Turkey

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Overview | Sightseeing | Monthly Expenses | Support | Map

Overview:

Whether you are an art and history buff, an archaeology nut or a nature lover, enjoy browsing through markets or going diving, the different regions of Turkey offer endless possibilities all year round. Each area has its own personality, history, landscape and cuisine, and with so much on offer to visitors it is not surprising that one trip to Turkey is never enough.

Surrounded by four different seas, Turkey is a beach paradise with over 8,000 km of sunny strips of sand. It also has an abundance of plant and wildlife species that can be enjoyed while camping or trekking in the many national parks which are dotted around the country.

Home to more than 20 different fascinating civilizations, Turkey has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life.

And of course in cities like Istanbul, there is a modern, lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition, where art and music can be enjoyed whether it belongs to today or yesteryear.

Sightseeing:

Thrace and Marmara

The Roman province of Trakya (Thrace) is separated from the rest of Turkey by the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Dardenelle Straits. Istanbul, the biggest city of Turkey, covers a harmonious mosaic of Eurasian culture and presents an unforgettable panorama of its historical places and famous scenery of Bosphorus. Edirne, lying close to the borders of Greece and Bulgaria, is well-known for the masterpieces of local architect Mimar Sinan, with wonderful examples from the Ottoman Empire. The area is also famous for the lush rolling fields, filled with vineyards and sunflowers grown for their seeds and oil. The cities in this region are Balikesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Canakkale, Edirne, Istanbul, Kirklareli, Kocaeli, Sakarya,Tekirdag and Yalova

The Mediterranean Region

South of the majestic Taurus Mountains lie the shores of the Mediterranean Sea with its beaches of fine sand, vistas of rare and rugged beauty, many ancient ruins, hidden caves and alluring vacation getaways. The region is bathed in sunshine 300 days a year, and is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing and watersports.The Mediterranean coast is as full of antique artifacts as the Aegean. In the ancient Lycian region, west of Antalya, you can experience the beauty of the mountain cities of Termessos and Arikand, as well as the coastal towns such as Olimpos, Kale, Kekova and Kas. The ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Side are located on the coastal plane east of Antalya, originally called Pamphylia. Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most important cities and is Turkey's hottest vacation spot, with the beaches of Konyaalti to the west and Lara to the east, lying at the foot of Antalya's massive mountain range. It is an attractive holiday getaway with palm-lined streets, beautiful parks, an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and a picturesque marina.

The Aegean Region

Many would agree that the coastal region of the Aegean has some of the most stunning views in the country and, in the words of Heredotus, "have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world." The bay's peninsulas and golden beaches stretch the length of coastline and this region was also the venue of countless mythological events.There are remains of ancient cities including Troy, immortalized by Homer, and Pergamum, the art and cultural centre and capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms at the time. The provinces in the Aegean region are Afyon, Aydin, Denizli, Izmir, Kutahya, Manisa, Mugla and Usak. Situated in Edremit bay is Ayvalik, the meeting point of the sea, the theraputic springs of Akcay, and pine forests, which has been dubbed the olive-grove Riviera. To the south are countless resorts, then further south is Foca, famous for the heroic Turkish sailors who were based here. Sardis, the capital of the wealthy Lydian king Croesus, is a small detour inland. Located in a narrow bay, Izmir is a modern city and the third largest in Turkey, as well as the major part on the Aegean. It brims with life and is a busy commercial centre, with broad boulevards and modern architecture, combined with the traditionalred-tiled roofs of the old houses in the bazaar area.

The Black Sea Region

Lush and green throughout the year, with rocky mountains, the cool waters of the coast and plantations of tea, hazelnuts, tobacco and corn, the Black Sea is a unique part of the country.The main industry is farming, thanks mainly to the high rainfall, and in the summer the roadsides are lined with hazelnuts drying in the sun. The culture, cuisine, climate and even dialect is different from the rest of Turkey, and the coastal road stretches from east of Istanbul to the border with Georgia. The cities in this region are Amasya, Artvin, Bolu, Corum, Duzce, Giresun, Gumushane, Kastamonu, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, Trabzon Zonguldak, Bartin and Karabuk. Akcakoca is on the far western side of the coast, with endless hazelnut orchards. Inland to the east is Safranbolu, with a wonderful collection of old Ottoman houses, and Devek, famous for its intricately carved walking canes.

Central Anatolia

This central region is now the heart of modern Turkey's political life, and has been the center of many significant societies and civilizations throughout history. The main cities in this region are Ankara, Cankiri, Eskisehir, Kayseri, Kirsehir, Konya, Nevsehir, Nigde, Sivas, Yozgat, Aksaray, Karaman and Kirikkale. Ankara, the modern-day capital, is located squarely in the middle of Central Anatolia and has been planned and developed for a contemporary society. The most visually impressive structure here is the Anitkabir mausoleum built for Ataturk, who founded the modern Republic of Turkey by winning the War for Independence and then made Ankara its capital. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is among the best museums in the country, and has exhibits from Anatolian dating from 50,000 BC to the 2nd century AD. In the surrounding areas, there are important settlements from early Anatolian civilizations.

Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia

With its high mountain ranges, remote plateaus, lakes and river beds splashed with color, plus some of the best Turkish architecture anywhere, this region of Anatolia brings history to life. Sivas, Divrigi, Erzurum, Battalgazi, Harput, and Ahlat, all cities in this region, were important centres of Seljuk art. In Eastern Anatolia are the cities of Agri, Bingol, Bitlis, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Hakkari, Kars, Malatya, Mus, Tunceli, Van, Ardahan and Igdir, while in the southeast are the larger cities of Adiyaman, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Mardin, Siirt, Sanliurfa, Batman, Sirnak and Kilis. Travelling around the east is more challenging, with huge distances between towns, extremes of climate and fewer facilities, but this is amply compensated by the remote beauty, relatively unspoilt scenery and, of course hospitality of the people.

Monthly Expenses:

The cost of living is low which makes everything very affordable. Here are some approximate prices:

• Transportation by subway and bus is very cheap, for example 10 kilometers costs about $1 by bus in major cities and far less in the country
• Clothes as low as $5
• Haircut is about $3 - $5
• Cost of movie is roughly $3
• Admission to temple or place of interest: Free to $5
• Dining out:$3 - $15
• Bus from Istanbul to the South of Turkey: $25 and far less by train

Support During Your Placement:

We will be available to give you any support, advice, or guidance you may need with any issues. There will always be an emergency number for you to contact. Our aim is to ensure that you have a happy and successful experience during your stay in Turkey.

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