 What's on in Turkey – Mar to May 2010
There is so much to do – visitors to Turkey are often spoilt for choice!
Istanbul is a European Capital of Culture for 2010 and will be showcasing a variety of arts and heritage events throughout the year. There has never been a better time to visit! From Istanbul to the South Coast, Turkey offers a wealth of activities and interests to suit all tastes, from fine beaches to championship golf and even skiing. Read on to find out more about ‘What’s on in Turkey’ NOW...
 Ski season in Turkey runs until April!
Word is spreading about the quality of skiing in Turkey as more people sample the slopes. The most established ski centre in Turkey is Uludag, Bursa with a 2543 metre high peak and just a few hours from Istanbul. The ski season runs from mid-December through to late March. Owners of property in Istanbul can enjoy a weekend on the slopes.
Saklikent ski resort is located in southwest Turkey. Apart from the slopes, the big draw is the fact that in under an hour you can access Antalya, where you can enjoy the beaches, even in the mild winter ski season months.
The ski season at Saklikent ski resort runs from mid-December to April and has its best snow from mid-January to mid-March. Saklikent resort lies at 6,560 feet above sea level and offers visitors a ski school, ski and snowboard equipment rentals, ski shops and a supermarket.
With two ski lifts and a number of runs the ski resort is suitable for all standards - it will especially appeal to beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The slopes are easily reached from a property in Belek which is 120km away. Property owners in Side are also well placed for the slopes.
The town of Antalya itself is well worth exploring, with its wealth of mosques, monuments and museums. Be sure to visit Hadrian’s Gate, an entrance gate and Roman triumphal arch, and that you see the Clock Tower in nearby Kalekapisi Square.
There are many festivals throughout the year in Turkey
Children's Day (23 April 2010)
On Children’s Day, children throughout Turkey take part in events and parades, often held at their schools. It is an important annual event in the Turkish calendar and a day for celebration.
Manisa Mesir Festival ( April - May 2010)
Also known as "power gum", mesir is a blend of 41 spices and its annual festival has been celebrated in Manisa for nearly 500 years! The closest airport to Manisa is Izmir.
Atatürk commemoration and Youth and Sports Day (19 May 2010)
On 19th May every year, dignitaries, politicians and military leaders celebrate the arrival of Atatürk at Samsun. This historic event marked the beginning of Turkey's War of Independence in 1919. Ceremonies are held in major cities throughout the country including Ankara, Samsun and Istanbul. Memorial wreaths are laid in Anitkabir, the site of Atatürk's mausoleum.
Arts and Cultural Events are held throughout Turkey
17th European Jazz Festival – Izmir (Mar 2-17 2010)
The festival comprises exhibitions, workshops and concerts.
Istanbul International Film Festival (3-18 Apr 2010)
The annual Istanbul Film Festival attracts 85,000 visitors every year with its varied programme and features ground breaking films. Many films are in English. It is a must for film buffs!
Picasso Suite Vollard Engravings, Pera Museum, Istanbul (on until 18 April 2010)
The exhibition is on Picasso’s collection of engravings “Suite Vollard” dating from the 1930s and commissioned by the art dealer Ambroise Vollard. There are only five complete sets in the world.
Istanbul Modern (until 23 May 2010)
‘From Traditional to Contemporary - Cultural Memory in Modern Turkish Art – focuses on the relationship between art and the traditional, on the present and also on the past of modern art.
Denizli - International Amateur Theatre Festival (May 2010)
The city, famed for its close proximity to the ancient site of Pamukkale, holds an annual theatre festival during which some quality performances are given.
 International Istanbul Puppet Festival (5-10 May 2010)
Hosts many famous national and international puppeteers from around the world.
Istanbul International Theatre Festival (May-June 2010)
A quarter of a million people are attracted to this festival which showcases experimental and classical theatre and dance.
Other Events
Istanbul International Gastronomy Festival (18-21 March 2010)
Food from around the world plus Turkish cuisine at the Tuyap Istanbul Exhibition Centre. International and Turkish chefs will be on hand at the event.
Wine Istanbul (April 2010)
Held at the Istanbul World Trade Centre this event is attended by trade visitors and wine enthusiasts. Both domestic and imported wines on show and can be sampled.
Turkey offers numerous sport and leisure opportunities
 With an annual average of 300 days of sunshine a year on the south coast and glorious spring temperatures in Istanbul, Turkey really is an all-year-round destination. Visitors can enjoy outdoor sports and leisure activities a-plenty including boat trips and championship golf. During the hottest months beach parks are popular with locals and tourists alike with ideal temperatures enjoyed during early spring.
Ladies European Tour (3-9 May 2010)
Major golfing event Turkish Ladies Open held at the National Golf Club, Belek
29th Marmaris Yacht Charter Show (9-13 May 2010)
Turkey is surrounded by sea to three sides, and has a coast of over 8000 km in length. One of the best ways to experience the stunning scenery that Turkey offers is from the deck of a boat.
2010 Formula 1 Turkish grand Prix, Istanbul Park Circuit (28,29,30 May 2010)
Michael Schumacher returns to race with Mercedes in Formula One
SunSplash Antalya Festival (23-30 May 2010)
Held at the Hillside Su, this week long festival features Top UK DJs and artists lined up to play music by the beach.
New flights launching (May 2010)
EasyJet is adding a London Gatwick to Antalya service to its existing routes to Dalaman, Bodrum and Istanbul. Good news for owners of property in Turkey!
Explore the Metropolis – European Capital of Culture for 2010
 The metropolis of Istanbul is a European Capital of Culture for 2010 and offers a myriad of attractions for visitors. From historic palaces such as Topkapi Palace to shopping in the vibrant Grand Bazaar to Formula One racing at the state of the art circuit at Istanbul Park. There are a host of museums and cultural venues that are well worth a visit. The spring months are a good time for sightseeing. An ideal way to spend a day is to take a ferry across to the residential district of Kadikoy on the Asian side with its numerous shops and restaurants. There are flights to Istanbul from major UK airports and from Turkish regional airports. You could combine a stay in your property in Turkey with a visit to Istanbul! Whatever time of the year you visit you won’t be disappointed. Click here to view property in Istanbul.
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. Up until the building of Michelangelo’s dome for St Peter some 1000 years later by the Romans it was the largest dome ever constructed. Byzantine mosaics have been uncovered on the upper gallery. |
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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. |
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Topkapi Palace
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. Each Sultan added something of his own over the centuries. It is a must see for any visitor to Istanbul. |
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The Grand Bazaar
Often dubbed the ‘world’s earliest shopping mall’ 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'. Bartering is a must in Turkish bazaars. Enjoy a glass of spiced apple tea after picking up a bargain or several! |
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The Yerebatan Cistern
Also known as the Underground Palace, this building is an ancient storage tank for water built in Roman times, reputedly the orginal cistern was built by Constantine the Great. The cistern covers around 1,000 metres and was restored in the 1980s and is open to the public. Prior to its renovation the cistern could only be explored by boat. In the film ‘From Russia with Love’ James Bond rows through it. There is a small coffee shop. |
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The Dolmabahçe Palace
This palace is situated along the Bosphorus and before you enter the gates there is a tea garden with stunning views. 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. |
Click here to view property in Istanbul |
This page is regularly updated – keep coming back to see What’s On in Turkey and What’s new in Turkey. Don’t miss out!
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