Monday 29 April 2013

Work and social life in Turkey





You have probably noticed that Turks tend to do things in groups, not individually or in pairs, believing the more the merrier. This is probably why some Turks find it difficult when they go abroad. They perceive people of the host country as unfriendly.
Anybody who has been in Turkey for any length of time knows that Turks will be friendly and take you in as “part of the family,” particularly if you are staying alone in a hotel room or rented business apartment. This is great if you are somebody who is shy; however, the downside is Turks may not understand if you want to be independent or do it alone: They will be afraid that you will get lonely, and so will make a serious effort to look after you, to take you places and ensure that you are not left in on your own.


Friendship implies a deep commitment to and concern for the other person. A friendship in Turkey is different from a casual acquaintance. If someone is your friend, you expect to see him or her often and to be intimately concerned with his or her life. It is important to contact friends regularly. A phone call to ask how they are, in particular if they have been ill, is appreciated. Foreigners are generally seen as “cold” if they do not do this. As I mentioned earlier, privacy is not generally understood: A Turk would expect you to ask all of the details concerning their recent doctor's visit and would assume you did not care if you didn't ask what, to you, may seem intrusive questions. They are verbally expressive and use flowery language so it is important to use phrases such as “missed you a lot.”


Western expats often think they are being told a lie when something is promised but then is not fulfilled. Working in a cross-cultural setting can have pros and cons. Whether it is work or personal, one of the biggest challenges an expat faces is to know how to react when they come across unusual behaviors in the other culture that could seem merely amusing, distasteful or dishonest. Maybe you have noticed that how you would have responded in your own culture may be different from where you are now. It's important to observe what the appropriate social consequences are for unacceptable behavior. Like most places, it can vary widely between, and even within, different parts of society. Of course, there are certain things that are across the board taboo!


The visitor needs to be careful in making comparisons because Turks are sensitive to criticism. It is important to try to understand the local worldview that puts much emphasis on core values such as shame, honor, loyalty and unity. By doing this it will enable you to recognize the patterns of deeper meaning that lie behind outward behavior.



If you are visiting Turkey you may be invited by a Turk to be shown around. Many Turks want to have every opportunity to practice speaking English. It is usually OK but there have been some who have been taken advantage of, so just be wise. In general, Turks are extremely proud of their nation, its past, and Atatürk's reforms. They will want to take you to see historical sites and also to modern facilities to show that Turkey has all the amenities available in Europe.


It used to be that Turks felt it was their personal responsibility for the success of a visitor's stay. This is still true to some degree. They do not want the guest to be disappointed. If you are staying with a Turkish family, they will often plan a series of outings for you, so be ready for this! If they feel that you are not enjoying yourself, they may double their efforts to ensure their visitor has a good experience. Sometimes replies that they give to your questions may not be totally truthful because they do not want to disappoint you.


After being in Turkey for a while, you will learn to phrase your questions with care. An experienced shopper in the market would not ask, “These peppers aren't hot and spicy, are they?” Such a question is guaranteed to get the answer “no,” as the shopper has expressed a clear preference. It is far safer to ask, “Are these spicy or not?” in a way that prevents the vendor from guessing the answer you want!
Turkish work and social life in many ways is still very much governed by etiquette, custom and, above all, an intricate network of relationships.



Living in Turkey





Living in Turkey


As an expat in Turkey, you’ll witness a modern country rich in heritage and tradition. Figuring out the intricacies of everyday life in Turkey might take some time, though! Let our guide give you a good idea of contemporary Turkey, from healthcare and housing to schools for expat kids.
According to Turkish tradition, a stranger at one’s doorstep is considered a guest from God. As an expat in Turkey, you will often experience the cordial hospitality which is common for this country. This attitude does not only attract expats, but many tourists as well. The beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are especially popular among visitors and expatriates.
Turkey’s currency is the Yeni Türk Lirasi (New Turkish Lira, YTL). It was introduced in 2005 and is widely used. However, if you’ll be living in a tourist area, you may even find shops and restaurants which also accept foreign currency. If you still carry US$ or Euros, you may thus be able to spend them.

Healthcare System


Healthcare in Turkey is part of the country’s social security system., You will find that with one single contribution, you are covered in case of illness, accident or retirement. All these insurances are organized by the same institution.
The SGK (Social Security Institution) and the Ministry of Health sometimes run their own medical establishments. You will have to visit these in case of an accident or illness. Only if those facilities do not provide sufficient services can patients living in Turkey be transferred to other hospitals or clinics.
The Turkish healthcare system has improved significantly in recent years. Hospitals, clinics and practices offer many facilities and types of treatments. Unfortunately, infectious diseases and parasite-related illnesses still occur in the country. The development of irrigating agriculture has also led to a reintroduction of malaria. In comparison to EU countries, Turkey’s medical care is still below average.

Medical Care


Turkey’s healthcare system encompasses many hospitals, health stations, and healthcare centers. Most of these are run by the Social Security Institutions or the Health Department.
In addition to the state run one, there is a private healthcare sector with hospitals and doctor’s practices. These private facilities provide truly excellent medical care. Unfortunately for a majority of people living in Turkey, only the more affluent are able to afford private healthcare.
According to social security regulations, you must cover about 20% of the costs for your medication. Retirees only have to cover roughly 10% of the medication costs. However, patients paying for expensive medication and modern treatments out of pocket are a reality of living in Turkey.

Cost of Treatment


The costs for a visit to the doctor in Turkey typically start around 140YTL, a visit to the dentist may cost you 40YTL and more. This price, however, can be significantly higher, depending on the type and quality of treatment as well as the city where you live.
You may also face high costs when checking into a Turkish hospital. Inquire about the exact treatment prices and about your insurance coverage beforehand. Depending on the reason for hospitalization, the costs may vary strongly.


Markets in Istanbul



 Grand Bazaar

 Istanbul has its designer stores but there's much more to be had in its markets, from back-street haggling pits crammed with clothes-shopping aunties to glittering medieval spice bazaars.



Egyptian Spice Bazaar Istanbul Turkey


Spice Bazaar


A short walk from the Grand Bazaar, the 17th-century Eminönü Egyptian Spice Bazaar, open seven days a week, is another favourite of the camera-wielding, souvenir-seeking tourist. A bustling gastronomic paradise since 1664, this is the best place to pick up dried fruits and nuts, spices, olives, Turkish delight, oils and essences of the finest order. Bronze curios glint in the sun, torpedo-sized dates are stacked to the rafters, and the decadent scent of freshly ground Mehmet Efendi coffee merges with the aroma of fresh fish, with surprisingly non-toxic consequences. Marriage proposals should only be entertained if they involve free Turkish delight. 
Sururi, Fatih





Çarşamba

Carsamba





A sprawling weekly affair in an ultra-conservative area, the enormous Fatih Çarşamba (Wednesday) market – flogging fruit and veg, eggs and cured meats, outrageous stilettos, gadgets, branded clothing and, well, everything at rock-bottom prices – is not a place for the faint-hearted. Disorganised and wholly unruly, relentless sellers on table-tops wade among overflowing wares, bellowing prices and bagging goods at the slightest sign of interest. Favoured by locals, tourists are refreshingly absent, so keep the cameras under wraps, adopt a steely visage and don't hold back from joining swarms of angry mothers raking through mountains of clothing, as these will, no matter how unlikely it seems, produce the occasional gem. Bags and loved ones should be kept close at all times. 
• Kirmasti, Fatih




Inebolu

Inebolu


A genuine Istanbul "foodie" can be defined by their affinity with the Inebolu Sunday market, an Anatolian culinary carnival located in the downtown grime of Beyoğlu's Kasimpaşa district. Tobacco-chewing sellers from the Inebolu Black Sea region of Turkey set off in their lorries on Saturday night to arrive in Istanbul at the crack of dawn, laden with the finest organic produce; chunky slabs of corn bread, bushels of fragrant herbs, thick pastes and purees, crates of eggs, bright flowers, splitting sacks of grain, walnuts and hazelnuts and bins of glistening olives. With beady-eyed punters beginning their forage as early as 6am, shalwar-clad damsels and their moustached counterparts police topsy-turvy stalls in a chorus of discordant bellows. A trip to Anatolia and back again – and all before breakfast. Shuts up shop early, at 4pm.


Yeşilköy


Yesilkoy


Living up to its tranquil title, Yeşilköy (green village) market is the perfect stop-off for those in search of a less frantic market experience. Abundant in greenery, the vast Wednesday weekly has a reputation for high-quality products (including excellent fake silk scarves) and even provides toilet facilities. Two thousand stalls (organised into designated areas), vibrant floral displays and scattered tea cafes combine to create something unheard of in Turkey – a relaxing market browse. Gems include makeup from Mac to Maybelline, available at up to 50% discount, and the best fake Louis Vuitton in the city.
Yeşilköy Halkali Caddesi, Bakirköy



Sahaflar

Sahaflar 


One thing you will not find in abundance at Turkish street markets is books. But the old booksellers' market in Beyazit is a haven of old volumes. A leafy city oasis located between the Grand Bazaar and Beyazit Mosque, under a canopy of chestnut and acacia trees, the 15th-century market and its associated tea garden was a hot spot for prominent poets, academics and authors in the mid-20th century, and now hosts 23 bookstores daily. Stationery, calligraphy materials, textbooks, novels and foreign and holy literature, Sahaflar has it all. Huddles of elderly, tobacco-chewing gents peddle watches, badges, old coins and trinkets, although it's never entirely clear who is working and who is just hanging around for a chat.
• Çadircilar Caddesi, Beyazit


All markets open at dawn and close at dusk, unless otherwise stated


Istanbul





Istanbul
Located in the center of the Old World, Istanbul is one of the world's great cities famous for its historical monuments and magnificent scenic beauties. It is the only city in the world which spreads over two continents: it lies at a point where Asia andEurope are separated by a narrow strait - the Bosphorus. Istanbul has a history of over 2,500 years, and ever since its establishment on this strategic junction of lands and seas, the city has been a crucial trade center.

The historic city of Istanbul is situated on a peninsula flanked on three sides by the 
Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. No other city in the world can claim such a distinction.

During its development, the city was enlarged four times, each time the 
city walls being rebuilt further to the west.

Surrounded by 5th century Roman city walls and stretching over seven hills, Istanbul is adorned by the masterpieces of Turkish art, the great mosques of the Sultans that crown the hills. The city presents an exquisite, majestic and serene silhouette from all directions. The 
Golden Horn, which is a very secure natural harbor, has played a significant role in the development of the city.
Istanbul
Fortune provided such advantages to Istanbul as a location at a junction where the main overland routes reach Marmara Sea andBlack Sea by Bosphorus, an easily defensible peninsula, an ideal climate, a rich and generous nature, control of the strategicBosphorus, and a central geographical position in the ancient world.

As a capital of empires, Istanbul was not only an administrative, but also a religious center. The Patriarchate of Eastern Christians has been headquartered here since its establishment, and the largest early churches and monasteries of the Christian world rose in this city on top of the pagan temples. Within a century after the city was conquered, it was enriched with mosques, palaces, schools, baths and other architectural monuments that gave it a Turkish character, while some of the existing churches in ruins were repaired, altered and converted into mosques.Between the 16th century when the Ottoman sultans acquired themselves the title of the "Caliph of Islam" and 1924, the first year of the Republic, Istanbul was also the headquarters of the Caliphate. More Jews settled in Istanbul than any other port, and here they built themselves a new and happy life after they were rescued from Spain by the Turks in the 15th century. Istanbul has always been a city of tolerance where mosques, churches and synagogues existed side by side. The city was adorned with a large number of dazzling and impressive works even during the period of decline of the Ottomans.
During this time, the influence of European art made itself felt in the new palaces, while the northern slopes of the Golden HornGalata and Beyoglu districts assumed a European character. Even when the Empire, which was a party to World War I, collapsed and the young Republic that replaced it moved the capital to Ankara, Istanbul did not lose its significance.
The haphazard development that began in the years following World War II and accelerated in the 1950's has unfortunately had a negative impact on the fabric of the old city, and while old wooden houses disappeared rapidly, concrete buildings proliferated. Istanbul experienced a population explosion due to immigration, and within a very short period it expanded far beyond the historical city walls. The areas inside the walls were invaded by workshops, mills and offices; even the new thoroughfares could not solve the traffic problems, and the inadequacy of the infrastructure gave rise to a sea pollution problem, starting with the Golden Horn.
Istanbul
With the initiatives for saving the city in the 1980s, Istanbul embarked on a process of restructuring on a scale unseen in its history.Thousands of buildings along the Golden Horn were demolished to make way for a green belt on its shores; parks and gardens were built on the land claimed by filling up the beaches of the Marmara Sea. In order to prevent sea pollution drainage systems were completed and physical and biological wastewater treatment plants were erected; the use of natural gas for heating has considerably reduced air pollution.Efforts are continuing for the restoration of the Roman city walls, and Beyoglu, the main artery, was rescued by building a new avenue. Improvements were made in ihe general cleaning, maintenance, garbage collection fields and these services are now at Western European standards. Ring roads cross the Bosphorus over two suspension bridges to connect the two continents. The European side has now a fast tramway system and a subway, and comfort and speed has been ensured in sea transportation with the hydrofoil terminals built on the seashores. All industrial establishments on the historic peninsula have been moved to new facilities in the suburbs, and the new international bus terminal has reduced traffic intensity. The old jail and the first large concrete building of the city were given over to tourism and converted into 5-star hotels.

The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed on an east-west axis along the shores of the 
Marmara.

Source: 
http://www.istanbul.gov.tr

Beautiful places to visit...




Here are the top 8 most beautiful places to visit in Turkey that you should not be missed:

Alacati (Alaçatı)





Alacati (Alaçatı) is a village in Central Aegean. If you walk through the streets in this village, you will see the beautiful Greek architecture and very nice people. Now, this village is become to be the popular destinations in Turkey as well. Also, not only sightseeing tour, but you can do windsurfing as well.

How to get in:
You can take a bus from Izmir's otogar. The bus takes around with one and a half hour intervals between 6.30 AM and 7.30 PM during off-season, and it will more frequent during summer.



Blue Lagoon




Blue Lagoon is located in Ölüdeniz. It is the most popular beach destinations in Turkey because it is very beautiful scenery, calm atmosphere and very crystal clear water. Also, you can do variety of water sports. For the most famous water sports is Paragliding (should not be missed). There are also very safe place to swim for children as well.

How to get in:
Ölüdeniz is connected to Fethiye with a wide road that is well-paved and is in a very good condition. There is also a very frequent minibus (dolmuş) service between Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. Access to the beach is shut by the evening around 6PM.

The library of Celsus



The library of Celsus is an ancient roman building in Ephesus, Aegean Turkey. It is most popular site in this city. The library is 2 stories building, at the front of library has 4 statues, which is Sophia (wisdom), Arete (virtue), Ennoia (thought) and Episteme (knowledge). The front of library facing eastern that you can get the morning light for reading. Then I would recommend you that this is the best time for visit this site.

How to get in:
The cheaper way is to go by minibuses (shared taxi) or called as Dolmuş in Turkish, which are available every 10-15 minutes from Selcuk central bus station or from Kusadasi Dolmuş stop. The minibus will leave you at around 1km from the gate situated downhill.


Sultanahmet Mosque


Sultanahmet Mosque is most popular tourist sites in Istanbul. Many people are known the place as Blue Mosque. The mosque is so impresses for many tourists around the world. It is still working mosque, if you need to visit you have not to wear shorts and no bare shoulders. It opens 9.00 AM – 9.00 PM in May-October and 9.00 AM – 7.00 AM in November – April. For the entrance is free.

How to get in:
By tram is the best ways. You can get out at Sultanahmet station.
Pamukkale



Pamukkale (means cotton castle) is located inland southeastern Aegean Turkey. These are a set of bizarre calcium cliff and bathing pools that is so beautiful. When you access there, you have to remove your shoes due to pollution control. In summer is quite hot, then don’t forget to bring your hat and sunglasses as well.

How to get in:
You can be found the bus to Pamukkale/Denizli from almost all the cities of Turkey. The bus services include water, hot drinks and a snack as well. But the bus will drop you in Denizli, do not worry, you can get the free minibus to Pamukkale (about 20 km away).


Hagia Sophia



Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya, is had been used for mosque, but now it already change to be museum since 1935. For the highlights, you should not be missed the excellent mosaics and gallery. For entrance fee is 20 TL (credit card accepted). It opens Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 AM – 6 PM.

How to get in:
It located in Sultanahmet Square; you can go there by tram and get out at Sultanahmet station

Bodrum Castle/Castle of St Peter




Bodrum Castle [link] or Castle of St Peter is located in Bodrum, southern Aegean coast of Turkey. The castle is quite pretty and the views are spectacular. It also is the most of famous landmark in the city as well. Currently, the castle is operates as a museum. This museum is focus on Underwater Archaeology.

How to get in:
There are many intercity bus companies which operate bus services to Bodrum from major cities of Turkey such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana, Bursa, Konya, etc


Dolmabahce Palace




Dolmabahce Palace [link] is located in Bosphorus, Istanbul. The palace is covers areas around 110,000 square meter, it has 285 rooms and 43 halls. The guide tours are available for 45 minutes. For entrance fee is 40 TL, but if you need to access to Harem is require extra fee.

How to get in:
It opens Tuesday – Wendesday/Friday – Sunday 9.00 AM – 3.00 PM. Buses to this district depart from Kabataş tram station, Taksim Square, and Beşiktaş among others.


Enjoy your trip and have a nice holiday or honeymoon *_^

5 best hotels in Turkey



 
 
 
Hotel Delphin Palace
Turkish Riviera, Lara
 
 
Hotel Delphin Palace
Lovely holiday
Tripreport Delphin Palace
Fantastic family resort
 
Hotel cost

from €53.00
 
 
 

Hotel Voyage Belek Golf & Spa
Turkish Riviera, Belek
 
 
 
 
Hotel Voyage Belek Golf & Spa
 
 
 
The mini club was very very active
Amazing first class hotel and staff
A Relaxing and Enjoyable Break in Off...
 
Hotel cost
from €102.00
 
 
 
 
Trendy Verbena Beach Hotel
Turkish Riviera, Evrenseki
 
 
 
Trendy Verbena Beach Hotel
 
 
 
 
 A perfect stay for a gluten intolerance
 
 
 Hotel Delphin Diva Premiere
Turkish Riviera, Lara 
 
 
Hotel pictures - Hotel Delphin Diva Premiere Lara
 
 
Hotel cost

from €55.00
 
 
 
Hotel Aydinbey Kings Palace
Turkish Riviera, Evrenseki
 
 
 
Hotel pictures - Hotel Aydinbey Kings Palace Evrenseki
 
 
Hotel cost:
from €59.00
 
 
for further information you can visit this link
 
http://www.holidaycheck.com/charts-Top+reviewed+hotels+Turkish+Riviera-ebene_rid-id_324-typ_1-ch_hb.html
 

Traditional Food

 
 
Turkey is a large and diverse country, best known for being the meeting point of Europe and Asia and thus the connection between East and West. Its cuisine reflects this extensive variation and cultural fusion and shares much with neighbouring regions, including the Balkans and Slavic areas, as well as having heritage links to the Ottoman Empire.
Below are ten dishes that anyone going on holiday to Turkey should experience to get the true ‘flavour’ of the country her there are so examples of traditional food their:

 

 

Kofta

 
 
 
Another meat dish with considerable prominence in Turkish cuisine is the kofta. It is, in its simplest form, a meatball or meatloaf made up of minced lamb or beef and a mix of spices. There is also considerable diversity concerning the other ingredients, with some choosing to add rice, leeks, bulgur wheat or eggs.
A 2005 study showed that there were almost 300 different types of kofta in Turkey, which shows just how much of a staple it is in the national cuisine. One of the most popular varieties is the Inegol Koftesi, which is renowned for its simplicity as it includes no spices and consists of only four true ingredients – a beef/lamb mix, salt, baking soda and onion.




Gozleme

 
 
Another form of dumpling-style dish that is popular in Turkey is the gozleme. This is made by rolling out fresh pastry, adding a filling, then sealing and cooking over a griddle. There are a great number of fillings that can be used in gozleme, ranging from spinach and feta cheese to egg and from minced meat to mushrooms.



Baklava

 
 
 
 
In terms of desserts, Turkey is probably most renowned for baklava. It is a rich pastry dish and is made by combining filo pastry layers with nuts. It is made sweet by adding syrup or honey. It is usually prepared on large trays and then cut and served in a variety of shapes.
There are a number of regional versions of baklava, including the famous Gaziantep variety, which uses pistachio and has been patented within Turkey. Gaziantep is therefore regarded as the home city of this variety, despite having only started producing it in the 1870s.