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/
VISIT HACIBEKTAS WHILE IN CAPPADOCIA
Visit Hacibektas While in Cappadocia
A Cappadocia-visit should also include a visit in the town of Hacibektas. The town is located nearly 1 hour's drive from Nevsehir. You take a local minibus or midibus from Nevsehir. By travelling northwards via the town of Gulsehir you arrive in Hacibektas.
Approximately one fourth of the people in Turkey belong to Alawi-Islam and Haci Bektas Veli is one of the leading personalities of this sect. Without a visit in Hacibektas, it is difficult to get a full picture of Turkey. In the present day world where we search for dialogue between the religions, it is probable that a key to this dialogue will show itself in Hacibektas. Alawi-bektasi sect of Islam is based mainly on the ideology of having the human beings in the center of all and with its simplistic ( and easy-to-understand) philosophy, it propagates for being a good person with a proper life.
In Hacibektas-town, visit two places:
1) Hacibektas Museum, which is the monastery where the pupils of Alawi-Bektasi sect were trained. There you find different section of the monastery with amongst others the kitchen and the tomb of Haci Bektas Veli.
2) By driving few minutes from the town center , you come to a type of open-air museum with an amphi-theatre and a "cilehane". "Cilehane" is a small cave and if you can pass through the small hole, this means that you are free from your sins.
In the Culture Center of the town, you also may join at certain periods SEMA-performances, which is the Alawis' traditional dances.
There is a website about the town of Hacibektas but it is only in Turkish. At least in the main page, you find a video ( without voice) showing the town. Website address is http://www.hacibektas.com/.
A Cappadocia-visit should also include a visit in the town of Hacibektas. The town is located nearly 1 hour's drive from Nevsehir. You take a local minibus or midibus from Nevsehir. By travelling northwards via the town of Gulsehir you arrive in Hacibektas.
Approximately one fourth of the people in Turkey belong to Alawi-Islam and Haci Bektas Veli is one of the leading personalities of this sect. Without a visit in Hacibektas, it is difficult to get a full picture of Turkey. In the present day world where we search for dialogue between the religions, it is probable that a key to this dialogue will show itself in Hacibektas. Alawi-bektasi sect of Islam is based mainly on the ideology of having the human beings in the center of all and with its simplistic ( and easy-to-understand) philosophy, it propagates for being a good person with a proper life.
In Hacibektas-town, visit two places:
1) Hacibektas Museum, which is the monastery where the pupils of Alawi-Bektasi sect were trained. There you find different section of the monastery with amongst others the kitchen and the tomb of Haci Bektas Veli.
2) By driving few minutes from the town center , you come to a type of open-air museum with an amphi-theatre and a "cilehane". "Cilehane" is a small cave and if you can pass through the small hole, this means that you are free from your sins.
In the Culture Center of the town, you also may join at certain periods SEMA-performances, which is the Alawis' traditional dances.
There is a website about the town of Hacibektas but it is only in Turkish. At least in the main page, you find a video ( without voice) showing the town. Website address is http://www.hacibektas.com/.
TURKISH NORWEGIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
A FEW WORDS ABOUT TURKISH-NORWEGIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
A FEW WORDS ABOUTTHE TURKISH-NORWEGIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION(TNDD)
TNDD was founded in Izmir on 18.11.2002 and the main objective is to contribute in developing relations between Turks and Norwegians. Social relationship already existed between the locals of Balcova and the Norwegians. For a more comprehensive cultural and economic dimension to be added, the relations have paved the way for cooperation with NTV in Norway, so the TNDD have thus come into being.
Now the Mayor of Balçova- then The General Manager of Balçova Thermal Facilities, Mr.Mehmet Ali Çalkaya and the Norwegian numismatist, a real friend of the Turks and a true lover of Izmir, Mr. Sverre Lerdahl together have extended efforts to achieve this result. Likewise we would like to mention the contribution of Mr.Turabi Çelebi, General Manager of Balçova Thermal Facilities. We were provided with more valuable contributions by the other founder members in materializing the result.
Finally we would like to thank Mr. Yusuf Ziya Göksu, Governor of Izmir who is already well-known with his support for any kind of civilian initiative at every stage and encouragement provided by the district governors of Balçova so far.
Founders
Mehmet Ali CalkayaServet EcemisSinan TortumAlaettin YucelCoskun OktemNuh Cihangir DurgunSadik YardimciProf.Dr. Guven BakırAss.Prof.Dr. R.Eser Gultekin
Activities and Projects
Participation at the Metropolis Excavations (Project Leader: Ass.Prof.Dr.H åkon Ingvaldsen)A four-man team of archeologists from the University of Oslo participated in August-September,2004 at the excavations in Torbalı-Metropolis led by Prof.Dr.Recep Meriç.
In 2005, Ass.Prof.Dr. H åkon Ingvaldsen, Expert Marina Prusac, Expert Şermin Anadol and students Ole-Christian Aslaksen ve Jone Rost Kile participated at the excavations.
Support Project for Adana Children's Home (Project Leader: Sezar Kayri)
NTV leads the support Project for The Children's Home in Adana. In the home, there are 160 children in the age group 0-18. The work with the sanitary system was completed. NTV contributed with 30.000 Norwegian Crowns.
Student Exchange Project (Project Leader: Cavidan Hansen)
Within the framework of this pilot Project, two students from Darüşşafaka High School came to Drammen in 2004 and contributed to the exchange of cultures.
Turkish Week
Turkish Culture Week 2005
In the dates 20-29.January,2005 a Turkish Culture Week was successfully completed at the exhibition hall of Galeri 2000 in Lilleström. During the whole week carpets from different regions of Turkey were exhibited by Aina Romanich ve Hayim Akyüz.
Experts in different areas gave lectures on their subjects. Hayim Akyüz held a speech on the Turkish carpet art. The other lectureres and the subjects were as follows:
*Ass.Prof.Dr. Håkon Ingvaldsen- Antique city of Metropolis-a Norwegian pilot Project in Turkey
*Anne Grete Haugen from Vingreiser-Turkey as a country to be visited.
*Mag,Art. Şermin Anadol- Theatre in Turkey in the antique age.
As part of the same activity, Jorunn K irkenær Ballet School presented a dance show led by Thale Smestad.
Visit by The Governor of Izmir in 2004
The governor of Izmir-Mr.Yusuf Ziya Göksu, on his visit in Norway, delivered officially the house, which will be used as Norway House. The house is located at the entrance of Balçova Thermal Facilities. On 17.May, 2004 the agreement of intention was signed by Ass.Prof.Dr.Håkon Ingvaldsen and the governor of Izmir Mr.Yusuf Ziya Göksu.
Finally the house was opened on 17.May, 2005.
We are intebted to Mr.M.Ali Çalkaya, who started the initiative and Mr.Turabi Çelebi, who made his invaluable contribution in the restoration work. We also owe much to Mr. Yusuf Ziya Göksu for acting as the guardian of the project.
Meeting with Mr.Erdogan-The Prime Minister of Turkey
On April 11 th two representatives of the Norwegian-Turkish Friendship Union had the honour of meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Recep Erdoğan, during his official visit to Norway . Chairman Mr. Sverre Y. Lerdahl and board member Dr. Håkon Ingvaldsen represented NTV. The Turkish Ambassador to Norway sat by during the meeting that lasted for 30 minutes in the Presidents suite, Grand Hotel, Oslo .
Mr. Lerdahl opened the conversation by giving a brief history of NTV, our sister organization in Turkey and the initiative behind this prosperous collaboration. He stressed the importance that the former and present General Directors of Balçova Termal had played in this process, and the decisive support the Governor of Izmir had given the collaboration. Mr. Lerdahl informed also about the coming events in Balçova in May. PM Mr. Erdoğan was obviously already informed about the key persons involved in this process, and gave his strong support to the collaboration. He treasured the efforts made by everyone involved, and promised to keep an eye on the process in the time to come.
Dr. Ingvaldsen then gave a short digital presentation of NTV's activities, projects and achievements. A special emphasis was put on the plans for the Norway House in Izmir . The prosperous mix of social engagement, academic collaboration and cultural exchange was stressed upon, and future plans for additional achievements were pointed out. We focused on the possibilities of developing tourism to an even wider extent in Turkey , and the importance that a variety of cultural activities obviously will play in this development. PM Mr. Erdoğan elaborated further on this matters, and both parties had thoughts following the same path.
PM Erdogan closed the meeting by commending NTV's work and the collaborating parties on the Turkish side. He promised that the Embassy in Norway as well as the Governor's office in Izmir would be of assistance if problems occurred during our future work. Erdogan was handed over gifts from NTV, the (preliminary) statutes of Norway House and copies from the press about Turkey , Balcova and NTV/Norway House that have been published during the last two years.
A FEW WORDS ABOUTTHE TURKISH-NORWEGIAN FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION(TNDD)
TNDD was founded in Izmir on 18.11.2002 and the main objective is to contribute in developing relations between Turks and Norwegians. Social relationship already existed between the locals of Balcova and the Norwegians. For a more comprehensive cultural and economic dimension to be added, the relations have paved the way for cooperation with NTV in Norway, so the TNDD have thus come into being.
Now the Mayor of Balçova- then The General Manager of Balçova Thermal Facilities, Mr.Mehmet Ali Çalkaya and the Norwegian numismatist, a real friend of the Turks and a true lover of Izmir, Mr. Sverre Lerdahl together have extended efforts to achieve this result. Likewise we would like to mention the contribution of Mr.Turabi Çelebi, General Manager of Balçova Thermal Facilities. We were provided with more valuable contributions by the other founder members in materializing the result.
Finally we would like to thank Mr. Yusuf Ziya Göksu, Governor of Izmir who is already well-known with his support for any kind of civilian initiative at every stage and encouragement provided by the district governors of Balçova so far.
Founders
Mehmet Ali CalkayaServet EcemisSinan TortumAlaettin YucelCoskun OktemNuh Cihangir DurgunSadik YardimciProf.Dr. Guven BakırAss.Prof.Dr. R.Eser Gultekin
Activities and Projects
Participation at the Metropolis Excavations (Project Leader: Ass.Prof.Dr.H åkon Ingvaldsen)A four-man team of archeologists from the University of Oslo participated in August-September,2004 at the excavations in Torbalı-Metropolis led by Prof.Dr.Recep Meriç.
In 2005, Ass.Prof.Dr. H åkon Ingvaldsen, Expert Marina Prusac, Expert Şermin Anadol and students Ole-Christian Aslaksen ve Jone Rost Kile participated at the excavations.
Support Project for Adana Children's Home (Project Leader: Sezar Kayri)
NTV leads the support Project for The Children's Home in Adana. In the home, there are 160 children in the age group 0-18. The work with the sanitary system was completed. NTV contributed with 30.000 Norwegian Crowns.
Student Exchange Project (Project Leader: Cavidan Hansen)
Within the framework of this pilot Project, two students from Darüşşafaka High School came to Drammen in 2004 and contributed to the exchange of cultures.
Turkish Week
Turkish Culture Week 2005
In the dates 20-29.January,2005 a Turkish Culture Week was successfully completed at the exhibition hall of Galeri 2000 in Lilleström. During the whole week carpets from different regions of Turkey were exhibited by Aina Romanich ve Hayim Akyüz.
Experts in different areas gave lectures on their subjects. Hayim Akyüz held a speech on the Turkish carpet art. The other lectureres and the subjects were as follows:
*Ass.Prof.Dr. Håkon Ingvaldsen- Antique city of Metropolis-a Norwegian pilot Project in Turkey
*Anne Grete Haugen from Vingreiser-Turkey as a country to be visited.
*Mag,Art. Şermin Anadol- Theatre in Turkey in the antique age.
As part of the same activity, Jorunn K irkenær Ballet School presented a dance show led by Thale Smestad.
Visit by The Governor of Izmir in 2004
The governor of Izmir-Mr.Yusuf Ziya Göksu, on his visit in Norway, delivered officially the house, which will be used as Norway House. The house is located at the entrance of Balçova Thermal Facilities. On 17.May, 2004 the agreement of intention was signed by Ass.Prof.Dr.Håkon Ingvaldsen and the governor of Izmir Mr.Yusuf Ziya Göksu.
Finally the house was opened on 17.May, 2005.
We are intebted to Mr.M.Ali Çalkaya, who started the initiative and Mr.Turabi Çelebi, who made his invaluable contribution in the restoration work. We also owe much to Mr. Yusuf Ziya Göksu for acting as the guardian of the project.
Meeting with Mr.Erdogan-The Prime Minister of Turkey
On April 11 th two representatives of the Norwegian-Turkish Friendship Union had the honour of meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Recep Erdoğan, during his official visit to Norway . Chairman Mr. Sverre Y. Lerdahl and board member Dr. Håkon Ingvaldsen represented NTV. The Turkish Ambassador to Norway sat by during the meeting that lasted for 30 minutes in the Presidents suite, Grand Hotel, Oslo .
Mr. Lerdahl opened the conversation by giving a brief history of NTV, our sister organization in Turkey and the initiative behind this prosperous collaboration. He stressed the importance that the former and present General Directors of Balçova Termal had played in this process, and the decisive support the Governor of Izmir had given the collaboration. Mr. Lerdahl informed also about the coming events in Balçova in May. PM Mr. Erdoğan was obviously already informed about the key persons involved in this process, and gave his strong support to the collaboration. He treasured the efforts made by everyone involved, and promised to keep an eye on the process in the time to come.
Dr. Ingvaldsen then gave a short digital presentation of NTV's activities, projects and achievements. A special emphasis was put on the plans for the Norway House in Izmir . The prosperous mix of social engagement, academic collaboration and cultural exchange was stressed upon, and future plans for additional achievements were pointed out. We focused on the possibilities of developing tourism to an even wider extent in Turkey , and the importance that a variety of cultural activities obviously will play in this development. PM Mr. Erdoğan elaborated further on this matters, and both parties had thoughts following the same path.
PM Erdogan closed the meeting by commending NTV's work and the collaborating parties on the Turkish side. He promised that the Embassy in Norway as well as the Governor's office in Izmir would be of assistance if problems occurred during our future work. Erdogan was handed over gifts from NTV, the (preliminary) statutes of Norway House and copies from the press about Turkey , Balcova and NTV/Norway House that have been published during the last two years.
IZMIR EXPO 2015
Izmir's Chances for getting Expo 2015
Izmir, which is the third biggest city in Turkey, aims at beeing the host city for Expo 2015. Expos have excited and inspired millions of people around the world by expressing the hopes and desires of their times. Perhaps unwittingly, they also provide a fascinating glimpse into the realities of those same times. Ever since the first world’s fair in London in 1851, the goals of world’s fairs have been both high-minded as well as commercial. They also allow people to explore the world outside of their everyday experience — outside cultures, new scientific advancements, and new inventions. As times change, world expositions have changed to fit those times. They continue to reflect both the commercial needs of their times while presenting the ideals, hopes, and aspirations of people even as those evolve. Izmir and Milan gave their official bid for Expo 2015. The City of Izmir, Turkey became the first city to officially bid for the right to host the larger-size 6-month Expo 2015. Izmir's proposed theme for the 6-month exposition is "New Routes to a Better World/Health for All." If successful, 2015 would see the first international exposition ever held in Turkey. Milan, Italy officially bid for Expo 2015 on 30 October 2006. They're proposing the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." The local authorities in Izmir, amongst others the mayor of İzmir, express their great hope for beeing host. Izmir is a symbol for the Turkish modernization movement, but the city needs to realize comprehensive developments. The city should be made attractive in all respects. Amongst others the transport system should be extended and improved, and the hotel accommodation capacity increased to meet this great challange. It should be added that the historical roots of the city should be more visible. This implies that the theatre and the statdion now under the present day settlement should be excavated. Sinan Tortum Tour Guide in Turkey
Izmir, which is the third biggest city in Turkey, aims at beeing the host city for Expo 2015. Expos have excited and inspired millions of people around the world by expressing the hopes and desires of their times. Perhaps unwittingly, they also provide a fascinating glimpse into the realities of those same times. Ever since the first world’s fair in London in 1851, the goals of world’s fairs have been both high-minded as well as commercial. They also allow people to explore the world outside of their everyday experience — outside cultures, new scientific advancements, and new inventions. As times change, world expositions have changed to fit those times. They continue to reflect both the commercial needs of their times while presenting the ideals, hopes, and aspirations of people even as those evolve. Izmir and Milan gave their official bid for Expo 2015. The City of Izmir, Turkey became the first city to officially bid for the right to host the larger-size 6-month Expo 2015. Izmir's proposed theme for the 6-month exposition is "New Routes to a Better World/Health for All." If successful, 2015 would see the first international exposition ever held in Turkey. Milan, Italy officially bid for Expo 2015 on 30 October 2006. They're proposing the theme "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life." The local authorities in Izmir, amongst others the mayor of İzmir, express their great hope for beeing host. Izmir is a symbol for the Turkish modernization movement, but the city needs to realize comprehensive developments. The city should be made attractive in all respects. Amongst others the transport system should be extended and improved, and the hotel accommodation capacity increased to meet this great challange. It should be added that the historical roots of the city should be more visible. This implies that the theatre and the statdion now under the present day settlement should be excavated. Sinan Tortum Tour Guide in Turkey
ARMENIAN CHURCH IN KAYSERI
Armenian Church in Kayseri
One of the places I have to visit when in Kayseri is the Armenian Church. The city of Caeserea, today called Kayseri, has an important place in the history of the Armenian Church. Once the most important city in central Anatolia, with a population said to be 400000 in 250 AD, it was where St. Gregory the Illuminator grew up, was educated, and became a Christian. The church sits within a high walled enclosure that also contains many smaller ancillary buildings, mostly now derelict and roofless. The church is a relatively recent construction, being built in 1856. There are older dates on some of the surrounding buildings, so there was probably an older church on the same site. In the 1990s the interior was renovated, and the altars re-gilded. The church has a main entrance on its west side - a large belltower stands in front of it, forming a porch. There is a secondary entrance at the west end of its south side, plus a third entrance above this secondary entrance that is reached by an external staircase and gives access to a large gallery inside the church, at its western end. This gallery was probably intended for women only. Its wooden floor is divided into rectangles, each with a number, marking the position where the rug of an individual worshiper would have been laid. With the exception of the columns, the interior is entirely covered in plaster decorated with a mixture of motifs - European, Turkish, and Armenian - of little real artistic merit but very much of their time period. On the pendentives of the dome are depicted the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, together with their attributes.
One of the places I have to visit when in Kayseri is the Armenian Church. The city of Caeserea, today called Kayseri, has an important place in the history of the Armenian Church. Once the most important city in central Anatolia, with a population said to be 400000 in 250 AD, it was where St. Gregory the Illuminator grew up, was educated, and became a Christian. The church sits within a high walled enclosure that also contains many smaller ancillary buildings, mostly now derelict and roofless. The church is a relatively recent construction, being built in 1856. There are older dates on some of the surrounding buildings, so there was probably an older church on the same site. In the 1990s the interior was renovated, and the altars re-gilded. The church has a main entrance on its west side - a large belltower stands in front of it, forming a porch. There is a secondary entrance at the west end of its south side, plus a third entrance above this secondary entrance that is reached by an external staircase and gives access to a large gallery inside the church, at its western end. This gallery was probably intended for women only. Its wooden floor is divided into rectangles, each with a number, marking the position where the rug of an individual worshiper would have been laid. With the exception of the columns, the interior is entirely covered in plaster decorated with a mixture of motifs - European, Turkish, and Armenian - of little real artistic merit but very much of their time period. On the pendentives of the dome are depicted the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, together with their attributes.
SEMTEVI ( WARD HOUSES) IN BALCOVA
Ward Houses ( Semtevleri) in Balcova
Balcova is a sub-district within the metropolitan Izmir. The mayor of Balcova is Mr.Mehmet Ali Calkaya, who was elected mayor in 2004. He started social projects and one of them is the "Semtevleri Projesi" ( Ward Houses Project). Several ward houses were opened in Balcova and the women have taken courses in making handicrafts. They have sold what they have made and so earned money. In this way they have contributed to their family budgets. While in Izmir, you can visit one of these "semtevi" and purchase handicrafts made by the women of Balcova. Some tourist groups have already visited the ward houses and contributed to them.
Address: Çetin Emeç Mah. Duygu Sok. Öðretmenler Sit.Balcova
Phone: Semtevi-t : +90.232.278 69 61
Directions: Close to wednesday market
Other Contact: Mail : semtevleri@balcova.bel.tr
Balcova is a sub-district within the metropolitan Izmir. The mayor of Balcova is Mr.Mehmet Ali Calkaya, who was elected mayor in 2004. He started social projects and one of them is the "Semtevleri Projesi" ( Ward Houses Project). Several ward houses were opened in Balcova and the women have taken courses in making handicrafts. They have sold what they have made and so earned money. In this way they have contributed to their family budgets. While in Izmir, you can visit one of these "semtevi" and purchase handicrafts made by the women of Balcova. Some tourist groups have already visited the ward houses and contributed to them.
Address: Çetin Emeç Mah. Duygu Sok. Öðretmenler Sit.Balcova
Phone: Semtevi-t : +90.232.278 69 61
Directions: Close to wednesday market
Other Contact: Mail : semtevleri@balcova.bel.tr
Ali Bey Hamam- Turkish Bath in Izmir
Ali Bey Hamam in Karsiyaka is one of the turkish baths which can be visited. In the near past they accepted mixed groups, but now they only accept one sex groups. Therefore menn and women should come here at their respective time. It is a bath from the 17th century and it was planned by an italian architect. When you see the cross structure on the ceiling then you understand easily why in the past it was called the priest bath.
Directions: Close to the main pedestrian street of Karsiyaka and the railway. Ask the local people.
Other Contact: +90.533.724 63 65
Directions: Close to the main pedestrian street of Karsiyaka and the railway. Ask the local people.
Other Contact: +90.533.724 63 65
COSKUN DENTAL CLINIC IN BALCOVA, IZMIR, TURKEY
While in Turkey, you can save money on dental treatment at a cost one third of that in your home country. One of these dental clinics is Coskun Dental Clinic. The clinic 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,-€.
Address: Balçova / İZMİR
Phone: +90.232.277 10 44
Directions: Down Economy University and Cable Car in Balcova-Izmir. Sarmaşık Cad. No:106 Balçova / İZMİR
Website: http://www.coskundental.com/
Other Contact: stortum@yahoo.no
Address: Balçova / İZMİR
Phone: +90.232.277 10 44
Directions: Down Economy University and Cable Car in Balcova-Izmir. Sarmaşık Cad. No:106 Balçova / İZMİR
Website: http://www.coskundental.com/
Other Contact: stortum@yahoo.no
Brian Rowbotham
Brian Rowbotham With A Life Dedicated to Izmir Tourism
I want to inform about Brian Rowbotham working on Izmir tourism. Brian Rowbotham has devoted himself to the development of tourism in Izmir, called Smyrna in the past. His starting point is that while Izmir was the pearl of The Levant ( Eastern Mediterranean Area) appreciated by amongst others Heredotus, Alexander the Great and Victor Hugo, now it is conceived as a messed up city. He strongly criticizes this conception of Izmir. He has started a website called "Izmir For You" with the address "www.izmir4u.com" as a basis for his thoughts about Izmir. He thinks that tens of thousands of tourists to Izmir would not be a problem. So have a look at his website before or while you are here in Izmir.
I want to inform about Brian Rowbotham working on Izmir tourism. Brian Rowbotham has devoted himself to the development of tourism in Izmir, called Smyrna in the past. His starting point is that while Izmir was the pearl of The Levant ( Eastern Mediterranean Area) appreciated by amongst others Heredotus, Alexander the Great and Victor Hugo, now it is conceived as a messed up city. He strongly criticizes this conception of Izmir. He has started a website called "Izmir For You" with the address "www.izmir4u.com" as a basis for his thoughts about Izmir. He thinks that tens of thousands of tourists to Izmir would not be a problem. So have a look at his website before or while you are here in Izmir.
Balcova Termal Restaurant in Izmir
Balcova Termal Restaurant Down The Forest in Izmir
While in Izmir, why not visit Balcova Spa Hotel ( Balcova Termal Tesisleri) and have a dinner in the restaurant section. There are two main dinner alternatives. The first one is to enter into the indoor restaurant with buffet where you can eat as much as you want and choose between the hordovrs, main dishes, dessert and fruits. For this buffet you pay approximately 15 Euro. The second alternative is the alarte restaurant. Alacarte restaurant is active on the second floor over the terrace of the hotel when it is not hot enough outside and outside at the terrace from May to the end of October. You can choose between kebap types and european dishes. Excluding the dinner you can reckon with 15-20 Euro per person for a satisfying dinner.
Theme: Fast Food
Price: US$15-25
Comparison: more expensive than average
Address: Vali Huseyin Ogutcen Caddesi, No: 2 Balcova-Izmir-
Phone: +90.232.2590102
Directions: Located in Balcove-district at the outskirts of Izmir. Walking distance from the cable car.
Website: http://www.balcovatermal.com
While in Izmir, why not visit Balcova Spa Hotel ( Balcova Termal Tesisleri) and have a dinner in the restaurant section. There are two main dinner alternatives. The first one is to enter into the indoor restaurant with buffet where you can eat as much as you want and choose between the hordovrs, main dishes, dessert and fruits. For this buffet you pay approximately 15 Euro. The second alternative is the alarte restaurant. Alacarte restaurant is active on the second floor over the terrace of the hotel when it is not hot enough outside and outside at the terrace from May to the end of October. You can choose between kebap types and european dishes. Excluding the dinner you can reckon with 15-20 Euro per person for a satisfying dinner.
Theme: Fast Food
Price: US$15-25
Comparison: more expensive than average
Address: Vali Huseyin Ogutcen Caddesi, No: 2 Balcova-Izmir-
Phone: +90.232.2590102
Directions: Located in Balcove-district at the outskirts of Izmir. Walking distance from the cable car.
Website: http://www.balcovatermal.com
Hotels in Canakkale
Hotels in Canakkale
In the searching engines you would find several webpages about Canakkale in english, I suppose. Let me divide canakkale in three sections : 1) The center of Canakkale-Canakkale is one of my favourite places in Turkey. Though it is at the upper end of the Asian part of Turkey, you will feel as if you are in a different country. Canakkale is very european and liberal. In the city center you will find the nice promenade along which you find restaurants, cafes and the trojan horse which was used in the last film of Troj. In Canakkale, one of the local specialities is "helva" made of cheese and there are several places serving that. It is a type of desert Since the following hotels are in the very center of the city ( where you find the ferry-boat pier) and it is very lovely then I would advise a hotel in the center. In the center, because there are university students, there are quite many bars and cafees in european style, of course if you like this type of places. In the city center, you find the castle and a synagogue ( the last information I give because there may be some participants in this form of jewish origin; however the community leader should be contacted in advance for a visit, I suppoese- there is also a jewish cemetery outside the city.) Now few jews living in Canakkale. There is also an archeological museum which I have not visited. Some of the hotels in the city center: http://www.helenhotel.com/ ( Helen Hotel) I stayed here once. Like a boutique hotel. I remember as if some of the rooms have windows opening into the hole inside the building, not opening to outside. http://www.anzachotel.com/ ( Anzac hotel) http://www.hotelakol.com/ ( akol hotel) I remember this as a 4-star hotel. http://www.truvaotel.com/ ( truva hotel) A relatively old hotel. The website does not have an english section as far as I can see. http://www.canakhotel.com/ ( canak hotel) 2) At the outer side of Canakkale. Some distance to the lively city center. http://www.kolinhotel.com/ ( Kolin hotel) The best and very good. But it must be expensive. If you like the luxoruous style, then this can be advised. 3) Guzelyali- a resort of Canakkale, ca. 10 km. from Canakkale city. There you find some hotels too. There are municipal busses from the Canakkale city center. Only if you want a nice beach, this may be advised. Amongst others: http://www.irisotel.com/ I stayed at this hotel several times. Very nice location and cosy hotel. http://www.tusanhotel.com/ You can also look at the following website. In the website , not all the hotels are in Canakkale. http://www.canakkaleotelleri.com/ ( website about canakkale hotels) In the high season, it may be logical to make a reservation in advance. Pricewise, the above hotels must be around 40 USD for a double room or more with breakfast included. I suppose, there shall also be more reasonable but simpler hotels. In Canakkale, there are shopping possibilities; close to Kolin Hotel, there is the shopping center Migros with a supermarket and some shops selling jewellery, cloths etc. I send this detailed information not only as a response to the specific question about the hotels in Canakkale, but also as a general information about the city. I chose to call Canakkale a city, perhaps it is better to call it a town since it has approximately 70.000 inhabitants. Canakkale has become university city with the modern university and active student life. I suggest that the visitors to Canakkale should not only conceive Canakkale as a base but as worthwhile destination. It is the European face of Turkey. I hope that at the future-visits you will find the chance to visit two turkish islands in the Aegean Sea: Gokceada and Bozcaada. Gokceada is the most western part of Turkey. Ferry from Canakkale or Kabatepe on the Gallipoli peninsula. ( ca. 2 hours) http://www.gokceada.com/ Bozcaada may be accessed first by bus to Geyikli-Yukyeri pier ( ca. 40 minutes) and by ferry ( ca. 35-40 minutes) http://www.bozcaada.info/ http://www.bozcaadatenedos.com/ I saw at some of the hotels leaflets advertising tours to Troj. Perhaps, this is the best way to realise a Troj-visit, since Troj is located some kilometers from the main road. I hope that this information will be useful to those visiting the city of Canakkale. Best Regards, Sinan Tortum
In the searching engines you would find several webpages about Canakkale in english, I suppose. Let me divide canakkale in three sections : 1) The center of Canakkale-Canakkale is one of my favourite places in Turkey. Though it is at the upper end of the Asian part of Turkey, you will feel as if you are in a different country. Canakkale is very european and liberal. In the city center you will find the nice promenade along which you find restaurants, cafes and the trojan horse which was used in the last film of Troj. In Canakkale, one of the local specialities is "helva" made of cheese and there are several places serving that. It is a type of desert Since the following hotels are in the very center of the city ( where you find the ferry-boat pier) and it is very lovely then I would advise a hotel in the center. In the center, because there are university students, there are quite many bars and cafees in european style, of course if you like this type of places. In the city center, you find the castle and a synagogue ( the last information I give because there may be some participants in this form of jewish origin; however the community leader should be contacted in advance for a visit, I suppoese- there is also a jewish cemetery outside the city.) Now few jews living in Canakkale. There is also an archeological museum which I have not visited. Some of the hotels in the city center: http://www.helenhotel.com/ ( Helen Hotel) I stayed here once. Like a boutique hotel. I remember as if some of the rooms have windows opening into the hole inside the building, not opening to outside. http://www.anzachotel.com/ ( Anzac hotel) http://www.hotelakol.com/ ( akol hotel) I remember this as a 4-star hotel. http://www.truvaotel.com/ ( truva hotel) A relatively old hotel. The website does not have an english section as far as I can see. http://www.canakhotel.com/ ( canak hotel) 2) At the outer side of Canakkale. Some distance to the lively city center. http://www.kolinhotel.com/ ( Kolin hotel) The best and very good. But it must be expensive. If you like the luxoruous style, then this can be advised. 3) Guzelyali- a resort of Canakkale, ca. 10 km. from Canakkale city. There you find some hotels too. There are municipal busses from the Canakkale city center. Only if you want a nice beach, this may be advised. Amongst others: http://www.irisotel.com/ I stayed at this hotel several times. Very nice location and cosy hotel. http://www.tusanhotel.com/ You can also look at the following website. In the website , not all the hotels are in Canakkale. http://www.canakkaleotelleri.com/ ( website about canakkale hotels) In the high season, it may be logical to make a reservation in advance. Pricewise, the above hotels must be around 40 USD for a double room or more with breakfast included. I suppose, there shall also be more reasonable but simpler hotels. In Canakkale, there are shopping possibilities; close to Kolin Hotel, there is the shopping center Migros with a supermarket and some shops selling jewellery, cloths etc. I send this detailed information not only as a response to the specific question about the hotels in Canakkale, but also as a general information about the city. I chose to call Canakkale a city, perhaps it is better to call it a town since it has approximately 70.000 inhabitants. Canakkale has become university city with the modern university and active student life. I suggest that the visitors to Canakkale should not only conceive Canakkale as a base but as worthwhile destination. It is the European face of Turkey. I hope that at the future-visits you will find the chance to visit two turkish islands in the Aegean Sea: Gokceada and Bozcaada. Gokceada is the most western part of Turkey. Ferry from Canakkale or Kabatepe on the Gallipoli peninsula. ( ca. 2 hours) http://www.gokceada.com/ Bozcaada may be accessed first by bus to Geyikli-Yukyeri pier ( ca. 40 minutes) and by ferry ( ca. 35-40 minutes) http://www.bozcaada.info/ http://www.bozcaadatenedos.com/ I saw at some of the hotels leaflets advertising tours to Troj. Perhaps, this is the best way to realise a Troj-visit, since Troj is located some kilometers from the main road. I hope that this information will be useful to those visiting the city of Canakkale. Best Regards, Sinan Tortum
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