Turkey / Türkiye

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Be in Turkey – Republic of Türkiye

Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile! Balkans, The Crossroad of civilization

Welcome to Türkiye – The Crossroad of Civilisation

Straddling two continents and centuries of history, Türkiye is a land where East meets West, tradition embraces modernity, and every horizon reveals a new wonder. From the minaret-dotted skyline of Istanbul to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia, Türkiye offers a sensory journey like no other. Its majestic mountains, turquoise coasts, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities make it a country of dazzling contrasts and timeless beauty. Whether you seek serenity in nature or the rhythm of bustling bazaars, Türkiye invites you to explore its endless treasures.

More than just a destination, Türkiye is a feeling – one of warmth, depth, and discovery. This is where empires were born, where cultures blended at the crossroads of trade and tradition, and where hospitality runs deeper than language. Whether you’re wandering through Roman amphitheaters, relaxing in Aegean villages, or savoring a sunset over the Bosphorus, Türkiye’s spirit stays with you. Be in Türkiye, and experience a place where every mile truly gives you a smile.

Whether you’re planning to visit Türkiye, explore Turkey on a grand European adventure, or just start your Balkan tour, Türkiye offers excellent international access.
Arrive by air through international airports in Istanbul (IST), Ankara (ESB), Izmir (ADB), or Antalya (AYT). Be in Türkiye by sea via coastal ferries in Çeşme, Bodrum, or Istanbul. Trains and buses from Greece and Bulgaria make overland travel to Türkiye both scenic and simple. You can truly travel to Turkey by any means – air, land, or sea – and find yourself standing at a crossroad of civilisation.

To ensure a smooth trip to Turkey, travelers are advised to check current entry requirements before travel. Visit Türkiye by first consulting your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate for visa and passport regulations that apply to your nationality.
Be in Balkan recommends verifying all documents before your departure. As Türkiye remains a major bridge between continents, updated documentation ensures that your journey to this crossroad of civilisation begins without issue.

One of the joys of any visit to Türkiye is experiencing its legendary cuisine. A true crossroad of civilisation, Türkiye blends Ottoman, Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors. While you travel to Turkey, savor signature dishes like döner kebab, pide, gözleme, mantı, and richly seasoned mezes. Street vendors offer treats like simit, roasted chestnuts, or spicy lahmacun to accompany your exploration.

As you explore Türkiye, don’t miss traditional desserts like künefe, baklava, and Turkish delight, all best paired with strong tea or Turkish coffee. Regional specialties, from Gaziantep’s pistachio-laced cuisine to the seafood of the Aegean, guarantee that every meal offers a new flavor adventure. Be in Turkey, and your tastebuds will thank you.

Türkiye boasts a modern and accessible healthcare system. While you visit Turkey, you’ll find public hospitals and private clinics throughout the country, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Emergency care is widely available, and most facilities maintain high standards of service. When you travel to Türkiye, rest assured knowing that Be in Balkan keeps your health and safety a top priority.

Pharmacies – “eczane” in Turkish – are found in every neighborhood and offer a broad selection of medicines. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and many speak English. If you’re unsure about local brands or medical terms during your trip to Türkiye, Be in Balkan can assist with translation and local guidance to make sure you stay healthy on the road.

Turkish is the official language of the Republic of Türkiye and has roots going back to the Central Asian Turkic languages. Following the founding of the modern Turkish Republic, language reform replaced the Ottoman script with the Latin alphabet in 1928. This shift not only modernized communication but also opened Türkiye to the Western world linguistically. While you explore Turkey, you’ll hear a language that’s evolved at a crossroad of civilisation.

Turkish is phonetic and relatively easy to learn basic phrases. From warm greetings to ordering food, a few Turkish words go a long way in enriching your visit to Türkiye. Regional accents, Kurdish dialects, and minority languages add to the linguistic diversity. At Be in Balkan, we encourage travelers to embrace local language as part of their cultural immersion during their trip to Turkey.

Türkiye offers a vibrant restaurant scene where travelers in Turkey can enjoy every kind of culinary experience – from humble kebab shops to fine dining establishments with Bosphorus views. When you visit Türkiye, expect warm hospitality and an emphasis on communal meals. Traditional lokantas serve up hearty homemade fare, while coastal regions boast fresh seafood and meyhanes with live music.

In cosmopolitan cities like Istanbul and Ankara, you’ll find stylish rooftop restaurants, global fusion menus, and innovative chef-led concepts. Whether you’re grabbing a quick gözleme in a village or dining in a Michelin-starred spot in Istanbul, each meal you enjoy while you Be in Turkey is another step into its cultural richness. Be in Balkan helps guide your appetite to the right table.

Accommodation in Türkiye suits every traveler and every budget. Whether you’re staying in a boutique Ottoman-era mansion in Istanbul, a luxury resort in Bodrum, or a cozy pension in Cappadocia, there’s something for everyone. When you visit Turkey, you’ll discover not just where to sleep, but where to feel at home.

Be in Balkan takes care of your full accommodation needs across the country. We partner with trusted lodgings to ensure comfort, cleanliness, and convenience throughout your trip to Türkiye. Whether you seek a wellness spa or an authentic family homestay, we help you Be in Türkiye in style and peace of mind.

Türkiye’s museums offer a deep dive into ancient civilizations, imperial grandeur, and artistic brilliance. When you visit Türkiye, don’t miss world-renowned sites like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. In Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations takes you through millennia of history – from the Hittites to the Ottomans.

Smaller regional museums reveal equally captivating stories – whether it’s Troy’s ruins in Çanakkale or the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep. These institutions stand at the crossroad of civilisation, making your trip to Turkey not just scenic but deeply educational. Be in Balkan offers curated cultural routes to maximize your exploration.

Istanbul is the undisputed nightlife capital of Türkiye. Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Karaköy pulse with energy – offering jazz bars, rooftop lounges, and all-night dance clubs. From Bosphorus views to underground techno basements, there’s something for every night owl. Visit Türkiye and experience nights filled with music, lights, and laughter.

Ankara, the capital, is more subdued but boasts a thriving student and arts scene, with rock bars, indie venues, and classical music halls. Kızılay and Tunali are hotspots to check out during your trip to Türkiye.

Izmir, a laid-back Aegean city, offers breezy nightlife by the water. Explore Alsancak’s open-air taverns, sip wine in Urla, or join a summer music festival. When you travel to Turkey, coastal towns like Bodrum, Marmaris, and Antalya come alive with beach parties and DJ sets that last till dawn.

Be in Balkan connects you to the pulse of Türkiye’s evenings, ensuring that every night becomes an unforgettable chapter in your journey across the Balkans – where every mile gives you a smile.

Türkiye operates on a 220V, 50Hz electricity standard with European-style plugs (Type C and F). Wi-Fi is widely available and mobile internet is fast and affordable with local providers like Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom. When you visit Türkiye, it’s easy to stay online and connected.

Postal, banking, and telecom services are modern and efficient. SIM cards for tourists are widely available, and many services can be accessed digitally. Be in Balkan helps you with local logistics, from emergency calls to public transport apps, making every mile of your trip to Turkey smooth.

The Turkish lira (TRY) is the national currency. The lira has evolved through multiple reforms, with the most recent redenomination in 2005. Currency exchange is easy across airports, banks, and kiosks. ATMs are everywhere and major cards are widely accepted.

Top banks include:

  • Türkiye İş Bankası (İşbank)
  • Ziraat Bankası
  • Garanti BBVA
  • Akbank
  • Yapı Kredi

These offer modern mobile banking, international transfers, and English-language support. Whether you’re a tourist or a business traveler, Türkiye’s banking sector supports smooth financial transactions during your trip to Türkiye.

Imagine losing your passport in Istanbul – knowing who to call makes all the difference. Be in Balkan ensures you’re never alone when you visit Türkiye.
Key Numbers:

  • Emergency (All services): 112
  • Tourist Police: +90 212 455 7700
  • Pharmacy Hotline: 184
  • Embassy Support: Via local consulate or hotel front desk
    Save these contacts before your journey for a safer, smoother trip to Turkey.

Türkiye operates on Turkey Time (TRT, UTC+3) year-round, without daylight saving time changes. This fixed standard time simplifies coordination for travelers and businesspeople alike.

When you visit Türkiye, you’re one hour ahead of Central Europe and perfectly in sync with nearby regions of the Middle East and Russia. Be in Turkey, and stay on time without seasonal confusion.

Public Holidays (2025)

Date Holiday
Jan 1 (Wed) New Year’s Day
Mar 29 (Sat) Ramadan Feast Eve (half-day)
Mar 30–Apr 1 Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı)
Apr 23 (Wed) National Sovereignty & Children’s Day
May 1 (Thu) Labour & Solidarity Day
May 19 (Mon) Youth & Sports Day (Atatürk Commemoration)
Jun 6–9 (Fri–Mon) Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı)
Jul 15 (Tue) Democracy & National Unity Day
Aug 30 (Sat) Victory Day
Oct 28–29 (Tue – Wed) Republic Day (Half-day + Full)