Turkey - country information

Turkey is an exciting country that awaits its guests with open arms. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey offers travelers a unique blend of cultures, ancient history and modern amenities.

For those planning a trip to Turkey, there are plenty of options for an unforgettable vacation. Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas are famous for their picturesque beaches, quality service and variety of entertainment. Sun lovers and beach vacationers will appreciate the resorts of Antalya, Belek, Bodrum and Marmaris. For those who prefer a more active vacation, Turkey offers ample opportunities for diving, sailing, skiing and trekking.

But Turkey is not only beaches and resorts. This country is rich in unique sights that are witnesses of centuries-old history. Ancient cities, ruins, mosques, palaces and museums lift the veil over the cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire and Byzantium. The Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia in Istanbul, the ruins of Ephesus, Pamukkale with its snow-white terraces and many others deserve special attention.

Folk traditions and crafts play an important role in Turkish culture. Travelers can get acquainted with carpet weaving, pottery, wood carving and other arts and crafts, as well as taste the national cuisine, including the famous kebab, baklava and Turkish tea.

Turkey is a truly unique country that combines East and West. It invites all curious travelers to immerse themselves in its rich history and culture, enjoy the natural beauty and hospitality of the locals.

Before you set off on your journey, we invite you to get to know this amazing country better.

Turkey is a country with an ancient and rich history that dates back thousands of years. The territory of modern Turkey has seen many civilizations that have left their indelible mark.

The earliest traces of human presence in these lands date back to the Paleolithic period. Archaeological excavations have shown that the territory of Turkey was inhabited by primitive people more than 1 million years ago. During the Neolithic period, some of the world's first cities, such as Çatal-Höyük, sprang up here.

In the 2nd millennium B.C., the Hittites appeared on Anatolian lands and founded a powerful empire. They left behind magnificent ruins of ancient cities and architectural monuments. After the fall of the Hittite kingdom, the territory of Turkey was alternately controlled by the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians and ancient Greek states.

In the 4th century AD Anatolia became part of the Byzantine Empire, which became a stronghold of Christianity. During this period many famous Byzantine cathedrals and monasteries were built, including the legendary Aya Sophia in Constantinople.

In the 11th century, Turkey was invaded by Seljuk Turks who founded the Konya Sultanate. It was then that Islam began to spread throughout the region. In the 13th century, power passed to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Turkey for six centuries. The Ottomans left a rich cultural heritage including magnificent palaces, mosques and fortresses.

In the 20th century, Turkey experienced the Ottoman Empire, the War of Independence and the establishment of the modern Turkish state under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Today, Turkey is a democratic republic that remains in touch with its glorious past and looks to the future with confidence.

Political system
Modern Turkey is a secular democratic state, a parliamentary republic. The supreme body of legislative power is the unicameral parliament - the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The president is the head of state and supreme commander-in-chief. Executive power is vested in the president and the government formed by him.

Geography
The Republic of Turkey, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, occupies a vast territory of about 783 thousand square kilometers, most of which is located in Asia Minor. The country borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Iran, Iraq, Syria. Most of the country is represented by mountain systems, such as the Pontic, Taurus and Armenian mountains, with the highest peak - Mount Ararat (5137 meters). Fertile plains and lowlands are spread in the west and south of Turkey. Turkey is rich in inland water resources - large rivers Euphrates, Tigris and Kizilirmak, as well as numerous lakes. The country has access to the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Seas. Between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea is also the much smaller Sea of Marmara, bordering Istanbul.

Population
Turkey's population exceeds 84 million, making it one of the most populous countries in Europe. The vast majority of residents are ethnic Turks (about 70-75%), with Kurds, Arabs, Georgians and other nationalities also living in the country. The official language is Turkish.

Religion
About 99% of the population of Turkey profess Sunni Islam. Small shares of the population belong to other religious confessions, including Christianity and Judaism. The country is a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion.

Economy
Turkey has a developed market economy, diversified industry and services. The key sectors of the economy are industrial production, tourism, agriculture and financial services. Turkey is a member of the G20, OECD and several other influential international economic organizations.

The official monetary unit of the Republic of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 lira and coins of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kurush (1 lira = 100 kurush) are in circulation.

You can exchange foreign currency for Turkish Liras in many places throughout Turkey. The most common exchange points are banks, specialized exchange offices in major cities, and branches of large tourist companies.

As a rule, exchange rates in different points differ slightly, so you can safely convert currency in any exchange office at an acceptable rate.

However, it should be noted that in airports, hotels and tourist centers, the exchange rate is usually less favorable. Therefore, it is recommended to exchange currency outside these places, if time permits.

The use of bank and credit cards is widespread in Turkey. Most retail outlets, restaurants, hotels and other establishments accept cards of international payment systems Visa, Mastercard, American Express. In large cities and tourist centers payment by cards is possible almost everywhere.

In smaller towns, especially in rural areas, card payments can be difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to carry cash Turkish Lira, especially for small everyday purchases.

Cost of goods and services in Turkey

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, it is useful to know what to look out for in terms of prices. In general, you can find both more expensive and cheaper goods and services in Turkey compared to other countries.

More expensive in Turkey will be electronic devices, household appliances and cars. This is due to high taxes on importing such goods into the country. Also, higher prices are expected for food in restaurants, hotel accommodation and entertainment in popular resort areas. This is due to the high demand in tourist areas.

On the other hand, local food, handicrafts and souvenirs are often cheaper. Prices outside the main tourist centers also tend to be lower.

Turkey's climate and weather is quite diverse and varies from region to region and season to season. Understanding the climatic patterns will help you choose the best time to visit Turkey.

Turkey's west coast has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months, from June to September, are characterized by high temperatures reaching 30-35°C. The sea warms up to a comfortable 24-27°C, making it an ideal time for beach vacations. Winters on the Mediterranean coast are mild, with temperatures of 10-15°C during the day and 5-10°C at night. Precipitation is higher during this period, but rains tend to be short-lived.

The eastern and central parts of Turkey have a continental climate with colder winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures can drop to -5-10°C in winter and rise to 35-40°C in summer. This region is characterized by less precipitation throughout the year.

The Black Sea coast is characterized by a moderately humid climate with cool but rainy summer months and relatively mild winters. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 25-28°C and winter temperatures drop to 5-10°C. Rainfall is higher here than in other parts of the country.

The most favorable period for visiting Turkey in general is considered to be spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October).

At this time of year the weather is comfortable, with moderate temperatures and less precipitation. Tourist activity is also lower, so you can avoid large numbers of tourists and high prices.

The summer season is certainly attractive for beach lovers, but it is worth considering the higher temperatures, especially in the interior of the country. In winter, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as ski vacations in Eastern Turkey.

Thus, choosing the best time to travel to Turkey will depend on the preferences of the tourist and the purpose of the trip. Spring and fall offer the most favorable weather conditions for a wide range of tourist activities. But both summer and winter Turkey is ready to please its guests with unique sights, rich culture and hospitality.

Properly selected clothes for a vacation in Turkey will help to make your stay in this country as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Taking into account the climatic peculiarities and cultural traditions of the country, you should focus on several key points when gathering your closet.

First, it is important to consider the season in which you plan to travel. In summer, when the weather is hot and sunny in Turkish resorts, light, loose clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or viscose is most appropriate. Tops, T-shirts, shorts, light dresses, maxi skirts - this is the basis of a summer closet for a vacation in Turkey. Do not forget to bring hats, sunglasses and comfortable beach shoes.

In the spring and fall period, when the air temperature is more moderate, jeans, pants, long-sleeve shirts, knit sweaters and light windbreakers will be useful. Such clothes will make you feel comfortable both during the day and in the cooler evenings. It is also recommended to have more closed shoes - shoes or half-boots.

The cultural aspect deserves special attention. Turkey, being a Muslim country, imposes certain requirements to the appearance of tourists, especially in public places and when visiting religious sites. Here too open or revealing outfits are not welcome. Women are advised to wear skirts below the knee, shirts with sleeves and scarves covering the shoulders. Men should favor pants over shorts, especially when visiting mosques.

In addition, one should not forget about the comfort and practicality of clothing. It should easily fit together, be wear-resistant and not require complicated care, because most of the time you will spend outside the hotel. And, of course, it does not hurt to bring a swimsuit or swim trunks for a beach vacation.

Following these simple recommendations, you will be able to collect the perfect closet for a vacation in Turkey and enjoy your trip in comfort and harmony with local traditions.

When planning a trip to Turkey, it is important to learn in advance the basic cultural norms and traditions of behavior. This will help avoid awkward situations and make your trip more comfortable and pleasant. Familiarity with the cultural peculiarities of Turkey will help you to understand the local traditions and rules of behavior, which will contribute to a more harmonious and calm interaction with the local population.

It is important to remember that Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so Islamic values such as modesty, hospitality and respect for elders are important.

When visiting mosques and other religious shrines in Turkey, it is worth adhering to a more conservative style of dress. Although there are generally no strict requirements for tourist dress, in such places you should show respect for local traditions and culture by choosing more closed and modest outfits.

When greeting and communicating with Turks, it is important to take into account the peculiarities of their non-verbal communication. Direct eye contact and handshakes between people of different genders are not accepted. Women are also not recommended to be the first to extend their hand to a man. Instead, it is customary to bow or nod slightly as a greeting.

Turkey has a very developed tradition of hospitality. Tourists are often offered coffee, tea or other treats, which are customary to accept even if you do not feel hungry. Refusal may be perceived as disrespect.

Punctuality is of particular importance in Turkish society. On the one hand, being on time and organized is a very important social aspect, but at the same time, locals tend not to be rushed or hurried. They tend to spend more time socializing and leisurely conversations than doing things quickly. Therefore, you should be patient and not get annoyed if something does not happen as quickly as you expect.

Showing understanding and respect for established customs will help you to enrich your experience and get to know the unique features of Turkish culture and mentality.

When traveling in Turkey, it is important to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and road conditions to ensure your safety. There are a few key rules in Turkey that are worth knowing in advance.

Firstly, Turkey has right-hand traffic, so drivers need to be careful and get used to it. You also need to remember that in large cities such as Istanbul, traffic can be quite heavy and chaotic, so it's important to remain alert and cautious.

As for the speed limit, on highways it is usually 120 km/h, but on some sections it can be lower. In cities and towns the speed is usually limited to 50 km/h. It is also worth considering that local drivers do not always follow the speed limits, so you need to constantly monitor the situation on the road.

Overtaking is allowed in Turkey, but only if there is enough space and safe conditions. It is important to remember that on narrow roads in mountainous areas, as well as on winding sections, the roadway can be much more difficult and dangerous.

Another important detail is that seat belt use is mandatory for both driver and passengers. In addition, children under the age of 12 must be transported in special child seats.

It is worth noting that road conditions in Turkey can vary greatly depending on the region. In mountainous areas, especially in the south and south-east of the country, roads are often narrower and more winding, with many sharp turns. Here it is important to drive even more carefully and cautiously.

In general, observance of traffic rules and increased caution is the key to safe traveling in Turkey by car. Following the basic recommendations will allow you to maximize your safety and enjoy your trip.

Turkey offers a wide range of local modes of transportation that allow tourists to move around the country with convenience. Among the most popular and common public transportation options are buses, subways, city trains, cabs, ferries, as well as an extensive network of airports and railroads.

Buses are one of the main and most convenient ways of traveling in Turkey. The country is famous for its developed network of intercity and intracity bus routes. Buses are characterized by comfort, punctuality and affordable prices. Buses are especially recommended for traveling between major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.

For traveling within large cities, the metro and city trains are excellent. The most developed metro network is in Istanbul, with several lines connecting the main districts of the city. The subway is considered one of the fastest and most economical modes of transportation in large Turkish metropolises.

Turkey also has an extensive network of airports serving domestic and international flights. The key hubs are the airports of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Air travel provides rapid movement between the main cities of the country and neighboring countries.

In addition, Turkey has a well-developed railroad infrastructure. Trains run to many domestic destinations, providing passengers with comfortable and economical travel solutions.

Cabs are also widespread in Turkey and are available in almost any city. They are a convenient option for short trips or traveling with luggage. It is worth bearing in mind that cab fares may be higher in tourist areas. Therefore, it is recommended to agree on the cost of the trip in advance.

A great option for traveling between the coast and islands of Turkey is the ferry service. Ferries provide comfortable and scenic transportation for passengers and their luggage and connect many coastal cities as well as popular tourist destinations such as the Princes' Islands in Istanbul.

Turkey is also home to more colorful forms of local transportation, such as Istanbul's famous phaetons, horse-drawn carriages that run through historic districts. They add a special flavor to the trip and allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of the old city.

In general, the variety of available public, air and rail transportation options in Turkey makes traveling around the country as convenient and affordable as possible for tourists.

Turkey is a country with a rich culture and history, where language plays an important role in communication and interaction between people.

The official state language of Turkey is Turkish, which belongs to the Turkic language group.

Turkish is the mother tongue of the majority of the country's population. In addition to Turkish, other languages and dialects such as Kurdish, Arabic and Greek are also spoken in some regions of Turkey. However, these languages have no official status and are used mainly in localized communities.

Although Turkish is the dominant language, English is widely used in many places popular with tourists, such as major cities and tourist centers. This allows foreign travelers to overcome the language barrier and facilitates communication.

It is important to note that Turkish culture places great importance on polite and respectful communication. Turks are generally friendly and open to interacting with foreigners. They appreciate when guests make an effort to learn and apply a few simple phrases in Turkish.

Of course, speaking English makes communication in Turkey much easier, but knowing a few key Turkish phrases and adhering to cultural norms will help make communication more pleasant and comfortable.

For tourists visiting Turkey, the availability and quality of telecommunication services plays an important role in a comfortable and convenient stay in the country. Turkey offers a well-developed communications infrastructure that allows tourists to stay connected and have access to the Internet almost everywhere.

Turkey demonstrates a high quality of mobile communication, with almost complete coverage of the territory of the country by the networks of the main mobile operators. The best known of these are Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom (Avea).

For tourists it is recommended to buy a local SIM-card, which can be easily purchased at airports, chain stores or offices of mobile operators. This will allow you to enjoy affordable local voice, SMS and mobile internet tariffs.

Access to high-speed 4G mobile internet (and even 5G in some areas) is widespread in Turkey. Most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and other public places provide free Wi-Fi access for visitors.

Moreover, at the new Istanbul International Airport, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi for 1 hour by completing a simple registration process.

Tourists are advised to check with their mobile operator or hostel/hotel for Wi-Fi network connectivity. Many operators also offer favorable roaming packages for tourists, allowing them to use the Internet without additional costs.

In addition to mobile internet, fixed fiber optic networks are also widely developed in Turkey, providing high-speed internet access for households and organizations. The largest fixed internet provider is Türk Telekom.

In general, tourists in Turkey can count on the availability of modern telecommunication services that allow them to stay connected, surf the Internet and stay in touch while traveling.

Turkey has a well-developed health care system, which has undergone significant reforms and transformations over the past decades to ensure accessibility and quality of health care services for all citizens of the country.

Turkey's health care system is based on the state social health insurance system known as the General Health Insurance System (Genel Sağlık Sigortası, GSS). This system guarantees Turkish citizens, as well as foreigners permanently residing in the country, a basic package of medical services, including outpatient and inpatient care, pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests. The GSS is financed by mandatory contributions from employers and employees.

In addition to the public system, Turkey also has a private health sector represented by private clinics, hospitals and medical centers. These institutions provide a wide range of medical services, primarily targeting the more affluent segments of the population and foreign patients. Private medical organizations are often equipped with the latest equipment and offer a high level of service.

It is worth noting that the Turkish healthcare system is actively introducing modern technologies such as electronic medical records, telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. This contributes to improving the efficiency and quality of medical care.

In general, the Turkish healthcare system is characterized by high accessibility and a wide range of services. The country is also known as one of the leading centers of medical tourism, attracting patients from all over the world to receive high-quality and relatively inexpensive treatment.

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, it is necessary to take care of having a reliable travel insurance. Today the migration legislation of the country does not require foreign citizens to take out medical insurance on a mandatory basis.

However, you should not neglect your safety and it is advisable to take out an insurance policy before traveling.

Health insurance is especially relevant as the cost of medical services in the country can be high for foreign nationals. Travel insurance covers unexpected medical expenses. It guarantees payment for emergency care, emergency hospitalization, as well as follow-up treatment and rehabilitation in case of injuries or acute illnesses during your stay in Turkey.

In addition, travel insurance will help protect against financial losses in emergency situations, such as those related to trip cancellation or curtailment, damaged or lost luggage, and theft of personal belongings. This is extremely important considering that Turkey is a rather dynamic and busy country with high visitation.

When choosing travel insurance for a trip to Turkey, you should pay attention to the amount of coverage, the reliability of the insurance company and the cost of the policy. This will guarantee maximum protection and peace of mind throughout your trip.

Our company provides a full range of services to insure your trip. You can familiarize yourself with the full list of possible insurance policies on our website in the Insurance section.

Public holidays and weekends play an important role in the life of any state, reflecting its history, culture and traditions. They provide citizens with an opportunity to take a break from their daily routine, spend time with family and friends, and join together to celebrate significant events.

National holidays in Turkey are marked by grand celebrations including parades, musical performances, fireworks and mass public festivities. During the holidays, city dwellers decorate their homes with flags and garlands, and theatrical performances are staged in the central squares.

On weekends locals try to spend with their families, do household chores, rest or travel around the country. Many Turkish families go on picnics, to parks or seaside resorts to enjoy nature and spend time together.

List of major public holidays in Turkey:

Religious holidays:

• Ramadan (month of fasting) - one of the most important Muslim holidays, celebrated in the spring.
• Uraza Bayram (Feast of Feast of Feasting) is celebrated at the end of Ramadan.
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) is a Muslim holiday celebrated in summer.
• Maulid al-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad) - celebrated in winter.
• Ashura is a Shiite religious holiday celebrated in winter.

In addition, such Christian holidays as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated in Turkey, as there is a small Christian minority in the country.

Turkey's culinary traditions are an integral part of its rich culture. The country's national cuisine is full of unique and flavorful dishes that reflect the diversity of Turkey's geography, history and ethnic composition.

Turkish cuisine is based on the Mediterranean culinary tradition, complemented by elements of Middle Eastern and Central Asian gastronomy. Fresh vegetables, cereals, dairy products and various types of meat are widely used. A special place is occupied by olive oil, spices, herbs and nuts, which give Turkish dishes a unique taste and aroma.

One of the most famous Turkish dishes is kebab, a kebab made of chopped or sliced meat, which is cooked over an open fire. There are hundreds of types of kebabs, varying in cooking method, ingredients and region of origin. Dolma (Dolma) - vegetables stuffed with rice, minced meat, seafood, moussaka (Musakka) - a casserole of eggplant, beans, meat and tomatoes, as well as Icli Kofte (Icli Kofte) - meatballs in a spicy sauce - are also popular.

An integral part of Turkish cuisine are meze appetizers, which are served before the main courses. It can be eggplant caviar, pastirma (smoked meat), olives, hummus, tzatziki and many other various cold and hot appetizers.

Turkish tea is widely known, which is served in all cafes and restaurants of the country. It is brewed in special tall glass cups and is usually drunk with sugar. Different types of coffee are also popular, including the famous Turkish strong coffee, which is prepared in a copper turbine.

Turkey's alcoholic beverages, such as Raki anise vodka, wine made from grapes grown in different regions of the country, and beer produced by local breweries, cannot be overlooked.

The variety and uniqueness of Turkish cuisine is the result of centuries of tradition, absorbing influences from East and West. As you discover this culinary culture, you are sure to discover new facets of this amazing country.

Turkey is a country rich in tourist attractions and developed infrastructure, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world.

Turkey's geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as its rich history, has left on the territory of the country many colorful monuments of culture and architecture, attracting the attention of visitors. Among the most famous tourist sites are the legendary Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the majestic ruins of Ephesus, the ancient underground cities of Cappadocia and much more.

One of the main tourist centers of Turkey is Istanbul - a unique metropolis that combines the features of East and West. Here you can walk around Sultanahmet Square with the Blue Mosque, visit Topkapi Palace and the famous Grand Bazaar, and then take a cruise on the Bosphorus. In addition to historical sights, Istanbul is famous for its modern infrastructure - an extensive network of public transport, including subways, high-speed streetcars and sea ferries, many hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

The Mediterranean coast of Turkey is also one of the most popular places for beach vacations. The cities of Antalya, Kemer, Side and Belek offer their guests magnificent sandy and pebble beaches, clear azure sea, as well as developed tourist infrastructure with a wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment. People come here to enjoy the magnificent climate, go on boat trips, do water sports or just relax on the picturesque shores.

The inland regions of Turkey also have many interesting places for tourists. For example, in Cappadocia you can see amazing underground cities cut out in the rocks, as well as make unforgettable flights in hot air balloons over the picturesque valleys.

The Eastern Anatolia region, on the other hand, is famous for its ancient monasteries, mountainous landscapes and unique ethnic culture.

In addition to its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Turkey has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. There is an extensive network of modern highways, high-speed railroads, airports and seaports throughout the country, which ensures comfortable movement of tourists between different regions. In addition, the country has a variety of accommodation facilities - from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses and hostels, meeting the needs of travelers with any budget.

Thus, the combination of rich historical and cultural heritage, picturesque natural landscapes, as well as developed tourist infrastructure makes Turkey one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.

Whether for families or individuals, Turkey offers plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable vacation. With its combination of rich culture, picturesque nature and developed infrastructure, this country can be an ideal destination for travelers of all tastes.

Turkey has many interesting options for an unforgettable vacation that will suit both family travelers and solo travelers.

When planning a trip to Turkey, choosing the right accommodation plays a key role in your comfort and vacation experience. The country offers the widest range of accommodation options - from luxury villas and five-star hotels to modest guesthouses and budget hostels. Consider tips on accommodation for different categories of travelers.

For discerning guests who appreciate high level of service and maximum comfort, the best choice will be five-star hotels in popular resort towns such as Antalya, Belek or Bodrum. Here you will find luxurious suites with individual swimming pools and panoramic views. Guests of these hotels can count on a wide range of upscale services - from private beaches and water parks to numerous restaurants and spas.

For those who prefer a secluded vacation, villa or apartment rentals are a great option. Private villa rentals are especially popular with family travelers and groups of friends, as they allow you to enjoy maximum privacy.

For budget-minded travelers, Turkey offers many attractive budget accommodation options. From family-run hotels to cozy hostels and guesthouses, comfortable accommodations can be found here at affordable prices. Despite the more modest conditions, these accommodation options are often located in the central areas of major cities, which saves on transportation.

Despite the more modest conditions, such accommodation options are often located in central areas of major cities, which saves on transportation.

Camping enthusiasts will love inexpensive campgrounds with tents near beaches or in picturesque natural areas.

Family hotels are usually located in resort areas and offer a wide range of family-oriented services. They have spacious rooms, children's playgrounds, animation programs, restaurants with a varied menu and other amenities for a comfortable stay with children.

When choosing accommodation, it is also important to consider the location, infrastructure, reviews of other tourists and your personal preferences to make your vacation in Turkey as comfortable and memorable as possible.

From historical bazaars to modern shopping centers, Turkey offers the widest range of goods for every taste and wallet.

One of the most popular shopping destinations are the oriental bazaars, such as the famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The maze of narrow streets and colorful stalls allows you to immerse yourself in the amazing oriental atmosphere and get acquainted with a rich assortment of traditional Turkish goods. Here you can find authentic handmade carpets, leather goods, ceramics, spices, sweets and much more.

In addition to markets, Turkey is famous for its shopping centers offering both national and global brands. Large shopping malls, such as Istinye Park in Istanbul or Kizilay Plaza in Ankara, impress with their scale and variety of stores for all tastes - from clothes and shoes to electronics and home goods.

For those who prefer shopping in a more relaxed environment, Turkey offers many boutiques, specialty stores and outlets, where you can find exclusive products of local artisans, designer clothes and accessories at very attractive prices.

Traditional Turkish souvenirs occupy a special place in the shopping list of tourists.

These can be products made of ceramics, metal or wood, decorated with oriental motifs, elegant silk shawls, kilim carpets, leather goods, spices and seasonings, Turkish tea and coffee. Such souvenirs will not only serve as a wonderful reminder of the trip, but will also be a great gift for relatives and friends.

Regardless of preferences, Turkey is a real paradise for lovers of shopping and souvenirs. The variety of goods, as well as the colorful atmosphere of local markets and bazaars make shopping an unforgettable and exciting adventure.