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ABOUT ISTANBUL

ABOUT ISTANBUL

 

ISTANBUL'S HISTORY AND INTRODUCING

Beautiful Istanbul, both modern and historical city. Istanbul has 8500 years old history, wich discovered by Yenikapı Theodosius port excavation. So that, new period started about Istanbul’s archaeological history. First settlement established B.C in 700 by Greeks. This city, become the capital of rome and east rome empire in the name of Constantinapole. It was conquered by the Ottoman empire in 1453 and become capital for five centuries. City was started to be called Istanbul by Turks. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey but it isn’t capital city anymore. Due to its location, Istanbul is a bridge between Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus and Golden Horn are the most important symbols of the city. There are the Roman period Works such as Basilica Cistern, Cemberlitas, Hippodrome in the city and heritage of the Genoese Galata Tower is located. Byzantine and Ottoman buildings complates the city. The most important monuments of Byzantine structures is Haghia Sophia. There are the some of Ottoman period works such as Rumeli Fortress, Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar in the city. Istanbul’s cultural heritage is at the UNESCO World Heritage list. Istanbul is also a modern city at the same time. In 2010, Istanbul become a European cultural capital.

 

for detailed information please visit : http://en.istanbul.gov.tr

  

 

 

Currency and Exchange

The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign money can be exchanged at banks on business days (09.00 - 17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as in hotels, at the airport and in bureaux de change. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport

Electricity

In Turkey the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Turkey, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Turkey.

Language

The official language of the conference is English. (Please be informed that there will not be simultaneous translation to any other languages)

 

 

Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are numerous quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.

Shopping

One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as modern malls. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected

Time

Turkey is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+3 hrs GMT ).

 

 

Tipping

Although service charge (%10) is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one’s own discretion is appreciated

Visa

Participants are requested to check with the Turkish Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency or at www.mfa.gov.tr for visa requirements. Entry visa to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Ataturk Airport for a vast number of countries.