clothes to pack.”

Business & Shopping Hours
Government offices are open in weekdays from 8:30 to 17:00 and closed at the weekend. Most of the shops are open from 9:00 through 19:00 Monday to Saturday. Some of the supermarkets, shopping malls, department stores, newspapers and food shops are also open on Sundays. Certain newspapers in English, German and French are available in the hotels.

Tipping
Tax and service charges are included in the cost of all goods and services. Although it is not mandatory, a small tip is expected for good service (5% - 10% of the bill).

Electricity Supply
The electric current is 220 Volts / 50 Hz AC with European type connections.