TURKEY
Istanbul, with her over 13 million population, is the main entrance gate of the country and have 2 International airports. Ataturk International Airport (European side): Is one of the most modern and gratest airport of European cities, where nearly all major airlines have direct flight from all over the world.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (Asian side): Is smaller but no less efficient.
All major cities have one International Airport and some other small cities have domestic Airport.
Some of the worlds important Cruise Lines arrive at Istanbul and some of them to Kusadasi and Bodrum.
ARMENIA
Yerevan is the capital and major city of the country. Undoubtedly stating a city with the word of "major " is absolutely relative adjective. If you bare in mind the total population of country, which is around 3,5 million and population of Yerevan is approximate 1,3 million, you may get the picture more clearly. Zıvartnotz Airport is now the busiest airport in Armenia and the Caucasus, recently renovated and added a new International terminal in order for it to become a vital link for tourism and commerce between Asia and Europe, as well as to modernize its facilities and services.
ARMENIA
The territory of Yerevan-Erebuni was settled in the fourth millennium B.C. , fortified settlements from the Bronze Age include Tsiztsernagaberd, Karmir Berd, The ancient kingdom of Van (Ararat or Uratu, was formed in the 9th century BC in the basin of Lake Van of the Armenian Highland, including the territory of modern-day Yerevan. King Aram was the founder of the state which was one of the most developed states of its age. Early Christian Armenian chroniclers attributed the origin of the name, "Yerevan, " to a derivation from an expression exclaimed by Noah, in Armenian. While looking in the direction of Yerevan, after the ark had landed on Mt. Ararad and the flood waters had receded, Noah is believed to have exclaimed, "Yerevats! " ( "it appeared! ").
TURKEY
Turkey's history of human civilization spans almost 10,000 years. The land that is now Turkey has seen the rise and fall of Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Lydian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and is literally covered with ruins left from these great civilizations. Turkey, a natural bridge between East and West, is justly referred to as a "living museum ".
TURKEY
Turkey is by European standards a vast country. At roughly 800,000 square km., it is over twice the size of France. Turkey straddles the junction of Europe and Asia, with 97% of its land mass in Asia (Anatolia) and 3% in Europe (Thrace). The terrain is extremely diverse, with snowy mountains, high steppes, broad rivers, fertile valleys and coastlines of all sorts.
ARMENIA
Is a landlocked mountainous country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, the independent Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the south.Altitude: average 990'm (3,248.03'ft).
ARMENIA
The climate in Armenia is markedly continental. Summers are dry and sunny, lasting from June to mid-September. The temperature fluctuates between 22 and 36 °C (72' and 97'°F). However, the low humidity level mitigates the effect of high temperatures. Evening breezes blowing down the mountains provide a welcome refreshing and cooling effect. Springs are short, while falls are long. Autumns are known for their vibrant and colorful foliage. Winters are quite cold with plenty of snow, with temperatures ranging between -10 and -5 °C (14' and 23'°F).
TURKEY
The best time to visit Turkey is between April and October. May, early June and September are the ideal times for touring. The climate varies widely, from the nearly year-round balmy temperature and sun of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, to the temperate climate of Istanbul, to the "temperate rain forest " climate of the Black Sea coast, to the intense cold of winter in the extreme East. Average temperatures in major cities are as follows (in degrees Celsius):
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter | |
| Istanbul | 14 | 27 | 19 | 8 |
| Ankara | 11 | 23 | 13 | 0 |
| Izmir | 16 | 29 | 21 | 10 |
| Antalya | 16 | 30 | 22 | 11 |
TURKEY
GMT+2 at most times of year.
ARMENIA
GMT+4 at most times of year.
ARMENIA
The Armenian Apostolic Christianity is the dominant religion in Armenia as well as Yerevan. The Armenian Church is represented in the city by the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese which is based within the complex of Surb Sargis Cathedral. Yerevan is home to the largest Armenian church in the world, the Cathedral of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. After the independence in 1991, the Evangelical Church of Armenia was founded and officially recognized by the authorities on 1 July 1994
TURKEY
Over 90% of Turks are Moslems, but Turkey, as a secular democracy, guarantees non-Moslems complete freedom of worship.
TURKEY
Turkey offers the visitor one of the great cuisines of the world. Fresh fish and lamb are the basic meat courses on most menus. "Shish Kebab " (grilled pieces of lamb on a skewer) and "Doener Kebab " (pieces of lamb cooked in front of a charcoal grill around a vertical spit) are the most famous Turkish dishes known worldwide. "Raki " is the national drink, otherwise referred to as lion's milk. A wide selection of famous desserts or fresh fruit followed by Turkish coffee complete the meal.
ARMENIA
Armenian cuisine includes the foods and cooking techniques of the Armenian people, the Armenian diaspora and traditional Armenian foods and dishes. The cuisine reflects the history and geography where Armenians have lived as well as incorporating outside influences. The preparation of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes in an Armenian kitchen requires stuffing, frothing, and pureeing. Lamb, eggplant, mayonnaise, yoghurt, and bread (lavash) are basic features of Armenian cuisine.
ARMENIA
Armenian Dram 1 USD = 380 AD
TURKEY
Turkish Lira 1 USD = 1,50 TL
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Exchange rates for foreign currencies are published daily and money is easily changed at banks and exchange bureaus in most places. In addition, all major credit cards and traveller's checks are widely accepted. But those who will be visiting smaller districts that are further away from the major cities, should have enough cash on hand. Because credit cards and/or traveler cheques may not be accepted in such districts
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Sunday is the official holiday. Government offices, post offices and banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, though some post offices are open until noon on Saturdays. Shops are closed on Sundays. Standard business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but many shops are open longer hours. Businesses and shops generally do not close for lunch, although most banks do.
TURKEY
Turkey offers superb opportunities for avid photographers, and visitors may photograph everything except military zones and people praying inside mosques.
ARMENIA
No restriction for visitors except military zones and power plantations.
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No matter what part of country you visit, you will encounter the genuine and spontaneous hospitality for which Turkey and Armenia have long been known. Most visitors to Armenia and Turkey, especially in rural areas, are seen as "guests ", not "tourists ".
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Taxis are a very reasonable and efficient way of getting around. All taxis are metered ignore attempt of drivers for bargaining! and it is not necessary to tip taxi drivers, although the custom is to round up the meter reading to the nearest bank note.
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International health insurance cards are accepted.
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Tourists entering Turkey and Armenia need to have a passport valid for at least 3 months from their date of entry. Visas, if required, can generally be obtained at the point of entry, but please check with the Embassies in your country, as restrictions and regulations can change. It is strictly forbidden carry - enter with drugs and weapons, also to take antiques out of the country.
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As in most of Europe, electrical current 220v / 50 Hz. End plugs have 2 round ends. Universal Adaptor might be necessary.
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It's not a problem for Turks and Armenians to communicate with foreigners. They make every effort to converse, no matter what linguistic barriers might exist. There are empolyees in restaurants, shopping centers, hotels etc. With a knowledge of foreign languages.
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The people of Turkey behave according to codes of conduct and where contemporary clothing in their daily lives. But, in TURKEY there are also people who behave and dress according to their religious beliefs.
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Tourist can wear what they want and behave quite freely. But, in TURKEY for the women, covering the hair while visiting the mosques is a religious necessity, which is also expected from the tourists.
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Smoking is common in these countries. But, rules are more strict in TURKEY, there smoking is forbidden in public areas and various places like hospitals, banks, restaurants, public transportations and their stations areas.
TURKEY
When visiting a mosque, leave your shoes at the door. Dress as you would for a visit to a church or synagogue. Do not wear shorts and short skirts. Do not take photographs using a flash or don't walk in front of worshipers. During the month of Ramadan , when many muslims fast during the daylight hours, avoid ostentatious displays of eating, drinking or smoking in public.
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When you are offered tea or coffee it is impolite to refuse.
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Before entering a private house especially in Anatolia it is customary for visitors to take off their shoes and leave them by the door.
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As a rule, there are toilets, with separate sections for men and women (as anywhere on the world) and a small fee is usually charged for their use. Some are still basic and mostly rather odorous. Toilet paper is rarely provided in public toilets. Neither public toilets nor others are wheelchair friendly.
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There have severely limited accessibility for mobility-impaired travelers. Roads are potholed and pavements if they exist at all !- are crocked and cracked. Neither public transport vehicles nor others are wheelchair friendly.
Travelers in Turkey experience a fair amount of travelers diarrhea, particularly if someone eat street food. Even if you eat in simple ordinary restaurants, choose dishes that look freshly prepared and preferably sufficiently hot. Beware of milk products and dishes. If you want such dish, choose a shop that has lots of them in the window, meaning that a batch has been made recently.
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Tap water is chlorinated in most cities, but is still not guaranteed to be safe. Most local don't drink tap water. Spring water is sold everywhere in plastic bottles and with very cheap price.
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Homosexuality is not against of law! BUT there's an ambivalent attitude towards it among the general population.
TURKEY
Displays of affection in public, like kissing and embracing, are often frowned on.
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Drugs are extremely dangerous to deal with.
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Theft is not generally a big problem and robbery is cooperatively rare. But, yet take normal precautions. Keep valuable possessions like passport, Money, credit cards, cheques etc. in a purse, wallet or buttoned pocket. Better in your room safe…
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It's worth mentioning that Turkey has one of the highest motor-vehicle accident ratios. Walk and (if you are obliged)drive very defensively. As a pedestrian, give way to cars and trucks in all situations!!!! The sovereignty of pedestrian is recognized in law but not on the streets.
TURKEY
Reminder for women travelers: As is the case in most Muslim countries, western women often often attract the sort of attention. Most of this attention will be innocent and usually friendly; However, some of them won't be!! You may find men converse with your breasts, instead of your face… In general, keep your dealings with Turkish men formal and polite, not friendly…! Avoid casual eye contact and dress modestly. Avoid walking alone at night. It's a good behavior and idea to sit in the back seat of taxis.
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