Hosgeldiniz!
Welcome to the land of civilizations, country of great beauty, infinite variety and startling contrast.
Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from the stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate that is perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.
Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years. Even if you spend only a short time in Turkey, you see a lot of this great past.
There is no doubt that one visit will not be enough, and you will want to come back again and again as you discover one extraordinary place after another. All of them, no matter how different, have one thing in common: the friendly and hospitable people of this unique country.
GEOGRAPHY
Turkey is 814,578 sq km in area. The European and Asian regions are separated by the Istanbul Bogazi
( Bosphorus ), The Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles. Anatolia is a high plateau rising progressively towards the east, broken up by the valleys of about 15 rivers, including The Dicle ( Tigris ) and The Firat
( Euphrates ). There are numerous lakes and some as Lake Van, are as large as inland sea. In the north, the mountains along the eastern Black sea coast run parallel to the sea; in the south , the Taurus mountains sweep down almost to the narrow, fertile coast plain. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, ranging from the temperate climate of the Black sea region, to the continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions. The coastline touching the four seas that border the country is 8333 km in length.
HISTORY
Turkey has been called ” the cradle of the civilizations ” and by traveling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world’s first known settlement, a neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present , Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization. Being the heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important contributions to the history of the area. Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each civilization’s unique distinction. Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young man named Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier and a great visionary, took the defeat of World war I and turned into a shining victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying forces. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29,1923. He led his country towards peace and stability that brought about tremendous economic growth and increasing modernization. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts growing success, living by Ataturk’s motto of “Peace at home, peace in the world”.
POPULATION
Turkey’s population is about 70 million, 40 % of whom live in the countryside. The major cities are Istanbul, Ankara ( the capital ), Izmir, Adana, Antalya and Bursa.
CUISINE
It is said that three major types of cuisine exist in the world: French, Chinese and Turkish. Fully justifying its reputation, Turkish cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor. In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals.
LANGUAGE
The Turkish language belongs to Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity with the Finno-Hungarian languages. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and is spoken by least 150 million people around the world.
RELIGION
Although Turkey is 99 % Muslim, it is secular state that guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-muslims.
ECONOMY
Tourism: In recent years, Turkey has become a major tourist destination in Europe. With the rapid development of both summer and winter resorts, more and more people from around the world are able to enjoy the history, culture, and beautiful sites of Turkey year around. From swimming in the Mediterranean to skiing at Mt. Uludag , Turkey has something to offer to every tourist.
Agriculture: This plays a major role in the Turkish economy. The main crops are wheat, rice, cotton, tea, tobacco, hazelnuts, and fruit. Sheep are the most important livestock, and Turkey is one of the major cotton and wool producers.
Natural Resources: The principal minerals extracted are coal, chrome ( an important export ), iron,
copper, bauxite, marble and sulfur.
Industry: Industry is developing rapidly and is directed mainly towards the processing of agricultural products, metallurgy, textiles, and the manufacture of automobiles and agricultural machinery.
POLITICAL STRUCTURE
The Republic of Turkey is based on a secular, democratic, pluralistic and parliamentary system, where human rights are protected by law and social justice. The Grand National assembly is elected by popular vote, and the nation is governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Turkey is a founding member of OECD, the Black sea Economic Cooperation Organization, a member of NATO, the European Council, the Islamic Conference association, and an associate member of the European Union.
MISCELLANEOUS FACTS
Local Time : GMT + 2 hrs. ( summer )
Electricity : 220 volts AC, all over Turkey. The voltage is clearly marked on all hotel outlets.
Tap Water : Safe to drink in all cities, since it has been chlorinated.
Weights and measures : Metric system.
Foreign newspapers: Available in large cities and tourist areas.
Interpreters – guides : Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agencies can provide you professional interpreters – guides. Travel agents obliged to provide a guide on all of their tours.
Doctors and Dentists : Doctors and dentists can be found in Turkey’s major hospitals and, in addition, there are certain foreign-operated hospitals in Istanbul.
MONETARY SYSTEM
The national monetary unit is the Turkish Lira (TL ). The coinage is in 1TL, and 5, 10, 25, 50 Kurus. Bank notes are 5, 10, 20, 50 , 100, 200 TL. The exchange rates for foreign currencies are published daily. Traveler’s checks can be cashed upon producing identification. The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Eurocard, Diner’s Club, Visa and Mastercard. Exchange offices in touristic places are generally open until midnight.
Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Philippines, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand currencies are not convertible in Turkey.
POSTAL SYSTEM AND PHONE CALLS
Turkish post offices are easily recognizable by their yellow ” PTT ” signs. major post offices are open 08:00 – 24:00 hrs., Monday – Saturday; and 9:00 – 19:00., Sunday.
Small post offices have the same hours as government offices. ( explained below )
Fax office : It is possible to use this service for sending or receiving documents from other countries.
Other PTT services : It is possible to exchange money at some branches of PTT at the currency international exchange rate. International postal orders and traveler’s checks also can be exchanged.
An express postal service ( Acele Posta servisi – APS ) operates from Turkey to 72 other countries for letters, documents, and small packages.
Stamp collectors will be delighted with the wide range of special stamps available to them.
Phone calls : The most economic way to telephone in Turkey is from a PTT telephone booth ( found in all towns ). Telephone cards available.
WORKING HOURS
Government offices: 8:30-12:30 / 13:30-17:00 (closed Sat. and Sun., open daily in tourist areas)
Banks: 8:30 – 12:00 / 13:30 – 17:00 ( closed Sat. and Sun., open daily in tourist areas )
Shops: 9:30 – 19:00 ( In tourist areas, closing times vary, some close around midnight )
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day
Apr. 23 : National Independence and Children’s Day
May 19 : Ataturk’s Commemoration and Youth and Sports Day
Aug. 30 : Victory Day ( Final rout of invading forces in 1922 )
Oct.29 : Republic Day ( Anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic )
MUSEUMS
Most Turkish museums are open everyday of the week, except Mondays. Palaces are also closed only on Mondays. The famous Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays instead of Mondays. In order to receive permission for photos or films in museums or at ancient ruins, a fee , which varies according to the entrance fee, is charged. The photographing or filming, for commercial use, of yet unpublished which are copyrighted, requires a special permit from the General Directorate of Antiquities and museums. In Ankara most museums are closed on the first day of religious holidays.
WHO ARE THE TURKS ?
The Turks date back 4,000 years as a people, with ancestral roots extending to Turkic tribes who originated in the vast steppe lands of Central Asia and rode out in successive waves of conquest as their plain began to dry. The Turks established sixteen great empires stretching though many parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa. By the year 1000 AD, most Turks had adopted to Islam religion.
The following states and empires were founded by the Turks;
* The Great Hun Empire ( 204 BC – 216 AD )
* The Western Hun Empire ( 48 – 216 )
* The European Hun Empire ( 375 – 454 )
* The Akhun Empire ( 420 – 562 )
* The Gok Turk Empire ( 552 – 743 )
* The Avar Empire ( 565 – 803 )
* The Khazar Empire ( 651 – 983 )
* The Uigur State ( 744 – 1335 )
* The Karahan State ( 940 – 1040 )
* The Ghaznavid State ( 963 – 1183 )
* The Great Seljuk Empire ( 1040- 1157 )
* The Harzemshah State ( 1157 – 1231 )
* The Altınordu State ( 1236 – 1502 )
* The Tamberlane Empire ( 1368 – 1501 )
* The Babur Empire ( 1526 – 1858 )
* The Ottoman Empire ( 1299 – 1922 )
TURKISH MYTHOLOGY
Turkish Mythology; reflect original Turkish myths which had occurred in Central Asia, the historical and legendary homeland of Turks. One of the Turkish tribes in Central Asia, Oghuz Tribe, had migrated farther west than most of the Turkish Tribes to become eventually the backbone of Turks of today’s Turkey.
“The Book of Dede Korkut” is an epic of the Oghuz. Both Seljuks and the Ottomans were descendants of the Oghuz. Their epic, constitutes one of the most important literary and historical documents from the world of the Middle Ages. “The Book of Dede Korkut” comprises a Prologue and twelve legends. From beginning to end they sing the praises of the Oghuz people, their nomadic way of life, their customs, and their values. As with other heroic literature, these stories are action- centered, most of them revolving around hunting expeditions, battles with the infidels and among the Oghuz themselves, pursuit, captivity, escape, and revenge. The twelve units share the same cast of characters, one of whom is the author himself, Dede Korkut. Strange and incredible when we first
approach it, the world of this epic is thus so convincingly rendered that our disbelief is gradually suspended for a poetic faith in its reality.
A warm welcome to Turkey, the cradle of civilizations! I will strive to give you a memorable tour that blends informative insights with personal touches. Anyone can achieve the checklist tour of “been there, done that” sightseeing. I want to take you beyond this kind of trip by providing an unforgettable cultural experience and showing you the land from a local’s perspective.
Traveling this way requires that I deliver top-notch service to my guests. In the Turkish culture, hospitality is paramount because we believe that guests bring good luck. I hope to bring this spirit of hospitality to all of my tour members. Establishing a group connection, paying attention to details, and giving knowledgeable information are also ways I insure that you experience your trip to the fullest.
My approach is simple…treat tour members as we would guests in our homes.
‘Gorusmek uzere,’ See you soon!
| Half Days | $150 (3-4 hours) |
| Evenings | $150 (2-3 hours) |
| Full Days in Istanbul | $225 (7-8 hours) |
| Full Days outside Istanbul | $275 (8-9 hours) |
| These prices include guiding services and all taxes. Expenses and entrance fees are additional. |
|
| Half Days | $250 (3-4 hours) |
| Evenings | $250 (2-3 hours) |
| Full Days in Istanbul | $325 (7-8 hours) |
| Full Days outside Istanbul | $375 (8-9 hours) |
| *ALL INCLUSIVE Full Days outside Istanbul |
$425 (8-9 hours) |
| One-way airport transfers | $80 |
| * This option includes the expenses (guide expenses like accommodation or meals, parking fees, bridges and entrance fees) and gas with free mileage.The touring vehicle is an air-conditioned van. These prices include guiding services, vehicle and all taxes. Expenses, parking fees, bridges and entrance fees are additional. |
|
-Mercedes, Hyundai or Volkswagen Van (minimum 7, maximum 12 passengers)
| Half Days | $45 per person |
| Evenings | $45 per person |
| Full Days in Istanbul | $55 per person |
| Full Days outside Istanbul | $80 per person |
| One-way airport transfers | $20 per person |
| These prices include guiding services, van and all taxes. Expenses, parking fees, bridges and entrance fees are additional. |
|
I am happy to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel and I may offer you a choice of private tours upon hearing your interests in travel.
Depending on the number of people in your party, I will make your transfer in a van.
Since we cannot process credit cards, the payment has to be in cash upon arrival or at the end of services.
In my 20 years of guiding life I have come across with hundreds of people from so many countries.And I have a lot of sweet memories and thank-you letters.
Each of these letters are very meaningful and important for me. I can’t post all of them here.
Below you will find quotes from some of these letters.
Dear Selahattin,
We think often of the wonderful week we spent in Turkey with you,and think of how fortunate we were to have met such a delightful and knowladable person as you.Thanks so much for your patience and delightful sense of humor.
Best wishes,
Thomas P. Barton
Dallas, Texas
“Your enthusiasm, knowledge on all aspects of Turkey impressed me a lot. You were very accomodating and sensitive to our sudden requests.Your charming personality and pleasant disposition brought no dull moments to our tour in your amazing country.”
Lee Lai Hong
Singapore
“we got back from Istanbul with wonderful memories of our holiday in Turkey.My wife , daughters and I thank you for having been such an excellent guide. we really have nothing but praise for you.We hope to see you either in Malaysia or again in Turkey one day soon.”
Dr.Muhammed Gowdh bin Muhammed jaffar
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
“Your easy-going friendliness and helpfullness contributed much to our group enjoyment.You were tireless in giving a running commentary of the historical/religious/cultural background of the places visited and we all impressed by your knowledge.We are all glad to have taken this tour and apart from sightseeing we have gained a better perspective and understanding of your country.’
T. S. Yeoh
Singapore
“In this competitive world most people perform their duty, but Selahattin goes beyond the call of duty to make the quest feel comfortable and excited.we are very greatful for your special touch: a blend of knowledge and humour.we wish you all the best.”
Dr.G.G. Jamal
Minister of Tourism
Pakistan
“I have been to Turkey with tour groups at least a dozen times. And in all of those visits, I can say without any reservation that Selahattin Esen is the finest tour guide I have ever had. I will always check first with Selahattin when I plan to brings tour groups to Turkey in the future.”
Rich Freeman
Pastor
San Pedro, California
“Thanks to you, Selahattin, our trip to Turkey was one of the most educational and enjoyable vacations that we have ever had. Your enthusiasm for sharing your country with us made it a special trip.”
Ron and Glenda Kline, MarylandIn my 2 pilgrimage to Turkey, we were blessed and privileged to have you as our guide. You took personal care of us during the entire trip and even tried your very best to accommodate to the sudden needs of the group.
You are very approachable, your humorous nature , and pleasant disposition adds much fun and enjoyable moments for us during the trip.You are a excellent and dedicated guide. Your experience and knowledge on the historical sites in Turkey enriched our travel. You made a difference for us to have a better grasp of your beautiful country.
You have indeed make our trips to Turkey educational and enjoyable. I will highly recommend you as the guide for anyone who is going to Turkey.
Thank you and God bless you
Fr Paul Goh
Church of St Vincent De Paul
301, Yio Chu Kang Road
Singapore 805910
Dear Selah
On behalf of my group, I wish to thank you for a most memorable trip.
The dictionaries may define otherwise, but as for me, ‘Selah’ means sincere service par excellence.
There are guides but you excel them all. In fact, you have been a wonderful host.
We will never forget your attention to our needs, your extras apart from the program and your generosity for our pleasure and comfort. You accommodated and fed us very well. It’s surely value for money.
Words cannot describe our appreciation for you going out of your way to look out for us.
We will also not forget your singlish. We were well entertained.
Together, with your sidekick, Osman, the best chauffeur and part-time magician, you make a great team.
We look forward to reciprocating the hospitality when you visit our little island. The aunties will take good care of you.
We too look forward to traveling together again with you in the near future. Meanwhile, we will be your ambassadors.
Till then, we will miss you and the meat balls.
Two sugar and a cream….. Leong Sow Hoe
Senior Financial Services Director
Chartered Financial Consultant
Dear Selahattin
You are a walking and talking Turkey tourism encyclopedia. we really enjoyed your guiding. Ever smiling and helpful.
Dato Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
Minister of Tourism
Malaysia
Biographical Information
In August of 1963, I was born in Izmit, the ancient city Nicomedia, capital of Bithynia kingdom where St. Barbara lived. As a child, I loved to discover places far from home with my brother and friends. I guess this is how I got the travel spirit.
While I was studying chemistry in high school, I kept traveling from my hometown in search of new discoveries in other cities and especially the amazing city of Istanbul.
I continued to pursue my chemistry passion at the distinguished Middle East Technical University, where all courses are in English. At the same time, I was taking elective courses that reflected my interests in archeology and history. During summer college breaks, I earned pocket money working in popular tourist resorts. In this surrounding, I met people from different countries and found myself talking to them about the rich history of this land. This exchange was exciting and influenced my decision to be a tour guide. After completing the guiding courses through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, I began to work as an official tour guide .I have been guiding since 1991.
I am very proud to introduce people to Turkey and share all of our wonders. Moreover, I have also enjoyed leading Turkish groups abroad because of the valuable opportunity to see different cultures and lifestyles. These experiences have enriched my perspective and increased my knowledge, ultimately bringing much color to my life.
Being an inbound and outbound tour guide makes me feel like an international citizen and helps me understand the needs of my guests more personally. I thrive on the ever-changing career of the tour guide and view this privilege to encompass a lifestyle. Guiding tours suits my independent character and my desire for spontaneity.
Mehmet Selahattin Esen
License no: 34-001194
