Current Local Time in Istanbul
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Country Information
Major Regions & Cities
Turkey has 81 provinces across 7 geographical regions.
Must-Visit Landmarks
Hagia Sophia
Iconic 6th-century Byzantine cathedral turned mosque with stunning architecture.
Cappadocia
Surreal landscape with fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloons.
Ephesus
Best-preserved classical city in the Mediterranean with Library of Celsus.
Pamukkale
Stunning white travertine terraces with thermal springs and ancient ruins.
Blue Mosque
17th-century mosque famous for its blue tiles and six minarets.
Mount Nemrut
Ancient royal tomb with giant stone heads at sunrise.
Brief History of Turkey
Early Settlements
Göbekli Tepe, world's oldest known temple complex.
Hittite Empire
Powerful Bronze Age civilization in Anatolia.
Persian Rule
Anatolia becomes part of Achaemenid Empire.
Byzantine Empire
Constantinople (Istanbul) becomes capital of Eastern Roman Empire.
Seljuk Turks
Battle of Manzikert begins Turkification of Anatolia.
Ottoman Empire
Osman I establishes what would become a world power.
Fall of Constantinople
Mehmed II conquers Byzantine capital, renames it Istanbul.
Republic of Turkey
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk establishes modern secular state.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can get e-Visa online before travel. Some eligible for visa-free entry.
Currency & Payments
Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash widely used. Credit cards accepted in cities. Bargaining expected in bazaars.
Transportation
Domestic flights connect major cities. Excellent intercity buses. Istanbul has metro, trams, ferries.
Cultural Etiquette
Remove shoes in mosques/homes. Dress modestly in religious sites. Hospitality important.
Best Times to Visit
Turkish Cuisine
Try kebabs, meze, baklava, Turkish delight, çay (tea), Turkish coffee, simit, pide.
Famous Festivals
Istanbul Music Festival (Jun), Whirling Dervishes Festival (Dec), Oil Wrestling (Jun-Jul).
Health Precautions
Tap water drinkable in cities but bottled recommended. No special vaccinations required.