Newcomer s Guide Faculty and Family 2009

Transcription

1 Newcomer s Guide Faculty and Family 2009

2 Dear Koç University Faculty and Families: Welcome! We are so pleased you are joining the Koç University family. We have created the Newcomer s Guide to help you to settle in as quickly and easily as possible. We hope it will be a useful reference tool for you in learning your way around the University and Istanbul. In the Guide s second section, you will find information concerning the University: facts about the University, its faculty, and its students. This section also has information that will help you settle into your office and your housing. You will also find useful information on necessary paperwork and how to get it done. Transportation information on campus and to Sarıyer is also in this section. In the section on University facilities, you can find useful facts about where to shop on campus, do banking, and use the post office. The third section provides information about Istanbul -- including suggestions on shopping and restaurants in the area and around Istanbul and where to go to a movie. The section also has information on obtaining cell phones, cars and driving, public transportation, banking and money, language schools, express mail and general cultural life in Istanbul. You should take great pride that you are joining a superb faculty, committed to excellence in teaching, mentoring and research and, above all, bound together by the shared goal of building a world-class institution of higher learning. We at Koç University look forward to greeting you personally in the coming days. In the meantime, we hope you will find this Guide a useful tool in helping you become a full member as quickly as possible. Sincerely, Attila Aşkar President

3 A Brief Note from the Newcomer s Guide Task Force Dear Newcomer, We hope that you find this Guide useful as you settle in to your new home and/or workplace and that you enjoy using it. We have tried our best to check the information carefully, but please let us know if something has changed. We invite you to offer feedback in the form of corrections, suggestions, and/or additions. Please send your comments to [email protected]. This will facilitate the continued accuracy, timeliness, and thoroughness of this Guide. 3

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 KOÇ UNIVERSITY... 9 MISSION... 9 VISION... 9 VALUES...11 SECTION 2 GETTING TO KNOW KOÇ UNIVERSITY GENERAL INFORMATION FACULTY KOÇ STUDENTS AND THE TURKISH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION ACADEMIC CALENDAR UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION GETTING TO CAMPUS AND PARKING NECESSARY PAPERWORK, ID CARDS, ACCOUNTS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Official Paperwork ID Cards and Accounts Help with Customs (Gümrük) Registering with the Neighborhood Magistrate (Muhtarlık) Health Insurance YOUR SALARY, LUNCH TICKETS, AND OTHER PAYMENTS Comptroller s Office and Initial Paperwork Salaries Pay Stub and Utilities Invoice Taxes Lunch Tickets and Sodexho Tickets Using An Expense Account Travel Reimbursement Grant Opportunites for Newcomers GETTING SETTLED IN YOUR OFFICE/OFIS Faculty Offices Stationery and Office Supplies Computing and Information Technology (CIT) IT Support

5 2. 10 GETTING SETTLED IN YOUR APARTMENT/LOJMAN Faculty Apartments/Lojmanlar Furniture, Appliances, and Lojman Inventory List Storage Drinking Water Delivery Telephoning, Voic and Telephone Bills Utilities and Utility Bills Arnavutköy Residences Getting Online Technical Support for Personal Computers / Dual Bilişim Cable TV and Digiturk Subscriptions Trash and Recycling Security and Fire Alarm Systems Repairs and C TrackIT/Fener Campus TrackIT Visitor Policies PET POLICY OUTDOOR LIFE AT THE FACULTY RESIDENCES Barbeque (Mangal) Policy Feeding Stray Animals on Campus Walking in the Forest FACILITIES ON CAMPUS Alumni Association Store Bank Bookstore (Pandora) Child Care Center (Kreş) Club Dry Cleaner Food/Beverage Photocopy Center Postal (PTT) and Courier Services, Sending Mail Library Medical Facilities Sevgi Gönül Auditorium Sports Center Swimming Pool Travel Services (Gürsel Turizm) Unisex Hair Salon (Hair Planet) SECTION 3 GETTING TO KNOW ISTANBUL INTRODUCTION EMERGENCY AND OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS, MAKING CALLS AND USING PAY PHONES

6 Emergency and Other Useful Telephone Numbers Making Calls Using Pay Phones CELLULAR PHONES CLIMATE, ATTIRE AND PERSONAL CARE Climate and Attire Personal Care BANKING AND MONEY Getting Paid Buying Turkish Liras Commonly Used Banks Personal Checks and Paying Bills Transferring Money Bank Credit Cards Taksit Cards / Installment Payment Cards PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AKBİL Discount Pass and Teacher Discount Cards (İndirimli Kart) Ground Transportation Underground/Light Rail Transportation Water Transportation Recommended Travel Routes from Koç University to Sultanahmet CARS AND DRIVING General Information on Driving in Turkey Traffic Stops and Tickets Gasoline Turing (The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey) Buying a Car Blue-plate or Tax-free Cars Turkish-plate Cars Important Car Owners Precautions Car Loans Driver s Licenses An Important Traffic Law and International Signs and Symbols MOVING TO ISTANBUL Don t Bring Bring Electronics and Computers Shipping from Abroad

7 3.9 SHOPPING Shopping in Istanbul On Campus Maden Sarıyer Zekeriyaköy Maslak Yeniköy İstinye Shopping Malls (Akmerkez, Kanyon, MetroCity, Profilo) Superstores (Carrefour, BauHaus, IKEA) Famous Districts (Nişantaşı, Bağdat Caddesi) The Grand or Covered Bazaar/Kapalı Çarşı Big and Tall Sizes Maternity Matters Money Matters Cash Price vs. Credit Card Price Fiş or Fatura? / Receipt or Invoice? Returns and Exchanges VAT Refunds for Turkish Citizens Store Discount Cards Gift Certificates / Hediye Çeki Online Supermarket Ordering HEALTH CARE Pharmacies / Eczaneler Prescription Drugs TieCare International Health Insurance (for ELC Faculty) Recommended Doctors and Dentists CHILDREN Babies and Young Children Nannies and On-Campus Daycare Parents Volunteer Group On Campus Off-Campus Educational Options Entertainment for Children EXPRESS MAIL HOUSEHOLD HELP LANGUAGE SCHOOLS RESTAURANTS

8 Delivery / Paket Servis Recommended Restaurants CULTURAL LIFE 81 Art Galleries Movie Theaters Museums Performing Arts Centers Ticket Sales Videos and DVDs CLUBS USEFUL PUBLICATIONS AND WEBSITES Publications Websites TRAVEL IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY, AND ABROAD Airlines Accommodations Travel Agents Appendices Useful Telephone Numbers...89 Faculty Telephone Numbers...90 Staff Telephone Numbers...92 Lojman Residents Telephone Numbers...94 Map of Sarıyer

9 KOÇ UNIVERSITY MISSION Koç University s mission is to produce the most capable graduates by providing a worldclass education, to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to contribute to the benefit of Turkey and humanity at large. Koç University s graduates will be leaders in their respective professions, critical thinkers, creative individuals and will be able to operate in any environment, adhere to the highest ethical standards, feel social responsibility and be committed to thevalues of democracy. Koç University s research will contribute to advance universal knowledge and influence the intellectual, technological, economic and social developments in Turkey. VISION Koç University will be recognized as a model in Turkey; its students, faculty, educational and research programs will be recognized worldwide within the next decade. 9

10 KOÇ UNIVERSITY Varlık Nedeni Koç Üniversitesi nin varlık nedeni en yetkin mezunları yetiştirmek; bilimin sınırlarını ilerletmek; bu alanlarda Türkiye ve insanlığa hizmet etmektir. Koç Üniversitesi nin mezunları mesleklerinde önder olacaklar, eleştirel düşünmeyi öğrenecekler ve yaratıcı bireyler olacaklar; her türlü ortamda başarılı olabilecekler, en üst düzeyde ahlaki değerlerle donatılmış olacaklar, toplumsal sorumluluk taşıyacaklar ve demokrasinin değerlerine sahip çıkacaklardır. Koç Üniversitesi nin araştırması evrensel bilgiye katkıda bulunacak; Türkiye deki fikir hayatını, teknolojik, ekonomik ve sosyal gelişmeleri etkileyecektir. Hedef Koç Üniversitesi gelecek on yıl içinde Türkiye de model olacak; öğrencileri, öğretim üyeleri, eğitim ve araştırma programları dünyada saygıyla tanınacaktır. 10

11 KOÇ UNIVERSITY VALUES EXCELLENCE MÜKEMMELLİK INTEGRITY DÜRÜSTLÜK FAIRNESS ADİL OLMAK CIVILITY UYGARLIK CREATIVITY YARATICILIK GLOBALISM DÜNYAYA AÇIKLIK SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SOSYAL SORUMLULUK INDIVIDUALITY BİREYSELLİK EFFICIENCY VERİMLİLİK FINANCIAL STABILITY MALİ GÜVEN 11

12 SECTION 2 GETTING TO KNOW KOÇ UNIVERSITY 2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION Mission Koç University was founded in 1993 as a private, non-profit institution of higher education and is supported by the financial resources of the Vehbi Koç Foundation. The mission of the University, which entered its fourteenth academic year in 2007, is to produce the most capable graduates possible by providing a world-class education, to advance the frontiers of knowledge and to contribute to the benefit of Turkey and humanity at large. The university has based its educational program on the principle of creative teaching/participatory learning. Koç University s medium of instruction is English. Degree Programs Degree programs are offered by the College of Sciences, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Administrative Sciences and Economics, the College of Engineering, the Law School, the School of Health Sciences, the Graduate School of Business, the Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering and the Graduate School of Social Sciences. Undergraduate Degrees Graduates of the four-year undergraduate programs in History, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Business Administration, and International Relations are awarded BA degrees. Those in Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Nursing receive BS degrees. The Law School awards four-year bachelor s degrees. Unlike most other universities in Turkey, all undergraduates at Koç University go through a core-program of liberal arts courses in their first two years of study before specializing. Graduate Degrees Koç University s graduate programs are among the best in Turkey. The Graduate School of Business offers MBA and MS in Finance programs, one-year Executive MBA and Ph.D. in Business. The Graduate School of Social Sciences offers Master of Arts programs in Pschology, Anatolian Civilizations and Cultural Heritage Management, Comparative Studies in History and Society, Economics, and International Relations. The Graduate School of Social Sciences also offers Ph.D. in International Relations and Pschology. The Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering offers two-year MS degrees in Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical-Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Computational Sciences and Engineering. The Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering also offers PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Computational Sciences and Engineering. 12

13 English Language Center (ELC) Serving 70-75% of the University s incoming students, the ELC prepares students for the demands of University-level academics in an all-english environment. In Turkey, many universities, as well as middle schools and high schools, have similar programs known as hazırlık (preparation) in their respective language of instruction. After being admitted to Koç University, students must demonstrate English proficiency by passing a standardized set of exams called TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and TWE (Test of Written English), which the ELC administers in September. Students who fail to attain the required scores enter the ELC and are then placed within eight levels based on the Michigan Placement Test. Exit criteria are based on a student s TOEFL score, TWE score, ELC grade point average (GPA) and the ELC director s recommendation. Differing from the University s degree programs, the ELC s academic year is divided into four, seven-week tracks and two four-week summer tracks. Students may exit the ELC after track 2 (January), track 4 (June), track 5 (July) or track 6 (August). Students who exit in January (about 30%) elect to enter either (1) their freshman year as an irregular student or (2) a transition program, which offers two advanced ELC courses and two freshmenlevel courses. For more information about the ELC, visit its website at: Location Koç University moved to its permanent campus in Rumeli Feneri in September The campus, built on 25 hectares at the summit of a wooded hill overlooking the Black Sea, is composed of 60 buildings: academic and administrative buildings, laboratories, a library, dormitories for 1244 students, and sports and social facilities, all the product of a meticulous integrated design. The School of Health Sciences is located in Nişantaşı, next to the American Hospital. 2.2 FACULTY Koç University started with 35 teaching faculty in Today, 272 faculty are employed at the University. The commitment to excellence in teaching and research that the University made from its inception is also reflected in the quality of the faculty. Of the faculty members, 97% have obtained their advanced degrees from prominent institutions in Western Europe and the United States, and most have taught at leading universities in the US. 13

14 2.3 KOÇ STUDENTS AND THE TURKISH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION Undergraduate Students In accordance with the Turkish Regulations for Private Higher Education Institutions, students are placed in the undergraduate programs of Koç University according to their Student Selection and Placement Center Examination (ÖSS) scores. The ÖSS is a centrally administered examination, which is taken by all students seeking admission to universities in Turkey. Universities post the number of students that can be admitted to each college, school or department. After taking the exam, students rank their university and major preferences and are then placed in university programs according to their scores on the examination. Koç University admits approximately 700 students to undergraduate programs and 200 students to graduate programs each year. Graduate Students The students of the Graduate School of Business come from select universities in Turkey and abroad, and from a variety of backgrounds. For the graduate programs, the selection criteria are standardized test scores such as the TOEFL, LES and GMAT (for the MBA program) and the GRE (for other graduate programs), in addition to a personal interview. In all programs, the quality of work required from students is comparable to the work required of students in leading universities in the United States. 2.4 ACADEMIC CALENDAR The current academic calendar is available by clicking on Academics on the KU homepage. 2.5 UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION An updated telephone list of faculty and staff is available on the F: drive which you will have access to, once your departmental secretary organizes computer access for you. You will find current telephone lists available in the appendix of this guide but please note that this is the list as was available in early August and so your own name won t even be there. Go to the following location on the F: drive for a regularly updated list: F:\SHARE\OGS\PHONE LIST 14

15 2.6 GETTING TO CAMPUS AND PARKING University Shuttle Services Koç University runs its own shuttle buses. The routes are Campus/Lojman, Campus/Sarıyer (but only to coincide with the sea bus), Campus/Siteler, Campus/Beşiktaş, Campus/Taksim, and Campus/4.Levent Metro. There are different schedules for workdays, weekends/holidays, and summer and semester breaks. These schedules and drop-off points can be found on the Koç website in the Campus Life section. The shuttle buses display the logo Gürsel (the name of the operating company) and should have a sign inside the front window that specifies their route. If unsure, you might verify the destination with the driver when you board. The shuttle you will need at first will most likely be the Campus/Lojman one. Campus/Lojman Shuttles will pick you up in front of your lojman if you are standing there (if you live in lojmans 1-6, you need to walk to the corner), and drop you off on campus in front of the main fountain or in front of the Sevgi Gönül Auditorium. When returning from campus, Campus/Lojman Shuttles will pick you up in front of the Sevgi Gönül Auditorium, as well as the clock bus stop. They will drop you off in front of your lojman. The Campus/Lojman shuttle is free. Dolmuş/Mini Bus Service Every 10 minutes a dolmuş service runs between campus and Sarıyer. The journey takes from 20 minutes to half an hour as the dolmuş visits other housing developments along the way. As of August 2009, the cost of this service is 1.40 TL. You can pick up the dolmuş at the clock bus stop on campus or alternatively at the main gate. Note that the dolmuş does not go to the lojman and so when returning to campus you will need to get off at the gate and walk from there. In Sarıyer, the dolmuş will take you as far as the dolmuş stop for Beşiktaş, (outside the doviz). The first dolmuş is scheduled to depart campus at 7.30am and the last one leaves Sarıyer at 11pm. This dolmuş service may also be used to travel between campus and the lojman but note that you still have to walk from the gate and you should expect to pay the minimum fare of 1 TL. See the map of Sarıyer in the appendix to see the pickup point for dolmuşes departing Sarıyer for campus. Taxi Services Cabs are available 24 hours a day. At the time of this writing, the taxi meter should start at 2.00 TL. The taxi meter should show which rate you are being charged. Day rates (gündüz) run from 6 am until midnight. After midnight, night (gece) rates apply. Martı Taksi: (0212) , (0212) (Sinpaş- the apartments near campus) (0212) (Sarıyer) Kumsal Taksi: (0212) , (0212) Sarıyer Taksi: (0212) , (0212)

16 As of August 2009, a one-way trip between campus and Sarıyer is approximately TL 9 ($6.10). A ride to the airport is approximately TL 55 ($37) in the daytime and TL 70 ($47) after midnight. USEFUL TIP: Calling a Taxi: To call a taxi, say Taksi lütfen lojmanlar and then give your building and apartment number. Public Transportation The Sarıyer Rumelifeneri İ.E.T.T Public Bus # 150 offers a bus service from the campus gate to Sarıyer. The bus stop can be found outside the school gates on the left. An up-todate schedule can be reached online by clicking on the Campus Life option on the KU homepage. For further information about public transportation in Istanbul refer to Section 3.6. USEFUL TIP: Istanbul Public Transportation Website: is a website with an English link that provides information about buses and metro services in Istanbul. It even has a route planner. Parking Rules and Parking Stickers on Campus Parking Rules: The following parking rules apply: 1. At the faculty residences, residents must use parking spaces marked by white lines. 2. When parking on campus, faculty must use the underground parking facility provided and not park at surface level. 3. Families cannot use the underground parking facility. 4. All cars owned by a faculty member or any of his/her family members must have a sticker. Parking Stickers: Parking stickers are distributed by the Office of the General Secretary. The procedure to obtain one is as follows: 1. Your faculty secretary fills out an application. 2. The General Secretary signs it. 3. You can pick up your sticker from Zeynep Neyza Ackabay (Ext. 1208). Traffic Regulations (Trafik Kuralları) on Campus: Campus traffic regulations can be found in the Campus Life section of the KU homepage. 2.7 NECESSARY PAPERWORK, ID CARDS, ACCOUNTS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 16

17 Official Paperwork Every newcomer should contact his/her faculty secretary to complete the procedures necessary for official paperwork. Official paperwork is processed by Human Resources, located in Room Z-15 (Ext.1506) of the Rektörlük Building. Turkish rules and regulations require different documents from Turkish and non-turkish citizens and their family members. Non-Turkish Citizens Non-Turkish citizens must obtain both a work visa and a residence permit. Work Visa: Work visas are obtained prior to arrival in Turkey through the closest Turkish embassy or consulate. 1. After a new employee signs his/her work contract, the appropriate department secretary will a work visa information request form to him/her. In this request form, the employee will also indicate to which Turkish embassy/consulate s/he will apply for the work visa. 2. With the work visa information request form, Human Resources will apply to YÖK (Turkish Council for Higher Education) for an approval letter. The approval period is approximately one month. 3. YÖK will send one copy of the approval letter to the indicated Turkish embassy/consulate and one to the University. The appropriate department secretary will scan a copy and it to the new employee. 4. The new employee will apply for his/her work visa through the indicated Turkish embassy/consulate with the following: passport, with a validity of at least one year approval letter (original copy), obtained from YÖK work contract (original copy), signed by both parties copies of the application form with original signature one passport-size color photograph affixed on each form visa fees (subject to change, must be verified) self-addressed prepaid envelope, unless applying in person (such as UPS, FEDEX, EXPRESS MAIL, registered or certified mail) The Turkish Consulate s website has work visa application forms that can be downloaded, as well as a list of Turkish embassies and consulates. Important Note: As procedures change, always verify this information with the Turkish embassy/consulate. 5. The new employee enters Turkey on his/her work visa but must apply promptly for a residence permit ( ikamet teskeresi ). 17

18 An accompanying spouse or child needs to submit his/her visa application together with the new faculty member s work visa application in order to obtain an accompanying visa. Without this visa, s/he will need to enter with a tourist visa that can be purchased upon arrival in Turkey at the airport. Resident Permit (ikamet teskeresi): The following documents must be submitted through the appropriate faculty secretary to the Human Resources for processing a residence permit for a faculty member and the residence permits of his/her family members: passport and working visa for Turkey copy of driver s license official copy of marriage license (if applicable) birth certificates of children (if any) six passport-size color photographs of each family member copies of diplomas (faculty must submit the original) copy of residence permit (for renewals) Fees for Residence Permit (ikamet teskeresi): Fees are subject to change. For educators employed in higher education, the current fee for the initial ikamet notebook (defter or cuzdan) for a faculty member, his/her spouse, and his/her child is 460 TL each. Renewals are 66 TL, unless the notebook needs to be replaced. Fees for accompanying siblings or parents are different. USEFUL TIP: Renewal of Residence Permit (ikamet teskeresi): You should submit your residence permit to the Human Resources (Ayhan Şeker, Ext. 1209) 15 days prior to the expiration date. Your faculty secretary can help you with this. Please note the regulations regarding expiration of residence permits: if you try to leave the country with a permit that has expired, you will be charged a fine and banned from reentering for three months. If your permit expires while you are outside of Turkey, then you can re-enter by purchasing a regular tourist visa and then applying for a permit extension in the usual manner. Turkish Citizens Turkish citizens must provide the following documents to Human Resources (Ayhan Şeker, Ext. 1209) through their faculty secretary. Submission of the following documents is required for official status at the University. Muhtardan Nüfus Cüzdan Sureti Muhtardan İkametgah Senedi Nüfus Cüzdan Fotokopisi Adli Sicil Belgesi Verem Savaş Dispanserinden Sağlık Raporu 18

19 Erkekler için terhis belgesi 10 Fotoğraf Ehliyet Fotokopisi Diploma fotokopisi Kan Grubunu gösterir belge Daha once çalıştığı işyerinde sigortalı olmuş ise, sigortalı sicil kartı fotokopisi. ID Cards and Accounts Each faculty member is issued a University ID card and an address. The procedure to obtain an ID card is as follows: 1. CIT opens an account for him/her. (The appropriate faculty secretary will facilitate this.) 2. The appropriate faculty secretary sends Filiz Sert (Ext.1608) in the Registrar s Office the following items: Faculty member: one color passport-size photograph if s/he is employed full time or part time if s/he works at another university or company his/her academic title at both YÖK and Koç University Koç University address 3. Filiz Sert sends the above items and picture(s) to Security in order to print the ID card(s). 4. The ID card holder goes and signs for his/her ID card at Security. Replacement Fee for ID Cards: If your ID card is lost or stolen, the current replacement cost is 35 TL. The fee should be deposited to Yapı Kredi account number and the receipt given to the appropriate department secretary. Help with Customs (Gümrük) The University will assist newly arriving faculty in finding a customs broker to help retrieve their goods from customs. Related expenses and formalities are the responsibility of the individual. Registering with the Neighborhood Magistrate (Muhtarlık) Once settled in housing, all family members are registered by Human Resources with the nearest neighborhood magistrate (Muhtarlık). The muhtar provides a residence document called İkametgah Senedi, which is the registration document of the local authorities proving that you live at the specified address. Health Insurance 19

20 Health insurance can be bought through the University. Monthly premiums will be deducted from your salary. For more information, contact Sevilay Akpınar (Ext.1264) in Human Resources. Human Resources will help with claims and correspondence with the insurance company. Note for ELC Faculty: This does not apply to ELC faculty. Refer to Section 3.10 Health Care for information on TieCare Insurance. 2.8 YOUR SALARY, LUNCH TICKETS, AND OTHER PAYMENTS Comptroller s Office and Initial Paperwork Comptroller s Office: Mr. Hasan Taşdemir (Ext. 1611) and his staff are in charge of all work related to salaries, housing payments and the like. The following documents should be submitted to the Comptroller s Office through your faculty secretary. Different documents are required from Non-Turkish and Turkish citizens for the payment of salaries. Non-Turkish Citizens: 3 color passport-size photographs 1 copy each of work and residence permits Copy of passport An account number from Yapı Kredi (TL and USD) Turkish Citizens: Copy of retirement document (Emeklilik Cüzdan Kopyası) (if applicable) An account number from Yapı Kredi. (TL and USD) Social Security card (SSK Sicil Kartı) if available OR a photocopy of his/her ID 3 color passport-size photograph Salaries Salaries are automatically deposited into each employee s Yapı Kredi campus branch account on the last business day of every month. No advance payment withdrawal will be given unless there is an extraordinary case such as marriage, hospitalization, death of a family member or birth of a child. Pay Stub and Utilities Invoice At the end of each month, you will receive a pay stub which details your deductions. You will also receive an invoice for your utilities (electricity, heating, and water). Refer to Section 2.10 for more details on your utilities invoice. Taxes USEFUL TIP: Using ATMs: Your salary can also be withdrawn from Garanti Bank, Akbank, Vakıfbank and Dışbank ATM machines with your Yapı Kredi ATM card and pin number. Look for an ATM with an Altin Nokta symbol on it. 20

21 The tax law in Turkey is somewhat complicated and different from that of other countries such as the United States. Net salary can vary from month to month because the tax is based on the cumulative salary paid to date. Typically, salaries quoted in contracts are gross amounts per month. Lunch Tickets and Sodexo Tickets Every month, each employee is provided with lunch tickets. Those who do not wish to use their lunch tickets may ask for monthly shopping tickets called Sodexo. These are special tickets that can be used to pay for food at many fast food restaurants and other more up-market restaurants that display a Sodexo sticker. Some more upscale restaurants accept Sodexo tickets although the sticker is not displayed. You can ask by saying Sodexo geçiyor mu? If you find yourself not getting the opportunity to eat out very much, then you could use your tickets to buy everyday household items in a couple of stores in Sarıyer. Each year, at the end of December many faculty members rush to dispose of their remaining Sodexo tickets by stocking up on detergent, toothpaste, olive oil etc. These local shop owners think nothing of a faculty member turning up with 500TL worth of tickets and leaving with cart loads of stuff. One such place is Cabbarlar Market, on the right side of Sarıyer main street as you approach the stop for dolmuşes to take you back up to campus. PLEASE NOTE: When Sodexo tickets are issued, they are valid only for the current year. This is for a calendar year (as opposed to the academic year) and so by the 31 st December 2009, you should try to ensure that you have used up all those issued to you for the Fall semester. In the past, November and December Sodexo bore an expiry date for the following year, but in recent years tickets issued have tended to be valid only for the year in which they were issued. Using An Expense Account When charging things to an expense account, the receipts for the expenses incurred in Turkey should be made out to Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sarıyer. The tax number is Sarıyer Vergi Dairesi No Credit card slips for international and national trips are not accepted as receipts. (Please also ask for an invoice or a receipt with the slip). Travel Reimbursement All official travel expenses must be itemized, documented and submitted to the Comptroller. Each travel request must be approved and signed by the appropriate administration officer on the travel and expense forms provided by your faculty. Copies of the approved documents must be given to the Dean s Office, who will submit them to the Comptrollers Office in order to give advance travel pay. 21

22 Koç University does not have a per diem system for travel. The University reimburses the approved hotel fee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the transportation to and from the hotel up to a certain amount, which differs for each department. All expenses concerning travel must be submitted within one week of return. USEFUL TIP: Making Calls from Hotels: Phone calls, especially overseas calls, when made from a hotel are very expensive. Make your long distance calls through the local PTT telephone system. Grant Opportunities For Newcomers 1. TUBITAK Career Research Grant. Deadline: Early August Researchers who got their Ph.D. in the last 5 years can apply. For more info: 2. EU Marie Curie Reintegration Grant. Deadline: October or April Researchers who spent at least 3 years on research outside of the EU can apply. The applications must be made in the first year of their return. For more info: CALL_ID=96 3. TUBA - GEBIP. Deadline: December Researchers younger than 37 years old can apply. For more info: For more information, please contact the Grants Officers Sevgi Ural [email protected] or Cem Cingi [email protected] 2.9 GETTING SETTLED IN YOUR OFFICE/OFIS Faculty Offices There are four college buildings on the campus: the College of Administrative Sciences and Economics (CASE) Building, the Social Sciences (SOS) Building, the Science Building and the College of Engineering Building. The English Language Center (ELC) is located in the Social Sciences Building, and the Business School is located in the College of Administrative Sciences and Economics Building. The deans of each school assign faculty offices. Every faculty office is furnished with the usual office furniture. Computer equipment is provided by the CIT (Computing and Information Technology) office. In common buildings, heat, air conditioning and electricity are controlled by the central automation system. In order to save energy, office windows should be kept closed both in winter and summer. 22

23 Stationery and Office Supplies You can obtain stationery and office supplies from your department s faculty secretary. DEANS SECRETARIES: College of Administrative. Sciences and Economics (CASE) Sedef Çelik Ext College of Sciences (CS) Şehnaz Turhan Ext College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) Filiz Koca Ext College of Engineering Ebru Fişek Ext Law School Reyhan Kayabas Ext English Language Center (ELC) Megi Kalaora Ext MBA Ipek Ünlüsoy Ext Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Beyza Morgan Ext Graduate School of Science and Engineering Beyza Morgan Ext School of Health Sciences Burcu Baybatur Computing and Information Technology (CIT) The Computing and Information Technology Office (CIT) provides the following main services: Electronic mail and Internet access for every user Fax and printer services Phone services Organization of introductory and intermediate training of staff and faculty Website consultancy, development and maintenance Management and supervision of the network system and its account management Academic computing services, Unix server infrastructure Setup and maintenance of computer labs and CALL lab Setup and maintenance of audio/video infrastructure within the campus Server hosting In-house software development USEFUL TIP: Checking Your from Off Campus: To check your from off campus, use or on the KU homepage, move your mouse to the Tools & Services tab, under Web Mail click on Faculty & Staff. Visit for more information. 23

24 IT Support CIT Website: For IT support, first use the CIT website. On the KU homepage, click on Computer and Information Technology or TrackIT: On the KU homepage, click on Faculty Member and you will see TrackIT under Faculty Life. Service Desk: During working hours, call Ext USEFUL TIP: How to Send a TrackIT: For computer or other technology related problems, send a TrackIT. On the KU homepage, click on Faculty Member and you will see TrackIT under Faculty Life. (Fener Campus TrackITs are for building related problems.) If you have difficulty, call the service desk at Ext weekdays from 8:00 am 5:15 pm. Dual Bilişim: Dual Bilişim, with an office located in the lobby of F dormitory, is a private company with which the University works to serve the needs of both faculty and students who have their own personal computers, printers and scanners on campus. Dual Bilişim s many services include virus removal, Internet configuration set-up, and printer/scanner repair. Dual Bilişim s technician, Çağdaç Bilgin, can be reached at Ext or Hours of operation are Monday-Friday. 24

25 2. 10 GETTING SETTLED IN YOUR APARTMENT/LOJMAN Faculty Apartments/Lojmanlar The University has 18 A-type and 10 B-type residence buildings (lojmanlar) with a total of 102 apartments on campus. In addition, there is an apartment building in Arnavutköy with 14 apartments. Each A-type building has four duplex-style apartments, each about 200 meters square in size (a living room, three bedrooms, a dining area and a kitchen). Each B- type building has three one-story apartments, each about 120 meters square (two bedrooms, a living room/dining area, and a kitchen). Your residence number and the apartment and storage room keys can be obtained from Soner Duman (Ext.1503) during business hours or from Residences Security (Ext. 3061) after hours. The procedure is the same in the Arnavutköy Residences. Keys are delivered by the Arnavutköy Residences Security in coordination with Ayhan Söyler (Ext. 1016). Residence assignments are made by the President s Office. Furniture, Appliances, and Lojman Inventory List All residences are furnished with standard appliances, including a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven. All Rumeli residences have microwaves. Rumeli A-type residences have separate washers and dryers. No residences are furnished with TVs. A-type residences have one 180 x 200 cm mattress and one 160 x 200 cm mattress. B-type have two 160 x 200 cm size mattresses. If the resident prefers to use his or her own furniture, all or some of the Koç University s furniture can be removed upon request. After a tenant has been assigned a residence, the tenant will receive a signed copy of the inventory list from Soner Duman (Ext.1503). When checking out of the residence, the tenant will check the inventory list and return it to Soner Duman. Any damage that had not been recorded in the inventory list when checking in will be billed to the tenant upon departure. The resident s name will be removed from the utilities invoices as of the date s/he moves out. USEFUL TIP: Ordering Water: To order a bottle of water, you can say Su almak istiyorum- Koç lojmanları and then give your building and apartment number. 25

26 Storage There is a small storage room assigned to each apartment in the Rumeli residences. These storage rooms are below the pre-school (Kreş) building for the buildings A1 to A9. The rest of the storage rooms are in the second basement floor of the B buildings. The storage room keys are provided to the tenant together with the apartment keys. USEFUL TIP: Buying Sheets: If you want to bring sheets from abroad, queen-size sheets fit one of the mattresses in both the A- and B-type lojmans. If you want to buy sheets in Istanbul, you can find solid colored sheets for the 160 x 200 cm size mattress, which is a standard two-person size çift kişilik, in many stores including Boyner (Maslak, Carrefour) and LINENS (Nisantaşı close to Osman Bey metro stop, and 1.Levent, close to the metro). Some Vocabulary to Help You Buy Bedding: çarşaf = sheet düz çarşaf = flat sheet yastık kılıfı = pillow case yorgan = comforter lastikli çarşaf = sheet with elastic (bottom sheet) yastık = pillow nevresim = duvet cover battaniye = blanket Drinking Water Delivery The following companies deliver bottled water on request: Kardelen Su (0212) Erikli Su (0212) As of August 2009, a 19 liter bottle is approximately 6.50 TL ($4.40). The company will also ask you to put a deposit down on your first bottle. You can also buy a water pump, which at the time of this writing is 10 TL. Telephoning, Voic and Telephone Bills Making On-Campus Calls: Someone Else On Campus: Dial the four-digit extension. University Operator: Dial 00 for the University operator during business hours. Please note that the university operator does not speak English. 26

27 Making Off-Campus Calls: Dial (9) first. Istanbul has two area codes: (0212) for the European side and (0216) for the Asian side. To call another area code within Turkey, first dial (0), then the area code and phone number. To call within the same area code, just dial the last 7 digits. To call overseas, first dial (00), then the country code and so on. USEFUL TIP: If in your lojman or office, dial: 1414 to call Richard Hight in his office 9 + xxx xxxx to call a friend on the European side xxx xxxx to call a friend on the Asian side xxx xxxx to call a friend in Ankara xxx xxxx to call a friend in USA Connecticut Using Voic Your voic should have been reset after the previous resident of your lojman left. However, if you are unable to perform the following functions, contact the CIT Help Desk at x1111, or once you have learned your user name and password from your faculty secretary send a TrackIT. How to assign a password to your mailbox: 1. Dial Enter your extension and press # key 3. Press # again (because you haven t got a password yet) 4. Press * and 4 to enter the main menu 5. Press 5 to give password to your message system 6. Press 4 to change your password 7. Press a password and press # twice 8. Press # to get to the main menu How to get your messages: 1. Dial Enter your extension and press # key 3. Press # again (because you haven t got a password yet but you can give a password by yourself with your telephone) 4. Press 2 to get messages 5. Press 0 to listen to your messages 6. Press * and 3 to delete your messages 7. Press # to listen to your next message without deleting the current one. For more information about phone equipment, on the KU home page click on Computer Services and Facilities. Click Services in the top menu and then Telephony. 27

28 USEFUL TIP: Checking Voic from Off Campus: You can check your voic from off campus by dialing the University s main number (0212) and then Telephone Bills: For the residence and office telephones, telephone bills are prepared by CIT and posted online so that you can check off business related calls. CIT sends an message to announce when your calls are posted online. The amount you owe is deducted from your paycheck at the end of every month. Please note that you are required to access your bill and click on submit each month. In effect this is you agreeing to pay the bill. If you neglect to check your bill you will find that CIT will chase you to do so. Utilities and Utility Bills There is a central heating system located in every building that supplies heat and hot water. There is no air-conditioning. Counters located in every apartment measure the consumption of electricity and gas each month (a separate counter measures the consumption in common areas such as the entryway). The Technical Office takes readings on the twentieth of each month. The amount is deducted from your paycheck at the end of every month The deductions have been calculated in the following manner: 1) Electricity: This consists of two items: a) The individual usage of each apartment is read from the meter outside the door. b) The amount used by each building is read from the common meter (for common lights and boiler system) divided by the number of apartments in the building. (i.e. three or four). 2) Heating: This also consists of the above two items and is calculated in the same way. 3) Water: The latest water usage figure for the faculty apartments is used, in proportion with the number of residents in each apartment. Monthly Invoice: You will receive an invoice at the end of each month. These figures include VAT. For any questions contact the General Secretary, Mehmet Celayir (Ext. 1208) or the Comptroller (Ext. 1610/1611). USEFUL TIP: Turkish vocabulary for utility invoice: elektrik = electricity su = water ısıtma = heating aidat = monthly cost 28

29 Arnavutköy Residences Residents are responsible for paying their own water, electricity and telephone bills directly to the appropriate companies. The Technical Office will inform the Comptroller s Office about the heating and hot water bills every month, and these expenses will be automatically deducted from the resident s salary. Getting Online Wireless Internet: Wireless internet is broadcasted from many of the campus buildings. If your computer has a wireless Ethernet card, you can connect to the Internet from your lojman although the connection may be slower than a data connection (detailed below), or if you were in the Student Center, for example. Data Connection: You can connect to the Internet from your lojman via a data line. A data/drop (RG45) cable is required. There is a possibility that the data port in your lojman may not be active. Once you have learned your network user name and password from your faculty secretary, send a TrackIT, in order to activate the port. There are many data points in your lojman that are not active. Rather than have 8 ports active in each lojman and find they are not being used, CIT activate approximately 2 in each apartment. Contact CIT and provide them with the port numbers of any ports you would like activated. The number is clearly visible above the port socket. Set-up for a Data Connection: Your computer needs to have a DHCP set-up. Most computers do, but if not, again call Dual Bilişim at the number below. Technical Support for Personal Computers / Dual Bilişim Dual Bilişimis a private company with which the University is working in order to provide technical support to both faculty and students who have their own PCs on campus. Their working hours are 12:00 to 19:30 Monday to Friday. Çağdaç Bilgin at Ext / is the technician with whom you will most probably speak. He speaks some English. If you have trouble, you might ask your faculty secretary to assist you. Cable TV and Digiturk Subscriptions Cable TV Subscription: Cable television in the faculty residences offers, in addition to standard Turkish channels, CNN, BBC Prime, BBC World, MTV, Fashion TV, as well as CNBC, which airs films and popular series in English in the evening and on the weekend. The monthly cost of 17 TL is deducted from your salary automatically. Digiturk Subscription: Digiturk is a satellite television provider that offers the following packages with respective monthly costs: 29

30 Economic TL Family TL Cinema TL Sport TL Super TL Mega Super TL Mega Gold TL For more information on the individual packages, visit Digiturk s website or call the following number for further information or to subscribe: USEFUL TIP: The Red Electrical Outlets / UPS: The red colored electrical outlets in your lojman are for UPS (uninterrupted power supply). It is recommended that you use them when operating computers as in the event of a power cut, or a power surge caused by an electrical storm, data will not be lost, nor will your equipment suffer any damage. To use the UPS sockets, you need a plastic adaptor, which CIT can help you to obtain. Trash and Recycling Some residents choose to dispose of their trash themselves in the dumpsters. Otherwise, the EPI workers will come around every morning except Saturday and collect any trash left outside your door. Paper Recycling: near A-2 and A-12 Glass Recycling: Across from A-7 Batteries: mounted on the pole across from A-7 30

31 Security and Fire Alarm Systems Security Alarm: There is no security alarm system in the faculty housing area. Koç University Security is in charge of security. Fire Alarm: All the residences have a fire alarm system. The system includes smoke detectors, fire warning buttons and sprinkler systems. This system is monitored by the Security Control Center and Siemens Automation Center on a 24/7 basis. USEFUL TIP: Silent Fire Alarms: The fire alarms in the faculty residences are initially silent. Burning something in the toaster or oven can be enough to activate them. When smoke density or temperature increases to a risky level, a message goes to the computers at the Automation Center. The Security guard in charge of the faculty residences will be informed although you may not have heard the alarm. A security guard will come by your residence to ensure that there is no problem. Repairs and C TrackIT/Fener Campus TrackIT C-TrackIT or Fener Campus TrackIT ( is the primary interface for all of your electrical, mechanical, construction and carpentry related problems and needs. Submit an online work order if a problem occurs. A C-TrackIT work order ensures the fastest response time, as well as a quality tracking of the service provided. If you cannot send a C-TrackIT, you may call Ext hours a day. Emergency requests are communicated to the relevant parties 24 hours a day. Construction and carpentry work, however, are done only during normal working hours (9:00am - 6:00 pm). If you want the service to be done whether you are at home or not, you must check the box that shows that you give permission for service people to enter your flat or office; otherwise, technicians are not allowed to enter your apartment. USEFUL TIP: How to Send a C-TrackIT: For electrical, mechanical, or other building related problems, send a Fener Campus TrackIT or C-TrackIT. On the KU homepage, click Faculty Member and you will see Fener Campus TrackIT under Faculty Life. (TrackITs are for computer or technology related problems.) If you have difficulty, call Siemens at Ext. 3020, 24 hours a day. 31

32 Visitor Policies The admittance procedure for Koç University visitors either personal or for business purposes - and their vehicles or other non-koç vehicles will be applied by Security as follows: All visitors for both personal and business purposes will be greeted at the front gate by the Security officers. Visitors will be asked to state the purpose of their visit and to present identification. The person to be visited will be informed of the visitor s arrival by telephone and Security will act on the person s request. If the visitor is accepted, then the following procedures will be applied: 1. The visitor s Identification will be held by Security and he or she will be given a Visitor s Card, which must be carried by the visitor throughout the visit. 2. The information on the visitor s ID card will be recorded in the visitors registration book at the Security front gate office. 3. If the visitor has a vehicle, he or she will be asked to park on campus. If space is not available, he or she will be required to park outside the campus. 4. The visitor will be given directions to the resident s home or office. 5. On departure, the visitor should exchange the visitor s card with his or her own ID at the front gate. If the resident is not available at that moment, the visitor will have to wait until Security can contact the resident in order to verify the request. If the resident refuses to see the visitor, Security will inform the visitor. USEFUL TIP: Informing Security of a Guest or Visitor: If you are expecting a visitor or guest, you might inform Security in advance, especially if the guest will be staying with you for a while, or if you will not be available when s/he arrives. You can notify Security Manager, Okan Enis (Ext.3637, [email protected]), or Şerif Demirel (Ext.3638, [email protected]). On short notice, you might call the main gate on ext Ask your faculty secretary to assist if you need help. 32

33 2. 11 PET POLICY The following is Koç University s official pet policy: Koç University is a community. Our living environment in the lojmans is a critical element of our community. Since we moved to the Rumelifeneri campus, the faculty have been able to have pets in their apartments. Unfortunately, as has been discussed at faculty meetings and on other occasions, some pets have caused significant problems to the community as a whole. The unavoidable litter, health concerns from the litter (especially for young children), safety for the community and children, damage to the apartments, infestation and odor in the apartments, and noise to the neighbors are the reasons we must institute the following policy. Koç University s long term policy is to have a pet free campus, including in the Rumelifeneri campus and Arnavutköy housing. In order, however, to eliminate hardship for current residents in university housing who have pets, existing pets may stay as this policy was not in effect at the time of the faculty s entry to the campus housing. No residents will be allowed to bring pets to the campus and Arnavutköy residences starting on September 1, The pet owners are expected to cooperate with this policy if they have pets and work towards a pet free campus. It may be possible for some pet owners to give their pets to caring individuals who may have better means to keep them and by not acquiring new ones when the present pets go away. In the meantime, the following policy will be in effect. You may call the General Secretary s Office for questions at extension PURPOSE This policy states the procedures for individuals who maintain pets on all university grounds. 2. SCOPE This policy applies to all faculty, staff and students. 3. RESPONSIBILITY The General Secretary s Office is empowered and responsible for the implementation of this policy. 4. PROCEDURES 4.1 Pets are allowed only in residential areas of Rumeli Feneri Campus and Arnavutköy apartments. 4.2 Each apartment unit is permitted to maintain up to two birds plus one cat OR one dog. 33

34 4.3 All pets must be kept out of student, faculty and staff living areas and other areas commonly utilized by all campus residents. (Dormitories, cafeterias, study and working areas, lounges, offices, classrooms, library, Student Center, elevators, computer labs, laboratories, post office, auditorium, etc.) 4.4 All pets must be registered at the Administrative Affairs Office. 4.5 All pets on University property must have an identifying collar tag issued by the Administrative Affairs Office upon registration. 4.6 All pets must have all required vaccinations and other health care valid to date and a copy of these treatments must be filed with the Administrative Affairs Office. When necessary, the pet must be spayed. 4.7 All pets must be maintained under a standard measure of restraint (leash or carrier) when out of the apartments. Pets must not be left unattended while on University grounds, in automobiles or tied outside of buildings. 4.8 The animal s feces must be disposed of properly. It is the owner s responsibility to clean up feces from University grounds, dispose of them in a plastic bag, and then place the bag in the nearest garbage bins. Clean up must occur immediately. 4.9 All liability for the actions of the pet (bites, scratches, etc.) is the responsibility of the owner All pet owners are responsible for preventing flea infestations in their apartments All pet owners are responsible for any damage to individuals, other animals and property, including damage to furniture, appliances, etc. in their apartments caused by their pets If a pet causes a threat on campus, Security is authorized to handle such incidents Pets which constitute a nuisance, threat to health or risk to the safety of the campus community through allergy, excessive noise, animal bites or disease transmission as determined by the Administrative Affairs Office, must be removed from the campus within 7 days of notification by the manager of this office Any damage to persons or property will be collected from the pet owner s salary. The amount to be collected will be determined by the Administrative Affairs OUTDOOR LIFE AT THE FACULTY RESIDENCES Barbeque (Mangal) Policy Due to the risk of forest fire, residents can only have barbeques at the Mangal Area and at Club 29. Having a barbeque in any other area of the residences is forbidden. 34

35 USEFUL TIP: Informing Security about a BBQ: Security must be informed about a barbeque at least one day in advance. You can call or Okan Enis (Ext.3637, [email protected]) or Şerif Demirel (Ext.3638, [email protected]) about BBQ. Ask your faculty secretary if you need assistance. Feeding Stray Animals on Campus The feeding of stray animals at the residences is strictly forbidden. Walking in the Forest After leaving the main gate of Koç University, you can walk in the forest. Walking in the forest can be dangerous due to wild boars FACILITIES ON CAMPUS USEFUL TIP: Hour Hours for Facilities on Campus: The facilities on campus generally have both summer and school-year hours. You can find them on the KU website under Campus Life or by calling the extensions listed below. The operator on 00 can also connect you from any campus phone. The following is a list of the current list of the facilities on campus. Alumni Association Store Located on the ground floor of the Student Center, the Alumni Association Store sells Koç University clothing and paraphernalia. (Ext. 1219) Bank A branch of Yapı Kredi is located in the Student Center and is open Monday through Friday. You can open accounts in Yeni Turkish Lirası (TL), as well as USD and Euro. Non-TL accounts may protect you against fluctuations in the value of TL. They also enable you to wire money from/to abroad and to cash bank checks from foreign institutions (subject to a three-week hold period for clearance). However, money can only be withdrawn from an ATM machine, either within Turkey or abroad, from your TL account. (If you use an ATM machine outside of Turkey, the TL equivalent of the foreign currency you have withdrawn will be deducted from your account). 35

36 The Yapı Kredi Campus Branch provides the following services to all faculty and staff: Money Transfers (such as EFT and Money Gram for transfers abroad) Checks Checking Account (TL, $, Euro) Savings Account (TL, $, Euro) Travelers Checks Money Orders Credit Cards for long-term faculty (Koç Visa and Diners International) Mutual Funds Stock Market Information (For further information on banking, refer to Section 3.5.) Bookstore (Pandora) Pandora is the name of the bookstore on campus located on the ground floor of the Student Center. It sells textbooks, as well as a variety of other books, stationary supplies and Koç University paraphernalia. Installment payments are possible. The bookstore is open Monday through Friday. (Ext.1698) Child Care Center (Kreş) Koç University s on-campus child care center, Mutlu Çocuk Evi, is located in the faculty residences area. It is open Monday through Friday and accepts children ages two to six. (Ext. 3211). Club 29 Club 29 for faculty and staff is located in the faculty residences, above the Kreş. It is a place for people to meet and socialize. A TV and DVD player are available. You can also hold barbecues, parties, or celebrate other special days by reserving the date in advance on the website Club 29 is a membership organization. Members are entitled to unlimited free drinks, appetizers and snacks, as well as free or reduced entry to special events. If you are interested in becoming a member, visit the website or contact Emel Yilgor ([email protected], Ext. 1505), Betsy Breckenridge ([email protected]) or İskender Yilgor ([email protected]). For more information, contact staff member Kerem (Ext. 3167). Dry Cleaner Point Kuru Temizleme/Point Dry Cleaner is located in the Student Center across from Migros. (Ext ) 36

37 Food/Beverage Alumni Club (Mezunlar Derneği Lokali) The Alumni Club, located on the first floor of the Student Center, is open seven days a week. It has two television sets and a pool table. Koç University members receive a 15% discount (except during Happy Hour). The Club can be utilized to organize private parties, including cocktail parties and brunches. Contact Sanem Yükselsoy Tekcan (Ext. 3779) for help and more information. Divan Restaurant/Cafeteria This cafeteria-style restaurant is open seven days a week and is located on the -2 level of the Student Center. Its serving times are as follows: Breakfast: 8:30 am -10:00 am Lunch: 11:30 pm 2:00 pm Dinner: 6:00-8:00 pm A la Carte: am 8:45 pm (Weekends: 2:00 am -8:45 pm) Faculty Dining Room You can access the faculty dining room on the second floor of the tower by elevator either (1) through the tower door in Koç Square or (2) through the double doors on the ground floor close to Yapı Kredi. Lunch is served weekdays from 12:00 pm 2:00 pm. You can also make a reservation for a large party. (Ext. 2006) Küçük Evim Located in the S Dormitory Building next to the Health Center, Küçük Evim is pleasant place to have home-style Turkish food. (Ext. 1290) Loco Cake and Coffee Shop Also located in the S Dormitory Building next to the Health Center, Loco Cake and Coffee Shop Küçük Evim is pleasant place to have a cup of coffee. (Ext. 1096) Migros Grocery Store Migros is the University branch of one of the biggest retail chains in Turkey. It is located in the Student Center and is open seven days a week during semester. (Ext. 3041) Mio Mio is located in the Student Center and is open seven days a week. It serves cold sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and waffles. (Ext. 1766) Planet Cafe Located in the basement of the Science Building, in addition to the expected assortment of coffees and teas, Planet Café has fresh breakfast pastries and rolls as well as salads, sandwiches, chicken, pasta, and chickpea and rice plates. It is open Monday through Friday. (Ext. 1765) Suzy s Café A café-restaurant on the ground floor of the Student Center, Suzy s is a nice place to gather with friends. It is open weekdays. (Ext. 1246) 37

38 Tower Café (Kule Café) You can access the Tower Café on the seventh floor of the tower by elevator either (1) through the tower door in Koç Square or (2) through the double doors on the ground floor close to Yapı Kredi. Decorated in an Ottoman motif with a fantastic panoramic view. The Tower Cafe is open Monday through Friday. Pi gastro Cafe Pi gastro Cafe is a buffet located in the Student Center and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It serves Turkish toast (grilled cheese), hamburger and hot sandwiches with chicken or Turkish döner. (Ext. 3761) Photocopy Center A photocopy center is located on the basement floor of the library. It is open from 8: and 1:30-5:20. (Ext. 1695) Postal (PTT) and Courier Services, Sending Mail PTT: A small post office, PTT, (Ext. 3033) is located in the Student Center for your mail services. Sending and Receiving Mail: Unlike in the United States, mail is not picked up from your home mailbox. Outgoing mail must be sent through the PTT or through your department. Contact your department secretary to learn the system in your department. Incoming mail, including overnight mail such as FedEx or TNT, goes to your mailbox in your department or residence. Courier Center: The University also has a courier center located next to the post office (Ext. 1258). This center also processes all the incoming and outgoing mail. When you would like to send a package or document by courier, contact the courier center or ask your department secretary for help. Interoffice Mail: Interoffice mail is free of charge and delivered daily from one department to another. Contact your department secretary to learn where you can drop off your interoffice mail. Library The University maintains the Suna Kıraç Library to meet the educational and research needs of its students, faculty and staff. The Suna Kıraç Library also has a branch library at the School of Health Sciences (SHS) in Nişantaşı. Collections on Nursing and related Health Sciences are held in this branch. The Library has a collection of 172,000 print and audio-visual materials. Materials are acquired in Turkish, English, German, Italian, French and Russian, as well as in Ottoman Turkish, Arabic, Persian and other non-western scripts. The Library is equipped to provide users with state-of-the-art access to the world of information via its subscription electronic journals and databases. These resources, listed on the Library s homepage ( are accessible 24 hours a day from any terminal on 38

39 campus, including offices, computer labs, student dormitories, and faculty residences. The Library staff offer services including document delivery, reserve, and interlibrary loan. The staff also conduct programs on the use of the Library and its resources throughout the year. Centrally located on the campus, the building is designed to accommodate a permanent collection of 300,000 books and bound journals, including several thousand rare volumes on Ottoman history, art and culture. Seating for 815 users at tables and study carrels, as well as in lounge areas, and 42 computer terminals for users, are located throughout the building. Special facilities include a library instruction room, 16 private team study rooms and two video/dvd viewing rooms, two self-check machines along with two circulation desks, and photocopiers. The Library also provides a 24-hour reading room. Reference librarians specializing in specific subject areas are listed below: Anatolian Civilizations Resources Duygu Kızılaslan Branch Librarian (0212) [email protected] Law & Political Science Resources Kamil Yeşiltaş Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Arts & Humanities Resources Ersan Dur Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Business & Economics Resources Derya Soğuksu Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Engineering & Science Resources Muhteşem Önder Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Health Sciences Resources Oğuz Albayrak Branch Librarian (0212) [email protected] Sociology &Psychology Resources Sina Mater Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Databases İlkay Holt Electronic Resources Librarian 0212) [email protected] Health Sciences Resources Güssün Güneş Branch Librarian (0212) [email protected] ELC Contact Ersan Dur Reference Librarian (0212) [email protected] Faculty families can use the Library and check out materials including books, videos, and DVDs. Medical Facilities Health Center (Sağlık Merkezi) The Koç University Health Centre, located on campus on the right just before you get to the dormitories, is a satellite department of the V.K.V. (Vehbi Koç Foundation) American Hospital. At least one medical doctor is present 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Health Center services are available for faculty, staff and their families free of charge. All doctors at the Health Center speak English. 39

40 The Health Center has 13 patient beds in 9 rooms and performs emergency service procedures, routine examinations, and simple blood tests, as well as urinary, glucose level, and pregnancy tests. The Health Center s Emergency Service includes 24-hour ambulance service. General checkups are performed at the V.K.V. American Hospital in Nişantaşı, about 45 minutes from campus. Dr. Erdal Mehmet Aksoy is the Director of the Campus Health Center. He is available to answer any questions relating to the Health Center and the American Hospital Health Care Network. In addition, he can answer any questions you might have prior to arrival in Turkey, such as the availability of a specific medication. Any conversation with Dr. Aksoy will be held in strict confidence. Dr. Aksoy: [email protected] Office: (0212) Cell: Home: (0212) Newcomers should register their health insurance information at the Health Center s information desk. Health Center staff will use this information in the event of a medical emergency. For more information on the types of health services available on campus, contact the information desk at Ext Nurse Gülhan Demirtaş can be reached at Ext In case of emergency, call Ext IMPORTANT TIP: Medicine Delivery: The University Health Center (Sağlık Merkezi) can arrange for medicine to be delivered to campus. V.K.F. American Hospital Satellite Center in Zekeriyaköy The V.K.V. American Hospital also operates a satellite clinic in nearby Zekeriyaköy. The address is Vişne 2 Mahallesi 3.Cadde, Merkez Blok no: 3, Zekeriyaköy/34450 (Upper floor of Migros). (0212) At the Center in Zekeriyaköy, X-rays can be taken. The Center s laboratory can perform more detailed blood tests than the Center on campus. Additionally, blood work done at the Center can be transported to the American Hospital for more detailed analysis through a shuttle service. Health services at the Zekeriyaköy Clinic are not free. V.K.F. American Hospital The American Hospital, operated by the Vehbi Koç Foundation, is located in Nişantaşı, on Güzelbahçe Sokak, (0212) The Hospital received its accreditation from the JCI. The Finance Department of the V.K.V American Hospital can act as an interface between Koç Allianz Sigorta and the hospital. 40

41 Sevgi Gönül Auditorium Sevgi Gönül Auditorium is named after the late Koç family member Sevgi Gönül, one of the founders of the University. The auditorium seats 369 people, and hosts concerts, plays, lectures, movies and other cultural programs, sponsored by University students and outside groups. The Auditorium is located in the Social Sciences Building. The Auditorium s program schedule can be found by clicking on Sevgi Gönül Auditorium at the top of the home page of Koç University s website. The Sevgi Gönül Auditorium Arts Director is Evren Kutlay (Ext.1753). Sports Center A large gym building is located on the campus that features basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor track, and cardio and weights rooms. Various activities including yoga and aerobic/step classes, aikido, badminton, basketball, table tennis, tennis, soccer, body building, and volleyball take place on campus. All faculty, their families and staff can participate in these activities. The times, locations, and possible fees of these activities are announced every semester by the Sports Division of the University. Tournaments take place among students, faculty and staff in soccer, basketball, badminton, table tennis, chess, pool, and backgammon. Contact Mehmet Bulak, Ext or Serdar Terzi, Ext for more information. Swimming Pool In June 2007 an outdoor pool was added to the facilities available on Campus. It is an openair, 25m pool with a constant depth of 2m. During the Summer, the pool is open from 8am to 7pm with the hours of 8am-9am and 6pm-7pm reserved for faculty, staff, alumni and guests. Lounge chairs are provided for sunbathing and the facility also includes a café which is open 8am 11pm. There is a charge of 5 TL for each faculty member (10 TL for accompanied guest) on weekdays or 10 TL (15 TL for accompanied guests) at weekends. Alternatively, a season pass can be purchased from Human Resources at a cost of 100 TL. Travel Services (Gürsel Turizm) Gürsel Turizm, located next to the PTT in the Student Center, sells tickets for the Koç University shuttle buses, as well as Varan inter-city buses. They are also an Avis car rental agent and can arrange tours in Turkey. (Ext. 3764) For more information about travel in Istanbul, Turkey, and abroad, see Section

42 Unisex Hair Salon (Hair Planet) A hair salon serving both men and women is located in the Student Center and is open Monday through Saturday. (Ext. 3035). For more information on visiting a hair salon or barber, see Section 3.4. SECTION 3 GETTING TO KNOW ISTANBUL 3.1 INTRODUCTION This section is intended to familiarize the reader with Istanbul. Information has been compiled by Koç faculty and their families based on their own personal experience, as well as from a variety of other sources. Istanbul is an ancient, densely populated city of at least 12 million located on the Bosphorus between the Black and the Marmara Seas. Most of the flights bound from the United States arrive in Istanbul around noon or early afternoon. Those from European cities arrive in the late afternoon. Koç University is about a one hour drive northeast of the airport and about 45 minutes drive from the city center. Allow more time during rush hour. USEFUL TIP: The Istanbul Guide, a bi-monthly magazine on Istanbul written in English, is a good source of information on issues ranging from child education to doctors names, and is available for your review at the University Library. The Istanbul Guide can also be purchased at bookstores and newsstands. Time Out Istanbul, a monthly magazine on living in Istanbul, provides up-to-date information on entertainment, cultural events, movies and newly opened restaurants. It is published in both Turkish and English. It can be bought in Migros or the bookstore on campus, as well as newsstands in neighborhoods such as Taksim or Nısantaşı, where English speakers tend to frequent. 3.2 EMERGENCY AND OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS, MAKING CALLS AND USING PAY PHONES Emergency and Other Useful Telephone Numbers On Campus Emergency Numbers: Health Emergency 1100 Fire 3535 Security

43 General Emergency Numbers: (Dial 9 first if calling from campus.) Fire 110 Ambulance 112 Police 155 Coast Guard 158 Forest Fire 177 Gendarmerie / Jandarma 156 (rural area police) These numbers are valid anywhere in Turkey and immediately put you in contact with Turkish emergency services. These services are offered free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Emergency Calls from Cellular Phones: To call emergency numbers from your cellular phone, dial 0, then the area code you are physically in (212 or 216 in Istanbul), then the 3-digit emergency number, then For example, to call the police regarding an emergency on the European side, you would dial It is suggested that you program these numbers into your phone for easy access in an emergency. See more on cellular phones in Section 3.3. Other Useful Numbers: Dial 9 first if calling from campus. Directory Assistance 118 Mail Code Information 119 Postal Service Information 161 Wake-Up Service 135 City of Sarıyer USEFUL TIP: Wake-Up Service: Dial 135 or (on campus) to use an automated wake-up call service. The service is in Turkish, so you might ask your faculty secretary to help you. Operator Assisted International Calls: By dialing 115 you can reach a Türk Telekom international operator. The operator will assist you with the connection. 43

44 Making Calls On-Campus Calls: Someone on Campus: Dial the four-digit extension. University Operator: Dial 00 for the University operator during business hours. Off-Campus Calls: Dial (9) first. Istanbul has two area codes: (0212) for the European side and (0216) for the Asian side. To call another area code within Turkey, first dial (0), then the area code and phone number. To call within the same area code, just dial the last 7 digits. To call overseas, first dial (00), then the country code and so on. USEFUL TIP: In your lojman or office, dial: 1414 to call Richard Hight in his office 9 + xxx xxxx to call a friend on the European side xxx xxxx to call a friend on the Asian side xxx xxxx to call a friend in Ankara xxx xxxx to call a friend in USA Connecticut Using Pay Phones Public telephones are located throughout the country although they are not as plentiful as they once were. Two types of pay phones are available - one is operated with coins and the other with telephone cards. IMPORTANT TIP: Where to Buy Phone Cards: You can purchase phone cards (in 30, 60, and 100 units) in various locations such as any PTT office (including the one on campus), Türk Telekom shops, small convenience shops called bakkals (they often stick these phone cards in the window to advertise that they are for sale), and sometimes at small vendors stalls near the phone booths. Pay Phones with Telephone Cards: Lift the receiver and place the card into the slot. When you hear a beeping sound, dial the number. During the conversation if you hear a beeping sound, your credits are about to run out. You will see the number of remaining units flashing and the message "Change Card" on the display. When you see this message press the "Card Change" button and insert a new card. When you place a call from any kind of phone there will be a charge in accordance with the length of the call and the distance to the number dialed. 44

45 Pay Phones with Token: Lift the receiver and place the appropriate token into the proper slot. When you hear a beeping sound and see the red light on the machine turn off, you can place your call. If a beeping sound is heard during the conversation, this is a signal that your time is about to run out. If you want to continue the conversation, quickly place additional tokens into the slot. IMPORTANT TIP: Some Helpful Turkish Phrases While Using the Telephone: I want to call I want to call (Australia). One moment, please. Who s calling? Wrong number Hello, is so-and-so there? I ll call back later. telefon etmek istiyorum. (Avustralya) ya telefon etmek istiyorum. Bir dakika, lütfen. Kim arıyor? Yanlış numara Merhaba, So-and-so orada mı? Daha sonra arayacağım. 3.3 CELLULAR PHONES Cellular Phones and Service Providers In Turkey, it is not the phone itself that is activated with a specific number tied to a specific service provider, as in the United States. Rather, a manually inserted small chip called a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card that stores the phone number, and your individual data, activate the phone. You can use your SIM card in any phone that works with GSM technology. You buy your phone and service separately. Phones prices vary from 100 TL to 1500 TL. There are two ways of getting cell phone service: (1) entering into a contract with a cellular service provider or (2) buying airtime units (köntur) as you need it. Contracts with Service Provider: The service contracts are similar to those in the United States, except that the Turkish system has two advantages: you are not locked in for long periods with huge cancellation penalties, and the rates are low in comparison to those in the United States. The three main companies are Turkcell, Telsim, and Avea. To set up service, you must either be an established resident of Turkey or have a Turkish citizen vouch for you. Vouching involves the Turkish citizen agreeing to pay your bill if you fail to (there may or may not be limits on this obligation). The agreement must be notarized by a notar, who performs duties similar to those of a notary public. There is a notar located to the right side of the main road in Sarıyer going towards the coast road. (See map in appendix) 45

46 You are billed monthly and, unless you request a paper bill, you may simply get a text message on your phone in Turkish alerting you that you need to pay your bill. You can pay in person at a bank or, more conveniently, online, directly from your bank account. There is a very short window of time in which you must pay, after which, first, you will not be able to make calls but will be able to receive them. After that, you will lose service entirely. Buying Time as You Go: Instead of signing a contract with a service provider, you can buy credit as you go by buying phone cards. This is a more popular and easier method. Time on the cards is measured in konturs. 100 konturs currently cost TL and 250 konturs cost TL. It costs two konturs to send a text message (3 if international) and about 4 konturs/minute per call. If someone calls you, there is no charge against the konturs. Calling another cell phone from your phone is quite expensive, so it is wise to keep your calls short. Calling a land-line telephone is not quite as expensive. You can buy kontur cards on almost any corner of the city. There is a number covered in silver on the back of the card. Scrape the silver off to get the number. You have to call a special number and then enter the phone card number to register the kontur credit. These cards are available at all phone stores and also at the campus Migros. Once you have a credit card established with a bank, you can go online and buy kontur credit for your phone via your credit card. It is reflected within minutes of your online request, thus saving a lot of time. USEFUL TIP: Cell Phone Theft: To minimize your loss in the case of theft, keep a safe record of the registration number of your cell phone. Note the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of your phone. Dial *#06# from your mobile phone and a 15 digit IMEI number appears. As soon as you realize your phone is stolen, call your service provider and give the IMEI number. The company will immediately cancel your number. Even if the SIM card is changed, the phone will be blocked and nobody will be able to use the phone. 46

47 3.4 CLIMATE, ATTIRE AND PERSONAL CARE Climate and Attire The climate in Istanbul is temperate. The latitude is about the same as Rome or New York City. While it may snow a few times, winters are often rainy with temperatures in the teens Celsius/ 40s Fahrenheit. Being close to the sea, Istanbul seems colder, so bring winter coats! Spring usually starts in late April or even May; the temperatures will warm up in June. Most homes and many taxis and shops do not have air conditioning, so easily washable clothing is helpful in the summer. However, even on the hottest days in summer, you will want to carry a sweater or warm shawl if you are going to be by the seaside in the evening. By September, the nights get really chilly. Sunny, crisp days well into November are common. Personal Care Turkish hairdressers (kuaför) and barbers (berber) are excellent at customer service. In many kuaförs, prepare to have a small army work on you. One takes your coat, another washes your hair, another cuts, another holds the dryer, and yet another holds the brush. It is best to pay attention to their faces or clothing because you should tip each one according to the value of his/her service. The actual kuaför is the one who will cut your hair and put the final touches on. If the cutter is the owner of the salon, he/she may not accept a tip. Kuaförs (including the Hair Planet on campus) offer cuts, color, highlighting, blow-dry, styles, as well as waxing, manicures, and pedicures. Prices vary according to district for hair. Waxing, manicures, and pedicures are dramatically less expensive than in the United States. If you are afraid of the kuaför taking too much liberty with your locks, you might bring a picture of what you would like. Basic Vocabulary at the Beauty Salon or Barber: Some sign language in combination with the following vocabulary should get you through any kuaför or berber experience: Basic Expressions: lütfen = please istiyorum = I want iste-mi-yorum = I don t want bu model = this model kalsin = leave it ne kadar? = how much? mersi = thanks 47

48 Kuaförde (at the hairdresser): saç = hair kesim = cut şampuan = shampoo uzun = long kısa = short bir az = a little / çok = a lot fön = blow out topuz = special occasion style uzatıyorum = I am growing my hair out. röfle = highlight boya = color açık = light koyu = dark dipler = roots uçler = ends ağda = waxing manikür = manicure pedikür = pedicure Berberde (at the barber): saç = hair kesim = hair cut sakal tıraşı = shave uzun = long kisa = short jöle = jell arkadan = from the back önden = off the front yanlardan = from the sides çok = a lot / biraz = a little (ex. yanlardan biraz = a little from the sides.) Favoriler kalsın. = Don t cut my sideburns. Boynumdaki tüyleri (neckhair) alırmısınız? = Can you shave the hair off my neck? Saçımı yıkar mısınız? = Would you wash my hair? Saçımı yıkamayın = Don t wash my hair. The berber will usually dry your hair. If you don t want it, say kalsın. 48

49 3.5 BANKING AND MONEY Getting Paid Salaries are paid to your Yapı Kredi TL account on the last working day of each month. The Comptroller usually sends an indicated that salaries have been deposited. You will probably open both a TL (Yeni Turk Lirasi) account and a USD account in the first few days of arriving on campus. It is also possible to open other foreign currency accounts, if you wish. Many people immediately change their salaries into dollars or Euros. It is easy to do this at the bank and even easier with online banking. In addition to opening accounts, you will apply for an ATM card. You will receive this a week or so after you apply and can pick it up at the bank. You can also get information about applying for a credit card as well. IMPORTANT TIP: Campus Smart Cards: Your KU ID card has a gold-colored chip in it making it a smart card that you can use in the vending machines, the downstairs and upstairs cafeterias, Yedi Cafe, and Suzy s Café. It works as a debit card that you can add to using the machines next to the Yapı Kredi on campus. Buying Turkish Liras Major foreign currencies can be exchanged at a local change office (döviz), as well as banks. Generally, change offices offer slightly better rates than banks. Rates may vary slightly from one change office to another. You can check the up-to-the minute exchange rate for the dollar and euro on and Traveler s checks can be difficult to cash. Larger branches of banks will cash them for you, as well as some change offices in touristy areas like Sultanahmet. A commission is usually charged. IMPORTANT TIP: Closest Change Office (Döviz) to Campus: The Yapı Kredi on campus is always able to change money for you, but if you want to change money in the evening or on Saturday, there is a change office (döviz) on the main street of Sarıyer about mid-way on the right-hand side as you come down from campus (See Map in Appendix). Doviz s are preferable to banks as you get a much better rate of exchange. 49

50 Commonly Used Banks All foreigners working at Koç University have an account with Yapı Kredi ( on campus (as this is where their salary is deposited at the end of each month). However, most then opt to actually carry out their day-to-day banking with another bank where they feel they get better service. These include, Citibank ( in Maslak or Esentepe, and/or Garanti Bankasi ( in Sarıyer, Zekeriyaköy or Akmerkez. All three of these banks websites have English links and phone banking in English (Yapı Kredi ; Citibank ; Garanti ). Staff at most bank branches around the city will be able to understand basic transaction requests. Contact people who speak English: Yapi Kredi: Ask to speak to Ömür Seltay who speaks some basic English Citibank: Tinsel Kara, branch manager of the Maslak office, (0212) (direct) (0212) (branch main number). Citibank has a large office in Esentepe with English speaking staff, (0212) Garanti: According to their website, Garanti has English speaking staff at every branch. However, there is currently no one at the Sarıyer branch who speaks English. The account applications and other documents are available in English. The Akmerkez Shopping Mall branch (in Etiler) has English speaking staff. ( ). Also, the staff at the Zekeriyaköy branch speak good English and are very friendly and helpful ( ). A Note on Branch Banking: Whereas you may be able to do many different kinds of bank transactions at any bank branch in your home country, this may not be the case in Turkey. This is especially true when requesting bank checks or transferring money overseas. The bank may require you to do certain transactions only at the branch where you initially opened an account. If you are persistent, staff may be able to call or fax information to your home branch in order for them to do the transaction. So, it may be wise when opening an account at a bank (other than Yapı Kredi) to choose a conveniently located branch. For example, the Sarıyer Garanti branch may be convenient since it is on the main road in Sarıyer. Personal Checks and Paying Bills Personal checks are not used much, if at all. Bank checks can be issued for payment in Turkey or overseas, or when you might not want to carry cash on you that you intend to deposit overseas. There is a fee to issue a check. Personal checks from the United States can be cashed in Turkey but can take as many as 14 days to clear. Credit card and cell phone bills are paid by (1) going to a specified bank with cash and your bill (fatura), (2) electronically, or (3) by telephone. Any bank representative can help you to arrange electronic or phone payments. 50

51 Transferring Money Fees are generally charged on a tier, based on the amount you send. There are different options based on how fast you want to send it, the amount you are sending, and whether you do your transaction in person, on-line or by phone. Fees are lower for on-line and telephone transfers, but these transfers are generally between two accounts at the same bank or an EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) between accounts at different banks in Turkey only. It may be possible to do an international money transfer online only if your home bank uses the SWIFT code inter-banking system. However, most banks in the United States are not on this system. Also, remember that your home bank will probably automatically charge an incoming wire fee. To avoid all of these fees and complications, many people get a bank check issued and wait until they go home to deposit it (just like a regular check), or if a friend or family member comes to visit, send it back with him/her for deposit at your home bank. Bank Credit Cards Foreigners can get Turkish credit cards, but the interest rates on these cards are high. Bank credit cards generally earn points or chips that you can cash in for goods or services. Some of the more well-known ones are Shop and Miles from Garanti, which earns miles on Turkish Airlines, and Bonus Kart also from Garanti. Taksit Cards / Installment Payment Cards Some banks offer installment (taksit) cards. Yapı Kredi offers a credit card to Koç University employees that allows them to buy big-ticket items and pay in installments (taksit) with low interest. HSBC (there is one in Sarıyer) offers the Advantage Kart, which allows you to pay in installments at many stores. Such cards are becoming more and more popular, so make sure to ask around to make sure you understand what each bank offers and how it all works. 3.6 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Istanbul s public transportation system consists of ground, underground/light rail, and water transportation. USEFUL TIP: Istanbul Public Transportation Website: is a website with an English link that provides information about bus and metro services in Istanbul. It even has a route planner. The website is in English, as well as in Turkish. The phone number for the head office of İETT is

52 AKBİL Discount Pass and Teacher Discount Cards (İndirimli Kart) An AKBİL is a discount magnetic button that can be used on all buses, metros, seabuses, ferries, and tramways. AKBİLs cannot be used on minibuses or dolmuşes (these two modes are discussed below). Discounted AKBİLs are available for students and teachers, but first you need to apply for a teacher discount card (indirimli kart) through the University. You need to renew your card yearly. Ask your department secretary about this. Regular AKBİLs are mounted on a plastic holder. Discount AKBİLs are mounted onto the discount card. At the time of this writing, the initial AKBİL is 6 TL. In Sarıyer, AKBİLs can be purchased next to the main IETT bus stop/terminal, which is located at the entrance of Sarıyer s main street, as you come down from campus. The white kiosk is marked AKBİL Satış Gişesi. You can add to your balance at these kiosks and at metro and seabus ticket counters. There is a minimum amount you must add per transaction. A sign indicating the minimum should be posted, but if not, you might add 5 TL, which is certain to be above the minimum. Ground Transportation Buses There are two types of buses: İETT Belediye Otobusu (public), which are red and Halk Otobusu (private), which are green. You can also check the side and/or front to of the bus to determine its type. To board a public bus you need a ticket or your AKBİL. To board a private bus, you pay an attendant on the bus or you can use your AKBİL. As of August 2007, the cost of a regular bus ticket was TL 1.4. To check bus schedules online, you can use this link: Some useful routes are: Rumelifeneri - Sarıyer #150. The bus stop can be found outside the school gate. (The schedule is published on the KU homepage under Campus Life. ) Sarıyer - Taksim - #25T or #40 Sarıyer Kabataş - #25E Sarıyer Eminönü - #25E. 52

53 Group Taxis or Dolmuş Yellow dolmuşes, in contrast to other minibuses (Dolmuş - discussed below), are much simpler. Unfortunately there are not any in Sarıyer. There is a set price regardless of where you get on or off, and you pay in cash (dolmuş drivers also prefer smaller bills or change). Actually, in principle you need to get on a yellow Dolmuş at it s origin as it only departs when it is full. Therefore there s no point in trying to hail one along the route. Another thing to note about these dolmuşes is that they do not allow any standing passengers unlike most other forms of transport. Some useful routes are: Taksim-Kadıköy-Bostancı (next to the AKM) Nişantaşı (near the American Hospital) -Kadıköy Nişantaşı (across from the Teşvikiye mosque/mado) - Taksim Taksim (in the side streets across from McDonalds) -Eminönü Beşiktaş (near the Beşiktaş ferry) -Harbiye/Nişantaşı. Havaş Airport Service Istanbul s privately owned airport service drops off and picks up in a few places, but Taksim (next to McDonald s) and Etiler (next to Akmerkez Shopping Mall) are probably the most convenient to campus. For more info, check their website which has an English link: Please note that Istanbul now has two airports (Ataturk and Sabiha Gökçen) and there is a Havas service to each, using the same departure points. Minibuses/ Dolmuş Minibuses, which are usually off-white, blue, or green, run specific routes throughout the city, including from Campus to Sarıyer (see 2.6 above). They are more expensive than buses, but still quite inexpensive. A ride from Campus to Sarıyer is 1.40 and a ride from Sarıyer to the Metro in 4. Levent as of August 2009 is TL 1.60 (approximately $1.08) or all the way to Beşiktaş is 1.80TL. You pay in cash (drivers prefer smaller bills or change) according to the distance you travel. The price list is not posted as the prices are subject to frequent increases (zamlar). To find out the price, just ask, for example Maslak ne kadar? (Maslak = the name of a district, ne kadar = how much) Certainly interesting is the way that money is passed back and forth to the driver. Stops: Sometimes there is sign marking the minibus end point. The sign might have a D on it ( durak bus stop) and a list of the places the minibus goes. 53

54 USEFUL TIP: Minibuses from Sarıyer into the City Center: Sarıyer-Beşiktaş: The Sarıyer- Beşiktaş (Maslak-road, in-land route) minibuses are in front of the döviz (change office) on the right-hand side of the main street in Sarıyer. (Cost 1.80 TL) Sarıyer-Baltalimanı: The Sarıyer-Baltalimanı (coast road route) minbuses are tucked in a side street at the very end of the main street on the right, just past the HSBC Bank. How to Understand the Minibus s Route: (1) The destination is usually in the front window and above the windshield. If you are unsure, just hop on and say, for example, Beşiktaş? - with appropriate rising intonation. (2) For the two Sarıyer routes mentioned above, another indicator is the driver s index finger. While trying to catch the minibus while it is moving, the driver may point his finger to the right which means that he is going up the Maslak road past the metro towards Beşiktaş. If he points his finger towards the left, it means he is going down on the coast road, past Tarabya and İstinye. Getting Off: When you want to get off, you say inecek var (pronounced inejeck var ) and the driver will stop for you. Other Minibuses in Sarıyer are: (as you are coming from campus): Sarıyer-Zekeriaköy (to the left of Gündüzoğlu Baklava, which is on the left-hand side of the main street just after the main bus terminal. This is also where you catch the dolmuş from Sarıyer to Campus) Sarıyer-Simpaş/Acarlar (on the left-hand side of the main street in front of Gündüzoğlu Baklava) Sarıyer-Kilyos (on the left-hand side of the main street just after Gündüzoğlu Baklava) Sarıyer-Rumeli Kavağı (off the main street on a right-hand side street next to Ziraat Bankası) Taxi Services Cabs are available 24 hours a day. At the time of this writing, the taxi meter should start at 2.00 TL (day) or 3.00 TL (night). Cost per kilometer 1.35 (day) and 1.95 (night). The taxi meter should show which rate you are being charged. Day rates (gündüz) run from 6 am until midnight. After midnight, night (gece) rates apply. 54

55 Martı Taksi: (0212) , (0212) (Sinpaş- the apartments near campus) (0212) (Sarıyer) Kumsal Taksi: (0212) , (0212) Sarıyer Taksi: (0212) , (0212) As of August 2009, a one-way trip between campus and Sarıyer is approximately TL 9 ($6.10). A ride to the airport is approximately TL 55 ($37) in the daytime and TL 70 ($47) after midnight. USEFUL TIP: Calling a Taxi: To call a taxi, say Taksi lütfen lojmanlar and then give your building and apartment number. Underground/Light Rail Transportation Metro Lines The Istanbul metro is expanding. At the time of this writing, construction is underway to extend it to Maslak. To board the metro, you either need to buy a token from a nearby kiosk or use your AKBİL. Trains operate from 6am until 0.30 on weekdays, until 0.50 on Fridays and Saturdays. USEFUL TIP: The website written by Tom Brosnahan, author of Lonely Planet Turkey has a wonderful website with up-to-date information on the metro system, including a very helpful map. The link for information on the metro is: The two main metro lines are: 4.Levent-Tasksim: The metro line that services central Istanbul currently goes from 4. Levent to Taksim (6 stops). At the time of this writing, the service has been extended South to Şişhane (the Tunel end of Istiklal Cadessi) during normal operating hours. Also, at present, there is a limited service (9.30am-4pm) from 4. Levent to Sanayi, İTÜ and AOS (in the Sariyer direction). Please note that in order to avail of these extended facilities you need to get off the train at either Taxim or 4. Levent and walk to the other end of the platform to board another train (note the markings on the floor). You do not pay any extra fee to board these extra trains. To get to the 4.Levent stop from Sarıyer by minibus, just say metro. Airport-Sultanahmet: There is also a metro line from the airport to Aksaray. To get to Sultanahmet, you can either transfer to a tramway at Zeytinburnu or take the metro until Aksaray and then take a short taxi ride. 55

56 Tramways/Light Rail The two tramways you are likely to use are: Historic Taksim/Beyoğlu-Tünel: This charming tramway runs the length of İstiklal Caddesi in Taksim/Beyoğlu. Kabataş/Eminönü- Zeytinburnu (passing Sultanahmet): This modern tramway runs along the Divan Yolu along many of the historic sites in Sultanahmet. One end point used to be Eminönü, but the tramway is in the process of being extended. This new link will eventually extend to Beşiktaş, but at the time of this writing, the line runs to Kabataş (past Beşiktaş a couple of kilometers on the Coast Road/ Sahil Yolu ). You may have to change cars in Eminönü to get to Sultanahmet. Tunnels (One-stop Metro) The Tunnel in Tünel: At the end of İstiklal Caddesi in Taksim, you can take a quick onestop metro ride down to Karaköy, which lies at the foot of Galata Bridge. Actually, it s quite a pleasant walk down the hill and this form of transport is most useful when you need to get back up. Please note however that this service stops at 9pm. The Taksim-Kabataş Tunnel: The recently opened Taksim-Kabataş can take you from the Kabataş ferry dock (iskeli)/tram station to Taksım square. Water Transportation As of last year, the seabuses and regular ferries have been united under one company, so all schedules can be found online at There is an English link. Seabuses (Deniz Otobüsleri) Seabuses are fast ferries that have specific routes. There are very comfortable and efficient, yet have limited service. The Sarıyer Seabus dock (iskele) is located on the water just as you begin to see the Bosphorus when you are leaving Sarıyer. It is basically a weekday commuter ferry that leaves in the morning for Beşıktaş Kabataş and Kadikoy and returns to Sarıyer in the afternoon. Boats depart Sarıyer at 7.30am and 9.45am and in the evening at Please note that the boat departing Sariyer in the evening stops only at Beşıktaş and Kadikoy. As of August 2007, the cost of the seabus for Istanbul routes is TL 6 with tokens purchased immediately prior to departure and TL 4 with an AKBİL. Ferries (Vapurlar) Istanbul is well served by ferries or vapurs. The Sarıyer dock (iskele) is a white and yellow wooden building past the seabus dock as you are leaving Sarıyer. The schedule is posted on the iskele (dock), or you can visit the IDO website mentioned at the beginning of this section. 56

57 USEFUL TIP: Ferry (Vapur) Lines Serving Sarıyer: There are two lines that serve Sarıyer: Anadoğlu Kavağı - Rumeli Kavağı - Sarıyer and Boğaz Hattı (Bosphorus tours). Recommended Travel Routes from Koç University to Sultanahmet The following are routes that Koç faculty and their families prefer: Dolmuş to Sarıyer; dolmuş to 4 Levent Metro; metro to Taksim/Sişhane; historical tramway along Istiklal Caddesi to Tünel; Tünel (or walk) down to Karaköy, tramway to Sultahahmet Dolmuş to Sarıyer; dolmuş to Beşiktaş; taxi or walk to Kabataş tram stop; tramway to Sultanahmet. Dolmuş to Sarıyer; seabus to Kabataş (weekdays 9.45am); tramway or walk to Sultanahmet Dolmuş to Sarıyer; IETT public bus to Eminönü #25E to Kabataş tram stop; tramway or walk to Sultanahmet 3.7 CARS AND DRIVING General Information on Driving in Turkey A helpful website about driving in Turkey is the Istanbul Police Department (Istanbul Emniyet Müdürlüğü) at After you select English from the pulldown menu, choose licenses of foreigners from the left-hand side menu. You will find information on what to do in case of an accident, driver safety advice, routine traffic stops, required equipment, road signs and various traffic statistics. The US State Department travel sheet on Turkey located at travel.state.gov/turkey.html includes some information on road conditions and driving. For inquiries regarding registration and driver s licenses you might contact Turing (Turkish Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey) at the Sarıyer Traffic Office (Trafik Şubesi) (0212) /8, or the main Traffic Office in Gayrettepe (0212) Traffic Stops and Tickets Routine traffic stops and checks by traffic police are common in Istanbul, especially at night. The area near the campus is under the jurisdiction of the jandarma, and frequently there are traffic stops at night. Often you are waved by, but if they do stop you, they will ask you for your license (ehliyet), registration (ruhsat), insurance (sigorta), and emissions sticker (emisyon ölçüm pulu). They may check for your traffic set (trafik seti), and if it is 57

58 snowing a lot, they may check that you have chains (zincir) on your tires. Getting a speeding ticket in Istanbul is rare, but does occur, especially on the road that goes up to Maslak. Gasoline Gasoline (petrol) is expensive. At the time of this writing, one liter (1/4 gallon) gasoline is about 3 YTL or $2.00. There are no self-service stations. To fill your tank, just say doldur, or ful leh -yin. Turing (The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey) Turing handles the paperwork for carnets de passages, international identity carnet (for cars that are registered in Turkey when they need to travel abroad) and international driver s licenses. There are some English speakers at Turing. There is a website with an English link at: Buying a Car Buying a car and driving in Turkey can be complicated for foreigners. The information below is current as of August 2003, but should be verified thereafter. Neither the American consulate in Istanbul, nor the embassy in Ankara, has much information on this topic. The websites (response to inquiries in English made to this site was very quick) and have some information in English that might be helpful. There are many car brokers/dealers in Istanbul. The best way to find a reliable broker or dealer is by word of mouth. Most brokers who sell blue-plate cars speak at least some English. Blue-plate or Tax-free Cars First of all, the blue plates are not actually blue. They usually have MA, MB, MC, or MD on the plate, signifying that the owner is foreign. Blue-plate cars are available to foreigners who are single, as well as those (male and female) who are married to Turkish citizens but who have not taken Turkish citizenship. The foreigner must have both a residence and work permit. Blue-plate cars may only be sold foreigner-to-foreigner. The advantage of buying a blue-plate car is that you do not have to pay sales tax. Most people use car brokers to find a car and/or process the paperwork required by customs and Turing. Another source for blue-plate cars is The Turkish Daily News. After finding a car, you will have to block a sum of money (teminat) in a bank to guarantee the car. The amount is set by Turing, and the buyer gets the money back when he or she sells the car. The following website gives a list of guarantee amounts The Yapı Kredi on campus is used to this process and can put the money in a type of investment account. 58

59 Paperwork and Fees for Blue-plate Cars The General Directorate of Security/Head of Traffic (Emniyet Genel Mürdürlüğü Trafik Hizmetleri Başkanlığı) website has an English link. From the lefthand side menu choose traffic processes, and then plate processes for foreign citizens to find a list of the required documents for registration and customs. A broker/dealer should also be able to provide a list of the required documents, of which there are quite a few. Ask your broker to provide an örnek, or model, of what is required. Most foreigners keep copies of their paperwork, so you might ask around if you get confused. Some brokers charge commission on the price of the car, while others make their money through various fees. The value of their service is their navigation ability through the bureaucracy, especially the customs office. The whole process should take a minimum of three weeks. Responsibilities of Owners of Blue-plate Cars (1) Carnet: Every year, you have to renew your car s carnet (the large green document). The carnet s expiration is linked to the expiration of your residence and work permits. Turing will send you a letter in the mail informing you that you need to renew your carnet. A broker can renew this for you for a fee, but you can go to Turing and customs and do it yourself for substantial savings. This year the renewal fee in 2003 was 65 YTL. There are additional fees for late renewals. (2) Insurance ( Trafik Sigortası ): The Turkish government requires all drivers to carry a very minimal level of traffic insurance (trafik sigortası). You must renew it every year. In 2002, it cost 95 TL for the year and had coverage of $1,000-1,500. The insurance form will be a thin white paper with a round sticker that says sigorta You should keep this paper with your ruhsat (the wallet that contains your car s registration). Your broker/dealer can renew this for you, but you can do it yourself by going to any insurance agent. If you are buying additional insurance (kasko) you can buy them both from the same agent. Often during the year, the government increases the cost of the traffic insurance. Your agent will inform you (zeyilname). You will then have to pay the difference. You should then receive a receipt, which you should also keep in your ruhsat. Traffic police check for sigorta and zeyilname when they stop cars and may fine you if your insurance is not current. (3) Road Tax ( Motorlu Taşıtlar Vergisi ): Motor Vehicle tax or road tax must be paid on the car twice a year in January and July at Ziraat Bankasi. (There is one in Sarıyer.) The bank will have a list of fees, but you can check this website for a list of fees: You can also pay this tax on-line through or (both have English links). Although this tax is usually collected twice a year, there have been years with three tax periods. Brokers/dealers are also happy to do this for a fee. You will need your ruhsat (the wallet that contains your car s registration) to pay this. Always keep all your tax-payment receipts because you may have problems selling your car without them. 59

60 (4) Emissions Sticker ( Emisyon Olçüm Pulu ): The emissions sticker on your car needs to be renewed every year. You can put your sticker on your windshield or in your ruhsat. Many service stations can do this. (5) Check-Up ( Araç Muayene ): Every two years, your car needs a check-up (araç muayene) performed by an official government service center. In order to have this done, you must show proof of your motor vehicle tax (motorlu taşıtlar vergisi) payment for the two years. The service center on the European-side is in Zeytinburnu and on the Asian-side in Göztepe. The center will update the appropriate page in your ruhsat. (6) Safety & First Aid Kit ( Trafik Seti ): All drivers are required to carry a set of safety and first aid equipment. You can purchase one at major shopping stores like MMM Migros, Carrefour, Champion. You can buy it from Basic ones cost TL. Traffic police may check for this. (7) Chains ( Zincir ): Chains are required on tires during heavy snow, especially near the campus. You can purchase them at major petrol stations, as well as at major shopping stores like MMM Migros, Carrefour, Champion. You can also buy them from Turkish-plate Cars Foreigners may buy regular Turkish-plate cars. These cars have MA on their plate and can be sold to either a foreigner or a Turkish citizen. You do not have to block any money as you do with blue-plate cars, but you do have to pay sales tax. Like Turkish citizens, most foreigners go to car dealers who will handle all registration paperwork for a fee. Your broker/dealer should provide you with a list of the required documents and fees for registration. The General Directorate of Security/Head of Traffic (Emniyet Genel Mürdürlüğü Trafik Hizmetleri aşkanlığı) website has an English link. From the lefthand side menu choose traffic processes, and then plate processes for foreign citizens to find a list of the documents for registration. A broker/dealer should also be able to provide a list of the required documents of which there are quite a few. Ask your broker to provide an örnek or model of what is required. Most foreigners keep copies of their paperwork, so you might ask around if you get confused. Responsibilities of Owners of Turkish Plate Cars: Owners of Turkish plate cars have the same responsibilities as those listed above, except that they do not have a carnet. Important Car Owners Precautions Private Insurance ( Kasko ): Purchasing private insurance (kasko) in addition to the government insurance (sigorta) is recommended. The government insurance has very minimal coverage. 60

61 Registration ( Ruhsat ): You should also make a copy of your ruhsat (the wallet that contains your car s registration). Without it, it will be very difficult to prove ownership if necessary, for example in the event of theft. Car Loans Car loans are available to foreigners, as well as Turkish citizens, through Yapı Kredi Driver s Licenses Most foreigners just use their native countries driver s licenses. Although some have been told by the American consulate that it isn t necessary to have a Turkish license, others have been told by the local jandarma that it is necessary after one year of residence. Here is the information for both international driver s licenses (IDL) and Turkish licenses: International Driver s License An international driver s license can be issued in Istanbul by Turing. These licenses are valid for one year. You may also apply for an international driver s license while in the US. The State Department has authorized two organizations, AAA, at and the American Automobile Touring Alliance at to issue international driving permits. To apply, you must be at least 18 and have a valid US license. Turkish Driver s License Driver s licenses are issued by Traffic Offices (Trafik Şübe). If a foreigner wants to get a Turkish driver s license (ehliyet), he or she needs to provide a number of documents, in addition to an application form obtained from Turing. Below is a list of the required documents, taken from the website of the General Directorate of Security/Head of Traffic (Emniyet Genel Mürdürlüğü Trafik Hizmetleri Başkanlığı) (1) residence and work permit (2) original license and consulate affirmed translated driving license (3) health report from a government hospital or private clinic (4) blood type from a government hospital or private clinic (5) translation of high school/university diploma (6) 2-8 color passport-size photographs (info varies) The site has an English link. Information on getting a Turkish driver s license can be obtained by clicking on traffic processes on the left-hand side menu, and then changing of foreign driving licenses into driving licenses of our country. 61

62 You should be able to apply for a Turkish driver s license at the Sarıyer Trafik Office ( /28). The main traffic office is in Gayrettepe A broker/dealer can get you a Turkish license for a fee (some foreigners have been quoted $300). The fee listed for a license on the above website is 18.5 TL. You might notice that the above list does not include a crime report (sabika kaydi) or bank receipt. Turkish citizens are required to get a crime report when they apply for various things, but it is not clear whether foreigners must do this. Some brokers have not included the crime report or the bank receipt in their list of required documents. An Important Traffic Law and International Signs and Symbols Important Traffic Law: No right turns allowed on a red light. Some Important Traffic Signs and Symbols: No parking on one side of the road: a circle with a diagonal slash, blue background with red border and slash. No parking on either side of the road: a circle with a big X, blue background with red border and X. One-way road: a blue/white arrow pointing downwards and to the side. Do not enter (one way): a red circle with a horizontal white bar. 3.8 MOVING TO ISTANBUL Don t Bring Don t bring electrical kitchen appliances, hair dryer, cell phone, television, VCR, or DVD, unless you know for sure that they work in Turkey. It is not necessary to bring sheets, but if you would like to, mattress sizes in campus housing are 160 x 200 cm and 180 x 200 cm. USEFUL TIP: Buying Sheets: If you want to bring sheets from abroad, queen size sheets fit one of the mattresses in both the A- and B-type lojmans. If you want to buy sheets in Istanbul, you can find solid colored sheets for the 160 x 200 cm size mattress, which is a standard two-person size (çift kişilik) in many stores including Boyner (Maslak, Carrefour) and LINENS (Nisantaşı close to Osman Bey metro stop and 1. Levent close to the metro stop). Some Vocabulary to Help You Buy Bedding: çarşaf = sheet düz çarşaf = flat sheet yastık kılıfı = pillow case yorgan = comforter lastikli çarşaf = sheet with elastic (bottom sheet) yastık = pillow nevresim = duvet cover battaniye = blanket 62

63 Bring Here are some items that newcomers have found either difficult to find, expensive, or worth bringing: rubbing alcohol (although you can have the pharmacist mix it for you); transformers from United States able to carry a high voltage (for computer equipment); some computer software in English, some specialized peripherals; reference books in English; US measuring tools for cooking and baking; contact lenses in difficult prescriptions; specific imported toiletry or beauty products. Electronics and Computers Most electronics are available and reasonable. Turkey runs on 220 voltages. If you have a 110/220 appliance (like a laptop computer), you will need an adapter that fits a two hole socket (as opposed to a two prong socket). Carry your laptop in your carry-on luggage; otherwise, you might be asked to declare it at customs in Turkey. If you have to declare any electronic device, you must then leave Turkey with it or pay a fine for selling it. If you are carrying a lot of camera equipment, for example, visit a United States Customs office and fill out a form so that you won t have to declare them. Shipping from Abroad Packages from abroad (whether personal or from online stores) may be stopped by customs and detained in the Posta Paket Müdürluğu (Package Center) in Cevizlibağ, which is an hour away from campus by car. The Center is run by the government postal service (PTT) with customs inside. If your package gets stopped there, you will be sent a small white paper to the University by regular mail. The customs fees vary. There seems to be no problem if the value of the contents of the package is indicated on an invoice as being below $100. Someone from the University should be able to assist you in retrieving your package. 3.9 SHOPPING Shopping in Istanbul Istanbul is a city where you can find just about everything you want, whether locally produced or imported, designer or flea market. Large shopping malls are easy to reach within the city limits. Below is some information on different districts and categories of shopping available, together with information on how to get there. On Campus The little M Migros store is very convenient for groceries and cleaning products. Maden How to Get There: Taxi, public bus # 150 Maden is a small village on the main road between the University and Sarıyer, marked by the BIM shopping market and a mosque. BIM is a limited, yet very inexpensive grocery 63

64 store. (Note: BIM does not accept credit cards.) There is a bakery (for bread) next to BIM, a butcher (Sizin Kasap that delivers), a pharmacy (ezcane), as well as a fruit and vegetable seller. Sarıyer How to Get There: Dolmuş, public bus # 150, taxi There are many shopping options in Sarıyer. Here are some of the faculty and families favorites: Carrefour Express (with a small parking lot) is part of a major supermarket chain and is located on the water in the heart of Sarıyer. Göze Pastane and Ekmek, in a white a red building between Carrefour Express and the mosque, is a favorite for desserts and bread. Gündüzoğlu, on the right as you enter Sarıyer from the coast road, is famous for baklava. Özsüt, in a purple and white building on the main street, is a well known chain that makes tasty puddings and desserts. Sarıyer Market, which is a local chain, has two stores (1) on the main cross street in Sarıyer and (2) near the mosque. It carries good quality meat, cheese, and eggs. Sarıyer Muhallebicisi, across from Carrefour Express s entrance, is famous for puddings and börek. Sarıyer Turşu, on a side street off of the main street, is a good choice for pickles. Zumrut Et ve Tavuk Pazari, on a back street across from PTT, is also recommended for meat and chicken. They speak a little English. Market Day in Sarıyer (Pazar Günü) Every Wednesday is market day in Sarıyer. Individual stalls are set up on the back road where the Turk Petrol station is, and all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables are available, which are not only very fresh but also low priced. In addition, they sell a variety of kitchen goods, linens, and clothing. If you want to buy a lot, you can usually get someone there to help carry your packages back to your car or to the bus stop. Just tip them 1 TL (about $0.67). Parking is available in back across from the Turk Petrol if you get your car washed. Note: Remember that things are sold in kilos. One kilo is about two pounds. Yarim kilo means half a kilo. 64

65 IMPORTANT TIP: Open Markets / Pazarlar: Apart from the supermarkets and local mini food stores, once a week, fresh food markets are set up in each district. The prices in these markets are lower than those at the commercial grocery stores, and you can find a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables and dry foods. Also available in these markets are housewares, clothes and cleaning products. Other than the Sarıyer Pazarı, here is a small list of other locals open markets: İstinye on Monday Rumeli Kavagi on Saturdays Zekeriyakoy on Tuesdays Simpaş (apartment complexes close to campus) on Saturdays Zekeriyaköy How to Get There: Minibus from Sarıyer (on the main street near Gündüzoğlu Baklava), taxi Zekeriyaköy is approximately minutes from campus. Zekeriyaköy Çarsi (center) has a MM Migros (meaning a moderate size) supermarket that carries a good variety of groceries and fresh produce, as well as a pharmacy, delicatessen, fish store, pastry shop and other small stores and restaurants. The parking at the Zekeriyaköy Çarsi is free, and traffic, unlike Sarıyer, is light. Maslak How to Get There: Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz) Located about minutes from campus, Maslak is Istanbul s growing financial heart. It has quite a bit of shopping, but here are a few of the highlights. Boyner: Thıs is a department store chain which carries clothing, cosmetics (many imported brands), perfume, and some household items. Boyner has a valet service parking garage. It also has a Starbucks in front and Hot and Crusty café inside. MMM Migros: This superstore type of Migros is similar to a Wal-mart in that it carries a wide variety of goods, including groceries, housewares, and clothing. There is also a Burger King and Divan pastry and chocolate shop inside. 65

66 Mudo and Mudo Garage (clothing and household items): After passing the SherratonHotel, take a small road to the right in order to get to Mudo, a chain which sells men s, women s, and children s clothing, as well as household items. A little further down the same road, you will also find Mudo Garage, a bargain basement version of regular Mudo. Pabetland (Household Items/Furniture): Below Paşabahçe is Pabetland, which sells furniture and household items. It also has a café and bargain basement. Paşabahçe (Glassware): Selling both informal and formal dinning and kitchen wares, Paşabahçe is a chain store that is comparable to Crate and Barrel. The upper floor has a lovely collection of Turkish glasswork and porcelain. Office1 Supply Store: After passing the SherratonHotel, take a small road to the right in order to get to an Office1 Superstore, which is then on a right-hand side street. Similar to Staples, Office1 Superstore carries all major supplies, computers, printers, faxes, peripherals, etc. Toys `R Us: This major retailer is just beyond and underneath Migros. You can park for free at Migros, and go down the stairs or elevator, which is to the left of the entrance to Migros. Yeniköy How to Get There: Sarıyer-Baltalimanı minibus (at the end of the main street in Sarıyer, just around the corner from the HSBC Bank). Yeniköy is lovely tree-lined district about 30 minutes from campus along the coast road. Macrocenter (Groceries): This upscale chain store, located on the coast road, carries a wide variety of grocery products, and the quality is very good. They also have free parking if you take the right just past the store and then turn left into a little walled parking lot. Uçler/Şütte (Gourmet Grocers): Another great shopping option is the Uçler grocery store and deli. The quality of their meats and deli items is excellent, and they cater to foreigners in their canned goods. Uçler is located a kilometer (about a mile) or so beyond the Macrocenter, also on the right hand side of the road. On the same side of the road, about 1-2 km. beyond Uçler is another well-known gourmet grocer/deli called Şütte. İstinye How to Get There: Sarıyer-Baltılimanı minibus (at the end of the main street in Sarıyer, just around the corner from the HSBC Bank). The small fishing community of İstinye (home to the initial Koç University campus) is located just beyond Yeniköy on the coast road about 30 minutes from campus 66

67 Carrefour: This is a major retailer, similar to Wal-mart. This one in İstinye is a smaller-sized one. The super-sized ones are detailed below. It also has a small mall (D&R bookstore, hairdresser, pharmacy, Divan pastry shop, MADO ice cream shop, eye glasses shop, dry cleaner and Burger King). It carries all types of groceries, plus small appliances and kitchenware. There are signs for Carrefour, but basically you turn right from the coast road, at the heart of İstinye. MaxiCenter: This discount shopping center is a couple of kilometers beyond Carrefour and also has a 10-screen cinema. USEFUL TIP: Shopping Closest to Campus: Carrefour is the closest superstore (detailed above). Shopping Malls (Akmerkez, Kanyon, MetroCity, Cevahir Profilo) There are shopping malls in Istanbul that cater to every taste and in which you can find everything from toys to housewares to clothes and maternity wear. Below is some information on the ones closest to campus. Akmerkez ( with an English link) How to Get There: Take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz), get off at the 4.Levent Metro stop and take a short taxi ride. Just say Akmerkez. Akmerkez, located in the district of Etiler, about 45 minutes from campus, is one of the biggest and most upscale shopping malls. Also in the mall are a Macrocenter, four movie theaters, a Starbucks, and a food court. MetroCity How to Get There: Take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz) and get off at 1.Levent. MetroCity in 1.Levent is about a minutes drive from campus. It has a Migros, many small appliance stores as well as a Starbucks and several cafes. Kanyon ( How to Get There: Take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz) and get off at 1.Levent. Kanyon is a new shopping center in 1.Levent, located next to Metro City. It has a large bookstore, movie theater, and Macrocenter. 67

68 Cevahir ( Cevahir Shopping Centre, opened on October 15, 2005, is a modern shopping and entertainment center located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, Turkey. Called also Şişli Kültür ve Ticaret Merkezi (Şişli Cultural and Trade Center). Cevahir Mall is reputedly the largest shopping mall in Europe, and the second largest shopping mall in the world. The shopping mall is easily accessed from the Şişli metro station. Profilo How to Get There: Take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz). Get off at the 4.Levent Metro stop and take the metro to the Şişli stop. Follow the signs to the Mecidiyeköy exit and then follow the signs to Profilo. It is located in a neighborhood behind the main street. Profilo in Mecidiyeköy also has a variety of stores including an Office1 Supply Store, Paşabahçe, Starbucks, and at least seven movie screens. Other Shopping Malls: Also on the European side, the Galleria Mall is located in the district of Ataköy near the airport, and houses many shops and boutiques offering both local and foreign goods. Olivium in Zeytinburnu is an outlet center/discount shopping mall. On the Asian side, Capitol Mall in Altunizade and Nautilus Mall in Kadiköy also provide a variety of shops, food court and movie theaters. Superstores (Carrefour, BauHaus, IKEA) Carrefour is similar to a Super Wal-Mart, and BauHaus is similar to Home Depot. These two stores can handle all your initial needs when you first arrive in your new home. They are generally located together in a closed shopping mall with additional shops. There are two on the Asian side, plus one on the European side close to the major bus station (Otogar). IKEA is a newly opened furniture and housewares store known for good design at reasonable prices. Take the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge (the second bridge) and take the Şile exit. Famous Districts (Nişantaşı, Bağdat Caddesi) Two districts are famous for trendy and designer clothing: Nişantaşı, about 45 minutes from campus on the European side. How to Get There: Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz). Get off at the metro stop and then take the metro to the Osmanbey stop. Another option would be to take the Sarıyer-Beşiktaş minibus (on the main street in Sarıyer in front of döviz) to Beşiktaş and then take the Harbiye-Nisantaşı dolmuş (in front of the Beşiktaş pier). Bağdat Caddesi, on the Asian side. 68

69 How to Get There: Take the Kadiköy-Bostancı dolmuş next to the AKM in Taksim. The Grand or Covered Bazaar/Kapalı Çarşı One of the oldest and biggest closed bazaars in the world, the Grand or Covered Bazaar/Kapılı Çarşı is located in the old city of Istanbul. A trip to the bazaar is not only considered a shopping expedition, but also a visit through history. You can find a variety of jewelry, copper and brass goods, and small simple kilims, as well as priceless antique carpets. Located on the outskirts of the bazaar, near Istanbul University's main campus, is the special market known as Sarraflar where old books, prints, second hand books and all kinds of printed materials can be found. It is recommended especially for collectors of such items. Spices and exotic food products can be found at the Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Bazaar) located next to the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) in Eminönü. Big and Tall Sizes Marks & Spencer s carries slacks in long sizes, as well as the larger sizes. There are Marks & Spencer s Shops, in Profilo Shopping Mall, in Nişantaşi and on Bağdat Caddesi that offer clothing for both men and women, but the one in Akmerkez carries only women's clothing. Beymen at Akmerkez features clothing designed primarily for tall people but does not carry much in larger sizes for women. Profilo and Metrocity both have stores catering to larger sizes. For men, Dockers has a store in Akmerkez and are sold at Boyner in Maslak. Maternity Matters Maternity clothes, as well as baby clothes, are available at most major malls. Mothercare is the name of a chain of stores featuring imported clothes and accessories for moms, babies and young children. There is one in Nişantaşı, and another at Akmerkez. Highly recommended for mothers and mothers to be are the following stores: Çamlıca Store, Bulgurlu Mah. Üçpınarlar Cad. Adil Bey Sok. No:4 Libadiye Üsküdar / İstanbul, Telephone: Fax: Visit their website: Maslak Store, Doğuş Power Center Maslak Mah. G-45 Ahi Evren - Polaris Cad. No: 4 Şişli Maslak / İstanbul, Telephone: Fax:

70 Money Matters Cash Price vs. Credit Card Price Particularly in bazaars, the posted price on an article may increase by as much as 15% or more if you buy it with a credit card. Conversely, the posted price may apply to credit cards, but if you pay cash, you can get a discount of 10% or more. Sometimes you need to ask if there is a cash discount ( Nakıt indirim var mi?). Many of the major stores offer cash discounts especially during the sale season. Fiş or Fatura? / Receipt or Invoice? Stores will often ask you which you prefer. If you ask for a fatura, you will be asked for your name and address to put on the invoice. Unless using a business account, you can just say fiş. Returns and Exchanges Stores in bazaars may not take returned merchandise or allow exchanges, but most major stores will allow exchanges with a receipt. If you are buying a gift for someone make sure that you get an exchange card / değiştirme kartı. VAT Refunds for Turkish Citizens Save receipts and invoices for all medical expenses, education and books, clothing and food. If your receipts total a certain minimum amount, you can obtain a partial tax refund. Forms and instructions are distributed each January by the University Comptroller's Office. Store Discount Cards Migros, Carrefour Express, Tansaş, Champion, as well as many other larger or chains stores, issue their own cards. You need to fill out a form in the store to get one. When you check out, the cashier will say for example, Migros kartınız var mı? ( Do you have a Migros card? ) With every purchase you earn points that you can redeem for merchandise in the store. You can check your point balance at the kiosk in the store entrances. Also, some of these cards entitle you to discounts on selected purchases. Gift Certificates / Hediye Çeki You can purchase a gift certificate at many major stores such as Paşabahçe or Boyner. Online Supermarket Ordering Two supermarket chains, Migros and Carrefour Express, have websites where you can place orders that will be delivered to your home. Their web addresses are: (also a Migros website that sells many non-grocery items) 70

71 Express.com.tr. Unfortunately, these sites are only in Turkish. However, if you can get a Turkish speaker to lead you through it, and if you write down everything you must do, it can be worth the trouble. Generally, if you place your order before the late morning, you can get delivery by the evening. If you place the order the night before, you can have your items by late morning the next day. While this service is not very good for fresh meats and produce, it is great for keeping staple items in the house, particularly if you put the items you order on your Favorites List, which you can call up at a later time HEALTH CARE Pharmacies / Eczaneler The closest pharmacy to the University is in Maden, on the road between Sarıyer and the University. In Sarıyer, there are many pharmacies. Pharmacies are open in Turkey from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. However, in each village, such as Sarıyer, one pharmacy is open on Sundays, on a rotating basis. The name and address of the nöbetçi eczane (pharmacy on duty) open on a particular Sunday or after hours during the week is posted on the door of pharmacies. You can also call (0216) Monday-Friday during business hours to find out which pharmacies will be on duty at night and on the weekend in your area. IMPORTANT TIP: Medicine Delivery: The University Health Center (Sağlık Merkezi) can arrange for medicine to be delivered to campus. Prescription Drugs Generally, drugs available in the United States and in Europe are available in Turkey. Most drugs in Turkey can be obtained without a prescription at a pharmacy. Narcotic drugs, however, require a prescription. A prescription can be obtained from your general practitioner. Most medicines are available at a much lower cost in Turkey, but if you use prescription medication, it's best to confirm if it is available before you come. Not currently available in Turkey are Co-reg and Zetia. Questions about the availability of a certain drug in Turkey can be directed to: Dr. Erdal Mehmet Aksoy Koç University Health Center Director [email protected] Office: (0212) Cell: Home: (0212) TieCare International Health Insurance (for ELC Faculty) 71

72 Those working in the ELC will be given medical coverage through TieCare International. The advantage to this coverage is that it is worldwide, meaning there is a medical provider available to you that is recognized by TieCare anywhere in the world, including the United States and Canada. The disadvantage is that you generally have to pay for your services at the time of care and then fill out claim forms and send them in to the insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement/claim process is generally easy and painless, but takes a little time. If you pay for the services on the spot (as is the case in Turkey), TieCare will either send you a reimbursement check or make an electronic deposit to your home bank (This is probably the best option since there is a risk of a check getting lost in the Turkish mail system, plus the additional time getting the check cashed). There is no additional coverage for dental or eye care. For more information, Important Note: When visiting the American Hospital, the staff will give you a receipt for this fee. Make sure they stamp the receipt PAID so that there are no problems with reimbursement. (Also, if any blood tests or other kinds of tests are given, there will be additional costs for these services. When paying for these (usually at the lab desk), you will again be given an itemized receipt. Again, make sure they stamp it PAID. For further questions contact our TieCare International representative: Rick L. Gray, CPA, Regional Vice President , [email protected] Recommended Doctors and Dentists Below is a list of doctors that Koç faculty have recommended to this Guide. Many of the doctors have offices in the American Hospital, detailed below. All of the doctors listed (and most others who work at the American Hospital) speak English. The American Hospital: The American Hospital, which many faculty and their families use, is in Nişantaşı(15 minute walk from the Osmanbey Metro stop. Call (0212) and follow the English menu options for appointments. After you visit the doctor, you will pay the general visit fee. (For those of you with Turkish health insurance such as KocAllianz, all you have to do is show your card to the attendant.) At the time of this writing that fee is a standard 100TL. Please note that emergency room visit fees will be higher and may depend on the condition. Dentistry Haluk Gurel Halaskargazi Caddesi, Koza Apt No 265, just next to the Osmanbey Metro stop (0212) , (0212)

73 Dermatology Dr. Halil Bayazit American Hospital, but will also come to Zekeriakoy (0212) Endocrinology Dr. Tahir Haytoğlu, American Hospital (0212) Ext (diabetes, and metabolism specialist) Gastroenterology Dr. Yekta Kişioğlu, American Hospital (0212) , Ext 1760,1761 General Practitioners Dr Hayri Aydin American Hospital (0212) , Ext. 2501, 2502 Dr. Warren Winkler American Hospital (0212) , Ext Gynecology Dr. Reyhan Erez Offices in Taksım and Caddebostan Dr. Ramazan Mercan American Hospital (0212) Dr. Akif Poroy, Behind American Hospital, next to the big hospital car park (0212) or (0212)

74 3.11 CHILDREN Babies and Young Children Fruit and vegetables are very fresh in Istanbul. However, jarred or canned baby food is not commonly used, and the selection of foods in this format is very limited. No baby foods sold contain meat, only fruit and vegetables. Cereals are not all suitable for babies and very young children; however, there is a small range of cereals and biscuits for kids. Car seats should be brought over from the United States and not left to be bought here, as car seats are generally very expensive, and the variety is not as good. Toys R Us, however, has a pretty good selection with comparable prices to the United States. Bathrooms with changing facilities are not widely available, except in large shopping centers. Nannies and On-Campus Daycare Full or part time nannies can be quite reasonable in Istanbul. The best way to find one is by word of mouth. Also, some University students are willing to spend their time baby sitting young children at a reasonable price. In Koç University, there is a crèche called "Mutlu Çocuk Evi," literally translated as "Happy Children's Home". It caters for young children aged two to six, and they can spend either part or the whole of the day here. During the day, children play games, read books, and engage in many other activities, both entertaining and educational. Children receive a full open buffet breakfast, lunch and a snack towards the end of the day. In between meals and activities, there is a time during which children are allowed to rest and relax, but if a child refuses to sleep or is not tired, he or she is allowed to quietly read a book in the "relaxation corner." Swimming and horse-riding lessons are also available at a reasonable price, and music, ballet and yoga lessons are provided free to both boys and girls. At the end of the year, the children perform in a show. Hours are 8.00 am to 6.30 pm. Parents Volunteer Group On Campus Some parents have also established a volunteer group which organizes different activities for their children. Every Sunday morning, at 11:00 am, a few trained University students hold a class for young children in the campus sports center. Children bring their own balls, and they take part in many different activities free of charge. The class lasts for an hour. In the near future, this group is hoping to start new classes such as a reading group, karate, football, basketball and gymnastics. If you would like to volunteer, you can contact Nigar Kocaoğlu (Building 14, Apartment 4, Ext. 3159) or Sibel Akkaş (Building 14, Apartment 2, Ext. 3157). 74

75 Off-Campus Educational Options There are a number of educational choices available for kindergarten through high school in Istanbul. Students have to pass a national exam in order to enter a high school. Each institution has different score requirements and limits as to the number of students they can enroll each year. Tuition fees for all these schools differ and can range from $3000 to $15,000 a year. Preschools and Primary Schools There are many kindergarten/pre-schools available, but most of them start to accept children at the age of two. In the past, faculty members have recommended the following preschools and primary schools: Enka Okulları, located in İstinye, (30-45 min. from campus, depending on traffic). Kindergarten and primary school. Planning to open a high school (0212) /-47, FMV Işık Okulları, located in Ayazağa, (30-45 min. from campus, depending on traffic). Kindergarten, primary and high school. (0212) Ext. 400, HEV Kemerköy İlköğretim Okulları, located in Kemerköy, (45-60 min. from campus, depending on traffic). Kindergarten and primary. Planning to open a high school (0212) , İTÜ Geliştirme Vakfı İlköğretim Okulları, located in Ayazağa, (30-45 min. from campus, depending on traffic). Kindergarten and primary school. Planning to open high school (0212) , Özel Acarlar Koleji, located in Acarlar Sitesi, (5 min. from campus) Kindergarten, primary and high school. (0212) , Özel Yüzyıl Işıl Okulları, located in Bahçeköy, (15 min. from campus) Primary and high school. Koç Faculty members receive 25% tuition discount. (0212) , International Schools Bosphorus International School, pre-school is located in Emirgan (45 min. from campus), primary school is located in Bahçeköy (15 min. from campus distance). Pre-school: (0212) , Primary school: (0212) , 75

76 The British International School Istanbul, located in Zekeriyaköy, (10 min. from campus), Pre-school, primary and secondary school. (0212) / / , Entertainment for Children Bogaziçi Hayvanat Bahçesi (Zoo) Kuş Cenneti, Hayvanat Bahçesi & Botanik Parki 200,000 meters square area, more than 3000 animals, pony rides Entrance fee: 10 YTL Hours: Tuzla Yolu Cad. No:15 Darica-Gebze (262) Deneme Bilim Merkezi (Hands-on Science Museum) ITÜ Mimarlik Fakültesi Taskisla - Taksim (0212) (0212) Miniaturk (Amusement Park) Entrance fee: 3 YTL (student) 5 YTL (Adults) Hours: Imrahor Street Sutluce Istanbul Tatilya (Amusement Park) EXPRESS MAIL DHL (from anywhere in Turkey) Alemdar Mah., Yerebatan Cad. No. 15/2 Sultanahmet (0212) Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-6:15 pm, Saturday 9:00am-6:15 pm, Sun 9:00 am-6:00 pm There are other offices, but this is the only one open every day of the week. 24-hour customer service/365 days, larger presence than FedEx 76

77 Federal Express FedEx offers inbound and outbound service and is represented in Turkey by a service contractor: Coneks A.S. (0212) [email protected] TNT Logistics (0212) Huzur Mahallesi, Komurculer Sitesi 1.Yol. No. 3 Ayazaga The PTT (Turkish Government Postal Service) has reasonable express shipping service (APS), as well as a variety of other services. See their website that has an English link: http// UPS (0212) (from anywhere in Turkey) Fax: (0212) Levent Station (Dropoff Point) (0212) , , , Pick up also available 3.13 HOUSEHOLD HELP Household help costs about 60 YTL per day for B type buildings and 70 TL per day for A type. They do deep cleaning as a matter of course every week, including windows. Most will also do laundry and ironing. The best way to find help is through someone already working on campus. Some will not work in homes that have indoor pets. Some expect to have their transportation costs covered (you could buy shuttle tickets) or a major noon meal. It is best to agree on these points before hiring LANGUAGE SCHOOLS Boğaziçi University The Language Center Bebek (0212) inquiries: [email protected] Concept Languages İhsan Aksoy Sok. No:10/3 Çamlık/ Etiler (0212)

78 International House Nispetiye Caddesi, Erdolen Isani No: 38/1 Etiler (0212) & (0212) Part of a UK-based international chain of language schools. Dilmer İnonu Caddesi, Tarık Zafer Tunalı Sokak 18 Gümüssüyü, Taksim (0212) Dilmer offers discounts for spouses of Turkish citizens and teachers. Many Koç faculty have taken courses here on the weekends and in the summers. It is also a great way to meet other foreigners living in Istanbul. Tömer Cumhuriyet Mah. Abidei Hurriyet Sokak No. 43 Sisli (0212) & (0212) RESTAURANTS Apart from traditional Turkish restaurants, there are restaurants that specialize in foreign food, such as Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Italian or French cuisine. The Istanbul Guide and TimeOut Istanbul are very good resources for up-to-date information on Istanbul s restaurants and bars. A good restaurant website in Turkish is (in Turkish, but search by semt which means district.) Delivery / Paket Servis For delivery, (foodbasket.com) is very useful (in Turkish, but search by semt which means district). You can order your food online through this website and pay when it comes. Restaurants from Zekeriyaköy will deliver to campus, but you need to check with the restaurants beyond Sarıyer. If you want to speak with an actual person from this website call: (0212) or (0212) The direct number for Domino s Pizza is (0212) USEFUL TIP: Restaurants Accepting Sodexo: Some of the more upscale restaurants around town accept Sodexo tickets although the sticker is not displayed. You can ask by saying Sodexo geçiyor mu? 78

79 Recommended Restaurants Some restaurants recommended by Koç faculty and their families include: Campus Area Kireçburnu (on the coast road toward Yeniköy) Rumeli Kavağı Rumeli Feneri & Garipçe Ali Baba Restaurant: Kireçburnu Cad. 20. (0212) Set Restaurant: Kireçburnu Cad. 18. (0212) Pescatore Restaurant: Kefeliköy Cad. 29/A. (0212) Popular fish restaurant with wide variety of meze. Dine outside or go at an early hour if you want to avoid heavy smoking atmosphere. Urcan Balık Restaurant: Kireçburnu Cad. 13. (0212) , close to Tarabya. Güzelyer Yedi Gün: Telli Baba Üstü 21. (0212) On the coastal road overlooking the sea between Sarıyer and Rumeli Kavağı. Specializing in seafood. Mustaabi: Rumelikavağı İskele Cad. No. 34. (0212) Şah Balık Restaurant: Mehmet in Yeri, İskele Cad. No: 2. (0212) Next to sea. Fresh seafood. Reasonable prices. Yakamoz: Also on the shore route past Yedi Gün; beautiful views out over the Bosphorus. Asma Alti Cafe and Restaurant: Rumeli Feneri Yolu, Garipçe Köyü. (0212) Family-owned and run. Tables are in the garden, and they cook fresh fish on their barbecue. Prices are very cheap. Barinak Restaurant: Fish restaurant located in Rumeli Fener on the shore past the fishing quay. Very good fish and meze at very reasonable rates. Roke: (0212) Fish restaurant overlooking the jetty in the harbor. Great view. Reasonable. 79

80 Sarıyer Anzer Sofrası: Ortaçeşme Cad. No: 37. (0212) Black Sea cuisine. Specialties include: Kurufasulye (bean), mihlama (a polenta-lıke specialty), hamsili pilav (rice pilaf with fish). Aquarius Restaurant: Balıkçılar Çarşışı İçi (0212) On the waterfront Sarıyer Balıkçı: Yeni Mahalle Cad (0212) On the coast road going towards Rumeli Kavağı as you leave Sarıyer. Excellent, but expensive. Yeniköy Circle Café: Köyabaşı Cad. Daire Sok. 5/1. (0212) International cuisine. A few tables right on the Bosphorus. Emek Mantı: Köyabaşı Cad (0212) Excellent mant yaprak sarma and mercimek köfte. Paul: Köyabaşı Cad (0212) French café/bakeryexcellent baked goods and desserts. Tribeca: Kapalıbakkal Sok. No: 5. (0212) Great bagels and pizzas. Zekeriyaköy Downtown: Fincan Café: a casual place with nice salads Koz Ocak: grilled meats, mezes Pideci: A wide variety of pide (Turkish Pizza). Tike: They have all sorts of kebab, pide, durum, and a wonderful eggplant meze. (0212) , (0212) They deliver. Beyoğlu/Istiklal Caddesi 360 Restaurant and Bar: İstiklal Cad. Mısır Apt. Kat: 8. (0212) Just past the Galatasaray Lisesi and Yapi Kredi Bank Cultural Center, same side of the street. My Moon: Bekar Sok. No: 18/A, Aga Camii. (0212) Bar/restaurant serving various pastas and salads.. 80

81 Eminönü Rejans: Emir Nevruz Sok. 17. (0212) Old Russian restaurant, off on a side street. Zencefil: Kurabiye Sok. No: 3. (0212) Popular vegetarian- friendly restaurant.. Hamdı Restaurant: Tahmis Caddesi, Kalcin Sok. (0212) ; ; Great kebabs and view on the balcony. Nişantaşı Pandeli Restaurant: inside the Mısır Carşısı, up one level. Lovely view of Golden Horn, old restaurant which was famous for its very good Turkish food. Still a treat. Banyan: Abdi İpekci Cad. No: 40/3. (0212) Upscale Asian fusion.. Kırıntı: Abdi İpekci Cad. No: 31. (0212) Tex-Mex diner.. Paul: Valikonağı Cad. 36. (0212) French café/bakery. Excellent baked goods and desserts CULTURAL LIFE Sushico (Chinese in Town): Teşvikiye Cad. No: 133. (0212) Japanese, Chinese and Thai.. (There is also another branch now on Istiklal Caddesi.) Taps Brewery & Restaurant: Teşvikiye Cad. Atiye Sok. No: 5. (0212) At Istanbul s only microbrewery, A variety of pizzas, pastas, grilled meats and salads can be found on the menu.. Istanbul has a vibrant cultural life. Its historical monuments reflect the city s history as the capital of three world empires and more than 1,500 years of history. The city has worldclass museums, several concert halls, a vibrant art community, movie theaters throughout the city and several world-class cultural festivals, such as the annual Theatre, Music, and Jazz Festivals. The Istanbul Guide has a full listing of the locations and phone numbers of the major cultural sites, concert halls, museums, art galleries and movie theaters. Art Galleries Istanbul s art galleries are found mainly in the Beyoğlu, Nişantası and 4. Levent areas. full listing can be found in The Istanbul Guide or Time Out. A 81

82 Movie Theaters Movie theaters are located throughout Istanbul Many shopping malls have movie theaters and Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoğlu has quite a few. USEFUL TIP: Movie Theaters Closest to Campus: Cine/Mall: Maxi Center 3 rd Floor, İstinye, (0212) AFM Maslak: Maslak SheratonHotel, (0212) The Istanbul Guide and Time Out offers a full listing of movie theaters in Istanbul with addresses and phone numbers. Most theater complexes have several screens, offering three to six movies at the same time. Most foreign films are in English with Turkish subtitles. Prices range from theatre to theatre but typically vary from approximately TL. Museums Istanbul s museum scene is growing exponentially. A full listing of museums can be found in The Istanbul Guide and Time Out. Some of the major museums include: Archeological Museum Osman Handi Bey Yokuşu, Gülhane (0212) Closed Mondays Located in the Topkapı Palace complex, the museum houses an extensive and excellent collection of Greco-Roman and Near Eastern antiquities. Doğançay Museum Balo Sokak No. 42, Beyoğlu (0212) Closed Mondays Located in the historic Beyoğlu area in an old house, the museum houses the work of famous Turkish painter Burhan Doğançay. It opened in Istanbul Modern Museum Meclisi Meduban Caddesi, Antrepo No. 4, Salipazarı, Karaköy (0212)

83 Opened in December 2004, the museum is Istanbul s main museum of contemporary art. Located on the waterfront in the Karaköy area, it has nice restaurant and good movie theatre. Pera Museum Meşrutiyet Caddesi No. 141, Tepebaşı (0212) Opened in June, 2005, this state of the art museum, located in a beautiful old building in the historic Beyoğlu area, houses an excellent permanent collection of Orientalist Ottoman paintings, rotating contemporary collections, and interesting permanent collections of weights and pottery. The Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation founded the museum. Rahmi M. Koç Industrial Museum Hasköy Caddesi No. 27, Sütlüce. (0212) Closed Mondays Located on the Golden Horn in a restored Byzantine buildings, the museum houses objects telling the story of Istanbul s industrial development. It has a nice café/restaurant on the waterfront. Sadberk Hanım Museum Piyasa Caddesi 27-29, Büyükdere. (0212) /14. Closed Wednesdays Close to Koç University, about a 15 minute drive, is Sadberk Hanım Museum. The museum is located in Büyükdere, the first village south of Sarıyer. In addition to the museum s collections, there is a nice garden, where one can sit, read or have tea. In memory of Vehbi Koç's late wife, Sadberk Hanım, the family, through the Koç Foundation, created Turkey s first privately-owned museum. The museum is in a nineteenth century 'yalı' or wooden mansion, the former summer home of the Koç family. The museum has two 'wings', a Turkish-Islamic arts section, and the archaeological section, or Sevgi Gönül Wing. Originally, the objects on display at the museum were from Sadberk Koç's personal collection of antiques. Through a donation made by a Koç family member, the museum acquired an excellent collection of antiquities, covering the history of Anatolia from Late-Neolithic-early Chalcolithic through Byzantine times. Turkish and Islamic Art Museum Meydanı 46, Sultanahmet. (0212) Closed Mondays Located on the Hippodrome, this museum has an excellent collection of Islamic objects and antique carpets housed in the palace of Suleyman the Magnificent s Grand Visier. 83

84 Performing Arts Centers Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) Taksim Square (0212) / The State Opera, Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and State Theatre Company share this center. AFK hosts other events, including the International Cultural Festivals, such as the Film, Music and Jazz Festivals. Babylon Performance Center (Jazz) Şeybender Sokak No. 3 Asmalımescit Tünel (0212) Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall Harbiye (0212) / This concert hall is operated by the Istanbul Municipality. Foundation for Culture and Arts İstiklal Caddesi Luvr Apt. No. 10, Beyoğlü (0212) This foundation organizes the annual International Film, Theatre, Music, and Jazz Festivals. The foundation also organizes the Biennale. (See the beginning of this Section for information about the Biennale.). İş Bankası Culture Center İş Bankası Towers 4. Levent (0212) Turkish Cultural Dance Theatre Fırat Culture Center Divanyolu Cad. Çemberlitaş (0212) Dances of Colours is offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Dances from ten regions in Turkey, including whirling dervishes, are included. See the The Istanbul Guide or Time Out for a more extensive listing. 84

85 Ticket Sales To purchase tickets to movies, concerts, other arts and cultural events, and sporting events, call Biletix from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm during weekdays, and 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekends, use their website, or visit one of their sales' locations (see website for list). In most movie theatres, a specific seat assignment is selected at the time of the ticket purchase. Biletix: (0216) , Videos and DVDs Koç University offers movies on campus through the Student Cinema Club. For further information, contact Günes İngin at Ext Additionally, VHS cassettes and DVDs are available at the Library and at the ELC Lab. The link for videos and DVDs in the ELC Lab is: For further information at the Library, contact Mühtesem Önder at Ext in the Library CLUBS ARIT A membership organization, Istanbul Friends of the American Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT), located in Arnavutköy, provides interesting lectures and tours, given by top scholars. Its Executive Director is Dr. Tony Greenwood. International Women of Istanbul A membership organization of international women living Istanbul that organizes many programs, ranging from lectures, and lunches to tours for its members USEFUL PUBLICATIONS AND WEBSITES Publications The Istanbul Guide, a bi-monthly magazine on Istanbul written in English, is a good source of information on issues ranging from child education to doctors names, and is available for your review at the University Library. The Istanbul Guide can also be purchased at bookstores and newsstands. Time Out Istanbul, a monthly magazine on living in Istanbul, provides up-to-date information on entertainment, cultural events, movies and newly opened restaurants. It is published in a Turkish as well as an English edition. It can be bought in Migros and Pandora on campus, as well as newsstands in neighborhoods such as Taksim or Nısantaşı, where there are more English speakers. 85

86 Websites is a website providing comprehensive, practical information about living in Turkey, including a calendar of current events in Istanbul. Tom Brosnahan who wrote the Turkey Lonely Planet has created a very helpful site for travel in Istanbul as well as Turkey. Community Information Section of the American Citizens Service Unit 3.19 TRAVEL IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY, AND ABROAD Airlines You can find a complete list of airlines in The Istanbul Guide. Turkish Discount Airlines Atlas Jet (0212) Fly Air (0212) Onur Air (0212) Pegasus Air (0212) European Discount Airlines German Wings is similar to Ryan Air (below); flies through Sabiha Gökçen: Easyjet flies from Sabiha Gökçen to London s Luton airport Ryan Air has the cheapest flights in Europe but currently don t fly to Istanbul: Accommodation The following hotels and pensions have been recommended by Koç University faculty and their families. They are arranged by region. Cappadochia Kelebek Pension Goreme / Nevsehir (0384) , (0384) [email protected] 86

87 Selçuk/Efes Homeros Pension (0232) Ask for Oya Sultanahmet Hotel Poem (0212) / (0212) / (0212) [email protected] or [email protected] Travel Agents The following travel agencies have been recommended by Koç faculty and their families. Campus Travel Sultanahmet Ask for Mustafa or Oya (0212) or 1004 [email protected] Marco Polo Tourism & Travel Agency Divanyolu Cad. No: Sultanahmet (0212) / / / (0212) They have a fantastic website that offers discounts for airlines and hotels. Midillis Sultanahmet Ask for Kamuran (0212) [email protected] 87

88 Appendices 88

89 Useful Telephone Numbers Emergency On Campus Emergency Numbers: Health Emergency 1100 Fire 3535 Security 3535 General Emergency Numbers: (Dial 9 first if calling from campus.) Other Fire 110 Ambulance 112 Police 155 Coast Guard 158 Forest Fire 177 Gendarmerie / Jandarma 156 (rural area police) Directory Assistance 118 Mail Code Information 119 Postal Service Information 161 Wake-Up Service 135 City of Sarıyer

90 Faculty Phone List Valid August 2009 Remember to check for updates: F:\SHARE\OGS\PHONE LIST SCIENCE SOCIAL CASE 1502 İpek Salahor Ersin Yurtsever 1405 Sami Gülgöz 1459 Barış Tan 1840 Mehmet Sayar 1350 Adem Levent Demirel 1488 Adrian Saunders 1689 Ahmet İçduygu İsmail Lazoğlu 1462 Ali Mostafazadeh 1483 Akiko Kotani 1614 Alp Bayülken 1853 Laure Regeffe 1312 Ali Serpengüzel 1489 Alessandra Ricci 1645 Atakan Yalçın 1534 Lerzan Örmeci 1568 Ali Ülger 1761 Anna M. McMurray 1426 Ayşegül Özsomer 1872 Mehtap Bali 1830 Alkan Kabakçıoğlu 1343 Anthony Richard Townley 1451 Ayten Kök 1473 Metin Muradoğlu 1429 Alphan Sennaroğlu 1869 Aslı Niyazioğlu 1628 Bahar Rumelili 1586 Metin Türkay 1701 Alper Kiraz 1369 Aslıhan Yener 1459 Barış Tan 1582 Murat Sözer 1486 Barış Coşkunüzer 1518 Aydın Teker 1877 Burcu Eyigüngör 1593 Murat Tekalp 1731 Burak Özbağcı 1409 Aylin Küntay 1674 Caner Bakır 1847 Müge Gültekin Erzin 1573 Durata Ertek 1351 Aysel Güneş 1620 Cem Demiroğlu 1583 Onur Kaya 1845 Elvan Ceyhan 1799 Ayşecan Terzioğlu 1463 Cevdet Akçay 1538 Özlem Keskin Demet Yalçın 1505 Emel Yılgör 1755 Bernard Freydberg 1438 Mousseau 1584 Öznur Özkasap 1714 Emre Alkan 1410 Bilge Yağmurlu 1684 Deniz Aksen 1790 Roy Küçükateş 1848 Feyza Selçuk 1406 Bruce Cheney 1375 Dennis Driscoll 1836 Seda Kızılel 1742 Funda Yağcı Acar 1517 Bruce Rankin 1671 Emanuele Gerratana 1864 Serdar Kozat 1570 Haluk Oral 1947 Bruno Longo 1633 Erhan Artunç 1748 Serdar Taşıran 1418 İskender Yılgör 1511 Carolyn Aslan 1669 Esra Gençtürk 1707 Sibel Salman 1697 Kaan Güven 1799 Cengiz Kırlı 1811 Evrim Akdoğu 1723 Süleyman Özekici 1525 Mehmet Sarıdereli 1564 Chad Nagle 1639 Evrim Didem Güneş 1540 Tevfik Metin Sezgin 1352 Mehmet Somer 1741 Christina Ziegler 1730 Fuat Keyman 1709 Türker Cambazoğlu 1315 Mine Çağlar 1810 Cynthia Apollo 1631 Hasan Subaşı 1313 Yaman Arkun 1726 Nazmi Yılmaz 1580 Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı 1672 Hasan Yılmaz 1719 Yusuf Leblebici 1357 Özgür Birer 1745 Çiğdem Maner 1427 İnsan Tunalı 1585 Yücel Yemez 1424 Özgür Müstecaplıoğlu 1524 David O' Regan 1458 Kamil Yılmaz ELC 1523 Selda Küçükçifçi 1408 Dilek Barlas 1229 Kuzey Yılmaz 1414 Richard Hight 1692 Sinan Unver 1351 Dilek Koçak 1456 Lerzan Aksoy 1331 Allison Dansie 1844 E.Şule Yazıcı 1579 Eda Daloğlu 1354 Levent Koçkesen 1331 Angela Alexander 1510 Tekin Dereli 1816 Edip Gölbaşı 1304 Levent Özakhun 1839 Anne Schluter 1787 Tolga Etgü 1485 Edward Dunkley 1565 Mehmet Büyükgürel 1885 Aslı İpekli 1339 Uğur Ünal 1816 Efe Baysal 1725 Mehmet C. Çağlar 1605 Ayşe Yumak 1558 Varga Kalantarov 1519 Eileen Jo Feeney 1676 Michael Mousseau 1813 Betsy Breckenridge 1870 Ela Başak Atakan 1843 Mika Meitz 1814 Brandon Phillips POST-DOC 1332 Brandy Griffin Araştırmacılar 1711 Erik Mortenson 1646 Murat Somer 1359 Emre Kahya 1753 Evren Kutlay 1565 Murat Uçer 1812 Caterina Herrington 1359 Vakıf Kemal Önemli 1756 Fabio Salomoni 1553 Murat Usman 1819 Chris Norrdin 1759 Guiseppe Scolarici 1311 Fatoş Gökşen 1629 Nilüfer Aydınoğlu 1603 Cletus Gassman 1759 Nermin Ferret 1386 Feyza Çorapçı 1460 Noyan Arsan 1829 Cynthia Hrdlichka 2051 Gökhan Çaylı 1555 Figen Sennaroğlu 1632 Nuri Uman 1803 Eliza Deckert 1743 Semra Pamuk 1403 Filiz Koca 1751 Nükhet Harmancıoğlu 1828 Elizabeth Merchant 1743 Mehmetçik Pamuk 1713 Frederic Reece 1347 Okan Yılankaya 1808 Hannah McDonald 311 Jacob Chizzo 1588 Michael Mestre 1870 Gloria Fisk 1377 Oliver Richmond 2611 Ömer Asım 1801 John Alff 1346 Onur Yavuz Geçkil 1817 Gül Pulhan 1210 Yedekçioğlu 1798 Günsel Renda 1450 Özden Gür Ali 1800 Julia Cooper LAB 1309 Hatice Deniz Yükseker 1526 Özge Pala 1345 Katy Middlebrooks Fizik Lab. (Alphan 1802 Kent Patterson 3746 Sennaroğlu) 1528 Hülya Durudoğan 1374 Özgür Demirtaş Fizik Lab. (Ali 1805 Leon Pinsky 1598 Serpengüzel) 1870 Işıl Baş 1627 Özgür Yılmaz 1588 Fizik Lab. (Alper Kiraz) 1878 Jeffrey Carl Dixon 1617 Özlem Altan 1824 Martha Sutter Kimya Lab. (Özgür Birer) 1336 Julie Doxsee 1457 Özlem Olgu 1822 Matthew Howell 90

91 Matthew Korte 3748 Kimya Lab. (Uğur Ünal) 1597 Karen Zahorchak 1681 Paskalis Glabadanidis 3773 Kimya Lab. (Levent 1863 Melinda Moss Şenel Demirel) 1712 Laurent Dissard 1551 Reşat Bayer Lucienne Thys 1862 Meram Arvas 2051 Kimya Lab. (Funda Acar) 1425 Şenocak 1880 Seda Ertaç Kimya Lab. (Mehmet 1809 Mora Hockstein 2474 Somer) 1782 Maria Jose Gonzalez 1452 Selçuk Karabatı Kimya Lab. (İskender Maria Pilar Mesas Özge Dağlıoğlu 3756 Yılgör) 1782 Perez 1842 Selva Demiralp Bilim Kulübü 1575 Michael Berg 1616 Serdar Sayman 1807 Patricia Krejcik 1893 Fizik Master öğrenciler 1411 Murat Ergin 1428 Serpil Sayın 1823 Patricia Tompkins 1781 Math Master öğrenciler 1879 Murat Yüksel 1214 Sinan Sarpça 1557 Rachel Lachance 2565 Math Asistanlar 1799 Nadir Özbek 1876 Skander Esseghaier 1333 Reyn Peterson 2587 Z-42 Seminer Odası 1894 Nazan Aksan 1376 Stefan Wuyts Sarah Yager 2538 Z-24 Seminer Odası 1816 Nazan Albayrak 1673 Sumru Altuğ 1334 Sevgi Can Vatandaş 2589 Dekanlık Toplantı Odası 1513 Nazlı Baydar 1668 Şuhnaz Yılmaz 1820 Susan Delacroix 1536 Nazmi Ağıl 1675 Tolga Yuret 1335 Ted Johnson LAW SCHOOL 1712 Nilsu Gören 1873 Turan Bali 1310 Tüzün Yüzer 1890 Ayşe Saadet Arıkan 1308 Nilüfer Zengin 1769 Vivek Pande 1235 Wayne Chvestuik 1796 Beril Özcanlı 1857 Nina Ergin 1560 Yalçın Akçay 1355 William Kerr 1871 Bertil Emrah Oder 1504 Ogün Kırtıl 1545 Zeynep Akşin Karaesmen 1744 Burcu Erbayraktar 1638 Osman Şahin 1784 Zeynep Gürhan Canlı 1889 Billur Yaltı 1504 Öykü İş 1670 Ziya Öniş 1341 Fulya Teomete 1622 Patrick Roney 1349 Gülfer Kuyucu 1638 Pelin Aksoy 1508 Işık Önay 1579 Pelin Ünsal Reyhan Turanlı 1856 Itır Yakar 1641 Furman ENGINEERING 1779 İlhan Helvacı 1483 Scott Redford 1539 İrşadi Aksun 1846 İlkay Engin 1638 Sema Akboğa 1706 Alper Demir 1342 M.Deniz Güner Özbek 1575 Shirley Verrette 1490 Alper Erdoğan 1895 Murat Önok 1715 Simla Şirin Göksel 1429 Alphan Sennaroğlu 1897 Nevhis Deren Yıldırım 1623 Stella Maria Clarkson 1720 Atilla Gürsoy 1778 Nur Centel 1514 Susan L. McEven 1704 Burak Erman 1896 Ömer Teoman 1518 Şebnem Selışık Aksan 1866 Can Erkey 1665 Sait Güran 1412 Tarcan Kumkale 1793 Ceyda Oğuz 1796 Sendi Yakuppur 1422 Timur Kocaoğlu 1721 Çağatay Başdoğan 1887 Tankut Centel 1509 Tina Hosseini 1891 Demircan Canadinç 1527 Teoman Akünal 1518 Tuğçe Tuna 1724 Deniz Yüret 1774 Tuğrul Ansay 1615 Valerie Taşıran 1578 Emre Kütükoğlu 1832 Yavuz Alangoya 1715 Veli Uğur 1533 Engin Erzin 1860 Zeynep Derya Tanman 1827 Vickie Taylor 1727 Erdem Alaca 1744 Zeynep Özkul 1564 Yıldız Kenter 1362 Esma Gel 1710 Yonca Köksal 1728 Fikri Karaesmen 1870 Zafer Toprak 1474 Hakan Ürey 1799 Zafer Yenal 1708 Halil Kavaklı 1353 Zeynep Aycan 1733 İlker Oyman 1515 Zeynep Cemalcılar 1722 İpek Başdoğan 1344 Zeynep Kotevoğlu 1/7/

92 Staff Phone List Valid August 2009 Remember to check for updates: F:\SHARE\OGS\PHONE LIST 92

93 Staff Phone List contd./ 93

94 94

95 95 Key Doviz Beşiktaş Dolmuş stop Campus Dolmuş stop Göze Bakery Carrefour Express Sarıyer Market Picture Framing Garanti Bank

96 Notes 96