Turkey in Brief
Hospitality is a Turkish Tradition Hospitality is one of the major attributes of the Turkish Life Style. Following his innate benevolent instincts, The Turk is a most gracious and generous host. Even the poorest peasants feel the need to host guest in the their best possible manner.Hospitality is taken to such an extent that a foreigner oftrn feels he is suffering from an overdose of it after being plied with food and drinks for hours and being unable to refuse anything lest he hurt his host' s feelings. In addition to ensuring his guest's comfort, the Turkish people make every effort to converse, no matter what linguistic barriers might exist.
Language The
Turkish language belons to Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity to the Finno - Ugrian languages. Turkish is written in Latin alphabet and is spoken by same 150 - 200 million people around the world.
Religion 98% of the Turkish population is Muslim. However, by constitution, everyone in Turkey has freedom of religion and beliefs.
In Turkey you will find Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Armenian churches as well as Synagogues and everyone is free to practice the religion of his choosing. Istanbul has many areas where people of very different religions have lived side-by -side for centuries with their practices and custom and continue to do so.
Currency The Turkish Lira is available in notes and coins. The exchange rate is determined daily; several banks and exchange offices are available. Traveler' s checks can be cashed in most banks. Hotels and many shops and restaurant accept foreign currency. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that travelers can bring cash. Hotels, most restaurants and shops accept all major credit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard / Euro Card, Diners' Club)
Dining Dining in Turkey is a tradition and the country has one of the well-known cuisines in the world. The kebabs (meat meals), fish, different dishes prepared by olive oil and of course the dessert, which are sweet and tend to incorporate fruits, nuts and pastry in tempting combination. They are sinfully delicious. The national drink is Raki, an aniseed flouvared grape brandy. Turkish wines are cheap and surprisingly good. "Living to eat" can be the motto to describe Turkish Cuisine. Also it is possible to find many alternative kitchens from Chinese to French from modern restaurants to classical ones and from small restaurants to large ones that can accomoodate 1000 persons, catering to many tastes.
