Myth Busting

Akin and his team at Anatolian Sky Holidays are always happy to answer any questions you may have about Turkey or North Cyprus. Just call direct on 0121 764 3552. Any agent who would like to see what Turkey is like at first hand should call or email marketing@anatolian-sky.co.uk to register for Anatolian Sky’s programme of educationals and get details of the reductions offered for agents’ own holidays.

 

These days, unfortunately, terrorism is an international issue. It is not limited to any one country, as we in the UK are only too well aware. When you consider that almost 1.7 million British tourists visited Turkey in 2006 you will realise that this doesn’t appear to be something which puts people off. The Turkish authorities are very aware of security issues and there are high levels of security throughout the country and especially at airports, which should reassure travellers.

It’s an Islamic country and westerners aren’t welcome.

Turkey is actually in the unusual position of being a secular country – which means that there is no state religion. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who founded the modern Republic of Turkey, believed that religion was a personal matter and so, although most Turks are Muslims, women are in fact banned from wearing the veil in state buildings such as courts of law and parliament and in places of education such as universities. As a general rule, Turks are not strict Muslims: it is rare for women to wear the veil, although some do wear headscarves, and alcohol is freely available. In fact, if it weren’t for the mosques most tourists in Turkey wouldn’t even be aware that the country has a predominantly Muslim population.

 

Turks have a very strong culture of hospitality – they believe that visitors are guests sent by God and should be welcomed as such. You will find the Turkish people are really friendly – most UK visitors are amazed by how genuinely helpful and welcoming they are, and many people who travel with us say that they have made lots of Turkish friends on their holiday. Turks are also always pleased to have an opportunity to practise their English – and if you try a few words of Turkish they will be even more delighted!

 

Actually, this is something which we have in common, as like the English, Turks feel very strongly about their football. Although I would never make the mistake of saying ‘its only a game’, at the same time football is football, and although feelings may run high during a match this certainly shouldn’t be taken as any indication of hatred of the English. Like most football fans Turks just don’t like their team losing! Actually, you will find football is a quick route to making some Turkish friends – Turks often know British cities by their football teams and it is a good conversation starter to ask a Turk which team they support.

I won’t be allowed to wear a bikini – I’ll have to cover up.

This one is quite funny – if you go to any Turkish resort you will find it is full of British people in bikinis, shorts, and whatever they would normally wear on a beach holiday. There is no difference whatsoever between the dress code on a Turkish beach and what is worn anywhere else in the Mediterranean.

 

You will need to take out travel insurance in case you need healthcare, but then that would usually be the advice given by any agent whenever you book a holiday, whether it is within the EU or not. Standards of healthcare in Turkey are good and you shouldn’t have any problems finding an English-speaking doctor.

It’s just bog standard beach resorts.

There is nothing ‘bog standard’ about Turkish beach resorts. The great thing is that Turkey is such a big country that you can find a resort to suit anyone whether they want full-on nightlife or peace and tranquillity. Turkey has some of the finest beaches in the Med – it is hard to beat the stunning setting of the blue lagoon of Oludeniz, for example. Many people are surprised by how green Turkey is – much of the South Aegean and Mediterranean coast is backed by pine-clad mountains. Also, there is plenty to do in Turkish beach resorts, making sure that your holiday is anything but run of the mill. Of course, there are the obvious beach activities such as watersports and scuba diving, but cruises on traditional wooden sailing boats known as gulets are also popular and make for a fun day out. With so much history in the region, all of Turkey’s beach resorts are within easy reach of a stunning temple or an ancient city, which make for a fun day-trip or just a few hours away from the beach. How could that be bog standard?

This might have been true 5 or 10 years ago, but certainly isn’t true now. Turkey has some great 5 star hotels and in particular some lovely luxury boutique properties, with more opening all the time. Standards in Turkey are constantly rising. For example, in 2008 we have added the opulent Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul to our citybreaks programme, which regularly wins awards as the best hotel in Europe, and also has great spa facilities. Also new for 2008 is the idyllic Serendip Select, a boutique hotel set in splendid isolation on the beachfront in the peaceful resort of Kumlubuk. Don’t forget that Turkey is home to one of the world’s most famous traditional spa treatments – the Turkish bath or hamam. The Mediterranean resort of Belek – also famous as the home of Turkish golf – offers a good choice of spa hotels. The luxurious Gloria Verde Resort, for example, is home to a stunning Thalasso therapy centre offering state-of-the-art treatments.

Istanbul’s too far to go for a city break.

Istanbul is only 3½ hours flight away, which is perfectly manageable for a long weekend. In this case, the clichés about Istanbul really are true – it is the perfect blend of East and West, both reassuringly European and familiar and tantalisingly Oriental at the same time. Once you get there you will find that most of the famous sights of the Old Town – Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar – are all within an easy walk of each other so you can actually cover a lot of ground in a short time without feeling overwhelmed. Some of the most charming hotels, housed in renovated Ottoman mansions, are conveniently situated in the heart of old Istanbul.

If you think Istanbul is just an open-air museum then you will be in for a pleasant surprise, as it is also a modern, vibrant city full of hip bars, cool clubs and stylish restaurants. When you get there, pick up a copy of Time Out Istanbul, which is published in English, to find out where to go and what to see or have a look online at www.timeout.com.tr. Turks certainly know how to enjoy themselves and the nightlife rivals that in any European city. Those interested in exploring today’s Turkish culture should head for Istanbul Modern, the contemporary art museum located in an old warehouse on the waterfront.

It’s not worth heading inland, there’s nothing there.

In fact some of the most interesting parts of Turkey are to be found further inland. Turkey has some unique sights including the ‘cotton castle’ of Pamukkale, a natural wonder created by limestone-rich thermal springs, which appears from a distance like a shimmering white castle. Another unique region is Cappadocia, where strange rock formations have been eroded from soft volcanic rock, to form fairy chimneys and surreal lunar landscapes. This area is also home to underground cities and churches carved out of the rock by the early Christians. Turkey is a mountainous country with stunning scenery as well as a rich history and culture – it was the region where St Paul founded the first churches, and it was home to many of the places made famous in the Greek legends. Did you know, for example that Troy is in Turkey?

 

One of the best ways to explore Turkey is on an escorted tour, and Anatolian Sky offers small group tours which take in either western or eastern Anatolia. We can even tailor an itinerary to your clients own specifications – this could be a fly-drive holiday, with us booking flights, car hire and accommodation, or it could even be an individual escorted tour with a private driver who could also be a fully-qualified guide. 

The food’s not much to write home about, and you have to be really careful of the water.

Please don’t judge Turkish food by the quality of doner kebabs in the UK! In fact eating is relatively cheap and is sure to be a highlight of your holiday. Turkish food is recognised as one of the world’s top cuisines – alongside French and Chinese. Turkey is one of the few countries in the world to grow all its own food, so you will find that meals are cooked from fresh local ingredients, making them all the tastier. Turkish food is generally not spicy and restaurants are used to people having a look in the kitchen to see what they are getting, which makes it easier to choose from an unfamiliar menu.

A main meal will usually start with the meze, a variety of small cold and hot dishes, which are made for sharing. Many of these do not contain meat and so are perfect for vegetarians. The main course is usually meat or fish, served with rice and salad. Try the köfte, which are like small lamb burgers or meat balls, or if you like spicy food try the Adana kebab, which is made of minced lamb mixed with peppers and formed around a skewer. Those with a sweet tooth will love the sticky, honeyed desserts, such as baklava, layers of filo pastry and pistachio nuts soaked in honey.

 

Other things to try include börek, which can be served as a starter or as a snack on its own. It is frequently translated on menus as ‘pie’ which is completely misleading as it is actually different variations on filo pastry filled with cheese, minced meat, egg, potato or spinach. Also try the Turkish pizza, pide, which is a type of flat pitta bread with toppings such as cheese, minced meat, egg and sucuk (garlic sausage).

 

As in many other countries it is better not to drink tap water, although it should be fine for washing and brushing your teeth. Bottled water is relatively cheap and freely available, so this shouldn’t prove to be too much of a problem though.

It’s not as good value for money as it used to be.

It is true that Turkey is not as cheap as it used to be – but this is not to say that Turkey is not good value. 10 or 15 years ago most people who visited Turkey stayed in 2 or 3 star hotels with basic facilities, whereas now standards have improved beyond all recognition so, of course, prices have gone up but Turkey does still provide great value for money. Compared to other Mediterranean destinations Turkey is extremely competitive still and prices for accommodation offer good value, especially considering the high standards of service and facilities. Eating out is very good value too, as is shopping. The only thing which has really gone up in recent years is the price of alcohol, which is now taxed by the government to bring Turkey more into line with the rest of Europe. One tip to avoid high drinks bills is to drink local drinks rather than imported brands. The local beer, Efes, is excellent and there are some very good Turkish wines. You can also find locally produced vodka, gin and brandy which will cost a fraction of a branded equivalent.

Turkey is a great place for kids. Turkish people love children and will make them feel very welcome wherever they go. You can find international and local brands of nappies and other essential kit in all but the smallest resorts and cartons of UHT milk are available everywhere, which are great for toddlers.