GENERAL INFORMATION - 61st IFLA General Conference

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TURKEY

The Republic of Turkey, founded in 1923, inherited an extraordinary wealth of different historical treasures from successive civilizations dating back to pre-history: Hittite, lonian, Urartian, Roma n, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman and many others.

Furthermore, the variety of geographic and climatic conditions in this land known as Asia Minor, results in a variety of scenery unrivalled in any other single country: spacious and unspoilt beaches on the Aegean and Mediterranean shores, lofty mountains in the east, dramatic river gorges in the northeast, fertile hills and valleys in the northern and western coastal regions, the great bleak pl ateau of central Anatolia all add to the charm of this country. Turkey is a paradise for photographers, mountain climbers, archaeologists, birdwatchers and sunseekers, for every category of tourist, offering an almost limitless choice of opportunity.

ISTANBUL

Founded around 660 B.C., Istanbul has been the Byzantine and Ottoman capital city, and is now the major city of the Turkish Republic. The city's structure is determined by the Bosphorus straits divi ding Asia from Europe, and the Golden Horn partly dividing the old city from newer districts. The Byzantine and Ottoman city walls are still visible, surrounding the original city, but the present m etropolis has spread even beyond the expectations of any Istanbul native.

Istanbul offers exciting shopping opportunities, in the fascinating bazaars and modern complexes, as well as unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Abundant fresh fruit and vegetables, sea food and pastries, as well as traditional dishes inherited from Ottoman palace life, all enrich the touristic fare.

The pleasures of Istanbul, the dome of St. Sophia, moonlight on the Bosphorus, the feeling of well-being after a Turkish bath, strong coffee in tiny cups, the first sight of Suleymaniye Mosque, will remain vividly in your memory long after this visit.

Turkish is the national language of Turkey, while many people speak English, German and / or French.

The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira. Traveller's cheques and cash may be exchanged in banks during office hours, and at exchange offices on Saturdays. Some exchange offices and banks are open on Sundays also in areas frequented by tourists. The official exchange rate is listed in daily newspapers and will vary slightly in different banks, etc. All major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and stores.

Visas are required to enter Turkey except for the nationals of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Chili, Croatia , Denmark, Djibouti, Ecuador, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Iran, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kazakhistan, Kirgiz, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway , Oman, Quatar, Republic of Northern Cyprus, Republic of South Africa, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, St Lucia, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Tun isia, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, U.S.A, Vatican City.

Visas for some nationals may be purchased on arrival at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. Participants should enquire about visa formalities in their respective countries when purchasing their air tickets .

Istanbul Ataturk Airport is connected by direct fights to major cities in the world. The national carrier, Turkish Airlines , serves all major European cities and has direct and non-stop flights to New York, Far East and Middle Eastern countries.