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You can encounter many wonders starting from the fascinating city of Istanbul,
previously known as Constantinople, to treasures of art and nature in
Cappadocia, the marvels of Pamukkale, the mystery of Nemrud Dag and the
boundless silences of Mount Ararat. Never to mention the wonderful western and
southern coast of Turkey. It can only be described as magnificent... The famous
ancient city of Troia with its wooden horse, just next to Gallipoli; the famous
biblical city of Ephesus, with the house of Virgin Mary next to it; the
birthplace of Homer, Smyrna, now called Izmir; the Hellenistic splendor of
Pergamum are only the most evident and striking notes in an archaeological
context one cannot help but marvel at and admire.
The Turkish Landscape
Landscape is nature encompassing all those resources and landforms that a
geographer or a naturalist would see. It is also history and culture reflected
in the settlement pattern of cities and villages, the architecture and cultural
artifacts marking the passage of time and important events. Then there is the
idea of the working landscape which is the life support and habitat of some
sixty million people. Finally, it is also a mirror of ideology, fashion and
impending change, foreshadowing the future and the problems it may pose.
These different layers make up an elementary shell of the Turkish landscape. In
Turkey you will experience an incredible diversity in nature, culture, history,
beliefs and ideas. This in itself may not be a challenge for the seasoned
traveller. After all, diversity is the most prized feature of favorite
destinations. In Turkey this diversity is high enough to challenge even the most
experienced eye because it is packed in spaces with abrupt changes in scenery.
This is why people sometimes describe the Turkish landscape as a "symphony of
sounds, smells and people in the most unlikely combinations of appearance and
action". The traveller may need some assistance to make some sense of our
otherwise entirely logical and beautiful landscape, and to perceive its unity
and harmony just like a familiar face with all its different moods and
expressions.
Information
Road Network : Turkey has an extensive
network of well maintained roads linking its towns, cities,and popular tourist
areas. When arriving from Europe, the Bosphorus crossing to Asia has been
greatly facilitated by the completion of the istanbul bypass, and the two
Bosphorus (Bogazici) bridges which lead to the Istanbul - Ankara Expressway. The
E80 and E90 are the two main roads leading to Turkey from European borders, they
also link the Iranian and Iraqi borders. These expressways have been constructed
according to Asian and Middle East International road network standards.
Road Signs
: Turkish road signs conform to
the International Protocol on Road Signs. Archaeological and historical sites
are indicated by yellow signs.
Traffic
Circulation : Traffic circulates on
the right and the Turkish Highway Code is similar to those of European
countries. Outside cities, traffic moves freely, the Istanbul - Ankara highway
being the only one on which traffic is heavy. There is a 50 km./h. speed limit
in urban centers and a 90 km/h limit outside urban centers.
Petrol
: Filling stations are well
distributed over all roads, and those on the main highways often have attached
service stations and restaurants, and are open round the clock. Unleaded fuel is
available at all stations.
Taxis and Dolmus : Taxis are numerous in
all Turkish cities and are recognisable by their yellow color. The fare shown on
the meter reads according to the distance traveled.
The 'dolmus' a special service found only in Turkey, is a collective taxi which
follows specific routes and is recognizable by its yellow band. Each passenger
pays according to distance traveled and can get off at specific stops. The
relatively cheap fares are fixed by the municipality. The 'dolmus' provides a
service within large cities, to suburbs, airports, and often to neighboring
towns. This is a very practical means of transport and much cheaper than a taxi.
