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Turkey
Relevant information about Turkey.
Turkey becomes an interesting country to visit due to its rich history, mixed with beautiful landscapes and activities to do. There people will be amazed by battlegrounds, ruined castles and the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, and it is also where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad, not to mention that it is where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would change the world. On the other hand, for lovers of nature there is the possibility of going to the beaches and enjoying the warm waters of the Mediterranean. And another great option is to go around the city of Ä°stanbul, where the markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric, and where cuisine is positioned as one of the tastiest in the world.
The population of Turkey reaches 72.5 million, based on the last census of 2009. A great part of the Turkish population is of Turkish ethnicity, while other ethnic groups include the Abkhazians, Roma, Albanians, Arabs, Assyrians, Bosniaks, Circassians, Hamshenis, Kurds, Laz, Adjarians, Pomaks, Zazas and the three officially recognized minorities- according to the Treaty of Lausanne- the Armenians, Greeks and Jews. As regards the non-Turkic ethnics, the Kurds are the largest group estimated at about 18% of the population. The country has a very diverse culture that is a mix of various elements of the OÄŸuz Turkic, Anatolian, Ottoman and Western culture and traditions. This blend originally began as a result of the encounter of Turks and the customs of the people who migrated from Central Asia to the West. During the first years of the republic, the government invested a large amount of resources into fine arts; such as museums, theatres and architecture. Turkish culture is a product of a transition from a traditional religious population, into a more modern western state. Actually, the Turkish music and literature are great examples of a mix of cultural influences, which were a result of the interaction between the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world along with Europe. Architectural elements found in Turkey are also a good piece of the unique mix of traditions that have influenced the region. The traditional Byzantine elements are also present in numerous parts of Turkey, best shown in the Ottoman architecture. Mimar Sinan is known as the greatest architect of the classical period in Ottoman architecture. Since the 18th century, the architecture in Turkey has been increasingly influenced by Western styles, and this can be particularly seen in Istanbul where buildings like Dolmabahçe share a spot with numerous modern skyscrapers.
Turkey has a prominent presence in the world's economy picture, taking part of the G-20 major economies. Turkey has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms: it reduced government controls on foreign trade and investment and the privatized some public industries. In relation to the Turkey's economy, it has been becoming even more dependent on industry in the major cities, leaving a bit aside agriculture. Of course, traditional agriculture is still a great pillar to the Turkish economy, accounting the 27.3% of employment in 2007. The tourism sector has experienced an accelerating growth in the last twenty years, and is now a key part of the local economy. In 2008, there were 30.929.192 tourists in the country, who added $21.9 billion to Turkey's revenues. Another important industry in Turkey is the electronics manufactures. In fact, Turkish brands like Beko and Vestel are among the largest producers of consumer electronics and home appliances in the European continent. Other key sectors of the Turkish economy are banking, construction, textiles, oil refining, petrochemical products, food, mining, iron and steel, and automotive. Regarding automotive industry, Turkey produced 1.147.110 motor vehicles in 2008, taking the 6th position among the largest producers in Europe and the 15th largest producer in the world.
Without a doubt, the city of Istanbul is one of the world's most interesting cities. It has a unique history, and it is mainly one of the great attractions for tourists. The place, once named Constantinople in historical times, has been the capital of the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires. And what most caught the eyes of the visitors, is the fact that the city's heritage is greatly preserved. Along the picturesque streets, churches and mosques like the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Cami, and Hagia Sophia, can be found beside palaces such as The Topkapi and Dolmbahce. And speaking of good food and cuisine, Turkish people are specialists in preparing rich and extensive dishes. Some traditional Turkish foods, especially köfte, döner, kokorec, börek and gözleme are often served as fast food in Turkey, but they can be truly enjoyed at local restaurants, mainly those in the nearby cities bordering Istanbul. For those who enjoy of tasting regional food, Kusadasi is a resort town with great restaurants and good hotels. It is also well known for its nightlife. And in Istambul, it can be found the Grand Bazaar, considered the oldest marketplace in the world; a bunch of streets, shops and stalls that sell all kind of pottery, spices, jewelry and, of course, carpets. Other strong and unusual attractions in Turkey are the traditional hamams or Turkish baths, and the hookahs. One of the most famous hamams is the 300 year old Cagaloglu Hamami, featured in the recognized film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Regarding hookahs, there can be found different types of herbs, fruit extracts and varieties of tobacco. One of the richest areas for traveling is the Aegean Coast, not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for its fine archaeological sites. Another must spot, when it comes to ancient delights, is Ephesus. This city is currently being restored, and another attractive fact about it, especially for Christians, who believe that the Virgin Mary lived in that area at the end of her life. And last but not least, Ephesus is also known as the location of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Pamukkale in Denizli Province in southwest Turkey is an extraordinary area of hot springs awash with calcium carbonate, which is known as the Turquoise Coast and has become a UNESCO World Heritage site. For beach lovers another great option is Ölüdeniz, gathering people of all ages and offering a lot of activities to do.
Turkey has become the first choice of many patients seeking to get a high quality surgery or to get the right treatment, especially from countries such as England, Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria and others, as well as Middle Eastern and Arab countries. And it is not by chance, but due to the offer of top facilities for medical treatments and interventions. Thermal, spas and wellness services are also very appreciated by tourists. Currently, the country is seeking to join the European Union and is getting ready to receive the membership by 2014. In the meantime, both government and private healthcare institutions are implementing a system of quality, technical and medical standards. These factors are monitored the Ministry of Health, which together with an Independent Turkish Medical Associations sets the standards and guidelines to be followed by hospitals, healthcare facilities and medical practitioners. Furthermore, most hospitals in Turkey have English-speaking doctors and medical staff that are certified by the Turkish Medical Association, as well as being members of organizations according to their specializations, including the Turkish Dental Association, Turkish Gynecologist & Obstetric Association, Turkish Orthopedic and Traumatology Association, Turkish Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Association, Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, and other specialized associations. Among the top hospitals to be considered for its good services are: Istanbul Memorial Hospital; the Anadolu Medical Center, in Kocaeli; the Acibadem Healthcare Group; the Medical Park Healthcare Group; the Florence Nightingale Hospital Group; the Dunya Eye Hospital. Now, regarding the most common treatments done during medical tourism, there are plastic surgery; fertility and sterility; obesity and bariatric surgery; renal dialysis; stem cell transplantations; sleep disorders; psoriasis treatment; physiotherapy; oxygen therapy; general and aesthetic dentistry; beauty centers; eye health.
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