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FAQ. 

1- NATIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

On these days, parades and other ceremonial activities are carried out by official institutions like schools, state organizations and military forces to commemorate special events on the course of the National War of Independence that lasted four years between 1919 and 1923.

a-) National Sovereignty and Children’s Day (April 23)

On this date in 1920, during the War of Independence, the Turkish Grand National Assembly was established in Ankara by Mustafa Kemal and laid down the foundations of a new independent state from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, dedicated April 23 to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation. This is the world’s first and only holiday for children.

b-) Commemoration of Ataturk and Youth and Sports Day (May 19)

On this date in 1919, Mustafa Kemal arrived in Anatolia at the Black Sea Port of Samsun, which marks the beginning of the War of Independence. The week including this holiday has been celebrated as “Youth Week” in Turkey since 1983.

c-) Victory Day (August 30)

This national holiday celebrates the Victory of Turkish Army over Greeks in 1922. On this day in 1922, the fifth day of the big attack against the invading Greek Armies, the Turkish Army under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk defeated the Greek forces at Dumlupinar (within Kutahya Province). This final victory determined the result of the Independence War. Within a few weeks, the Turkish mainland was completely liberated, the armistice signed and the rule of the Ottoman dynasty abolished.

d-) Republic Day (October 29)

This is the anniversary of the declaration of the Turkish Republic by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1923.

2- RELIGIOUS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

There are two religious holidays or feasts, which are very important for all Muslims.

a-) Seker Bayrami - Ramazan Bayrami (the Festival of Fast-Breaking)

This three day festival comes after an entire month of fasting during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim year) . It begins on the first day of the tenth month of the Muslim year and marks the end of fasting.

On the first day of the festival Muslims meet at mosques, special prayers take place between dawn and noon. After the prayers, families and friends meet in each other’s homes. Special cakes and sweet desserts are prepared for this occasion. Many Muslims celebrate the Festival by sending greeting cards to each other.

b-) Kurban Bayrami (the Festival of Sacrifice)

This four-day festival begins on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim year and marks the completion of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

On the morning of the first day of this festival, Muslims may sacrifice an animal. Usually this is a sheep or a goat, though other larger animals are sometimes used, especially if families join together to make the sacrifice. It is the festival at which Muslims remember that Prophet Abraham was ready to make a sacrifice of his son, Ishmael.He did not have to do this because, just in time an angel came to him and told him to stop, because he had already demonstrated his willingness to give up everything he loved for God’s sake. He sacrificed a ram instead.

Sacrificing the animal is a symbol. This is a sign that Muslims are ready to give up everything for the sake of God just as Abraham was willing to do that.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts such that the first part goes to the poor persons, the second part to friends and relatives and the third part for the use of one’s family.

Both religious events are celebrated through prayers and sermons encouraging peace and general goodwill among all, visits to parents, grandparents and relatives for feast greeting, also visits to family cemeteries.

The dates of these religious festivals change according to the Muslim lunar calendar and thus occur 10 days earlier each year.

3-What are the Average Air and Water Temperatures for Turkey's major cities?

Average Air and Water Temperatures For Major Cities in of

4-Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

Non-U.S citizens must apply for tourist or business visas before traveling to Turkey. Applicants should contact the relevant Turkish Consulate in person, by mail or by a courier service.

Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance.

Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their port of transit do not require visas.

5-Is it safe to travel in Turkey?

Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that affect all international travelers.

6-How can I travel in Turkey?

By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul,Antalya or Ankara, All have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines' schedules and book flights at www.turkishairlines.com or call them toll-free . Cyprus Turkish Airlines www.kthy.net

At summer time, direct charter flight are available from May trough to Octaber.For the remainder of the season flights are available from several U.K.airports(Gatwick,Stanstead,Menchester or Birmingam.

By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey. Private bus companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their regions; their addresses can be found at www.turizm.gov.tr by clicking on "Tourism Information."

The major bus lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee, tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, www.varan.com.tr and www.ulusoy.com.tr, provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.

By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are available. Detailed train schedules and prices as well as reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents are listed on their web site at www.tcdd.gov.tr. Transportation From and To the Airport

7-Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey?

The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at www.tcmb.gov.tr. This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily exchange rates.

There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants

8-Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?

Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.

9-Is The investment secure in Turkey?

Yes, It is.The banking system in Turkey is dependable, established and highly advanced. Transfer of funds through any registered Turkish bank is secure and quaranteed.

10-Will I be able to get my money out of Turkey?

Yes ,either by Foreign exchange or in cash.The funds brought into the country by non-resident may be repatriated at any time.

11-Can property be owned by non-residents?

Non-residents can own property partially or wholly, in their names or through ownership of an interest in one or other forms of legal entity.

12-Can Non-residents open a bank account in Turkey?

Once you purchase a property you can open a bank account and obtain a bank card

13- Can Non-residents transfer money to Turkey?

Yes,All money can be transferred via your local bank foreign exchange department.

14-The Inheritance Laws in Turkey:

They are same as Irish laws provided you have made a will.

15-Tax implications if The property is sold:

You will pay tax at 3% of the estimated value of the property. The value is set by local government

16- Tax Situation in Turkey:

Individuals do not have to pay capital gains provided they have owned the property for four years.

Capital gains made from the sale of a property will be taxable in Turkey If the owner is a registered company.

17- Medical Care in Turkey:

Turkey has an excellent standard of health care. You need to have full medical travel insurance

18- Setting up a business in Turkey:

Non-residents can open business whenever they want.The Turkish Government have recently changed the law to allow any non-nationals to open a business without having to have a Turkish partner

19-Duty free in Turkey:

Duty free is more advantageous in Turkey.You can purchase on your arrival in Turkey at 30% of the cost.