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Geographical Position
Throughout history Turkey has been a cradle of eastern and
western civilizations, being a strategically important peninsula
surrounded by the Black Sea to the North, Mediterranean to
the South, and the Aegean to the West. Marmara is an inland
sea linking the Black Sea and the Mediterranean via the Istanbul
(Bosphorus) and the Çanakkale (Dardanelles) straits, respectively.
Turkey has land borders with Bulgaria and Greece to the West,
Armenia, Georgia, Nakhichevan and Iran to the East and Iraq
and Syria to the South.
The surface area of the country is 814,578 sq. km, with 2,875
km of land borders and 8,333 km of coastline.
The Istanbul and Çanakkale straits separate 97% of the country's
territory in Asia known as Anatolia and 3% in Europe known
as (eastern) Thrace.
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Climate
Turkey is one of the few countries where one can live all four
seasons at the same time, with its choice location in the
temperate zone. Local climatic conditions are determined
by such factors as distance from the coast, elevation, and
mountain ranges running parallel to the coasts. But in general,
the summers are hot and dry, with cold and rainy winters.
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Population
Turkey's population, just over 67.8 million in the 2000 census,
is currently estimated to have exceeded 70 million. 65% of
the population lives in urban centres and 35% in rural areas.
The once-rapid population growth rate has been curbed to
0.15%. The cities which have a population of over one million
are Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Konya, Bursa, Adana, Antalya,
Mersin, Diyarbakir and Gaziantep, with greater Istanbul ranking
among the top megapolises with a population approaching 10
million.
For detailed information available both in Turkish and English
on the Republic of Turkey, the State Institute of Statistics
(DIE), please visit http://www.die.gov.tr
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Language
As stated in the Constitution, the official language
of Turkey is Turkish. Almost all of the population speaks Turkish,
with the remainder speaking other languages and dialects.
For detailed information available in Turkish, please visit
the website of the Turkish Language Institution (TDK) at http://www.tdk.gov.tr
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Money
Buoyed by a resurgent economy, the government took a bold step
at the start of 2005 and deleted six zeroes from Turkish
Lira in a successful bid to re-establish balance with foreign
currencies and restore trust in the national currency which
had steadily lost value over the years due to runaway inflation.
YTL (New Turkish Lira) and its sub-unit YKr (New Turkish
Kurus) was put into circulation on January 1, 2005. The composition
of denominations for YTL banknotes are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and
100 and denominations for coins are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 New
Turkish Kurus and 1 YTL.
For detailed information available both in
Turkish and English on the Central Bank of the Republic of
Turkey (TCMB), please visit http://www.tcmb.gov.tr
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Religious Life
There is religious freedom in Turkey where 99% of the population
is Muslim. Turkey is the only secular Islamic country thanks
to the reforms Atatürk carried out. In Turkey, where the
houses of worship of the three major religions stand side
by side, there are 236 churches and 34 synagogues beside
thousands of mosques. Matters concerning religion are administered
by the Department of Religious Affairs attached to the Prime
Ministry.
For detailed information available both in Turkish and English
on the Department of Religious Affairs, please visit http://www.diyanet.gov.tr
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Women and Society
Turkey is one of the leading countries in the world endeavoring
to abolish gender discrimination against women and to raise
their status in society. A state minister has been nominated
to deal with the women's issues beside the Directorate General
on the Status and the Problems of Women. Legislative amendments
have been made concerning legal equality, education and women's
health. The number of women who join the work force is increasing
daily.
For detailed information available both in Turkish and English
on Directorate General on the Status and the Problems of Women,
please visit http://www.kssgm.gov.tr
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Youth
Turkey is a country with a young population. The 0-14 age group
makes up 30% of the population, with 15-64 age group constituting
64.4% and the 65 and over accounting for the remaining 5.6%.
In contrast, the 0-14 age group in EU countries, a mere 17.2%,
is roughly half that of Turkey. Conversely, the 65+ age group
in EU countries is almost three times that of Turkey with
15.7%.The government which provides effective services in
the areas such as education, healthcare, work opportunities,
social security, employment, productive use of leisure time
and dissuading bad habits, has close cooperation with international
organizations and youth services, primarily with the Council
of Europe, the CDEJ, DSJ, UNESCO and ECO. Exchange schemes
with foreign countries provide the young people with opportunities
to exchange culture programs and knowledge with their foreign
counterparts.
For detailed information available both in Turkish and English
on National Agency for the EU Centre for Education and Youth
Programmes, please visit http://www.ua.gov.tr
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National Holidays
01 January: New Year's Day (1 Day)
23 April: National Sovereignty and Children's Day (1 Day)
19 May: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day (1 Day)
30 August: Victory Day (1 Day)
29 October: Republic Day (1Day)
Religious Holidays
Ramadan Holiday (3 Days)
Sacrifice Holiday (4 Days)
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VISA PROCEDURES
Foreigners must obtain a visa in order to
enter, or transit through Turkey. A selected group of foreign
nationals may obtain a visa at the port of entry which is valid
from one month to 90 days.
The documents required when applying for a
visa may differ depending on the nationality, reason for travel
and the type of passport (diplomatic, service, special, regular
or travel document).
There are three types of entry visas:
1. Single Entry Visa: This type of visa is
valid for one year from the date of issue and grants the visa
holder the right to enter Turkey only once.
2. Return Visa: A foreign national leaving Turkey may, if he/she
wishes, obtain a return visa prior to his departure from Turkey.
Such a visa is valid for one year from the date of departure.
3. Multiple Entry Visa: This type of visa grants one the right
of multiple entry for a period of three, six or twelve months.
In addition, a transit visa may also be granted
to individuals in order to travel through Turkey on the way
to another country. If the transit visa is not used within
three months of the date of issue, it becomes invalid. A transit
visa with no restrictions grants the right to an individual
to stay for one month in Turkey.
For more detailed information on visas, please
visit the web site of the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs at: http://www.mfa.gov.tr
Please send your comments and questions to
vize@mfa.gov.tr
In order to avoid any inconveniences, visa
applications should be made in person and one month prior to
coming to Turkey.
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Visa information for citizens of EU
member countries, candidate countries and associated countries
is provided below.
United States of America: Regular
and official passport holders must obtain a visa prior to entering
Turkey. They may obtain three month-multiple entry visas at
Turkish borders.
Austria-Belgium-Italy-Malta-Spain-The
Netherlands: Regular passport holders must have
a visa to enter Turkey. They may obtain three month-multiple
entry visas at Turkish borders. Official passport holders
are exempt from visas for travels up to 90 days.
Portugal: Regular passport
holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. They may obtain three
month-multiple entry visas at Turkish borders. Only diplomatic
passport holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 90
days.
Lithuania-Poland-Slovakia-Norway: Regular
passport holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. They may
obtain one-month multiple entry visas at Turkish borders. Official
passport holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 90
days.
Czech Republic-Denmark-Finland-France-Germany-Greece-Luxembourg-Sweden-Israel-Liechtenstein-Switzerland-Iceland: Regular
and official passport holders are exempt from visas for travels
up to 90 days.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus: Regular
and official passport holders are exempt from visas.
Greek Cypriot Administration: Regular
and official passport holders must have a visa to enter Turkey.
Regular passport holders may obtain one-month single entry
visas at Turkish borders.
Estonia: Only diplomatic
passport holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 30
days. Regular passport holders may obtain one-month multiple
entry visas at Turkish borders.
Hungary: Regular passport
holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. They may obtain one-month
multiple entry visas at Turkish borders. Official passport
holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 30 days.
Canada-Ireland: Regular and
official passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey.
Regular passport holders may obtain three-month multiple entry
visas at Turkish borders.
Latvia: Regular passport
holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. They may obtain one-month
multiple entry visas at Turkish borders. Only holders of diplomatic
passports are exempt from visas for travels up to 30 days.
Slovenia: Regular passport
holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. Official passport
holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 90 days.
United Kingdom: Regular and
official passport holders must have a visa to enter Turkey.
Regular passport holders may obtain three month-multiple entry
visas at Turkish borders.
Bulgaria: Diplomatic and
service passport holders are exempt from visas for travels
up to 30 days. Regular passport holders are exempt from visas
for travels up to 90 days.
Croatia: Regular and official
passport holders are exempt from visas for travels up to 60
days.
Romania: Regular passport
holders must have a visa to enter Turkey. They may obtain one-month
single entry visas at Turkish borders. Official passport holders
are exempt from visas for travels up to 60 days.
For information on other countries please
visit:
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/MFA/ConsularInformation/ForForeigners/VisaInformation/VisaInformationForForeigners.htm
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WORK PERMIT
Foreigners who wish to work in Turkey, with
the exception of academicians appointed to a university, must
submit visa application forms to the Turkish Ministry of Labour
and Social Security. This application is accepted through two
channels.
Applications from Abroad
Foreign nationals must always submit their visa application
forms to the Mission of the Turkish Republic in their country
of residence or citizenship.
These work permits and work visa application
forms will be conveyed to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and
Social Security by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other documents that are requested from the
foreign national as well as those requested from his/her employer
should be submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social
Security by the foreign national's employer within three working
days after his/her application form is submitted to the Mission.
The list of information and documents that
should be in the application file and its preparation may be
found on the Turkish website of the Turkish Ministry of Labour
and Social Security http://www.csgb.gov.tr
Applications filed within Turkey
Apart from residence permits issued for educational
purposes, foreigners who have obtained six-month residence permits
which are yet to expire, based on a reason, or their employers
can directly apply to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
In addition, the detailed information on the
preparation of application files for obtaining work permits
can be accessed through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security
internet website: http://www.csgb.gov.tr
Foreigners who apply for and obtain work permits
in Turkey, are not required to obtain work permits by applying
to the overseas consulate offices of Turkey.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security
shall respond to work permit applications either submitted
in Turkey or abroad within 90 days.
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Academicians
Work permits for teaching staff members employed in universities
or in higher education institutions in Turkey and scientists
who conduct research or carry out excavations with universities
are issued by the Presidency of Higher Education Council
(YÖK) - Foreign Relations Department. However, an academician
must have an agreement with the university and a letter requesting
a work permit must be written and submitted by the concerned
university.
For consultation, the telephone number of
the Higher Education Council is;
Tel: +90 312 298 71 93
Fax:+90 312 266 47 47
E-mail: apk@yok.gov.tr
Web: http://www.yok.gov.tr
Address: Yüksekögretim Kurulu Baskanligi 06539 Bilkent / Ankara.
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RESIDENCE PERMIT (called Kimlik or
Ikamet)
A residence permit is required for foreigners
wishing to remain longer than three months in Turkey. Foreigners
who come to Turkey and have obtained a work visa with the purpose
of working in Turkey, must obtain their residence permits at
the latest within 30 days and prior to working.
Foreigners primarily obtain their work visas
from Turkey's Consulate Offices abroad. After they arrive in
Turkey with the mentioned visas, they must first obtain work
permits and then apply to the Governor's Office in the city
in which they will be employed, along with their work permit.
Through the assistance from the Governor's Office, they must
obtain their residence permits with the work permit annotation
from the Division for Foreigners of the Security Directorate.
Information pertaining to residence permits
may be obtained from the website of the General Directorate
of Security:
http://www.emniyet.gov.tr/hizmet.yabancilar.ikamet.asp
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ACCOMODATION AND RESIDENCE
On the arrival of a researcher, the company
or organization which invited him/her to Turkey would probably
organize a sort of an accommodation at the arrival of a researcher.
If this is not the case, hotels or guest houses might be the
preference for accommodation.
Housing in general may be found through a
Real Estate Agent or in the daily newspaper advertising section
under the headings of "Satilik" (for sale) or "Kiralik" (for
rent). There are many Real Estate Agents in Turkey who can
provide assistance in finding accommodations and lodgings for
those who request such services. In general, these agents technically
work for the property owners. They may not have any responsibility
towards the client. An individual may be helped by the institution
that one is working for in Turkey as regards the cost of real
estate.
For detailed information available in English
on real estate agencies in Turkey, please visit http://www.searchturkey.com
Guest Houses of Several Universities
Ankara
Ankara University Guest House
Address: Nenehatun Caddesi, No:122 , Gazi Osman Pasa, Ankara
Tel: (312) 4469632
http://www.metu.edu.tr/clife/accomodate.php
Istanbul
Bogaziçi University Guest House
Address: Bogaziçi University South Campus Kennedy Lodge 34342
Bebek, Istanbul
Tel: 0 212 3596577-3597283
Istanbul Technical University Guest House
Address: ITÜ Vakfi Sosyal Tesisleri Tesvikiye, Maçka, Istanbul
Tel: 0 212 243 24 74
Gaziantep
Gaziantep University Hotel
Address:Gaziantep 27310, Sahinbey, Gaziantep
Tel: 0 342 360 43 70
Fax: 0 342 360 43 71,
e-mail: tomyo@gantep.edu.tr
Izmir
Ege University Guest House
Address: Ege Üniversitesi Lojmanlari Manisa Yolu, Izmir
Tel : 0 232 388 14 47
Fax & Tel: 0 232 339 99 93
University (Direct): 0 232 388 40 00 / 2133-2524
http://www.ege.edu.tr/kampus/digsosfa.html
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TRANSPORTATION INFO
Urban Transport
Underground (Metro)
Underground services are available in Ankara, Istanbul
and Izmir in particular areas.
Buses (Otobüs)
Buses are cheap, but at rush-hours they are often very crowded.
Buses operate a service all over the cities and route plan
is available. The blue (Halk) city buses require payment at
boarding and the red and green city buses require payment by
an electronic card (which can be used for Metro and Ankaray)
services in Ankara. In Istanbul, you can use AKBIL tickets
which are electronic cards valid for bus, underground and ferrylines.
The equivalent for this card in Izmir is KENT card. Electronic
cards can be bought in advance from kiosks.
Please see the web sites available in Turkish for
Dolmus (unique to Turkey)
A system of mini-buses operates around the town on set routes
for a fixed fare that takes people as far as they require.
The money is paid to the driver as you get on. This is a
very practical means of transport and cheaper than a taxi.
Taxi
Taxis are relatively inexpensive, plentiful and run on meters
virtually everywhere in metropolitan transportation. One red
light indicates that the meter is running on daytime fares.
Some meters have the current fare and the word "gunduz" flashing
for the day rate. A night rate of 50% extra (from midnight
to 06.00 am) is shown on the meter by two red lights or as
mentioned above the fare and the word "gece" flashing to indicate
the night rate.
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Inter-urban transport
Airports
Most of the cities in Turkey have an airport. The connection
between airports and city centres is usually done by taxi,
airport shuttles (Havas) and by metro in Istanbul. Please visit http://www.dhmi.gov.tr
For detailed information available both in Turkish and English
on Havas, please visit http://www.havas.com.tr
For detailed information available in Turkish on airports,
please visit http://www.dhmi.gov.tr
Airlines
There is an extensive and excellent network of internal flights
by Turkish Airlines (THY) in addition to other private airlines
such as Onur Air, Atlas Jet, Pegasus and FlyAir. Moreover,
international direct flights are operated by several airlines
from Ankara and mainly from Istanbul through THY, Lufthansa,
Australian Airlines, KLM, Sabena, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS),
Alitalia, Swiss, Delta Airlines,etc.
Train
The wide network of the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) connects
major cities such as Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, providing
alternatives to air and road service. Between Ankara and Istanbul
a European standard new train called "Ankara Express" is operating
with sleeping and dining cars. Other train services provided
are Baskent Express and Fatih Express.
For detailed information available in Turkish on TCDD, visit http://www.tcdd.gov.tr
Private Transport
Bus lines
Excellent private bus lines offer a good service between cities
in Turkey.
Rental Cars
Car rental is relatively expensive although petrol (benzine)
is cheaper than in Europe, and petrol stations are numerous.
With the major car rental companies, a rented car may be returned
in a different town. The control of insurance details and breakdown
back-up before entering into any rental agreement is highly
recommended.
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ACCREDITATION OF DEGREES
The Higher Education Council sets the procedures
for equating diplomas received by foreign nationals in other
countries. The applications in regards to homologation and
accreditation of degrees shall be made:
- With the approval of the demand of the state institution
that will employ the applicant,
- With the documentation of work permit by the applicant,
- With the written application that the applicant needs accreditation
of his/her degree as he/she applied in order to get work
permit from the Ministry of the Interior or the relevant
state institution.
In relation to the accreditation of degrees, the applications
shall be made by person or by petition to the Council of
Higher Education in Ankara.
Information on documents required for foreign
citizens to whom the above-mentioned conditions apply may be
found at the following Internet website: http://www.yok.gov.tr/denklik/yabanci_uyruklu.htm
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CUSTOMS
Foreigners arriving in Turkey as official
personnel of foreign governments or for specific duties based
on agreements may, on certain conditions, bring in their household
goods exempt from customs duties. This privilege also applies
to foreign nationals on condition that they stay for a minimum
of two years.
Household goods imported in this way must
be owned by the foreign national and must have been in his/her
possession for at least six months. Such goods may enter either
with the person himself or two months prior to or six months
after, his/her arrival.
For detailed information available in Turkish,
English and French on customs http://www.gumruk.gov.tr
Export of Antiquities
It is illegal to export antiquities and penalties for this
crime may be severe. Genuine antiquities may only be exported
with a certificate obtained from the Museums Directorate.
We recommend that before taking antique carpets or similar
items out of the country, which may be seized at customs,
a thorough check be made. A document such as a certificate
may be obtained for certain items (e.g. imitations, gift
items) or a sales invoice confirming that the items are not
antiques.
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SOCIAL SECURITY
Private sector employees are covered by the
Social Security Law. Regulations on the social security status
of foreign nationals employed in Turkey are included in Social
Security Law No. 506, the bilateral social security agreements
between Turkey and other countries, and the European Social
Security Agreement to which Turkey is a signatory.
The important issue is whether the foreign
national who is employed, come to Turkey on behalf of a foreign
corporation, and whether the employee's country of origin has
a social security agreement with Turkey.
For detailed information available in Turkish
on social security, please visit http://www.ssk.gov.tr
Furthermore, there are many local and foreign
insurance companies that fall under the scope of Social Security
in Turkey. The Insurance Auditing Board of the Undersecretary
of The Treasury audits these companies.
For detailed information both in English and
Turkish on private insurance companies, please visit http://www.hazine.gov.tr
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MEDICAL CARE AND HEALTH INSURANCE
Every Turkish working citizen as their employer
pays a prima in behalf of them to the state (and wife, husband,
children) is automatically secured for health services by the
SSK (Social Insurance Association) which is owned by the State.
With a new law that is accepted by the parliament by June 2000,
unemployed citizens would be able to get health service if
they match the criteria. Turkish citizens who are retired are
also able to get health service of the state.
As Turkey is during the accession period to
EU membership, EU nationals who reside and work in Turkey are
either insured by the institution that they are working at
or they are insured by an insurance company in their home countries.
If they have both type of insurances, the hospitals in Turkey
lead the patients in accordance to their agreement with the
insurance companies.
For detailed iformation available both in
Turkish and English on Association of the Insurance and Reinsurance
Companies of Turkey, please visit http://www.tsrsb.org.tr
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Hospitals (HASTANE) in Turkey
Hospitals are called "HASTANE" and classified as State, Private,
University and International Hospitals.
Pharmacies (ECZANE)
Pharmacies are called 'ECZANE' in Turkish. "There is always
one pharmacy open in each district for 24 hours and for emergencies
as well. The name and address (Nöbetçi Eczane) are displayed
in all other pharmacy windows. You can always dial 118 (after
19.00 hrs) to find out which pharmacy is on duty.
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TAXATION
Foreigners who work and reside in Turkey on
a temporary basis are tax exempt, if they receive their wages
from abroad. They are only liable for taxes on income generated
in Turkey, such as wages received from an institution or university.
In such instances, the accounting department of the institution
where they are employed shall deduct the taxes and make the
payments to the tax office on their behalf.
Foreigners who reside in Turkey on a temporary basis but work
free lance, are required to apply to the tax office to pay
the tax due on the income they have earned from work they performed
in Turkey.
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LANGUAGE COURSES
There are many private language courses all
over Turkey. Generally, Turkish language courses comprise nine
sessions, three of which are basic, three intermediate and
three upper level. Students are evaluated in final examinations
held after each session based on four fundamental language
skills namely listening, comprehension, reading, speaking and
writing skills along with grammar and dictation. The Turkish
Teaching Centre of TÖMER affiliated to Ankara University and
the best known and widespread language course in Turkey, arranges
rapid reading courses for individuals, foundations, and institutions
and dictation courses for those who would like to speak educated
Turkish. During the training plural methods and techniques
which are being continually developed are used. At TÖMER, Turkish
is taught to foreign students. There is also a program of foreign
language instruction for all students.
For detailed information available in Turkish
on TÖMER, please visit http://www.tomer.ankara.edu.tr
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