Rafting in Turkey

The most famous is the Coruh River, renowned internationally as one of the fastest flowing in the world, and venue of the 4th World Watersports Championships in 1993 which saw 300 competitors from 28 countries.

Rail Travel in Turkey

Istanbul-Ankara and Istanbul-Edirne lines are the only lines that are electrified, so on the rest of the lines diesel trains run. The services from Istanbul to the East change their locomotives at Ankara station, and services to the South change their locomotives at Enveriye station, the remote one of two stations in Eskişehir (located about two-thirds distance to Ankara from Istanbul). No steam locomotives run on Turkish railways regularly, except occasional ceremonies.

Istanbul-Ankara rail line is the busiest and the most ridden one. There are several daily trains on this line, and a ride takes between 6.5 to more than 10 hours, depending on the train one takes and the delays, which are quite frequent. From Istanbul’s Haydarpasa station on the Asiatic side, one can find a direct train to almost all cities and towns in Asian Turkey served by a rail line, exceptions being Izmir, Balıkesir, Manisa, Zonguldak and Samsun.

TCDD also offers two “train+bus” lines in summer months. One of these is Istanbul-Antalya, and the other is Ankara-Akçay (on the northern Aegean shore). In this kind of travel, for example one buys a ticket for Antalya at Haydarpasa station, rides the train until the transfer station (Dinar in this case), and takes the bus awaiting there for passengers to Antalya. Bus fee is included in the train ticket price, no additional payment is made in the bus. Train+bus travel takes a little more time than completely bus travel but it is almost half in expense.

Other major cities or tourist spots that can be reached by rail from Istanbul directly are Edirne (from Sirkeci station on the European side, not Haydarpasa), Eskişehir, Denizli (near Pamukkale), Konya, Adana, Kayseri (where Cappadocia is a few hours bus ride away), Gaziantep, Diyarbakır, Erzurum (a few minutes away from Palandöken ski centre), Kars, and Tatvan on the shore of Lake Van.

If you have determined to reach to Izmir from Istanbul only on rail, you should first catch a train to Ankara (or to further east), then transfer in Eskişehir station to one of the trains operating between Ankara and Izmir (you will need another ticket unless you have a pass like Interrail ticket). From there on, you can catch the regional train to Selçuk, where Roman city of Ephesos and Virgin Mary’s House, which is a declared pilgrimage destination for Catholics, are a few kilometers away. So is Şirince, a cute village famous for the wines it produce. Also, Kuşadası is only half an hour bus ride away from Selçuk.

1st and 2nd class tickets are available, while some trains are consisted of only 1st class cars. 1st class usually means a pullman car (which has large leg-rooms between the seats, and most of which has air-conditioners nowadays), and 2nd class usually means compartment having 6 or far worse 8 seats. 8-seated compartments are not widespread, still ask before in order to avoid having a ticket for one. Also, 2nd class tickets do not have seat numbers written on them, so you should rush into the train to find a suitable empty seat.

Many trains have couchettes and sleeping cars, however even some of the night trains lack one, so ask before choosing your departure.

Although none of the regional trains –which operate between nearby cities- have a dining car, most long-distance trains have one. However, dining cars of the trains heading for eastern Turkey may have a limited menu and beverage list or there might be no dining car at all due to the low interest of the passengers of these lines. Have some supplies, especially if you are going to take one of the services to the East, but don’t worry if you don’t have any time to get anything. In the stations where the train stops for 15 minutes or more, you will find a kiosk or a buffet to buy some snacks and drinks. You can also buy some snacks –or even fresh fruits during spring and summertime- from vendors “jumping” into the cars in smaller stations as well. Dining cars are closed between 00:30 and 06:30 in all trains except Fatih Express, the daily night train between Istanbul and Ankara, the dining car of which is open until 01:30-02:00.

All cars have lavatories, although they may not be always so clean or have toilet paper.

Smoking is generally allowed on the first cars, so avoid buying a ticket for this car if you are not a smoker or buy one for this car if you would like to smoke during your journey. You may be asked “smoking or non-smoking” in the ticket window, if there are still empty seats at the both parts, but probably only in Turkish. (Sigara içilmeyen=non-smoking, write this on a paper and show it to the official in doubt)

Inter Rail and Balkan flexipass tickets are valid in all trains in Turkey (except international trains operating between Turkish and Iranian/Syrian stations), but holders of these tickets may have to get a seat number before ride, free of charge, especially in the trains that are consisted of only 1st class cars. TCDD also offers Tren Tur pass cards which lets its holder a month of free rail travel on any Turkish train (Again, Tren Tur is not accepted in international trains operating between Turkish and Iranian/Syrian stations and the international train operating between Istanbul and Thessaloniki) . Tren Tur card is considerably cheaper than one-zone Interrail tickets, but be sure to get a seat number in the stations before you get into a train that is consisted of only 1st class cars.

TCDD offers 20% discounted tickets for students. On board the trains, discounted ticket holders are usually asked for a valid student ID card during the ticket check. If the holder of a discounted ticket fails to show a student ID card, then he/she is punished with a penalty to pay the full price+20% more for his/her journey.

Train tickets can be bought online, at the station of departure (however, you can also buy your ticket for an Anatolian destination at the Sirkeci station, the main station of Istanbul on the European side) or from the automatic ticket machines which are rarely located at the main stations of the big cities. A reservation is recommended during summer, on Fridays and Sundays, and before domestic religious feasts, when a one-week break is common and trains get really crowded. For reservation and timetables, see http://www.tcdd.gov.tr

Microlight in Turkey

 Command panel and indicator table is not complex. There is no importance of landing and take off runways, it can land and take off within short distances. Micro light, can fly without motor like delta wings and glider after take off due to its aerodynamic structure. In this way, it can fly for longer hours with smaller amounts of fuel – oil. Micro light flight is performed in Turkey like all countries of the world. For flying with micro light in Turkey, you should apply to Turkish Aviation Organization or aviation clubs.

Biblical Anatolia

…I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, ‘Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.’

(Rv 1:10-11)

Turkey is called the Other Holy Land as it has more biblical sites than any other country in the Middle East. Unfortunately many Christians are unaware of Turkey’s unique role in the Bible because Biblical references works usually refer to this strategic peninsula, that bounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, as Asia Minor or Anatolia.

Turkey is very important in understanding the background of the New Testament, because

approximately two-thirds of its books were written either to or from churches in Turkey where the three major apostles—Peter, St. Paul, and St. John—either ministered or lived in.

Turkey’s rich spiritual heritage starts at the very beginning in the book of Genesis.

Congress and Meetings in Turkey

Turkey is submitting richness of first class hotel, resort and conference facility, easily transportation to main cities of the world, beautiful decorations and unique panorama attraction. A perfect climate and lesser cost advantages compared to alternative destinations are added to all of these.

Turkey is an ideal destination with its being near to European countries and its exoticness. It is possible to reach ıstanbul within two or three hours via Turkish Airlines or other national airlines with transfer connection to İzmir, Antalya and Ankara and direct flight possibility.

Daily flights are connecting Istanbul to the main cities of United States of America, Middle East and Asia. City tours and amusement programs can be organized within a package. Its unrivalled decor and richness of architectural heritages, Istanbul is within the biggest tourism destinations of the world.

With its palm trees and ancient ruins, İzmir is the door of Aegean region. Sweet coastal summer places such as Kuşadası, Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye are very good choices for sales, meetings and incentive. Antalya, Mersin and Mediterranean’s coastal summer places, are the attraction places of visitors during all of the year with sun, beautiful sand beaches and ancient historical places. Capital city of Turkey, Ankara is and important center with easy transport to great hotels and restaurants, magnificent rock churches and underground cities panorama having legendary Cappadocia. First capital city of Ottoman Empire, Bursa is serving a dazzling panorama, thermal bathed hotels and perfect skiing possibilities in Uludağ.

Turkey has all kinds of equipment for organizing all kinds and sized of meetings, incentive and conference with appropriate comfort and style today.

Traditional Turkish hospitality, high quality national food and wines, endless amusement and voyage possibilities are the guaranties of echoing success of all congressound to be organized in Turkey.

The Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre (ICEC)

Delta Wings in Turkey

Delta Wings Flight Regions

Oludeniz – Babadag : Mount Baba, which is in the province territory of Fethiye of Mugla city, is 7 km inside from the coastal line. It rises just after the Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) beach and faces just towards to south. You can reach to take off runway via a 45 minutes from Oludeniz stabilize but nearly smooth road. Secure flights can be performed between April and October.

Denizli – Pamukkale : Pamukkale is at the feet of Mount Cokelen which is 21 km away from Denizli. As it is a touristic region all kinds of transportation is available to the region. Flight can be made during all seasons with its warm climate.

Ankara – Golbasi : Transportation to Golbasi region, which is 27 km. away from Ankara city center can be easily maintained from city center.

Bolu – Abant : Abant Mountains, is 34 km. in south of the Bolu city center. Asphalt 25 km. long Abant Lake road can be used for reaching. Road transport to Bolu, which is on the Ankara – Istanbul highway passing is very easy. For reaching Abant Lake minibuses departing from city center can be used.

Egirdir :There are roads and railway transportation in Eğirdir, which is 60 km. away from Isparta. Local bus firms of Isparta are passing from Egirdir.

Kayseri : Location: Ali Mountain on the territories of city in Kayseri, is 15 min. Away from city center. It can be driven up carefully. Or when you get off the bus at Ali Mountain plate with getting on to a bus, you can reach to the hill within 45 minutes by foot.

Eskisehir – Inonu : There are facilities of Turkish Aviation Organization within İnönü Province which is 15 km west of Eskişehir. North facing slopes of the province, are establishing very appropriate flight conditions with especially north winds during summer months. Courses organized by Turkish Aviation Organization are performed here.

Antalya – Aksu : Hill in Aksu province of Antalya is used as training hill by Akdeniz University, Avaiation Club. When you turn Perge ruins from Aksu turn of Antalya – Alanya road, and go for a 10 – 15 km. without entering Perge 40 – 50 m. high training hill is reached. Irrigation channel should be considered during flight.

Bird Watching in Turkey

Bird observation stations and observation towers have been set up within an number of these Important Bird Areas (IBA). Furthermore, significant passing points on bird immigration routes, seen especially during autumn and spring months, include Istanbul and the Çanakkale Straits, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (Adana, Hatay, Gaziantep) and North East Anatolia (Artvin, Rize, Kars). Bird observation has grown in popularity within Turkey during recent years.Total number of bird species within Turkey is equal to the bird species within whole of the Europe.

One of the most important factors that our country is rich in connection with bird species is having plentiful marshes and the other one is it is on the important bird immigration roads. Bird observation stations and observation towers are established within important marshes of our country (Manyas, İzmir, Göksu Deltası etc.), and progresses in connection with ornito-tourism had performed. Important passing points of bird immigrations, seen especially during autumn and spring months within our country, Istanbul and Çanakkale Straits, Eastern Mediterranean (Adana, Hatay, Gaziantep) and North East Anatolia (Artvin, Rize, Kars).

North East Anatolia region has an important potential especially in connection with preying birds. For example, in North East Anatolia, You can only face with Lyrurus mlokeesiewiczi in Georgia and in this region. Especially marshes on the bird immigration roads have important potential in connection with birds. Bird observation (ornithology) is rapidly widespread within Turkey during recent years. Currently "bird observation groups" had been established within various cities. Groups are sharing information and registries related with their performed observations under Internet environment.

Important Bird Areas (OKA) Project

The Important Bird Areas (IBA) project was set up in 1989 by the International Bird Protection Council, in an effect to identify, preserve and monitor particular sites around the world that provide essential habitat for bird populations. The Natural Life Protection Foundation have assumed responsibility for the studies required for the IBA project in Turkey.

The IBA Turkey Project, which began in 1990, aims to determine new IBAs, whilst continuing the observation and protection of the progress of established areas. Activities include campaigns and lobby activities and the establishment of public opinion about the various IBAs in Turkey. Important Bird Areas (OKA) Project

Turkish Bird Research Society

Driving in Turkey

Driving in Turkey 

Traffic in Turkey was much less noisier than I remembered it from previous trips. At times it seemed like I was the only one using the carhorn ! It’s only in the cities when you tend to hesitate for more than a nano-second when the lights turn green that the horns behind you start to work… but apart from that… no one seems to use it anymore.

Oh yes,… in Antalya, when it became known that Galatasaray was the new football champion, did we witness a national craze cars, buses, trucks, taxis and all kinds of vehicles started making noise ! What a difference with Iran where the horn should be an essential part of your driving style. Driving in Turkey article in I was in Turkey 

 Driver Safety Briefing

The cardinal rules of safety while driving in Turkey are: drive very defensively, avoid driving at night, and keep your emotions in check.

The Regional Security Office has analyzed American employee accidents that have occurred during the past several years in order to identify "lessons learned" that can be utilized to increase driver safety, prevent injuries and perhaps even save lives.  The conclusion is that many of the accidents — not all, but many–were avoidable.

A number of accidents occurred when a local driver stopped, turned, or took unexpected action that resulted in the U.S. driver hitting another vehicle or being struck by a third vehicle.  Many of the "unexpected" actions were unexpected according to U.S. driving practices but are quite common in Ankara, Istanbul and other parts of the country.  About half of the accidents were clearly, according to local standards, the fault of the non-U.S. drivers.  The key to reducing accidents is situational awareness, concentration and extremely defensive driving.        

In the congested city of Istanbul, a high percentage of traffic-related deaths are pedestrians.  The highest risk group for pedestrians is children and adolescents — totaling about 40 percent. Statistics released by the Istanbul Traffic Police indicate that evening rush hour (5-8 p.m.) is the most dangerous time on local highways.  Not surprisingly, it is also the time of day when drivers are the least attentive. In 2002, the cities of Ankara and Istanbul accounted for more than half of the total vehicle accidents in Turkey; the 2002 countrywide total was 407,103 accidents for a national population of around 65 million.  Driver Safety Briefing article in the Embass of The United States

Car Rental Turkey : Driving Information

To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. A few car classes have a maximum rental age of 70 years. Seatbelts are mandatory but child safety seats are not mandatory. Car Rental Turkey : Driving Information

Parachute in Turkey

Falling Zones

Ankara: Administrative center of parachute school, is working under Türkkuşu General Directorate, which is the executive organ of Turkish Aviation Organization in Ankara. Due to being air traffic very dense there is no possibility for frequent falls but in special days and for training of staff parachuting is made.

Inonu It is the main training center, in which activities of parachute school are densely performed during summer months. It is 40 km away from Eskişehir, and it is one of the regions on which all of the aviation activities at the same time and having training and accommodation facilities.

Efes: It is 70 km away from İzmir, and 15 km away from Kuşadası, and adjacent to Efes ruins and Meryem Ana church, and a touristic falling center hosting to especially parachute competitions with 1760 m long asphalt runway.

Waterfalls of Turkey

The most important of these rivers are the Sakarya, the Kizilirmak, the Yesilirmak the Harsit Çayi and Çoruh in the north, all of which flow into the Black Sea: the Bakirçay the Gediz, the Greater and Lesser Menderes and the Dalaman in the west, all flowing into the Aegean: in the south the Düdençay, the Aksu, the Göksu, the Seyhan and Ceyhan, which all flow into the Mediterranean and finally the Tigris and the Euphrates in the south-east, both of which flow into the Gulf of Basra.

The amount of water in these rivers varies very markedly between the summer and winter months. The water in most of the waterfalls is so reduced in the summer that some of them practically dry up altogether while in others one only finds a meagre trickle of water. When we add to natural causes the water required of agricultural irrigation and the effect of the great dams and hydroelectric plants that supply the country’s energy needs it is not surprising to find that in summer most waterfalls are completely dry. It is therefore advisable to visit the Turkish waterfalls in the rainy seasons when there is an abundance or even superfluity of water.

The Dumanli underground river mingles with the Manavgat river. This is subject of a separate article.

The Tortum waterfall and Tortum Lake are dealt with elsewhere as are the Konya and Yerköprü waterfalls.

Duden river. Düdenbasi and the Düden waterfalls are the subject of the section "A Natural Wonder in Antalya".