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What's on in Turkey – June to September 2008
There is so much to do visitors to Turkey are often spoilt for choice! It’s Summer and there’s plenty to keep you occupied in the coastal resorts whatever your interests.
The Antalya region has an annual average of 300 days of sunshine. It really is an all- year-round resort offering outdoor sports and leisure activities aplenty. During the hottest months beach parks are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Aqualand
In the shadow of the cliffs near Antalya Beach Park, Aqualand offers a break from the salt and sea, featuring waterslides and a wave pool. The park also has a restaurant and disco for the evening hours, and a baby-sitting service/play area for children.
Opening hours: May-Oct 9.30am-6pm daily
Address: Dumlupinar Bulvari, Konyaalti
Aqua parks can be found in all major resorts including Marmaris (Atlantis Waterpark) and Kusadasi.
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Popular activities in Turkish coastal resorts
Other activities include white water rafting, yachting, diving (there are many dive centres especially in the Kas/Kalkan region) and jeep safaris, which enable you to experience the real countryside up close.
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A Golfer’s Paradise
Turkey was awarded Best Golf Destination in Europe 2008 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) putting Turkey ahead of other European golfing hotspots including Spain and Scotland. This is largely due to the Belek district of Antalya, home to championship golf in Turkey, which can boast of courses designed by world-famous golfers Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo, and also of the first pure links course in Turkey – LykiaLinksGolf which is opening in September 2008.
Championship courses can also be found in Istanbul and several are under construction in coastal resorts including in the areas of Bodrum and Dalaman.
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Highlights for Summer
Ancient Side
Antalya is dotted with fascinating historical sites including the Temple of Apollo and the magnificent theatre at Side. Various guided tours operate to this ancient town.
Kaleici
The old town of Antalya with its winding lanes and shops really comes to life during the summer season. You can enjoy a cooling drink at one of the many cafes whilst enjoying views of the sparkling harbour below.
The Sunken City of Kekova
The island of Kekova can be reached by boat from Kalkan or Kas. You can combine a visit to see the ancient Lycian ruins with a swim stop enroute in the refreshing sea
Kekova is a submerged port from the 5th century BC, when Lycia was an important kingdom. The Lycian capital was Xanthos, an hour west of Kekova.
As your boat glides over the water, you can see the remains of buildings and walls beneath. Underwater ruins - columns and staircases leading to nowhere!
Also well worth a visit and dating back to the 4th century BC are the nearby ancient ruins of Simena. A medieval castle on top of a small hill is surrounded by the ruins. You can climb to the top to enjoy the views over the water.
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Tlos & Saklikent
Tlos is one of Lycia’s longest inhabited cities where you can also see ancient Roman remains.
A visit to Tlos is often combined with one to Saklikent gorge, which is about 300m high and 18km long. Access to the gorge is by a wooden catwalk. The icy waters are certainly refreshing! The restaurants at the base of the gorge serve fresh-cooked trout and the cool greenery provides a welcome escape from the heat of the day.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley is on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast near Fethiye and is open from June to September. It is only accessible by boat or via the Lycian Way walking trail and there is a rather steep incline to reach it. It is a protected site because millions of butterflies come here to breed between June and September.
You can also swim in the bay here. In the valley there is a small restaurant. Boats leave daily from Belcekiz Beach in Olu Deniz.
Olu Deniz
One of the most beautiful lagoons in the Mediterranean is here. It is often featured on the cover of guidebooks. A small area around the lagoon has been designated a national park.
Olu Deniz is now an important paragliding centre with gliders enjoying views over Xanthos Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peak of the Babadag Mountains at 1975 metres is the launch point.
From May to October you can watch the gliders circle above and the tandem teams land on the sand of Belcekis beach. The flight time is 25 minutes. Professional pilots partner tandem divers and equipment is systematically checked.
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Dalyan
Many tourists are drawn to Dalyan to sample the mud baths accessible by boat. On the journey you will pass rock tombs.
Another major attraction is Iztuzu Beach with the Loggerhead Turtle Reserve open from May-Sept: 8am-6pm. The loggerhead turtle is endangered and the beach is recognised as one the last nesting grounds for the species.
Bodrum
The whitewashed houses in this pretty town sparkle as they catch the sun. There is plenty to occupy visitors to the area: St Peter’s Castle, boat trips, great fish restaurants and nightlife to name but a few reasons to visit. |
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Many festivals and arts and cultural events are held throughout the year in Turkey
The International Bergama Fair
1 - 7 Jun 2008
The fair celebrates the site of the Temple of Zeus (one of the ancient wonders of the world) and its culture. It features handicraft exhibitions, folklore shows, sports competitions and concerts in the town's antique theatre.
International Istanbul Music Festival
6 - 30 Jun 2008
The 2008 festival includes visits from the Vienna Chamber Philharmonic, Camerata Bern, Zurich Chamber Orchestra and Kremerata Baltica. Several historical venues are used for the concerts including Topkapi Palace
Aspendos Music Festival, Antalya
7 Jun - 3 Jul 2008
Every year, world-famous operas and ballets are performed in the 2000 year-old, 20,000-capacity Aspendos Theatre. The festival attracts big names and thousands of spectators. This year’s programme includes Verdi’s Aida and Nabucco and Puccini’s Turandot.
Festival Programme
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Gala Concert
Ankara State Opera and Ballet
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Nabucco – G. Verdi
Ankara State Opera and Ballet
Friday, June 13, 2008
Swan Lake – P.I. Tchaikovsky
Ankara State Opera and Ballet
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Turandot – G. Puccini
Sofia National Opera and Ballet
Friday, June 20, 2008
Abduction from the Seraglio – W.A. Mozart
Antalya State Opera and Ballet
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Aida – G. Verdi
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
Friday, June 27, 2008
La Bayadere – L. Minkus
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
Monday, June 30, 2008
Norma – V. Bellini
Francesco Cilea’s Municipality Theater of Reggio Calabria
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Hormonic Band Concert
Soloist: Gülsin Onay (piano)
Turkish Armed Forces Harmonic Band
International Izmir Festival
Jun - Jul 2008
Izmir is a cosmopolitan coastal city about an hours drive from the coastal resort of Kusadasi. The International Izmir Festival draws visitors and participants both from Turkey and throughout the world.
The festival features high quality performances of drama, music and dance in venues across Izmir. Festival performances also take place in the theatre at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, a 50-minute drive from central Izmir.
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International Istanbul Jazz Festival
2 - 17 Jul 2008
The annual International Istanbul Jazz Festival features music from big names in jazz at venues across the city. Past names include Ray Charles, Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
International Troy Festival
Aug 2008
The ancient site in Canakkale comes to life with guided tours, re-enactments of the battle of Troy and folklore displays.
International Istanbul Fashion Festival
Aug 2008
Istanbul is the second-largest supplier of clothing to the European Union and hosts a Fashion Festival twice a year at CNR Expo. It is attended by the movers and shakers in the fashion industry - designers, manufacturers, importers, global brands, retailers and department stores.
Elmali Oil Wrestling Festival
Sep 2008
Every year in the first week of September, Turkish boys compete with each other at Elmali Oil Wrestling Festival. The contest lasts for three days and over 100 wrestlers take part. Wrestlers come from all over Turkey to participate in the sport made popular in Ottoman times. The festival is held in a small town 2000 metres above sea level in the Taurus Mountains. The event takes place in the stadium.
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Sports
World Rally Championship (WRC).
The eighth route on the International Automobile Federation's tournament will be held in Antalya from June 13th to 15th.
Asia-to-Europe competition, Istanbul
20 Jul 2008 10am-1pm
The Bosphorus is the setting for the annual Asia-to-Europe swimming, rowing and sailing competition organised by the National Olympic Committee of Turkey. Thousands of Turkish and international athletes aged from 14 to 71 take part.
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Events
Istanbul Houseware & Gift Fair
Aug 2008 - 9.30am-7pm
This annual fair at the Tuyap Istanbul Exhibition Palace offers glassware, ceramics, beads, lace, leather goods and handwoven products.
Gombe Mountain Market
Jul - Sep 2008
Every year, the villagers from the Taurus Mountains come together for this traditional market at Gombe, 2000 metres above sea level, inland from the popular tourist resorts of Kalkan, Marmaris and Fethiye. You will get a glimpse of authentic village life.
Galata Bridge - Istanbul Design Week
Sept 2008
A magnet for design related business and individuals from across the globe, the event is held at the historic Galata Bridge. Workshops, lectures, talks, awards and competitions run in addition to the main event.
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Explore the Metropolis – Summer is an ideal time to visit Istanbul!
The metropolis of Istanbul, which will be European City of Culture in 2010, offers a myriad of interests and activities for visitors. From historic palaces such as Topkapi Palace to shopping at the vibrant Grand Bazaar to watching formula one racing at the state of the art circuit at Istanbul Park. There are a host of museums and cultural attractions that are well worth a visit. The summer months are a good time to experience Istanbul as it comes to life outdoors. Soak up the sun in this exciting city or just chill out and escape the midday heat in a tea garden or watch the world go by from a table at one of the many eateries. There are flights to Istanbul from major UK airports and from Turkish regional airports. You could combine a holiday in a Nirvana International Development with a short trip to Istanbul!
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Summer in the City!
Nevizade
Head to Nevizade for Meze (appetisers) and fish often accompanied by the alcoholic drink Raki – go easy it’s strong! Nevizade gets very busy during the summer months and the atmosphere is great.
Fransiz Sokagi
French Street is a pretty area and the ideal setting for dinner whilst you enjoy the live music, which is often played. Nothing too loud more often than not someone singing ballads accompanied by guitar.
Ortakoy
A charming village with cobbled streets next to the Bosphorus. At the weekend Turkish people meet friends for a late breakfast and sit at one of the waterside cafes. This is a great place to have a wander, there are lots of jewellery shops and a street market on a Sunday. The views from Ortakoy are stunning and at night the bridge across the Bosphorus is lit up.
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Istanbul sights include:
Hagia Sophia
This enormous structure was built in the period 532 - 537 during the reign of Emperor Justinian, as a church. The name Hagia Sophia means 'Holy Wisdom' and the building was the principal church of the Christian world. Byzantine mosaics have been uncovered on the upper gallery.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is officially the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. It was built at the beginning of the 17th Century and was designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga. The most distinctive feature of the mosque is its six minarets.
Please note that because this is a working mosque, it is closed to tourists during the five daily prayer times and for longer periods on Fridays. As with all mosques, tourists must remove their shoes before entering.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapi Palace was the residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. The Palace is extremely opulent with its many treasures and lavish decoration. It is a must see for any visitor to Istanbul.
The Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is Turkey's largest covered market. It is estimated that there are between 3,500 to 5,000 shops there. It really is a shopper’s paradise!
Another covered bazaar, worth a visit is the spice bazaar, known locally as the 'Egyptian Bazaar'. It specialises in spices but sell other things as well. You really can barter to your hearts content!
Have a refreshing glass of spiced apple tea after picking up a bargain or several!
The Yerebatan Cistern
Also known as the Underground Palace, this strange building is an ancient storage tank for water built in Roman times, reputedly the orginal cistern was built by Constantine the Great. The cistern was restored in the 1980s and is open to the public. There is a small coffee shop.
The Dolmabahçe Palace
This palace is situated along the Bosphorus and before you enter the gates there is a tea garden with one of the best views of any in Turkey. You can take a refreshing tea before beginning your tour of the palace. Built in 1853, Dolmabahce is a masterpiece of 19th-Century grandeur. There are more than 280 rooms and a guided tour will take you around two hours. The palace was as a residence for President Kemal Atatürk, in the mid-20th Century, when he visited Istanbul. You can watch the changing of the guards at the Palace.
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This page is regularly updated – keep coming back to see What’s On in Turkey. Don’t miss out!
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