Location and geography
Republic of Türkiye is located on the crossroads between Europe and Asia with most of its territory called Anatolia located in Southwest Asia. Türkiye is surrounded by three different seas, the Black Sea on the north, the Aegean Sea on the west and the Mediterranean Sea on the south.
Türkiye is neighboured to the east by Georgia, Armenia and Iran while to the south by Iraq and Syria, then to the west by Greece and Bulgaria. Türkiye has a total area of 783.562 m2 (302.535 sq. mi)
Demographics
Türkiye’s Population / Age Groups | In total: 82.5 million (2018) (Percentages) |
| 0 – 15 | 26.6% |
| 15 – 64 | 67.1% |
| 65 and older | 6.3% |
Language
Spoken by some 150-200 million people around the world Turkish is a widely used language. Although Turkish is written in Latin alphabet, the language belongs to the Ural-Altaic languages related to the Finno-Ugric. In major cities and resort areas English, German and French are also widely spoken.
Currency
The Turkish Lira is the official currency in Türkiye while the exchange rate is set on a daily basis. It is easy to find a bank or an exchange office while traveller’s checks can be cashed at in most banks. Foreign currencies are accepted at hotels, many shops and restaurants. All major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Business and banking hours
Business and Banking Hours | Open | Closed |
| Monday – Friday | 09:00 am – 17:00 pm | 12:00 am to 13:30 pm |
Official holidays
Official Holidays | Date |
| New Year | January 1st |
| The National Sovereignty and Childrens’ Day | April 23rd |
| The Commemoration of Atatürk Youth and Sports Day | May 19th |
| The Democracy and National Unity Day | July 15th |
| The Victory Day | August 30th |
| The Republic Day | October 29th |
| Ramadan Feast | The date for the start of any Lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality. On 2018 the Ramadan holidays will be held from June 15th to June 17th. |
| Sacrifice Feast | The dates vary from year to year, drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year. On 2018 the Sacrifice Feast holidays will be held from August 21st to August 24th |
Visas
Check out Türkiye’s visa regulations to have a smooth travel experience. Türkiye offers many facilities concerning its visa policy. Visas can be obtained from Turkish Embassies abroad or at the airport. As the rules may often change, it’s wise to check regularly http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa to receive updated information.
e-visa
Türkiye’s electronic visa application system offers to its applicants a comfortable and practical way to obtain visa. E-visa is an endorsement allowing the bearer to enter Türkiye. This new type of visa replaces “sticker type of visa” issued at the border crossings. Please note that e-visas are only valid when the travel purpose is tourism or commerce.
İstanbul Ticaret Odası Ek Hizmet Binası Hobyar Mah. Seyhulislam Hayri Efendi Cad. No:14 K:6 Fatih – 34112 İstanbul
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 9:00 – 17:30
Connect With Us
Meet The ICVB
Explore Türkiye
