Public Transport in Izmir
Izmir, as the third biggest city of Turkey, has a good network of transport system utilizing possibilities at sea and on land. If you come to ızmir by air, the possibilities are as follows: 1-If you do not care about the budget, the easiest way is to take a taxi. To the city center it would cost appr. 25 USD. 2-Havas-local ground handling company operates coaches to differnt points of the city center and it costs appr. 6 USD. 3-Do not reckon with the train at the moment. There is a train station at the airport. However, the existing railway is beeing rehabilitated to become a part of the extended metro system; we expect that in one year's time it will be ready. If you come to Izmir-port, then it is located in Alsancak in the very center of the city. If you have limited time in Izmir, then I would advise using taxi to reach, for example, the basar. In case you come to the main central bus-terminal of Izmir, the best way is to take the socalled services busses operated by the bus-companies. At the bus-terminal, take the service bus to the city center. These service busses usually drive to the central parts of the city. Within the city of Izmir, the main public transport means is the red municipal busses. As a foreigner in Izmir, it may be difficult to find out where to take the bus, which bus and to where. Therefore, unless you want an adventure, for short stays, I would not advise the municipal busses. In these busses you can use money ( appr. 1 USD) or you can use "Kent Kart" ( City Card). The last named can be bought at the bus ticket offices or at some shops. Look for the sign "Kent Kart" to buy this card. you pay appr. 3 USD and you have to fill in some credits which you then spend on the bus. You simply show the card to a device besides the driver and the cost shall be deduced from your total credit. Using "Kent Kart" is more reasonable. Between the following points there are municipal boat/ ferry services: Passanger boats Konak/ Karsiyaka/ Konak, Konak/Bostanli/ Konak, Konak/Bayrakli/Konak, Goztepe/Karsiyaka/Goztepe ( few departures a day) and ferry boats ( for cars and passangers) Uckuyular/Bostanli/Uckuyular. In the summer, there are boat trips from Konak to Alman Adasi outside Urla, where there are swimming possibilities. Izmir Metro approximately 11 km. long with 10 stations is what we can be proud of. The end stations are Bornova and Uckuyular. If you are in the very center of Izmir-close to the Basar, the nearest stations are Konak, Cankaya and Basmane. The Municipality of Izmir is extending the metro system; after the construction of the new railways and the rehabilitation of the existing ones, it will be a superb development in the public transport system of Izmir. In addition, there are also minibus ( "dolmus") services usually outside the very central parts of Izmir. Taxi in Turkey in general is quite reasonable. So, if you as a visitor does not have stressing budget limitations it is an advisable means of transportation. You should of course remmeber to provide for that the taxi-driver turns on the "taksimetre" showing how much you should pay. Greeting from izmir, turkey Sinan Tortum Tour Guide Turkey- English and Norwegian
Sunday, December 24, 2006
HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST IN TURKEY?
Choosing a dentist in Turkey
Turkey offers a lot in health tourism, which is a popular trend now. An increasing number of foreigners come to Turkey for the main purpose of utilizing treatment opportunities in Turkey. Such resorts as Antalya, Alanya, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kusadasi and Cesme try to market themselves not only as touristic destinations but also as health tourism center. It is logical for Turkey that it is now in a process of diversification of its suffering mass-tourism. As a sub-section of health tourism in Turkey, dental tourism is also emerging as a promising sector. There is no doubt that Turkey offers a price advantage. However, it would be a good idea to take other factors than pricing in choosing dentist and dental clinic in Turkey. It can be advised that in choosing the dental clinic and dentist in Turkey, amongst others the following factors should be taken into consideration: 1) The dental clinic in Turkey you choose should be institutionalized. It should be remembered that when the complications emerge after the treatment and travel back to the home country, the patient needs an institutionalized dental clinic which is easy to communicate with. When the patient sends a question or feedback, the dental clinic in Turkey should respond in a logically short time. Institutionalization of the dental clinic in Turkey means also some gurantees. If any complications arise, then the patient should be able to get the opportunity to come back and get corrected the complication free of charge. 2) The dental clinic in Turkey should be big enough with the necessary units and equipment such as x-ray device. This news was released by Tour Guide in Turkey Sinan Tortum Web: http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
Turkey offers a lot in health tourism, which is a popular trend now. An increasing number of foreigners come to Turkey for the main purpose of utilizing treatment opportunities in Turkey. Such resorts as Antalya, Alanya, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kusadasi and Cesme try to market themselves not only as touristic destinations but also as health tourism center. It is logical for Turkey that it is now in a process of diversification of its suffering mass-tourism. As a sub-section of health tourism in Turkey, dental tourism is also emerging as a promising sector. There is no doubt that Turkey offers a price advantage. However, it would be a good idea to take other factors than pricing in choosing dentist and dental clinic in Turkey. It can be advised that in choosing the dental clinic and dentist in Turkey, amongst others the following factors should be taken into consideration: 1) The dental clinic in Turkey you choose should be institutionalized. It should be remembered that when the complications emerge after the treatment and travel back to the home country, the patient needs an institutionalized dental clinic which is easy to communicate with. When the patient sends a question or feedback, the dental clinic in Turkey should respond in a logically short time. Institutionalization of the dental clinic in Turkey means also some gurantees. If any complications arise, then the patient should be able to get the opportunity to come back and get corrected the complication free of charge. 2) The dental clinic in Turkey should be big enough with the necessary units and equipment such as x-ray device. This news was released by Tour Guide in Turkey Sinan Tortum Web: http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
ARMENIANS IN ANKARA
Ankara Armenians
There is not sufficient information about the present-day situation of the Armenians in Ankara. One of the news which I found very interesting is the one written by Mrs.Seda Bayat. She wrote an article titled "Ankara Armenians From Yesterday To Today" in Ankara Magazine printed in Ankara. In the article, we can get some basic information about the Armenians of Ankara. The census in Turkey in 1927 showed that there were 705 Armenians iin Ankara, while there were 11.646 Armenians in 1914. At the moment, as far as I can understand from Seda Bayat's article, there are between 1000 and 1200 Armenians in Ankara. The Armenians lived in a period in the area around Ankara Castle with their summer houses with gardens in Kecioren and Etlik. Now, they spread all over Ankara. Armenians in Ankara are of both categories: Catholics and Gregorians. They do not have their own church, but they visit the French Church in Ulus.The Armenians at the moment use the christian-section of Cebeci Cemetery. Based on the information given in the article by Seda Bayat, we can understand that the Armenians in Ankara have a happy life and do not have much to complain about. Seda Bayat's article on Ankara Armenians is in Turkish, but may be found in Ankara Magazine, November-2005 issue. This news was released by Sinan Tortum Tour Guide in Turkey
There is not sufficient information about the present-day situation of the Armenians in Ankara. One of the news which I found very interesting is the one written by Mrs.Seda Bayat. She wrote an article titled "Ankara Armenians From Yesterday To Today" in Ankara Magazine printed in Ankara. In the article, we can get some basic information about the Armenians of Ankara. The census in Turkey in 1927 showed that there were 705 Armenians iin Ankara, while there were 11.646 Armenians in 1914. At the moment, as far as I can understand from Seda Bayat's article, there are between 1000 and 1200 Armenians in Ankara. The Armenians lived in a period in the area around Ankara Castle with their summer houses with gardens in Kecioren and Etlik. Now, they spread all over Ankara. Armenians in Ankara are of both categories: Catholics and Gregorians. They do not have their own church, but they visit the French Church in Ulus.The Armenians at the moment use the christian-section of Cebeci Cemetery. Based on the information given in the article by Seda Bayat, we can understand that the Armenians in Ankara have a happy life and do not have much to complain about. Seda Bayat's article on Ankara Armenians is in Turkish, but may be found in Ankara Magazine, November-2005 issue. This news was released by Sinan Tortum Tour Guide in Turkey
HEALTH TOURISM IN TURKEY AND COSKUN DENTAL CLINIC IN IZMIR, TURKEY
Health Tourism in Turkey and Coskun Dental in Izmir
One of the potential income sources for Turkey, if marketed well, will be in the area of health tourism in the form of treatments and wellness programs in Turkey. One of the potentialities is dentistry, dental treatment and dentist services in Turkey. While in Turkey, you can save money on dental treatment at a cost one third of that in the West. One of the dental clinics in Turkey as anexample for where you can get dentist services is Coskun Dental Clinic in izmir, Turkey. Coskun Dental Clinic in Izmir, Turkey was founded by dentist Coskun Kuru in 2005. Although the foundation of the clinic is new, the dentists are experienced at their work. Mr. Coskun Kuru (the founder, dentist) was graduated from Ege University, Faculty of Dentistry in 1986. He has been working in his private clinic for 18 years. The new place for the clinic is a triplex villa. The clinic has four seperate units which all have dental instruments with the latest technology and in which all dental operations can be performed. Hygene is important in this clinic. All of the units are cleaned with disinfectants after every operation. The clinic offers services varying from diagnosis, prosthetic treatments to implants and flap operations. Translation services are offered. Prices for crown start from 140,-€. Coskun Dental Clinic in izmir, Turkey is aware that there is a big potential to utilize.
Web Coskun Dental: http://www.coskundental.comThis news was released by Sinan Tortum, Tour Guide in Turkey
One of the potential income sources for Turkey, if marketed well, will be in the area of health tourism in the form of treatments and wellness programs in Turkey. One of the potentialities is dentistry, dental treatment and dentist services in Turkey. While in Turkey, you can save money on dental treatment at a cost one third of that in the West. One of the dental clinics in Turkey as anexample for where you can get dentist services is Coskun Dental Clinic in izmir, Turkey. Coskun Dental Clinic in Izmir, Turkey was founded by dentist Coskun Kuru in 2005. Although the foundation of the clinic is new, the dentists are experienced at their work. Mr. Coskun Kuru (the founder, dentist) was graduated from Ege University, Faculty of Dentistry in 1986. He has been working in his private clinic for 18 years. The new place for the clinic is a triplex villa. The clinic has four seperate units which all have dental instruments with the latest technology and in which all dental operations can be performed. Hygene is important in this clinic. All of the units are cleaned with disinfectants after every operation. The clinic offers services varying from diagnosis, prosthetic treatments to implants and flap operations. Translation services are offered. Prices for crown start from 140,-€. Coskun Dental Clinic in izmir, Turkey is aware that there is a big potential to utilize.
Web Coskun Dental: http://www.coskundental.comThis news was released by Sinan Tortum, Tour Guide in Turkey
SABBATAI ZWI AND IZMIR
Izmir as a Sabbataism Center
Sabbataism is a term which not so many people in the world know about. The word Sabbataism derives from Sabbatai Zvi, who was a rabbi in Izmir. He lived in the 17th century. He declared heimself messiah, which was not liked by the jewish orthodoxy and the Ottoman Palace. He was arrested by the palace and he was presented with two alternatives: to repent and convert to Islam or to die. He choose the first alternative and became muslim. His followers also converted to islam, but have maintained their jewish rites and traditions. Because of that they are also called "donme" -a turkish word meaning turncoats. They had an important presence in Thessaloniki; howver as a result of the biliteral agreement between the greek and turkish governments they also had to leave Greece for Turkey. Majority of them came to Istanbul and some to Izmir in 1923. Though small in number, they have been an unproportionally very influential group since the establishment of the modern turkish state. We mean that an institution in Izmir can be founded as The Center for Sabbataism Studies. Sinan Tortum
Sabbataism is a term which not so many people in the world know about. The word Sabbataism derives from Sabbatai Zvi, who was a rabbi in Izmir. He lived in the 17th century. He declared heimself messiah, which was not liked by the jewish orthodoxy and the Ottoman Palace. He was arrested by the palace and he was presented with two alternatives: to repent and convert to Islam or to die. He choose the first alternative and became muslim. His followers also converted to islam, but have maintained their jewish rites and traditions. Because of that they are also called "donme" -a turkish word meaning turncoats. They had an important presence in Thessaloniki; howver as a result of the biliteral agreement between the greek and turkish governments they also had to leave Greece for Turkey. Majority of them came to Istanbul and some to Izmir in 1923. Though small in number, they have been an unproportionally very influential group since the establishment of the modern turkish state. We mean that an institution in Izmir can be founded as The Center for Sabbataism Studies. Sinan Tortum
TURKISH TOUR GUIDES STRIVING TO SURVIVE
Turkish Tour Guides Striving to Survive
Turkish Tour Guides Striving To Survive
Beeing a tour guide in Turkey has been a prestigious job in the past; but in the last years beeing a tour guide in Turkey is associated with a deep crisis. It is no longer possible for majority of the licensed tour guides of Turkey to survive, working only as tour guide in Turkey. The statistics show that the avarage number of working days a year for the turkish tour guides have fallen down sharply. This implies that turkish tour guides in general can no longer expect to have yearly total revenues, which would enable them to make the ends meet by working only as a tour guide in Turkey. Now, tour guide job in Turkey is considered to be not as the primary job but as secondary job.
I can summarize some of the causes and reasons for why tour guide job in Turkey is now in what I simply can call a crisis.
1) Turkey has invested a lot in mass-tourism. Though the number of the tourists has increased a lot in the last two decades, what we can define as the avarage income of the tourists has fallen down sharply. This has had its reflections in the revenues of the turkish tourguides. Previously, the turkish tour guides relied much on such extra revenues as commissions obtained at sales places where they assisted the tourists in purchasing carpets, jewellery, leather and similar, and tips from the tourists.
2) Tour guides in Turkey complain also about the “all inclusive” packages at the hotels in the turkish resorts. Because of all inclusive packages, a decreasing number of tourists participate on excursions, which in its turn leads to a smaller number of engagements for the tour guides in Turkey. Tourists in Turkey simply prefer to stay at their hotels with all-inclusive packages and try to utilize this possibility rather than spending money on excursions.
3) Gulf Crises of 1990 and 1991, September 11 and the American involvement in Afganistan and Irak, and similar events brought about difficulties and crises for the world tourism industry , also having its negative impact on Turkish tourism. There is no doubt that turkish guides were affected badly by all these developments in form of decreased revenues.
4) The law on supply-and-demand has also its reflections on the wages for turkish tour guides.
The wages for the tour guides in Turkey have fallen down sharply in the recent time. Especially in the seventies and eighties, turkish tour guides were highly demanded and called by turkish travel agencies; now they have to strive to obtain engagements.
The situation beeing so for turkish tour guides, it is understandable that they seek other jobs to survive economically.
This new was releases by Sinan Tortum
Tour Guide in Turkey
http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
Turkish Tour Guides Striving To Survive
Beeing a tour guide in Turkey has been a prestigious job in the past; but in the last years beeing a tour guide in Turkey is associated with a deep crisis. It is no longer possible for majority of the licensed tour guides of Turkey to survive, working only as tour guide in Turkey. The statistics show that the avarage number of working days a year for the turkish tour guides have fallen down sharply. This implies that turkish tour guides in general can no longer expect to have yearly total revenues, which would enable them to make the ends meet by working only as a tour guide in Turkey. Now, tour guide job in Turkey is considered to be not as the primary job but as secondary job.
I can summarize some of the causes and reasons for why tour guide job in Turkey is now in what I simply can call a crisis.
1) Turkey has invested a lot in mass-tourism. Though the number of the tourists has increased a lot in the last two decades, what we can define as the avarage income of the tourists has fallen down sharply. This has had its reflections in the revenues of the turkish tourguides. Previously, the turkish tour guides relied much on such extra revenues as commissions obtained at sales places where they assisted the tourists in purchasing carpets, jewellery, leather and similar, and tips from the tourists.
2) Tour guides in Turkey complain also about the “all inclusive” packages at the hotels in the turkish resorts. Because of all inclusive packages, a decreasing number of tourists participate on excursions, which in its turn leads to a smaller number of engagements for the tour guides in Turkey. Tourists in Turkey simply prefer to stay at their hotels with all-inclusive packages and try to utilize this possibility rather than spending money on excursions.
3) Gulf Crises of 1990 and 1991, September 11 and the American involvement in Afganistan and Irak, and similar events brought about difficulties and crises for the world tourism industry , also having its negative impact on Turkish tourism. There is no doubt that turkish guides were affected badly by all these developments in form of decreased revenues.
4) The law on supply-and-demand has also its reflections on the wages for turkish tour guides.
The wages for the tour guides in Turkey have fallen down sharply in the recent time. Especially in the seventies and eighties, turkish tour guides were highly demanded and called by turkish travel agencies; now they have to strive to obtain engagements.
The situation beeing so for turkish tour guides, it is understandable that they seek other jobs to survive economically.
This new was releases by Sinan Tortum
Tour Guide in Turkey
http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
BALCOVA TERMAL SPA
Balcova Termal as a leading spa in Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
Balcova Termal Hotel is the leading spa, treatment and recreation center in Balcova, Izmir, Turkey. Balcova, where Balcova Termal Hotel is located, is on the outskirts of Izmir, has huge green areas around and proximity to the sea-The Gulf of Izmir. The visitors to Balcova has two main advantages: 1) Balcova is located short distance to the center of Izmir-city, where there are excellent opportunities for any type of people with different interests. Izmir is the third largest city of Turkey and does not lack anything: Ballet, opera, concerts, art exhibitions, night life, restaurants and cafes of all types and price classes, extenshive shopping possibilities, and the last but not the least a historical core for the people interested in history. 2) On the other hand, a visitor can retreat himself from all the hectic sides of the big city. Taking a taxi or municipal bus from the city center of ızmir, the visitor is back in Balcova- a green oasis. Balcova has three hotels: 3-star Balcova Termal Hotel, 5-star Izmir Princess Hotel and 5-star Izmir Crown Plaza Hotel. Balcova Termal Hotel, though simpler than the other two, differentiates itself from the others with its physical treatment center, which has every year 1.100 Norwegian patients staying there on a 4-week program for their rheumatical diseases. In addition, Balcova Termal Hotel attracts patients from Sweden, Denmark, Germany and other countries, as well as the local Turks. Thanks to the comprehensive reforms and renovations made by the former hotel director Mr.Mehmet Ali Calkaya and the present director Mr.Turabi Celebi, both the hotel and treatment section of Balcova Termal Hotel can meet the challenges of the modern world. It seems very probable that groups from other countries of the world start patronizing Balcova Termal Hotel for finding remedy for rheumatical diseases. Balcova Termal also offers treatment programs for the people with damages after traffic accidents, paralysation and other diseases. Balcova Termal Hotel's own opportunities are also supplemented by such opportunities as lasic operations and dental treatments offered by the institutions in the vicinity. As for dental treatments, in addition to Balcova Termal Hotel's own clinic, the newly opened Coskun Dental Clinic in Balcova, Izmir is in walking distance from the hotel. Coskun Dental Clinic in Balcova, Izmir is one of the leading and pioneering dental clinics of Izmir with its two experienced dentist Dt.Coskun Kuru and Dt.Naciye Aksakarya. If Balcova will be evaluated as a whole, then the question arises: Why does Balcova not get the attention it deserves from other countries than the Nordic countries.I do not doubt that with efficient marketing of Balcova,Izmir, Turkey it will be a world-famous health tourism destination with very attractive treatment opportunities. This news was released by Sinan Tortum- Tour Guide in Turkey http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
Balcova Termal Hotel is the leading spa, treatment and recreation center in Balcova, Izmir, Turkey. Balcova, where Balcova Termal Hotel is located, is on the outskirts of Izmir, has huge green areas around and proximity to the sea-The Gulf of Izmir. The visitors to Balcova has two main advantages: 1) Balcova is located short distance to the center of Izmir-city, where there are excellent opportunities for any type of people with different interests. Izmir is the third largest city of Turkey and does not lack anything: Ballet, opera, concerts, art exhibitions, night life, restaurants and cafes of all types and price classes, extenshive shopping possibilities, and the last but not the least a historical core for the people interested in history. 2) On the other hand, a visitor can retreat himself from all the hectic sides of the big city. Taking a taxi or municipal bus from the city center of ızmir, the visitor is back in Balcova- a green oasis. Balcova has three hotels: 3-star Balcova Termal Hotel, 5-star Izmir Princess Hotel and 5-star Izmir Crown Plaza Hotel. Balcova Termal Hotel, though simpler than the other two, differentiates itself from the others with its physical treatment center, which has every year 1.100 Norwegian patients staying there on a 4-week program for their rheumatical diseases. In addition, Balcova Termal Hotel attracts patients from Sweden, Denmark, Germany and other countries, as well as the local Turks. Thanks to the comprehensive reforms and renovations made by the former hotel director Mr.Mehmet Ali Calkaya and the present director Mr.Turabi Celebi, both the hotel and treatment section of Balcova Termal Hotel can meet the challenges of the modern world. It seems very probable that groups from other countries of the world start patronizing Balcova Termal Hotel for finding remedy for rheumatical diseases. Balcova Termal also offers treatment programs for the people with damages after traffic accidents, paralysation and other diseases. Balcova Termal Hotel's own opportunities are also supplemented by such opportunities as lasic operations and dental treatments offered by the institutions in the vicinity. As for dental treatments, in addition to Balcova Termal Hotel's own clinic, the newly opened Coskun Dental Clinic in Balcova, Izmir is in walking distance from the hotel. Coskun Dental Clinic in Balcova, Izmir is one of the leading and pioneering dental clinics of Izmir with its two experienced dentist Dt.Coskun Kuru and Dt.Naciye Aksakarya. If Balcova will be evaluated as a whole, then the question arises: Why does Balcova not get the attention it deserves from other countries than the Nordic countries.I do not doubt that with efficient marketing of Balcova,Izmir, Turkey it will be a world-famous health tourism destination with very attractive treatment opportunities. This news was released by Sinan Tortum- Tour Guide in Turkey http://sinan_tortum.sitemynet.com/tourism/
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