User:Jamielc/sandbox

0 Map https://legacy.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/turkey_trans-2006.jpg

2.0 Background 2.1 Land and Climate Turkey is the 37th largest country in the world. It is surrounded by three different bodies of water; the Mediterranean Sea on the south, the Black Sea on the north,the Aegean Sea to the west, and it also includes the Marmara Sea to the Northwest. It is shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria on the European eastern side, in the north it borders Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran, and final in the south-east it borders Iraq and Syria.

Turkey experiences many different types of climates, because of its geographical location. While the more coastal areas have mild climates, the inland Anatolia plateau has a hot and much drier climate as well as hot summers and cold winters with little or no rainfall. Istanbul, which is located around the sea of Marmara has a more moderate temperature, with the winter dropping to below zero at times. The Black Sea region is found to be very warm, wet, and humid, and sometimes having summer temperatures in the winter. http://en.istanbul.com/city-life/geography-and-climate-of-turkey.html https://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Turkey.htm

2.2 History Turkey’s history has many conquerors that resided there such as the Ottoman Empire and the Byzantines to name a few. A republic was established in 1923 and was under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal or the “Father Turk.” His goal was to build upon Ottoman Turkey ruins and with it form a new country and society that was patterned after Western Europe. This led to recognition internationally for the “Republic of Turkey.” It was deemed the successor state of the Ottoman Empire, and the new capitol recognized in Ankara. He equated success in technology, politics, and economic wealth to westernization. Anatolia is what connects the Middle East and Europe, therefore it plays a vital role in the history of those regions. http://countrystudies.us/turkey/2.htm

3.0 The People 3.1 Population Turkey currently has a population of about 81,526,000 according to the United Nations estimate. It is estimated that 80% of the population is Turkish and that 20% of the population are Kurdish. The majority of people living in Turkey identify as “Turkish.” Turkey, however, does not wish to identify with one ethnicity, because of the many different cultures that reside there. There are many different non-Turkish ethnic groups, at least thirty-five. These include those who speak Turkic languages, such as the Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Balkar, and Azerbaijanis. Many also speak non-Turkic languages such as Armenians, Greeks, Georgians, and arabs. The Kurds do out number these other groups with a large population numbering over ten million. http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/turkey-population/ http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Turkey.html#ixzz5BeBIFq35

3.2 Government Turkey has a secular parliamentary representative democratic republic, which allows the Prime Minister of Turkey to be the head of government and the President of Turkey as the head of state. The President is more a ceremonial role with reserve powers. The country is held together by a constitution that was written by the military leaders that were in power in 1982. In Turkey, many political leaders are generally high-ranking military officials, businessmen, and university professors. It is also illegal for political parties to try and appeal to religion. An important part of politics in Turkey. http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Turkey.html#ixzz5BePWoAqv.

3.3 Economy Turkey has an emerging market economy as defined by the IMF. It is one of the leaders in agriculture, textiles, motor vehicles, ships, construction materials, and home appliances. Turkey is a large producer of food as well and produce a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts and meats. The following list is the top 10 exports that Turkey produces.

1.	Vehicles: US$23.9 billion (15.2% of total exports) 2.	Machinery including computers: $13.8 billion (8.8%) 3.	Gems, precious metals: $10.9 billion (6.9%) 4.	Knit or crochet clothing, accessories: $8.8 billion (5.6%) 5.	Iron, steel: $8.2 billion (5.2%) 6.	Electrical machinery, equipment: $8.1 billion (5.2%) 7.	Clothing, accessories (not knit or crochet): $6 billion (3.8%) 8.	Articles of iron or steel: $5.6 billion (3.6%) 9.	Plastics, plastic articles: $5.5 billion (3.5%) 10.	Mineral fuels including oil: $4.3 billion (2.8%) Read more: http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Turkey.html#ixzz5BeRrJxiE http://www.worldstopexports.com/turkeys-top-10-exports/

3.4 Language The main language in Turkey is Turkish, with minority languages including Arabic, Kurdish, Kurmanji, Zazki, Pomak Bulgarian, Balkan Turkish, and Laz.

Mother tongue	Percentage Turkish 84.54 Northern Kurdish 11.97 Arabic 1.38 Zazaki 1.01 Other Turkic languages	0.28 Balkan languages	0.23 Laz 0.12 Circassian languages 0.11 Armenian 0.07 Other Caucasian languages	0.07 Greek 0.06 West European languages	0.03 Jewish languages 0.01 Coptic 0.01 Other	0.12

3.5 Religion The main religions in Turkey include Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Religion in Turkey (2016)[1] Sunni Islam (77.5%) Quranist Muslims (1%) Spiritual but not religious (1%) Shia Islam (19.5%) Judaism (0.5%) Others (0.3%) Christians (0.2%) https://turkeytravelplanner.com/Religion/index.html

3.6 Food/Diet During the Feast of Ramadan, which is at the end of the Islamic month of fasting, there are a number of special dishes. These dishes are prepared with celebrations and holy days. Gaziantep is a mixture of ground meat, chickpeas, rice, onion, and spices all served with yogurt. Some southern areas of Turkey serve lamb kebab served with tomatoes and borek. There are other special dishes prepared for the month following the Feast of Ramadan, the holy month of Ashura. These dishes include a pudding called Ashureto which because of tradition contains at least fifteen various ingredients, like beans, almonds, cereals, rice rosewater, pomegranate seeds, orange peels, figs, cinnamon, peas and raisins. At wedding celebrations it is common to have wedding soup, which is a prepared lamb bone with meat, egg, flour, butter, lemon juice, and red pepper. There are also many different Turkish beverages which include tea, thick coffee, boza, and carbonated drinks which are more popular amongst young people. Turkey is also famous for their various flavors of Turkish delights. http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Turkey.html#ixzz5BeWZwBv0

3.7 Customs/courtesies Because Turkey is predominantly Muslim, it is important for tourists and visitors to familiarize themselves with their customs and traditions. Some of those being of the Islamic Faith. It is customary to shake hands firmly when meeting, but not when departing. Those who are friends and relations would greet with one or two kisses on the cheek. Most importantly Elders are kissed on the right hand and then placing one’s forehead on the hand. It is very polite to present the host of the place you are visiting with a gift. https://www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/turkey-guide

3.8 Holidays https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/turkey/index.php

4.0 Tourism 4.1 Visa/ Entry Requirements Holders of passports of the following 40 countries and territories can obtain e-Visas online for a fee prior to arrival. Unless otherwise stated, e-visas can also be obtained at interactive kiosks placed in Turkish airports, albeit with higher fees for some nationalities. The duration of stay for most of these nationalities is 90 days(some 30 days) within 180 days; Antigua, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Fiji, Granada, Haiti, Indonesia, Ireland, Jamaica, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States, United Kingdom. 4.2 Currency/ currency conversion Turkish Lira 1 Turkish Lira = .26 US Dollars 1 Turkish Lira = .21 Euros 1 Turkish Lira = .19 British Pounds 1 Turkish Lira = 1.67 Chinese Yuan

4.3 Key Tourism Niche Markets Key tourism niche markets include Turkish delight, a popular candy produced in turkey. Blue cruises are also important for tourism in Turkey. These cruises are popular in their destinations as they cruise around many parts of Turkey in their famous blue waters. It is not uncommon as a tourist as well to buy a Rug in the Turkish markets. These rugs are an important part of the niche markets in Turkey.

4.4 Level of Tourism Development At its height in 2014, Turkey attracted around 42 million foreign tourists, ranking as the 6th most popular tourist destination in the world.[1] This number however declined to around 36 million in 2015, and to around 25 million in 2016.[2][3] Recovery, however, began in 2017, with the number of foreign visitors increasing to 32 million.[4][5] Istanbul is an important spot for tourism in Turkey and throughout the world. Specifically Istanbul has a number of different attractions to see from the Byzantine and Ottoman empire. These include the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the “Blue Mosque”), the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Dolmabahce Palace, the Galata Tower, the Grand Bazaar, the SPice Bazaar, the Pera Palace Hotel. Istanbul has also become on the world’s biggest shopping center in the region. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_Turkey

4.5 Transportation Options In many large cities in Turkey, including Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Bursa, Eskisehir, Kayseri, Gaziantep, Konya, Samsun, Adana, Antalya and Adapazari there are metro, light rail, or tram options. Turkish Airlines is a airline that specifically services Turkey, as well as the surrounding regions in the Middle East.

4.6 Attractions 4.6.1 “Must See” Attraction 1.	Hagia Sophia- Istanbul, Turkey It is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful buildings from the Byzantine empire and throughout the world. It is one of the top sites to see in Turkey, with a stunning interior that shows the reminder of Constantinople's power. 2.	Pamukkale, Turkey Famous for it’s natural wonders, Pamukkale are mineral rich thermal pools that flow over travertine terraces. 3.	Grand Bazaar- Istanbul, Turkey The Grand Bazaar is known worldwide for its shopping and bartering with the locals. It is a great place to find a Turkish rug as well as other Turkish souvenirs. 4.	Mount Nemrut, Turkey Is an interesting archaeological site with giant stone heads. These represent the long-forgotten Gods that look out on its people. 5.	Blue Mosque- Istanbul, Turkey This Mosque is treasured as the last “great mosque” of the OTtoman Empire. 6.	Cappadocia, Turkey Is one of the world’s top destination for Hot Air Balloon rides because of its panoramic views of cliffs and pinnacles. https://www.egypttoursplus.com/turkey-tourist-attractions/

4.6.2 Secondary Attractions 1.	Mount Olympos 2.	City Walls- Istanbul, Turkey (days of Constantinople) 3.	The Spice Market- Istanbul, Turkey 4.	Galata Tower- Istanbul, Turkey 5.	Islamic Art Museum- Istanbul, Turkey Other attractions include sporting events, museums, and cultural events. https://www.egypttoursplus.com/turkey-tourist-attractions/

4.7 Weather/Climate Concerns For clothing in these climates, it is suggested that lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer months, and warmer, rainwear during the months of the winter. In the mountainous regions it is important to have winter clothing. But anywhere else it is important for a sweater in the evenings.

4.8 Safety/ Security Concerns According to British government British nationals made over 1.7 million visits to Turkey during 2016. It is important to be alert during holidays or festivals that could occur. In places such as Istanbul, Turkish authorities will frequently stop people in busier areas. Be sure to cooperate with officials when conducting checks, as well as keep a copy of your e-visa while in Turkey. Most terrorist attacks have taken plane in the south and east of the country in Ankara and Istanbul. The authorities in Turkey have been able to disrupt attacks that have been planned in the past and has tightened the security in those areas. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

4.9 Environmental concerns The main environmental concerns in Turkey is to the protection of biodiversity. There is a large amount of water pollution that comes from the dumping of chemicals and detergents. There is also an issue with air pollution, greenhouse gases and land degradation. https://www.slideshare.net/topsakalyunus/ecological-and-environmental-issues-in-turkey

4.10 Socio-cultural concerns It is important to Turkey to maintain their turkish identity, while in association with Western influence. Many centuries of important culture preserves their way of life and culture.

4.11 Emergency Contacts US Embassy in Istanbul: İstinye Mahallesi, 3 Şehitler Sokak, 34460 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey +90 212 335 90 00