BAKHUS TOURISM INDUSTRY AND TRADING INC.

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1 A FASCINATING FASCINATING VENUE FOR YOUR MEETINGS & CONFERANCES

2 Turkey is a country that bridges two continents, and which for over ten thousand years, has been the home of the great culture and civilisations of the world! Turkey is the land of the "Mother Sun" which gives her name to the land ' Anatolia' the 8000-kilometres long seductive coastline displays limitless shades of ' Turquoise' for you to enjoy. The golden beaches, undiscovered virgin bays, and the whisper of gentle breezes await you there. While you are in Turkey, you breath the same air with Homer, who created the Aegean legacy; Mevlana, the greatest philosopher who said " Come again, whoever you are!"; Yunus Emre, the great poet of universal love; Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra who chose the Mediterranean coasts of Anatolia for their honeymoon: Noah who made possible "Second Life" of humanity; the Virgin Mary and St. John, saints who found peace in this land; You are in a land where the fabulous gods and goddesses of mythology lived their grandeur. Zeus, Apollon, Aphrodite, Hermes, Dionysus (Bakhus) and many of others. You may find yourselves one moment you are in the Early bronze Age, another you live in the richness of the Roman Civilisation, or you may feel yourself like a Sultan in the glamorous palaces of the Ottoman Empire. The cradle of civilisations! The most appropriate words describing Turkey which is the monumental treasure of civilisation that have enlightened the world. Here, an unlimited number of monuments bear the reminiscence of the cultural evolution of Anatolia. The ancient cities Pergamum, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis, Didyma, Miletos, Priene redolent with distant legend and history, dot the landscape. Turkey is a country located at a point where the three continents of the old world (Asia, Africa and Europe) are closest to each other and where Asia and Europe meet. Because of its geographical location, Anatolia has always been important throughout history and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. The surface area of Turkey is km 2. Out of the total land, 97% is in Asia and this part is called Anatolia or Asia Minor; 3% is in Europe which is called Thrace. According to the 1997 census the population is 64 million. 2

3 Palaeolithic &Neolithic Ages The land of Anatolia has seen many civilizations, signs of which are spread all around, beginning from the earliest ages of humanity. Palaeolithic times dating back approximately years ago, constitute the first period from which findings from the lives of oldest humans exist. Discoveries have been made by archeologists at Belbaşı and Beldibi near Antalya, bringing this age to light. The period B.C., saw the Neolithic Age, when the first settlements with the first communities occurred. Çatalhöyük near Konya which is the world s first town in this sense, is in Turkey. The more sophisticated characteristics of this period are easily observed from the findings at this settlement and in Hacılar. Bronze Age Next comes the Bronze Age, between B.C., during which the Hatti culture developed, and the Hittites followed from 1800 to 1200 B.C. During these periods, Anatolia witnessed more advanced social systems and the establishment of great monuments. Hattuşaş near Ankara, was the capital of Hittites, and at Yazılıkaya, another Hittite centre, hieroglyphic tablets from this period have been found. 3

4 Several centuries later, about 800 B.C.; the Carian, Lycian, Lydian, and Phrygian Empires were established, as well as Greek colonies. The signs from this age still remain in ancient cities such as Ephesus, Miletos, Priene, Halicarnassus, Sardis etc. all over the Aegean Coast. Between B.C., Alexander the Great conquered almost all of these ancient cities together with the Persian states founded in the 6 th century B.C. The Hellenistic Empire spread over the land, from which period city walls, gymnasiums, theatres and stadiums remain. By 230 B.C., Romans were crossing the Aegean towards Anatolia, and from this period onwards, the Anatolian lifestyle influenced the Romans. Many changes took place in the land of Turkey during these times, the Cappadocia region still bearing the imprint of Rome to this day. After the advent of Christianity, the Roman Empire was divided into two in 395 A.D.; the Western Empire eventually collapsed and the Eastern evolved into the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople (İstanbul) was the capital, which was conquered and pillaged by the Latin incursion in 1204 A.D. By this time, Islam had been brought to Anatolia with the invasions of Arabs in 654 A.D. They passed their religion onto the Seljuk Turks who occupied most of the land following them and Konya became the Seljuk capital in this period. 4

5 After 1243 A.D., Mongols invaded Anatolia, while soon after the Ottoman Turks, advanced and founded the Ottoman Empire in With the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman Empire enlarged its borders in Europe, Africa and Middle East. Until its official end in 1918, this empire saw many periods of growth, retrenchment and flourishment, leaving its heritage and treasures not only in Anatolia and İstanbul but also all around the Balkans, Midlle East and North Africa. In 1923, Republican Turkey was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the national hero of Turkey, and after witnessing such a vast parade of civilizations over its land, Turkey now constitutes a modern country working to attain integration with the whole world. Turkey is a big counrty of a varied topography and so it has many climatic zones. The Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts display a typical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters. The swimming season is from June to September along the Marmara and North Aegean coasts, while it is from April to October on the South Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. The Black Sea Region has a moderate climate; the summers are quite warm and winters are mild. There is quite a difference between the coastal regions and the inland regions which are at higher altitudes. The climate reaches its extremes in central and eastern Anatolia with hot, dry summers, and cold snowy winters. Spring and autumn are best for sightseeing and travelling.anatolia shows all her beauties during this periods. 5

6 CITIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC ANKARA ISTANBUL IZMIR ANTALYA CLOTHING From May to September light preferably cotton clothing is needed with a jacket or wrap for evenings. In other months heavier clothing is recommended especially in the evenings. TIME GMT + 2 hours. ELECTRICITY AC, 50 cycles, 220 volts. LANGUAGE HOLIDAYS The working week is Monday through Friday for banks and government offices. All the shops are open all day Saturday, from to hours. OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS January 1 Day April 23 May 19 Sports Day August 30 October 29 New Year s Children s Day Youth and Victory Day Republic Day Turkish is the official language. In big cities, many people speak English, German or French. As Latin alphabet is used, it is easy to read street names and signs. Islamic Religious Holidays, Ramadan Holiday (3 days), Sacrifice Holiday (4 days) are movable and commence 10 days earlier than previous year. 6

7 Exotic and mysterious, Istanbul offers a tempting glimpse of the East in a relaxed and tolerant atmosphere. A long and rich history has left many places to visit, from the great mosques with their soaring minarets, and great churches to the unique bazaars *in the most spectacular of settings along the mighty Bosphorus.

8 Istanbul embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia, the other to Europe. Through the city s heart, the Bosphorus strait, course the waters of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. The former capital of three successive Empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman today Istanbul honours and preserves the legacy of its past while looking forward to its modern future. Considered to be one of the most prominent centres of the world for culture, arts, history, entertainment, trade and business, it is Istanbul s variety that fascinates its visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, very attractive nightlife and entertainment, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. Places Of Interest Hippodrome The ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque, although there is not much left from the original building today. Of the monuments which once decorated it only three remain: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Today the square forms the center of Istanbul s historical, cultural and touristic activities. Sultan Ahmet Mosque (The Blue Mosque) Facing St. Sophia near the ancient Hippodrome stands the supremely elegant, six-minaret, imperial Sultanahmet Mosque. Built in the early 17th century by the architect Mehmet Ağa, as part of a large complex, the building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of some 21,000 blue and white İznik tiles. 8

9 St. Sophia The Basilica of St.Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum, is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 metres above the ground and its diameter spans 31 metres. One should linger here to absorb the building s majestic serenity and to admire the fine mosaics. Ayasofya was used as a church for 916 years and as a mosque for 81 years. In 1934, by the order of Atatürk, it was turned into a museum and has since been open to visitors from all over the world. Topkapı Palace On a spot of land at the confluence of the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn and the Marmara Sea stands the Topkapı Palace, the maze of buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In these opulent surroundings the sultans and their court lived and governed. A magnificent wooded garden fills the outer court. On the right of the second court, shaded by cypress and plane trees, stand the palace kitchens, now galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of crystal, silver, Chinese and Japanese porcelain. To the left,, the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the sultan, charms visitors with echoes of the intrigue of centuries. Today, the third court holds the Hall of Audience, the Library of Ahmet III, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts. In the centre of this innermost sanctuary, the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle enshrines the relics of the Prophet Mohammed brought to Istanbul when the Ottomans assumed the caliphate of Islam. Cicek Pasajı ( Cite de Pera) This historical flower passage now is the outstanding passageway with balconies and ceiling soaring high above are filled with restaurants and bars. Wandering musician s come and go as those seated among the expanse of tables sample delicious traditional dishes. Cicek Pasaji connects with the Balik Pazari; Fish Bazaar, which still retains a number of fresh fish outlets, also boasts beautifully laid out fruit and vegetable stalls, and delightful, spice, meat and poultry shops as well as a number of delicatessens. To the rear of the Bazaar Nevizade Street host of series of lively restaurants, where people gather to sit, eat, drink and talk, in the warmer months the activity is all outdoors in the open street. 9

10 Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Covered Bazaar) One could visit Istanbul for the shopping alone. The Kapalı Çarşı, or Covered Bazaar, in the old city is the logical place to start. This labyrinth of streets and passages houses more than 4,000 shops. Shops selling the same kind of merchandise tend to be congregated in their of streets or in hens as this was originally the Ottoman system. With 18 entrances and more than 4,000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the world. The atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar is very interesting for tourists and has consequently become a very popular place not only for foreign but also for Turkish visitors. Still the commercial center of the old city, the bazaar is the original shopping mall with something to suit every taste and pocket. Yerebatan Sarayı (Basilica Cistern) This grand Byzantine underground cistern with its 336 columns most of which are topped with Byzantine Corinthian capitals is located next to St. Sophia and was used to supply water for the city. Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) It was built as part of the Yeni Cami complex which is located next to it. Misir in Turkish means Egypt and it is called the Egyptian Bazaar because the shopkeepers used to sell spices and herbs which were brought from or through Egypt. During the Ottoman period itt was known as a place where shops sold only spices. Today there are only a few spice and herb specialists. The rest sell dried fruit, borek, basket work, jewellery, haberdashery, drapery and suchlike. 10

11 Galata Tower Built as an apex of the Genoese district fortifications, takes us, back to the Medieval Beyoglu, as well as to its present. The Galata Tower, which is now a tourist sight and a night club-restaurant organizing Turkish night during evenings, once belonged to the Genoese. The district itself was founded in the 5th century A.D.. Narrow streets, characteristic of medieval times, lead us down to the Galata Bridge through Dominican Churches and the Genoese house. Süleymaniye Mosque The cascading domes and four slender minarets of Süleymaniye Mosque dominates the skyline on the Golden Horn s west bank. Considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman golden age. On the crest of a hill, the building is conspicuous by its great size, which the four minarets that rise from each corner of the courtyard emphasize. Kariye Museum (Chora Museum) This small Byzantine church which was first converted into a mosque after the arrival of Turks in the 15th century was finally converted into a museum in 1948 leaving no Islamic element in the building except the 19th century minaret outside the corner. Chora went through many restorations the last most significant instigated by Thedorus Metochitus in the beginning of the 14th century. Three most important features of the church, mosaics, frescoes and the funerary chapel (Paracclesion) are from that period. The art of painting in frescoes and mosaics were the indications of a new Byzantine art movement which was parallel to Italian Renaissance started by Giotto. ( ). 11

12 Dolma Bahce Palace Side of Dolmabahçe Palace, built by Sultan Ist Abdülmecit during 19th century is lying for 600 m at European coast of the Bosporus. Dolmabahçe Palace, is constructed between 1843 and 1856 as a mixture of European art methods. It is one of the pieces of art of Sultan Abdülmecit's architect, Karabet Balya. There were always lots of palaces of Ottoman Sultans. But main palace is left after completion of Topkapı, Dolmabahçe Palaces. Dolmabahçe Palace was three leveled and symmetric planned. There are 285 chambers and 43 halls. It has a 600 m long wharf on the sea, and two monumental gates, one is too much decorated on the land. In the middle of this coastal palace, which is surrounded by well - kept and beautiful garden, there is a ceremony and ball hall, which is higher than other divisions. Huge, 56 coloumned greetings hall lost visitors in the amazement with its 750 light illuminating and 4.5 tones of crystal chandelier. Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Art Pieces of Turkish and Islamic Art are exhibited in the museum. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art was built in 1524 by the Grand Vizier to Suleyman the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasa, as his residence. It was the grandest private residence ever built in the Ottoman Empire. Today it holds a superbcollection of ceramics, metalwork,miniatures,calligrapy, textiles, and woodwork as well as some of the oldest carpets in the world. Princes Islands Islands within Marmara Sea, which is adorned with nine islands, was the banishing place of the Byzantium princes. Today they are now wealthy Istanbul residents' escaping places for cool winds during summer months and 19th century smart houses. Biggest one of the islands is Büyükada. You can have a marvelous horse carige travel between pine trees or have a swim within one of the numerous bays around islands! Other popular islands are Kinali, Sedef, Burgaz and Heybeliada. Regular ferry voyages are connecting islands to both Europe and Asia coasts. There is a rapid sea bus service from Kabatas during summers. 12

13 Maiden's Tower Buit on a small rocky island in the middle of the sea near Uskudar, where the Marmara sea meets the Bosphorus, the Maiden s Tower -also called as Leander s Tower- has been used for a variety of purposes since its first construction. First, this small island was used to control the navy traffic and as a customs office in 411 B.C.. In the 12th century, the Byzantines used to protect the Bosphorus and they built a defence tower on the island. Although the Ottoman Empire continued to use it for the same reason after the conquest of Istanbul, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror replaced the old tower with a new one. Now it is using as a restaurant After the breakfast at the pre conferance hotel the group will be taken to Imperial tour which is as follows: St.Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church; one of the finest architectural works in the world. It has been nominated as the 8 th wonder of the world by many historians. Blue Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Istanbul dating form the 17 th century it is one if the principal adornments on the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. Yerebatan Sarayı (Basilica Cistern): This grand Byzantine underground cistern with its 336 columns most of which are topped with Byzantine Corinthian capitals is located next to St. Sophia and was used to supply water for the city. Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you ll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Wilhelm II. Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) It is called the Egyptian Bazaar because the shopkeepers used to sell spices and herbs which were brought from or through Egypt. During the Ottoman period itt was known as a place where shops sold only spices. Lunch: Lunch will be served in Pandelli Restaurant located in Ancient Spice Bazaar.) (Optional) 13

14 Meeting at the conference venue with your guide t they will be taken to tour as follows: Topkapi Palace: The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. The Treasury Section of Topkapi Palace: The place is very famous treasury of the Royal Family. Suleymaniye Mosque: The mosque of Sultan Suleyman THE MAGNIFICENT built in the 16 th century by SINAN, the famous architect of the time. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: Former Palaceof Ibrahim Pasa today it is a museum, which you can see the old Turkish way of life Grand Bazaar: In addition to its historical importance, it s a bazaar that will tempt even the no shoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs. Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local restaurant(optional). After the breakfast at the hotel, the group will be taken to tour as follows: Dolmabahce Place :The group will have a excursion to latest residance of Ottman Sultans which was built in 19 th century. Bosphorus Cruise: An unforgettable excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, past the European style palaces of Ottomans, Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden kiosks from the 19 th century. Also mansions and modern villas which form the elegant sections of the city. Lunch: Lunch will be served in a local restaurant at fisherman village among Bosphrus close to black sea where our cruise stops for 1 and a half hour break. Dinner: Dinner will be served in a typical Turkish restaurant that have music and entertainment 14

15 We will cross the Bosporus Bridge to drive to Asia, After passing the bridge our first stop will be; Beylerbeyi Palace: Beylerbeyi Palace was thought as a summer resort for the Ottoman sultans and a place to host foreign state leaders and was built upon the request of Sultan Abdülaziz ( ). The construction of the palace began on 6 August 1863 and it was opened on 21 April 1865 with a ceremony. Beylerbeyi Palace, constructed with a mixture of western and eastern styles also contains Turkish house characteristics with its Harem and Mabeyn areas. The first important guest to be hosted in Beylerbeyi Palace was Eugene, the empress of France. This visit of the empress was made in reply to the visit of Sultan Abdülaziz to France in Other foreign guests that were welcomed in Beylerbeyi Palace during Sultan Abdülaziz period were Austria Hungarion emperor Joseph (1869), Prussia crown prince Frederic Guillaume Nicola Charles (1869), Italian crown prince (1869), Iranian Shah Nasıreddin (18 August 1873); during reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II ( ) Camlica Hill Camlıca Hill offers a uniquely pleasant retreat with its fresh air and the pavilions. In many poems and works of literature, Istanbul is known for its seven hills,çamlıca is the tallest of the seven. Çamlıca Hill, The most beautiful view in the entire city can be viewed from this hill. Among the many locations visible from Çamlıca are the Prince Islands, Sultanahmet, Süleymaniye and Ortaköy. As you will see, the view certainly does justice to the silhouette of Istanbul that it encompasses. After visiting Calica hill we will drive to Kadiköy Kadiköy has developed into a lively area with up-market shopping, eating and entertainment making it popular especially with wealthy locals. Once prominent in the history of Christianity, the 5th century hosted important consul meetings here, We will give a break in Kadiköy market to have lunch and shop local herbs and spices, After spending some hours in Kadikoy and Kadıköy Market we will drive through the Costal street (Sahilyolu) visit Fenerbahçe and spend time in elegant café s have some refreshment, than drive to Caddebostan, Bostancı and Bagdat caddesi which is the main street of the residential area. A one-way street full of shopping malls, Restaurants, Coffee shops, Elegant stores, Luxury car dealers, Banks and many many more. The street is a bit like narrow looking of Champ Elysee. Bagdat caddesi is also a good place to tour around and make window shopping. At the end of the tour we will return back to our hotels. 15

16 You will meet with your guide in front of the Conference center and drive to shore and embark the boat sailing to Princes Islands. Disembark at Büyükada which is the largest and the most famous of this Islands chain. After a small tour in the town Centre and listening to the history of this lovely island from your guide, we will rent Horse drawn carriages to explore this beaituful island, passing through the old ottoman wooden houses and breath taking beautiful pine forest than afterwards we will climb to a hill to visit Buyukada's major monument is the Monastery and Church of Aghios Gheorghios (St. George). The first church was built in the sixth century atop the highest hill on the island. The legend says that the icon of St. George hidden by the monks in the 10th century during a pirate raid was found in the 17th century by a shepherd. The current church dates from the 20th century. You can take enjoy the picturesque view and take nice pictures from here. after the tour you can enjoy the lunch in a nice seaside restaurant. As there is no car aloud in the island, this promenade would be an unforgettable memory for you. Galata tower : It is claimed that it was built during the reign of the Byzantian Emperor, Iustinianos in 507 CE. It was called the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) by the Genoese and the Megalos Pyrgos (The Great Tower) by the Byzantines. It took its present shape during the Genoese period. It was used for different purposes since centuries as a jail,as an observatory, as janissary band offices, as a fire observatory. Today, the Galata Tower operates solely as a touristic attraction by a private company. The elevator only goes to the 7th floor, and the last two floors of the tower must be climbed by stairs Pera (Beyoglu & Galata walk) After visiting Galata tower walking through the Pera (Beyoglu) & Galata districts of Istanbul. Galata was, on the north shore of the Golden Horn, a semi-independent colony of the Genoese, an Italian marine-state. We will continue to walk a pedestrian street formerly known as the Grand Rue de Pera (Istiklal Caddesi), today it is in the heart of the city and one of the centers of city s cultural life with its various cafes, restaurants, shops, and cinemas we will visit Cicek Pasaji and Fish Market Cicek Pasaji was the Passage of Flowers, the liveliest and most colorful spot in Beyoglu, is lined with meyhanes and taverns and Beyoglu Balik Pazari (Fish Market) packed with food shops and delis. Visit of Maiden s Tower: Welcome to one of the romantic symbols of Istanbul. It is built on an island at the Bosphorus.The history of this small tower dates back 2500 years to the period of the the Byzantine and The Ottoman Empire. 16

17 FOUR-DAY PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - PERGAMUM- TROY & ISTANBUL TOUR Day 1: Early flight to Denizli. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale. Day 2: Early departure for Ephesus. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, and the ancient city of Ephesus Lunch at a local restaurant and then proceed to the Archaeological Museum. Overnight stay in Kusadasi or Izmir. Day 3: Early departure for Pergamum, Visit the ancient city of Pergamum, Asclepion, and the Red Court, Lunch at a local restaurant in Bergama and then proceed to remains of Troy. Overnight stay in Canakkale. Day 4: Take a ferry to cross the Dardanelles to visit the National Park and the War Memorials at Gallipoli. Lunch en route. Taking the scenic route through Thrace (European part of Turkey) arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel or to the airport. THREE-DAY KONYA CAPPADOCIA & ANKARA TOUR Day 1: Early flight to Cappadocia. Visit the Mausoleum of the mystic poet Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and the Karatay Medresesi (Theological School) in Konya. Lunch en route. Visit Kaymakli Underground City. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Day 2: Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, the Uchisar Fortress and the Pigeon Valley, Lunch in a local restaurant and visits to Devrent Valley and Pasabagı. Then we have some time for shopping as the area is world famous for its handicrafts such as genuine root-dye carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs and pottery. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. Day 3: Early departure for Ankara. Drive along the picturesque Salt Lake before reaching Ankara. Visit the world-famous Anatolian Civilisations Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Lunch at an authentic restaurant in the Ankara Citadel. Then, transfer to your hotel or to the airport. 17

18 Prepared by Bakhus Travel & Tours Bakhus Tourism Industry & Trading Inc. Cinnah Caddesi 72/ Cankaya/Ankara/Turkey Tel: Fax: Your Solution partner for your successfull congress and meetings 18