Information for Turkey holidays
WHEN TO GO
The Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate for Turkey holidays with hot summers and wild winters. Swimming seasons: Marmara and North Aegean - June to September, South Aegean and Mediterranean - April to October.
Black Sea Coast: warm summers, mild winters, and relatively high rainfall.
Central Anatolia: Steppe climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters.
Eastern Anatolia: Long snowy, cold winters with mild summers.
Southeast Anatolia: Hot summer with mild, rainy winters.
WHAT TO WEAR
Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts: Light, cotton summer clothing with a warm top for evening. Black Sea Coast, Central and Eastern Anatolia: Summer wear, warmer clothing could be required for cool evenings at altitudes. Comfortable shoes are necessary when visiting archaeological sites.
Visiting a mosque: The m�ezzin calls the faithful to prayer five times a day. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors are requested to remove their shoes to show respect and avoid visiting mosques during prayer time. Women should always cover their heads and arms, and wear modest clothing. Men shouldn�t wear shorts.
WORKING HOURS
Government offices: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm-5:30 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Banks: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm; 1:30 pm-5:00 pm (Closed Saturday and Sundays, open daily in tourist areas)
Shops: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm (In tourist areas, closing times vary, some close around midnight)
Covered Bazaar- Istanbul: 8:am - 7:pm (Closed Sundays)
Summer hours: In the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions of Turkey, government offices and many other establishments are closed in the afternoon during the summer months. These summer hours are fixed each year by the provincial governors.
OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS
New Year�s Day January 1
Sacrifice Festival January 9 (1/2 day) to 13 2007
National Sovereignty and Childrens' Day April 23
Atat�rk Commemoration & Youths and Sports Festival May 19
Victory Day August 30
Republic Day October 28 (1/2 day) to October 29
Feast of Ramazan 22-25 October 2006
MISCELLENIOUS
Local Time: GMT+2hours (Summer).
Electricity: 220 volts AC all over Turkey (A European adaptor will be suitable).
Tap water: Safe to drink in all cities since it has been chlorinated.
Interpreters-guides: Ministry of Tourism Offices and travel agents can provide professional interpreters/guides. Travel agents must provide a professional interpreter/guide on all of their tours.
