TURKEY

By
KU NOR SURIATI KU ISHAK
4 MUTIARA
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Turkey

Turkey's diverse landscapes, adventure activities, incredible culture,

ancient history, scrumptious food and interesting art make it a very unique
place to explore. Before you set off to see the landscapes of Cappadocia,
mosques in Istanbul and mighty ancient ruins of Ephesus, here are
five handy tips.

1. You Need a Visa*

Turkish customs require nationals from many countries to obtain a visa to
enter Turkey. 
Click here to apply for your visa online and find out if you require one.
Before getting a visa, make sure your passport has six months validity from
the date of entry into Turkey, or you may be refused entry to the country.
Visas generally take a couple of weeks to obtain, so don't leave this until the
last minute.
*For any information about visas and how that relates to your situation,
please contact the Turkish embassy in your country.

2. A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

Turkish people are very friendly, and if you earn yourself an invite into a
local family home for Turkish coffee or tea, knowing a little of their
langauge will go a long way.
Watch out for men who take advantage of that friendly nature, and 
find out why "Hello, my friend!"is not always what you want to hear.

3. Carry Cash in Different Currencies

The easiest currencies to convert into Turkish Lira are US Dollars and Euro.
Change offices offer the best rates. There are many ATMs throughout
Turkey, but don't solely rely on your ATM card as your main source of cash
in the event that you cannot find a machine that accepts your card.
Always have a mixture of cash (in small denominations), an ATM card and a
credit card available. Traveler's checks are not recommended, as most stores
won't accept them and banks and post offices with very long queues are the
only places to cash them in.
Make sure you keep your cash and cards safe by following these 
simple money security tips.
4. Cover Up
Turkey's land mass straddles eastern Europe and western Asia, creating an
incredible fusion culture where east meets west. While most cities are quite
cosmopolitan, rural communities retain their old customs and traditions. 
Wherever you chose to travel in Turkey, be aware of the proper dress
etiquette, and dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention – escpecially 
women traveling outside tourist areas.

5. Traditional Turkish Toilets Abound

While many Turkish hotels, museums and restaurants have western toilets,
you'll definitely encounter a few squat toilets on your travels.
Beginners will no doubt be challenged with the new skills required to
master this task, but soon enough you will become accustomed, and might
even enjoy them.
It's a good idea to remove any objects, such as your phone or wallet, from
your pockets before you squat. If you forget to do this, good luck retrieving
it.
There is usually a tap with running water (bidet) located next to the squat,
which you can use to flush.
Don't forget to carry toilet paper and small change with you at all times, as
most public toilets in Turkey (and toilet paper provided) are not free. 
Antiseptic wipes aren't a bad idea, either.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Turkey is pleasant all year round; with hot summers and
cold winters. We visited in October which was during the
autumn and for us it was perfect. The days were shorter
but with blue skies and a cool breeze, exploring the
temples and ruins was fun. Spring is from April to May
and from September to mid-November is autumn which
has cooler temperatures and the skies are clear. The
summer months from June through to September are very
hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-30°Cs on the
south coast. So if you are planning a holiday to get on the
beach and tan, we recommend summer, however, if you
are going to be exploring ruins, hiking, or spending a lot
of time exerting yourself outdoors we would recommend
either the spring or the autumn.
Turkish lira
A vacation to Turkey for one week usually costs around
TRY1,142 for one person. So, a trip to Turkey for two
people costs around TRY2,285 for one week. A trip for two
weeks for two people costs TRY4,570 in Turkey. If you're
traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person
often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel
rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period
of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people
traveling together for one month in Turkey can often have a
lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone
for one week.
Budget
Turkey has all the conveniences of a European country but with
a slightly lower price tag. It is less expensive than other
European destinations but not as cheap as a lot of countries in
Asia. Considering that the food and choices of accommodation
are varied, you will have a bit of flexibility with your budget.
We budgeted $45/day including accommodation, food, and
other activities. This can go higher if you indulge in more
expensive activities or higher end restaurants.
Istanbul
Although it is the most popular city in Turkey, Istanbul as many
thought isn’t the capital city of the country. This buzzing city
straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait and was
historically known as Constantinople. It has an old city feel, with
cultural influences of many empires that once ruled there. You can
explore the Sultanahmet district where you can find the iconic
Byzantine Hagia Sophia and opposite is the Blue Mosque and stay
at historic hotels in the area. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia
features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
There’s also the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries
the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. You can
also enjoy a boat ride along the Golden Horn and enjoy the view of
the landscape from both sides of the continents. Don’t forget to
indulge in Turkish food in the city too! You can join a 
two continents food tour and 
stay at amazing boutique hotels near Hagia Sophia.
Cappadocia
This historical region in the central Anatolia is one of the most unique
places I have ever been to. Its honeycomb hills and towering boulders
create a fairytale-like valley that would immediately make anyone wish
fairies really exist. With this natural beauty comes an interesting history.
People have been using the area’s soft stone to create fascinating cave
structures which they used as houses and churches

Ways to Travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia

There are many options to get to the magical valley of Cappadocia. You
can either fly, take an overnight bus, or rent a car to drive there yourself.

Taking the plane from Istanbul to Cappadocia is the fastest and

supposedly cheap way when booked earlier since you get to choose
different airlines too. From Istanbul, you have two options to fly from 
Atatürk International Airport which is on the European side of Istanbul
while the smaller Sabiha Gökçen is on the Asian side. They are a couple
of hours apart with no easy way to transfer. So if you have a flight from
one of these airports, make sure you have enough time to get to the other
side or even better make sure your flights arrive and depart from the
same airport. The flight from Istanbul to either of these airports only take
around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Ephesus
For the history buffs out there, Ephesus is a real treat! This
ancient Greek city can be found along the coast of Ionia. This
city was made famous by having the Temple of Artemis, one
of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. You can find so
many ancient ruins and the Library of Celsus which was
considered one of the biggest libraries in the ancient world.

This city also attracted Christian settlers (Greeks and Jews)

including St. Paul who lived in Ephesus for about three years.
There’s a belief that St. John settled in this city with Mary
and wrote his gospel here too. You can see those places at the
ruins in Ephesus.
Tours & Itineraries
in Turkey
 Tea is an important part
of Turkish culture, and is
the most commonly
consumed hot drink,
despite the country's long
history of coffee
consumption. Offering tea
to guests is part of Turkish
hospitality. Tea is most
often consumed in
households, shops, and
by kıraathane – social
gatherings of men. Despite
its popularity, tea only
became the beverage of
choice in Turkey in the
20th century. It was
initially encouraged as an
alternative to coffee
Turkish tea is typically prepared using two stacked kettles called
"çaydanlık" specially designed for tea preparation. Water is brought to a
boil in the larger lower kettle and then some of the water is used to fill the
smaller kettle on top and steep (infuse) several spoons of loose tea leaves,
producing a very strong tea.[2] When served, the remaining water is used
to dilute the tea on an individual basis, giving each consumer the choice
between strong (Turkish: koyu, literally "dark"; or tavşan kanı, literally
“rabbit's blood”) and weak (Turkish: açık, literally "light"). Tea is drunk
from small glasses to enjoy it hot in addition to showing its colour, with
cubes of beet sugar. It is almost never taken with milk.
Frequently asked questions about traditional Turkey foods
1. What is Turkey’s most popular food?
Many food items in Turkey are very popular with both locals
and tourists. Some of the most popular food that you can enjoy
here is: i) Döner (meat in a wrap) ii) Iskender Kebab (thinly
sliced lamb with tomato sauce) iii) Gözleme (stuffed Turkish
flatbread) iv) Baklava (sweet flaky pastry filled with nuts).

2. What is traditional Turkish food?

A variety of meat and vegetable preparations comprise authentic
Turkish cuisine. Some traditional Turkish food items that you
can try are Manti (dumplings), Kuzu Tandır (roasted lamb),
Iskender Kebab (thinly sliced lamb with tomato sauce) and
Salep (hot milk).

3. What is a typical Turkish breakfast?

A typical Turkish breakfast consists of Menemen (scrambled
eggs cooked in sauteed vegetables) or Simit (Turkish pretzel)
with Turkish coffee or tea. But for a full Turkish breakfast
experience, go for Kahvalti, which has tomatoes, olives, eggs,
honey, cheese, jam, Simit, Turkish sausage, and more.
1. Pide (flat
bread)

Known as the “Turkish pizza”, Pide is a flatbread filled

with meat toppings such as sucuk (Turkish sausage),
pastrami, and lamb meat. Like a usual pizza, the Pide is
also topped with cheese and vegetables. What makes this
pizza “Turkish” other than the varied meat toppings is its
final touch where the chef usually breaks an egg on it right
after the pizza is taken out of the oven.
 2. Döner (meat in a
wrap)

In Turkey, popular food items are easily available at various

spots. Known as one of the tastiest takeaway Turkish food, the
Döner is a burrito-like wrap made with beef, lamb, or chicken.
It also includes special spices and different vegetables, and
garlic yogurt. So if you find yourself in a rush, and want to eat
something that will surely fill your stomach, have some classic
Döner!
3. Kuzu Tandır (roasted lamb)

The Kuzu Tandır is known to be one of the most beloved

meat dishes in Turkey. It is also known for its tender
meaty goodness and is traditionally cooked using a
special oven. The lamb is suspended over the coals and
cooked for hours until it’s roasted. This method of
cooking is known to have been used by the Seljuk Turks
from Central Asia many centuries ago. The Kuzu Tandır
is best served with Turkish yogurt and potatoes.
4. Pilav (rice)

Turkish rice is so tasty that you can eat it on its own. What
makes it different from typical rice dishes is that it’s richly
seasoned with simple ingredients such as onions and
special Turkish spices. You can also add chicken and
various vegetables if you want your Pilav to have extra
toppings. To make sure that it’s a tasty Pilav, the rice has to
be toasted with butter first. You can also add some yogurt
to make it even more appetizing.
5. Manti (dumplings)

Think Chinese dumplings, but Turkish spices. Think

Ravioli, but non-Italian fillings. Manti is an excellent
dish that the Turks have mastered because a perfect
Manti requires uniqueness when it comes to taste and
texture. The delicacy is composed of different types of
meat wrapped in soft dough, and it’s your choice if you
want to boil or fry the meat. The Manti is best served
with butter or yogurt. If you’re looking for something
familiar and tasty, try the Manti, it’s a perfect go-to dish.
6. Kestane şekeri (sugared candy)

If you have a sweet tooth like the Turks, the Kestane şekeri
might be just right for you. These are sugared chestnuts. One
of the best traditional food to eat in Turkey, this dessert is
extra special because it dates back to the 1300s. The Kestane
şekeri is also a usual gift given during special occasions and
is placed in decorative boxes. In French cuisine, this dessert
is known as the “marron glacés.” This dessert is very easy to
eat, so you can munch on them anytime and anywhere you
would like.
7. Mozaik Pasta (chocolate
cake)

This chocolate cake is a staple in any Turkish cafe.

They also say that most Turkish mothers can make
their own version of this dessert in an instant. A layer
of broken biscuits and chocolate sauce, the Mozaik
Pasta is a must try for cake lovers out there. If you’re
looking for a familiar dessert, but want to try
something new at the same time, the Mozaik Pasta is
just right for your sweet cravings.
 8. Künefe (cheesy dessert)

If you are wondering what to eat in Turkey for dessert, go

for Künefe. It is like the antithesis of Mozaik Pasta. It’s not
the easiest dessert to make according to most locals so it is
usually bought from local shops. It is cooked in a round
metal pan and requires a lot of patience. The Künefe is
known to be “a common treat on a night out,“ according to
Buzzfeed. It’s made out of cheese and pistachio, which is
crispy on the outside, and soft chewy on the inside. This
dessert is best served hot.
 9. Salep (hot milk)

Have you ever wondered how a drink made out of orchids

would taste like? Salep is a warm drink made of orchids and
topped with cinnamon. This drink can only be consumed
within Turkish borders since the supply of orchids are very
limited. So an increase in demand for this drink, also means
that orchids are nearing their extinction in Turkey. The Salep
is also known to be a traditional drink during the cold season.
If you’re in Turkey, try the Salep for yourself to know what’s
so special about this one of a kind drink.
 10. Turkish coffee

Along with good Turkish food, you also need a good Turkish drink.
What’s interesting about Turkish coffee is that it’s more than just
your typical drink. In Turkey, fortune telling and coffee go hand in
hand. According to their culture, the shapes that are left by the coffee
grounds tell a lot about the coffee drinker’s past and future. And you
will know this when you finish your coffee because these coffee
grounds will appear at the bottom of your cup. If this happens, locals
advise that you close the cup, make a wish, then turn it over. Another
fact about this drink is that a true Turkish coffee is too strong to
handle. However, if you’re here to explore your taste buds, maybe
you can give traditional Turkish coffee a sip.
11. Turkish Delight

One of Turkey’s most iconic dishes, Turkish Delight is

loved by people across the world. Beautiful to look at with
its bright colors and dusting of powdered sugar, this
confection is made from a gel starch and sugar. Traditional
varieties called ‘lokum’ also contain chopped nuts and
dates flavored with rose, orange or lemon water. Easily
available at any food market or tourist stall, do not leave
Turkey without buying some Turkish Delight as a gift for
your friends or to relish at home.
 12. Iskender Kebab (thinly sliced
lamb with tomato sauce)

One of Turkey’s most popular foods and meat dishes, Iskender

Kebab is hearty, filling and very tasty. It consists of thinly
sliced cooked lamb meat that is doused in a rich tomato sauce
and both are then placed over pieces of flatbread. Yogurt,
butter, sliced tomatoes and other items are also served as
accompaniments to Iskender Kebab. Simply delicious,
Iskender Kebab is widely available across Turkey.
13. Mezze (appetizers)

Mezze is a term that is widely used across the Middle East

and refers to a range of small dishes that are served before
a meal, with drinks or sometimes as accompaniments to the
main course. Mezze in Turkey generally consists of items
like dolma (stuffed vine leaves), herbed yogurt, cheese,
pide (Turkish flatbread), hummus, meatballs, and more.
Mezze are perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself.
 14. Baklava (sweet flaky pastry
filled with nuts)

Baklava is another famous food of Turkey. This rich and flaky

dessert attracts tourists from far and wide. Turkish Baklava is
made from layer upon layer of flaky pastry with fillings of
chopped nuts in between. This pastry is then baked and once
cooled, it is topped with a sweet syrup that lends it an
irresistible taste. Available almost everywhere in the country,
from corner shops to fine dining restaurants, Baklava is a
must-try traditional food in Turkey.
15. Gözleme (stuffed Turkish
flatbread)

A perfect Turkish to-go snack, Gözleme is easily

available at street food stalls. It consists of flatbread that
is stuffed with cheese, vegetables or meat which is then
toasted on a griddle for a crunchy texture. This crepe-
like snack is filling and yummy and extremely popular
with locals. The flatbread is often handmade and lends
Gözleme an authentic flavor.
16. Corba (Turkish soup)

Corba is a traditional Turkish soup that is hearty, warm

and very satisfying. Most Turkish meals begin with a
soup and this soup variety is made from red lentils,
vegetables and flavored with spices. Simple and easy
to make, you Corba can be tried at restaurants or at a
traditional Turkish home. Bulgur wheat is sometimes
added to Corba to give it an added texture and depth of
flavor.
17. Dondurma (Turkish ice cream)

Dondurma is not just ice cream, it is ice cream with a chewy

texture. And even more famous than the ice cream are its
vendors who are known to put up a dramatic performance
before serving Dondurma to you. Turkish ice cream has a
strange elasticity to it and vendors display it by stretching
Dondurma way above their heads or teasingly hand the ice
cream cone to you before pulling it back. This iced dessert is
perfect for an on-the-go treat on hot summer days or to enjoy
while watching the world go by.
 18. Imam Bayildi (stuffed
eggplant)

Imam Bayildi is a classic Turkish dish that is even suitable

for vegetarians and vegans. It consists of eggplant that is
stuffed with chopped tomatoes, garlic and onions and then
cooked in olive oil. This stuffed and simmered eggplant dish
can be served warm or at room temperature. It could be a
side dish for a large meal or a main course for people with
dietary restrictions
 Useful Turkish Words and
Expressions for Tourists
Knowing a few basic Turkish words and expressions will not
only please locals, it will also come in handy during your stay.
Turks will try their best to help you, but not all Turks speak
English — and that’s an understatement. Most restaurants have
menus in both Turkish and English, but especially in snack bars
the translations may be far from perfect.

Accomodation

air-conditioning klima
Balcony balkon
Entrance giriş
exit çıkış
Luggage bagaj
Pull çekiniz
Push itiniz
Reception resepsiyon
restaurant restoran / lokanta
shampoo şampuan
shower duş
Soap sabun
swimming pool havuz
Toilet tuvalet
toilet paper tuvalet kağıdı
towel havlu
Transportation
Airport havalimanı
Avenue cadde
bus / coach otobüs
Fare ücret
Ferry vapur
Map harita
Passenger yolcu
plane uçak
Platform peron
Port liman
Quay iskele
Road yol
sea bus deniz otobüsü
Sea deniz
Ship gemi
station istasyon
Street sokak
subway / undergroundmetro
Taxi taksi
ticket office bilet gişesi
ticket bilet
Timetable tarife
train tren
Touristic Places
Carpet halı
Castle hisar
Church kilise
Island ada
mosque cami
Museum müze
palace saray
park park
square meydan
Tourism turizm
Danışma bürosu
Tourist turist
tower kule
Turkish bath hamam
Food and Drink
Beer bira
black pepper karabiber
bottle şişe
bread ekmek
Breakfast kahvaltı
butter tereyağı
Dessert tatlı
dinner akşam yemeği
enjoy your meal afiyet olsun
fillet steak bonfile
Fish balık
food yemek
fork çatal
Glass bardak
ice cream dondurma
ice buz
knife bıçak
Lemon limon
lunch öğle yemeği
main course ana yemek
Meat et
menu menü
peppers biber
Food and Drink
Plate tabak
rare (cooked) az pişmiş
Salad salata
Salt tuz
Serviette peçete
soup çorba
spoon kaşık
Starter meze
steak biftek
Sugar şeker
Table masa
tea çay
Tip bahşiş
toast tost
waiter / waitress garson
walnuts ceviz
water su
well done iyi pişmiş
white cheese beyaz peynir
white wine beyaz şarap
wine list şarap listesi
with meat etli
yoghurt drink ayran
Small Talk
but ama
child çocuk
good evening iyi akşamlar
good morning günaydın
good night iyi geceler
goodbye hoşça kalın
Hello merhaba
How many? Kaç tane?
How much? (price) Kaç para?
Mr bay
Mrs bayan
no hayır
ok tamam
or ya da / veya
Please lütfen
sorry / excuse me pardon / affedersiniz
thank you teşekkür ederim,
teşekkürler, sağol or
mersi
yes evet