Agni Travel Tailormade Turkish Holidays

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3 W ELCOME TO T URKEY We have supplied this villa book to give you additional knowledge about Turkey and this fascinating Country. We hope you find everything as you have expected at your accommodation but if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call using the contact numbers provided. If this is your first time travelling with us or you are one of our many repeat clients we hope you enjoy your holiday and will return to experience another stay with us soon. Please Note: Essential information, contact numbers and driving instructions are also included in your pre-arrival and it is essential you print this and take it with you. The Agni Travel Team Page 3 of 30

4 E SSENTIAL A DVICE : AIR CONDITIONING Where air conditioning units are fitted within our properties Agni Travel does not charge a local fee for their usage. However, due to the high running costs of air conditioning and to help the environment, clients are requested to observe our booking terms (part 2(c)) for proper use: Windows and doors must be kept closed while units are on. Air conditioning must only be used when you are in the property and should be switched off when you leave. (The units, being fan assisted, will very quickly cool your property on your return). FIRE SAFETY Please make a note of where all the exits are and the location of the fire equipment in your accommodation. Be especially careful when barbecuing as the surrounding vegetation gets very dry during the summer. Always ensure that hot coals have been completely extinguished. (The owners of some properties, due to extreme fire risk, do not allow the use of barbecues so please check with us first). FURNITURE Please do not take the indoor furniture or furnishings (eg. cushions, throws, pillows etc.) outside as these will spoil in the sun or if it should rain. If the outdoor furniture provided is not adequate, please let us know. LOCKING UP Although Turkey is generally safe, we recommend that whenever you leave your accommodation you ensure that all windows, French doors and shutters are locked, and the air conditioning, fans and lights are switched off. SIESTA In Turkey siesta is taken very seriously. Between the hours of and 17.00, some shops close and people go home to sleep. If your villa has local neighbours, please be considerate. SUN UMBRELLAS Please make sure that the umbrellas are closed at night and when you leave the property. The wind can whip up very suddenly, causing damage to the umbrella itself and to surrounding property. If they are left open and unattended we will have to ask you to pay for any damage incurred and for any broken umbrellas. TOILETS The waste pipes are much smaller than those in the UK so please be considerate of the drainage systems and remember that a blocked toilet may not be resolved as quickly as we would like, especially in the high season. Please dispose of all paper items in the bin provided. WATER AND PLUMBING Tap water is drinkable but due to different mineral content it is advisable to use bottled water for drinking and making ice. Please use water sparingly. There is a possibility of occasional water cuts due to water shortages in the height of the summer. The location of the hot water heater switch is in the fuse box. Please ensure the switch is up when hot water is required, but we suggest that while showering the hot water heater switch is turned off. Page 4 of 30

5 TELEVISION If the property description on our website indicates a satellite television then you can expect to receive at least one English language channel. MAINTENANCE Please report any maintenance issues to us as soon as possible. SWIMMING POOLS The pool is cleaned on a regular basis and chemicals are added which we always try to get carried out early in the morning to avoid any inconvenience to you holiday. Please note that sometimes it can get quite windy and this can affect the condition of the swimming pool. LAUNDRY AND DISHWASHERS Please purchase the correct detergents for the washing machine and dishwasher if provided in your accommodation. Page 5 of 30

6 H EALTH A ND S AFETY I NFORMATION : BALCONIES Children should be supervised at all times when playing near balconies. Keep furniture away from the railings to distract children from climbing and please do not stand or lean on the railings. BBQ Please do not leave the BBQ unattended when in use and extinguish fully after use. BATHROOMS The bathroom can get slippery at times so please take care to ensure you do not slip when bathing or showering. Please also test the hot water as it can get scalding hot especially when bathing or showering children. MOPEDS We do not recommend the hire or use of mopeds or scooters due to the road and driving conditions. If you do decide to hire one wear a crash helmet at all times and check the conditions of your travel insurance as it is likely your insurance will not cover you. INSECTS Insects are very common in warm climates so there are certain measures which can be taken to make your stay more comfortable. Try not to leave food or drinks out and wipe any spillages immediately so not to discourage ants. The vast majority of our insects and reptiles are harmless but some might bite or sting which can cause discomfort and always seek medical advice if ever you are ever in doubt. SWIMMING POOL SAFETY We want you to enjoy the swimming pool, if provided at your accommodation but please take some time to read the swimming pool warning sign clearly displayed by the pool area. Page 6 of 30

7 W ELCOME TO T URKEY! Agni Travel welcomes you to Turkey. The following guide will help you make the most of your holiday. T U RK E Y Turkey is at the north-eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea in Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia. To the north is the Black Sea and to the west is the Aegean. Turkey is bordered by Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Iran to the east and Iraq and Syria to the south. The Dardanelles, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus divide the country. The capital and second largest city is Ankara with a population of 4.5 million. The oldest and largest city is Istanbul with a population of over 12 million then, respectively, Izmir, Adana, and Bursa. The total population of Turkey is approximately 72 million. The literacy rate is 90.7 %. The majority of people are Sunni Muslim, minorities consist of Christians and Jews. The major and official language is Turkish, other languages spoken in some areas are Kurdish, Arabic and Greek. Turkish belongs to the Ural-Altic language group and has an affinity to Hungarian and Finnish. HISTORY OF TURKEY Anatolia (Turkey in Asia) was occupied in about 1900 B.C. by the Indo-European Hittites and, after the Hittite empire's collapse in 1200 B.C., by Phrygians and Lydians. The Persian Empire occupied the area in the 6th century B.C., giving way to the Roman Empire, then later the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Turks first appeared in the early 13th century, subjugating Turkish and Mongol bands pressing against the eastern borders of Byzantium and making the Christian Balkan states their vassals. They gradually spread through the Near East and Balkans, capturing Constantinople in 1453 and storming the gates of Vienna two centuries later. At its height, the Ottoman Empire stretched from the Persian Gulf to western Algeria. Lasting for 600 years, the Ottoman Empire was not only one of the most powerful empires in the history of the Mediterranean region, but it generated a great cultural outpouring of Islamic art, architecture, and literature. After the reign of Sultan Süleyman I the Magnificent ( ), the Ottoman Empire began to decline politically, administratively, and economically. By the 18th century, Russia was seeking to establish itself as the protector of Christians in Turkey's Balkan territories. Russian ambitions were checked by Britain and France in the Crimean War ( ), but the Russo-Turkish War ( ) gave Bulgaria virtual independence and Romania and Serbia liberation from their nominal allegiance to the sultan. Turkish weakness stimulated a revolt of young liberals known as the Young Turks in They forced Sultan Abdul Hamid to grant a constitution and install a liberal government. However, reforms were no barrier to further defeats in a war with Italy ( ) and the Balkan Wars ( ). Turkey sided with Germany in World War I, and, as a result, lost territory at the conclusion of the war. Turkey's current boundaries were drawn in 1923 at the Conference of Lausanne, and Turkey became a republic with Kemal Atatürk as the first president. The Ottoman sultanate and caliphate were abolished, and modernization, reform, and industrialization began under Atatürk's direction. He secularized Turkish society, reducing Islam's dominant role and replacing Arabic with the Latin alphabet for writing the Turkish language. After Atatürk's death in 1938, parliamentary government and a multiparty system gradually took root in Turkey, despite periods of instability and brief intervals of military rule. Neutral during most of World War II, Turkey, on Feb. 23, 1945, declared war on Germany and Japan, but it took no active part in the conflict. Page 7 of 30

8 Turkey became a full member of NATO in 1952, was a signatory in the Balkan Entente (1953), joined the Baghdad Pact (1955; later CENTO), joined the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) and in the November 2002 elections, the recently formed Justice and Development Party (AK) won. Its leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was barred from becoming prime minister, however, because of a conviction for inciting religious hatred by reciting an Islamic poem at a rally in Another popular AK leader, Abdullah Gul, served as prime minister until Turkish law was amended to permit Erdogan to run for a seat in parliament again, which he easily won. Gul resigned as prime minister, making way for Erdogan. Page 8 of 30

9 E X P L O R I N G T U RK E Y By the coast, search for quiet rocky coves or untouched sandy beaches. Inland, a network of roads service local villages that seem totally untouched by tourism. Stop, explore and meet the warm and friendly Turkish people. RELAXING Laze by the pool, or search for secret coves that can only be reached by boat. With sparkling waters and beachside restaurants awaiting you, Turkey is a perfect 'stress cure'. RETURN VISITORS Incredibly varied, Turkey has something to offer everyone, and judging by the number of visitors who return year after year, it has a great deal to offer to many. SAFETY Turkey is safe, the locals honest, and you need not worry about walking on your own at night. If there were any danger at all, it would be from other tourists. Tourist resorts sometimes attract individuals who are looking for an opportunity to steal easily. But the locals are a tight community and will immediately investigate a suspicious person. Crime and theft is very rare, and even these days many locals do not lock their car or homes. MONEY AND ATM S The local currency is of course the Turkish Lira. ATMs are readily available throughout the Country, particularly in the towns and larger resorts. Credit cards are now widely accepted in Turkey. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU NEED A DOCTOR? Should you need healthcare during your holiday do not worry, you will be in good hands. Most Turkish doctors speak English and are highly trained. All major resorts have a doctor s surgery that can be used for minor emergencies. The private hospitals in Fethiye and Kalkan are very good with modern facilities although you will have to pay directly and your travel insurance will usually cover the costs. Make sure you ask for and keep all receipts for any treatments and medicine required and also contact your travel insurance company immediately. If you need a doctor please refer to the emergency numbers at the beginning of this book. TURKISH ROADS Turkish roads have improved over the years and pot-holes are no longer quite so plentiful, although they do still exist, especially on the smaller roads. The main roads are excellent but be warned of the many speed checks the police undertake with on the spot fines. DO NOT WORRY With extra care and respect for other road users your driving experience here will be a delight. Around a corner you will almost certainly find a breathtaking view. Take a turn off the main roads and go exploring, search for a tiny cove or traditional hamlet. Page 9 of 30

10 DRIVING LICENCE When driving your rental car, it is necessary to carry your driving licence at all times. If you do not have a new 'photo' version, then we recommend you carry your passport as well. DRINK DRIVING LAWS The laws governing drink-driving are similar to those in Europe, and the maximum legal blood alcohol concentration limit when driving is.05%, somewhat stricter that in the UK where it is.08%. WATER Do not water the garden without the owner's permission Make sure taps are not left running Where possible take showers rather than a bath NO WATER? If there is a power cut you may find your water supply goes off as most water is pumped. There are also occasionally water cuts, although these rarely last for more than an hour or so. BOTTLED WATER You should only drink the bottled water and do not drink the tap water. Bottled water is readily available from all supermarkets and shops, bars and restaurants use purified water for ice but it is always best to check with them first. Page 10 of 30

11 T U R K I S H R ES O R T S KAS Kas charm comes from its unhurried ambience & because it is further away from Dalaman airport it gets fewer visitors than the resorts further up the coast. Once an un spoilt fishing village Kas has lost none of its charm and ruins of the ancient town of Antiphellus mix with the more modern buildings to create a unique & wonderful atmosphere. Just 2km away across the water to the South lies the Greek island of Megisti (Kastellorizo) which explains why this resort has a 'Greek' feel about it & even the Greeks from the Island come over to the mainland to do their shopping & visit the medical centres here. Kas has two beaches - big pebble beach & little pebble beach. There are also many swimming platforms dotted along the coast which are great to have a swim from. The lovely Limanagzi beach complete with a Restaurant can be reached by water taxi which leave Kas regularly throughout the day & takes about 10 minutes. Kas has a great choice of restaurants to choose from and most offer the mouth watering Turkish cuisine - ranked as one of the top 5 foods in the world. It also has a wonderful selection of bars so if you want a quiet drink by the waterfront or something a bit more lively you will find it in Kas. KALKAN Kalkan is a beautiful town with Ottoman era character. Once a Greek fishing village called Kalamaki it is now an up market resort offering its visitors a wonderful experience of Turkish hospitality. The waterfront has a selection of restaurants and bars to relax & watch the boats in the harbour or you can shop in one of the many shops selling local crafts & designer clothing. Kalkan has a very pleasant pebbly public beach just east of Kalkan harbour & it has clear water with a blue flag award. Kaputas Beach is a lovely sandy cove located at the foot of a striking mountain gorge just 10 minutes from Kalkan. You might have seen this beach before as it has been featured in many travel brochures for Turkey as the water is always a brilliant colour of turquoise. You can get a Dolmus (minibus) from the centre of Kalkan very easily. Patara Beach is a beautiful 12 kilometer stretch of sand backed by dunes & part of a national park. Again you can reach this by Dolmus quite easily & it has been voted one of the top beaches in the world many times. If you want to stay in Kalkan then you can use one of its beach clubs which have paved platform terraces with ladders going into the sea. The beach clubs across the bay have free water taxi service that you can pick up in the harbour. Kalkan at night comes alive as the town transforms itself & begins to bustle with activity. There are wonderful places for dining at one of the many international restaurants in the winding streets or by the beautiful harbour. After dinner you can relax in one of the excellent bars or just go for a stroll around the shops which are filled with local crafts & great buys on designer clothing. Page 11 of 30

12 DALYAN Dalyan is a special & unique town which is overlooked by ancient Lycian Rock Tombs which are the last resting places of the Kings of Kaunos. The Dalyan canal goes through the village on its way from Koycegiz Lake to the beach so the riverside is a great place to take a boat trip to one of the ancient sites in the area. Dalyan offers something for everyone whilst maintaining a wonderful friendly atmosphere. Iztuzu Beach is a 7km long protected beach & where the endangered Loggerhead Turtles (Caretta Caretta) lay their eggs. The beach can be reached by minibus or by a relaxing boat ride on the Dalyan Canal from the waterfront. Sarigerme beach can be worth a visit as the sand is fine and its waters are calmer than those at Iztuzu. Ekincik Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the area & a popular trip from Dalyan. Dalyan by night is very relaxing & there are a few discos and numerous friendly cafes and bars. The restaurants are very good with most serving the succulent Turkish cuisine although there are some international style restaurants as well. The most popular restaurants are by the river where the 4th century Rock Tombs cast an imposing sight on the hill face. FETHIYE Fethiye is one of the oldest towns on the Coast and is also one of the most popular. Fethiye is situated in a secluded bay with a natural marina. The marina has charter boats as well as fishing boats berthed there and is also visited by numerous cruise lines. During the summer season, a ferryboat makes round trips to Rhodes, only one and a half hours away. Calis Beach is 5km north of Fethiye and served by dolmus and small boats. It is a shingle beach which stretches for 4 km with hotels, bars and restaurants on the beach front road which runs along it. Fethiye comes alive at night with the shops in the market or in the narrow streets of the old town open until the early hours. Fethiye also features good restaurants where you can enjoy the taste of local cuisines, traditional kebab and other international dishes. After a meal the nightlife of Fethiye gives you many options to visit a good range of lively bars and relaxed clubs. MARMARIS Marmaris is a large resort with a wide selection of accommodation consisting of large hotels and apartment complexes. Those who want to experience the traditional Turkish way of life might be disappointed and will have to travel out of the resort to do so but if you enjoy shopping and lively nightlife then Marmaris will be an enjoyable holiday destination. The beaches in Marmaris will be the highlight of your holiday with many public and untouched beaches in Page 12 of 30

13 Marmaris and the surrounding area. You will enjoy the beautiful white sand and clear turquoise sea that stretch for 2kms. There is also a number of watersports offered on Marmaris beach including sailing, watersports, and yachting. Marmaris has all types of bars and night clubs to cater for all tastes. You will find most of the nightlife in the area between the marina and the quay, the old bazaar region and in the bar street. You can even take a moonlight tour on a boat leaving from the port around midnight. Along in Icmeler it is a little more low key and in an more elegant atmosphere. HISARONU AND OVACIK Hisaronu and Ovacik lie close by in the hills behind Oludeniz, surrounded by pine forests and beautiful countryside. These resorts have grown from the popularity of Olu Deniz itself, as when the conservation area made it impossible to build more hotels and apartments by the sea, the hillside villages within easy reach of the beach started to grow. Both resorts are now incredibly popular with British guests & this area has something for everybody from the quiet resort of Ovacik,the bustling resort of Hisaronu with its many bars & restaurants to one of the nicest beaches you will see at Oludeniz with the blue lagoon. You will find all ages holidaying in this area which is a perfect introduction for your first holiday in Turkey or one of the many guests who return year after year. One of the best beaches is just a 15 min Dolmus ride away. The Oludeniz & lagoon with its secluded clear water & long beach has a backdrop of the Babadag mountains & you can see why this is one of the most photographed beaches in the World. Blue lagoon is a vast biological underwater park & is selected as a National Park for its varied rare natural resources. Ovacik is a small resort with private apartments, villas & small hotels. There are family run restaurants, bars & a selection of shops making this a relaxing holiday base. Just 10min down the road is Hisaronu which is a very busy resort full of International restaurants, lively bars all centred around one main street. Page 13 of 30

14 OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORT DOLMUS As you are traveling in Turkey you will inevitably see streams of packed minibuses running along the roads. These are dolmuses, and they are the cheapest option for getting from Point A to Point B, and a totally enjoyable ride once you understand their system. Passengers pay their fares directly to the driver, if their seat is close enough to reach the driver, or you may pass the fare to the passenger in front of you, who will pass it to the next passenger, and so on, up to the driver. Change is passed back to you the same way. Every city in Turkey has a dolmus system, but the prices will vary according to where you are. MOPEDS, SCOOTERS AND QUAD BIKES If you decide to rent a moped or bike, please be very careful. As well as being an essential safety precaution, crash helmets are in fact a legal requirement when riding, despite the fact they many locals do not seem to wear them. Reputable hirers will always include a helmet as standard, do wear it. LOCAL BUSES Local buses are both an experience and inexpensive way to travel. However, bus timetables can be a little difficult to find and often change without notice! The best way is to ask a local, they are normally happy to share their years of experiencing odd times and strange bus stop locations! TAXIS These are relatively inexpensive methods of transport and you will find the drivers are both courteous and careful. It is quite acceptable to ask for and agree the price to your destination before setting off. BICYCLES Bicycles of all shapes and sizes, bikes with child seats and even trailers are now readily available to hire in most resorts for just a few lira a day. BOAT AND COACH EXCURSIONS Organized trips both around the coastline and around the island are widely available. If you are unsure about driving during your stay these can be a realistic alternative. Page 14 of 30

15 O UR T URKEY E XCURSION R ECOMMENDATIONS H I E R A P O L I S -P A M U K K A L E Pamukkale is an unusual natural and historical site with the sparkling white castle -like cascades. It is one of the most important sights of Turkey which is unique in the world. The site is named in Turkish as "Pamukkale", that means "cotton castle", parallel to the glorious and spectacular view of the site. The white calcareous castles are formed by limestoneladen thermal springs, creating the formation of stalactites, potholes and cataracts. Waters in the terraces are the sediments of the springs with calcium bicarbonate in 33C. Waters, containing mainly calcium salts and carbon-dioxide, run off the plateau's by depositing calcium while carbon-dioxide disappearing. The marvellous landscape of Pamukkale has been created by this gradual formation, leaving a cotton-like image which is located above the theatre of Hierapolis, the mineral water sources from the thermal springs of Cal Mountain. It is collected in a pool, known as the "Sacred Pool" of ancient times, where you can swim by the historical remains of Hierapolis. The Sacred Pool is now located inside Pamukkale Hotel. In 1988, Hierapolis-Pamukkale was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Turkish government was forced to take action to conserve and preserve it. The hotels on top of the hill, which had almost certainly been built illegally, were demolished. It is about 19 km from Denizli city and a 2,5 hour drive from the resort town Kusadasi. The best way to visit is by a daily tour which are readily available from the coastal resorts. EPHESUS In the ancient world, Ephesus was a centre of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. Three major roads led from the seaport: one road went east towards Babylon via Laodicea, another to the north via Smyrna and a third south to the Meander Valley. The archaeological site lies 3 kilometers southwest of the town of Selcuk in İzmir Province and is a favorite international and local tourist attraction. Because of its location we would advise a 2 day/1 night tour to visit both Ephesus and Pamukkale with an overnight stay in Selcuk. THE LYCIAN WAY The Lycian way is a 500 km marked footpath around the coast of Lycia in southern Turkey which extends the coast from Fethiye to Antalya. The walk is open all year and mild temperatures mean it can be walked throughout the winter months. The Sunday Times has called it one of the ten most beautiful long distance walks of the world. Although the Lycian Way can be walked all year round the ground over 1000m can be snow-covered from early January to the end of April. From the middle of July to early September it can be a little too hot. The St Paul Trail is better to walk in the Summer months as it runs mainly above 1000m altitude and the summer temperatures never rise too high. It's a wilder route than the Lycian Way, starting at sea level and climbing up to 2200m. Please note that there are no signposts on the route at present but the way-marking is complete. Page 15 of 30

16 TURKISH FOOD Turkish food is regarded as one of the world's great cuisines. Travellers discovering Turkey are surprised with how well they eat and the Mediterranean diet, which includes Turkey's, is considered a healthy diet to follow. Despite the influence of western foods and even fast food chains in the larger cities, Turkey tries hard to preserve her culinary heritage. Blessed with a huge country that straddles Europe and Asia, Turkey's varied geography provides a seasonal climate that allows tea cultivation in the cool north and hot pepper and melon plantings in the south. The Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, Aegean, and Southern Mediterranean provide Turkey with boundless fish and shellfish. Turkey is one of the few countries in the World which is self sustaining, producing all its own food. Vineyards are cultivated for the famous yellow sultana raisins and wine. In southern cities, it is customary to see grapevines trailed upwards along apartment balconies, providing shade and fruit at each level. Herds of sheep and goats proliferate. Lamb and chicken are the main meats. Forbidden in Islam, pork is absent. Turkish cuisine has many specialties and variations and for example there are at least forty ways to prepare eggplant alone. The first meal of the day is breakfast. A typical Turkish breakfast is fresh tomatoes, white cheese, black olives, bread with honey and preserves, and sometimes an egg. Lunch often will include a rice or pilaf dish, lamb or chicken baked with peppers and eggplant, and fresh fish grilled with lemon. Soups are central in Turkish cuisine. In addition to the famous red lentil soup, there is a well-known soup with the exotic name of Wedding Soup made with lamb shanks in an egg broth. Dinners will most commonly start with a meze, or appetizers. A meze is a Turkish specialty, showing off the originality and skill of a restaurant. Roasted pureed eggplant, fine chopped salads, miniature filled pasta called manti, mackerel stuffed with pilaf, sardines rolled in grape leaves, and "kofte", spiced lamb meatballs. Dessert is commonly melon and fresh fruit. Desserts made with filo dough, puddings of rose water and saffron are popular. Another favourite is dried apricots drenched in syrup, stuffed with buffalo milk cheese and garnished with pistachio nuts. All sweets are usually served with Turkish coffee. Turks are credited with the spread of coffee throughout their empire and later Europe. Page 16 of 30

17 SHISH KEBAB The term shish kebab comes from Turkish words literally meaning "skewer" and "roast meat," and it is one of the most popular Turkish meals. The nomadic tribes marinated unusual meats to not only tenderise but also to get rid of some of the gamey flavor. Shish kebabs have expanded into most cultures in some form or another. Oriental cultures have satay, which is roasted skewered meats served with a dipping sauce usually made with peanuts. Japan has yakitori, which is grilled skewered fowl. In France, they are called brochettes, meaning "skewer." TURKISH DELIGHT Turkish Delight has an illustrious past and is one of the most ancient sweet dishes in the world, dating back 230 years. Legend has it that there was a certain Sultan who believed that the way to a woman's heart was through her stomach. At one time he was very eager to please his numerous mistresses so he ordered his chefs to prepare a novel dessert. Thus, the Turkish Delight came into being as a royal delicacy, which very soon became one of the most coveted dishes to have ever come out of the royal kitchens. Bekir Effendi's soft and tender Turkish Delights are considered the best in the World. Bekir's shop still stands today and this 250year old confectionery is a Turkish institution, which still dishes out the most sumptuous and choicest Turkish Delights in the whole of Turkey. Page 17 of 30

18 OUR FAVORITE RECIPES S P I C ED S W E E T R O A S T E D P E P P E R & F E T A H U M MU S Ingredients 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained 1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red peppers 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese Directions 1) In an electric blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas, red peppers, Feta, lemon juice, tahini, garlic, cumin, cayenne, and salt. 2) Process, using long pulses, until the mixture is fairly smooth, and slightly fluffy. 3) Make sure to scrape the mixture off the sides of the food processor or blender in between pulses. 4) Transfer to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 5) The hummus can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before serving.) Sprinkle the hummus with the chopped parsley before serving. Page 18 of 30

19 T U R K I S H L EN T I L S O U P Ingredients 1 cup red lentils 4 cups vegetable stock 1/2 cup potatoes 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper Directions 1) Place the red lentils in a colander and rinse. Sift through to remove and debris or damaged beans. 2) Place the washed and cleaned lentils into a medium pot with the stock, potatoes, onions and paprika. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Loosely place a lid on the pot leaving slightly ajar as to allow some evaporation. Cook for minutes until the lentils are tender. Add salt and pepper. 3) Place all but 1 cup of the soup into a blender or food processor and blend briefly. Return blended soup to the pot with the reserved cup of soup. Heat through and serve. Page 19 of 30

20 T A V U K I Z G A R A (G R I L L E D CHICKEN & Y O G U R T ) Ingredients 2 tablespoons cumin seeds 1 small onion, coarsely chopped 4-6 garlic cloves, finely minced 1 tablespoon paprika 1 lemon, juice of 1 cup plain yogurt 12 boneless chicken thighs salt & freshly ground black pepper lemon wedge for serving Directions 1) Toast the cumin seeds in a small pan over medium heat until the seeds are fragrant and start to pop in the pan. Remove from the heat and grind in a spice grinder. 2) Place the cumin, onion, garlic, paprika, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and pulse to liquefy. Add the yogurt and pulse until just blended. 3) Put the chicken thighs in a shallow non-aluminum baking dish or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat. Let stand at room temperature at least 2 hours or cover and refrigerate overnight. 4) Preheat the oven or BBQ. Thread the thighs, if using, on 4 skewers. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Broil or grill until the juices run clear, about 6 minutes each side. Serve hot with lemon wedges. Page 20 of 30

21 SPICY LAMB KEBAB Ingredients 2 lbs lamb fillet, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 green peppers 2 pints cherry tomatoes 2 onions For the marinade 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (or more if desired, depending on how spicy you desire) pinch of ground red pepper or cayenne Directions 1) Up to 24 hours prior to grilling, combine marinade ingredients and pour into freezer bag. Place lamb cubes in marinade and refrigerate until ready to grill. Be sure all pieces of lamb are covered with marinade. 2) Wash and dry vegetables. Cut green peppers and onions into 1 inch chunks. Set aside. 3) Prepare skewers by spraying a light coat of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place lamb and vegetables on skewers. 3) Grill spicy lamb kebabs for about 5-7 minutes on each side. 4) Serve with hummus. Page 21 of 30

22 T U R K I S H D R I N KS A N D B EV E R A G E S One of the most common sights you see on your visit to Turkey is the tea house where you will find people, mostly men - drinking hot steaming tea from tulip shaped glasses. Turkey is the fifth largest tea-drinking nation in the world and has a distinct way of making and drinking tea that makes it unique. In recent times the traditional tea houses are giving way to pubs that serve other interesting drinks like the 'Boza', but the charm of the old tea houses remain. TURKISH COFFEE Turkey was introduced to coffee in 1517 by Ozdemir Pasha, who was Ottoman Governor of Yemen. The Turks developed their own way to brew coffee as they prepared the coffee in a special copper pot and that new technique started to be called as Turkish coffee. With the popularity of coffee, a number of coffeehouses opened in Istanbul, the capital city of the Ottoman Empire. Then, the coffeehouses spread all around the Empire rapidly. So, coffee became a cultural icon in Turkish life. For example, the Turkish word for breakfast (kahvaltı) literally means "before coffee" RAKI Raki is a non-sweet usually anise-flavoured drink that is produced by twice distilling either only suma or suma that has been mixed with ethyl alcohol in traditional copper pots with aniseed. It is similar to several kinds of alcoholic beverages available in the Mediterranean and Middle East including pastis, ouzo, sambuca, arak, anise castellano, and aquardiente. Raki is the unofficial national drink and it is traditionally drunk mixed with water; the dilution causes this alcoholic drink to turn a milky-white colour, and because of its colour, this mixture is popularly called 'Aslan' meaning "Lion's milk" A(r)slan ia also used to mean strong, brave man, hence Milk for the brave. Page 22 of 30

23 CLIMATE, FAUNA AND FLORA Turkey is blessed with four different types of climate: Oceanic, Mediterranean, Continenta land Mountainous. 1. The Black Sea coastal area is temperate on approximately the same latitude as Rome, with an average winter temperature of 9 degrees C, rising to 25 degrees C in the summertime. It has an abundant year-round rainfall. The area is renowned for its forests of leaf-bearing and coniferous trees and also for the apples, pears, cherries, hazelnuts, tangerines, oranges and tea that are grown there. 2. The Aegean coast region enjoys mild winters and hot summers, 11 degrees C in January to 35 degrees C in the summer. The well irrigated plains produce corn, tobacco, sesame, cotton and a variety of vegetables and fruit. 3. Along the Mediterranean shores, summer can be very warm, sometimes in excess of 40 degrees C and the temperature seldom falls below 14 degrees C in the winter. The local vegetation is tropical, with banana trees, palm trees, citrus trees, sugar cane and cotton. 4. In Central Anatolia the altitude seldom is less than 1,100 Mt. (3,906 ft.). It is a region of plateaux and depressions with occasional bodies of water and the climate contrasts from dry and torrid in the summer to freezing during the winters. Although there are some forests, most of the plateau is a steppe sub-desert. The country offers bears, lynxes, wild boar, deer, chamois, otters, foxes, camels, buffaloes and a handful of increasingly rare leopards. The different species of snakes, lizards and salamanders thrive in the country while there is a large diversity of birdlife including the majestic eagles and vultures. Down on the coast the Mediterranean seal and the Caretta caretta (a turtle) have sought refuge in the clear waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Page 23 of 30

24 WATERSPORTS DIVING It is only in recent years that Turkey has become a popular destination for divers from Europe. With the growth of tourism in Turkey many diving centres have appeared in the holidays resorts making this coastline increasingly accessible to scuba divers. The dive centres concentrate mainly on training although the choice of diving available is quite varied and will appeal to experienced divers with differing interests. The most popular places to dive are on the Southern Aegean and Mediterranean coast. Towns like Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas and Antalya all have major dive resorts. This area of the Turkish coast is considered to be in the top 100 best dive destinations in the world. Because of the warm weather in the south of Turkey, diving can be done year round. The diving season starts in April and runs until October. This is when the water temperature is the warmest. The locals say the best time to dive is after the first rain in the fall (usually between late September and early October). This is when you can see the most fish. RIVER RAFTING Turkey has not only sun drenched beaches, spectacular scenery and delicious food, it can also lay claim to one of the most thrilling whitewater adventures that you will ever embark on. Turkey offers endless rapids set amongst breathtaking gorges and access to scores of villages with some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. The rafting gives you the thrills that the river offers, sunny weather, healthy mountain air and fresh food along the way. The Dalaman River in southwest Turkey, near Marmaris, Fethiye and Dalyan is ideal for beginners or those who want to just take a lazy water ride. It offers a class 3-4 route from April to October and for the thrill seekers there is also a class 5 stretch from April to July. The trips take one day and there is also the provision for overnight camping trips for those who would like to spend a night under the stars. WINDSURFING AND KITE SURFING Windsurfing and kite surfing in Turkey is particularly popular because of the calm waters around the coast and its many protected bays so whether you are experienced or just a beginner Turkey is the ideal choice for this sport. Page 24 of 30

25 SHOPPING Shopping in Turkey's bazaars and shops can be a unique experience in itself. In the bazaars bartering is definitely the order of the day and can be thoroughly enjoyable! Your skill in bargaining will grow with practice but, as a guideline, begin at a figure rather lower than whatever you are prepared to pay, usually around half of your shopkeeper's starting price. Enquiring about other articles in the shop before looking at the thing you really want, or proposing to go somewhere else to spend your money, can also help to bring the price down! Be prepared to take your time as you are likely to be offered a glass or two of tea as you shop and, more often than not, a quick spree will turn into an afternoon of being entertained by the various shopkeepers! Many of the larger shops outside of the bazaars now have marked prices with little opportunity to barter although it's always worth a try! Many shops will now accept payment in Sterling and by credit cards. With the majority of shops in high season open seven days a week from until (and even later!) you will have plenty of opportunity to pick up lots of souvenirs and presents to take home! Have fun! B ES T B U Y S J E WE LL E RY Gold, silver and semiprecious stones, of which amber and turquoise are the most common, are sold by weight and by the level of craftsmanship involved. Gold is important in traditional Turkish customs, thus resulting in excellent workmanship in general and is especially good value. Most is 14 or 18 carat and is always hallmarked. S IL VE RWARE can come in particularly intricate design - one delicate method is telkari or wire filigree which originates from eastern Turkey. Sterling silver items also always have a hallmark anything else could well be nickel or pewter alloy. Fake amber can be identified with a naked flame, since it melts, but it is not advisable to get your lighter out without the permission of the proprietor! L E ATHE R Leather articles, whether jackets, coats, bags, belts or accessories, are one of the best bargains to bring back from Turkey. There are four types of leather found in Turkey: zig (the smooth, most commonly used leather having a transparent polish which reveals any faults in the material), suede, nubuck (unlaquered zig) and chamois (a thinner and softer type of suede). Prices can be half of what you would expect in the UK and there is an enormous choice so look around before making your final decision. COP P E R AND BRASS Hand beaten objects in copper and brass can be found in many shops and workshops - you will find every type of kitchen utensil imaginable fashioned from these metals or, if you're looking for something more unusual than useful, there is a wide range of hubble-bubble pipes or nargile. These you will still see in use in the more traditional cafes where Turkish gentlemen happily spend hours puffing away contentedly. CL OTH ING Turkey has a booming cotton industry and cotton clothing, as well as bedspreads and towels can be bought very cheaply. Over the last few years, Turkey's fake designer-label wear has really taken off. The latest designer trends in a multitude of colours line streets and bazaars - whilst you're there have a look for the socks to match! And if your crocodile falls off it's possible to buy some spare ones just in case! Page 25 of 30

26 CAS S E TTES AND CDS Cassettes and CDs of foreign music are made under licence in Turkey and cost much less than in the UK. The selection is somewhat limited but here's your chance to replace that worn out Fleetwood Mac album! Or why not buy a tape of one of the popular Turkish Singers to take home? Fakes will be much cheaper in price than the real thing and you can ask to check the quality before buying. GAM ES A tavla or backgammon set makes an excellent Souvenir of Turkish culture as it is played all over the country. Sets vary in size and materials used anything from plain wood to those with inlaid, painted cedar wood (sedir) or mother-of- pearl. Many boards have a chess/checkers grid on the exterior as well. OTH E RS Traditional Turkish musical instruments are sold all over choose from the ney, the Dervish flute made from a length of calamus reed or bamboo, the davul or drum, and the saz, the long necked Turkish lute. Green or gold onyx bowls, vases or Ornaments, often inlaid with brass, are good buys as are crystal and ceramics. Lace edged scarves, meerschaum pipes carved from luletasi stone, hand painted clay pots and wickerwork also make good presents to take home. Page 26 of 30

27 T H E T U R K I S H L A N GU A G E Ataturk's great language reform took place in the 1930s, when the Turks changed over from Arabic to Latin characters, and many Persian and Arabic words were replaced by new Turkish ones. Turkish is not an easy language to learn or understand but, although many Turkish people can speak some English and other European languages, knowing a few phrases of Turkish will help you during your stay Hello Merhaba (mer-ha-ba) Good morning Günaydin (gun-ahy-din) Good day iyi günler Good night iyi geceler (eey gej-e-ler) Good evening Iyi aksamlar (eey ak-sham-lar) Good bye Allahaismarlardik (ala-is-mal-adik) Please Lütfen (Lut-fen) Thank you Tesekkür ederim (tesh-e-kur e-derim) Yes/No EveüHayir (e-vet/high-ir) Excuse me Affedersiniz (Af-eder-sin-iz) How are you? Nasilsiniz (Na-sil-sin-is) l don't speak Turkish Türkce bilmiyorum (Tur-che bil-mi-yor-um) Do you speak English ingilizce iliyormusunuz (ing-lizje bil-ior-rnus-un-us) Bathroom Banyo (ban-yo) Towel Havlu (hav-lu) Shower Dus (doosh) Toiletpaper Tuvalet kagidi (too-va-let ka-uh-duh) Washbasin Lavabo (la-va-bo) Plug Tikag (tuh-kach) Bed Yatak (yatak) Blanket Battaniye (bat-tan-ee-yeh) Rubbish Qöp (churp) Key Anahtar (ahn-ah-tar) Manager Müdür (moo-dur) Water Su (soo) Hot/Cold Sicak/soguk (se-jak/so-uk) Page 27 of 30

28 Shopping l would like.. istiyorum (ee-sti-yor-um) How much is it! Ne kadar! (ne ka-dar) Cheap/Expensive Ucuz/Pahali (u-jzooz/pa-ha-leh) Very nice/beautiful Cok güzel (chok gu-zel) How many Kac tane (kach tah-neh?) Stamp Pul (pool) Days of Week Monday Pazartesi (pa-zar-tes-i) Tuesday Sali (sar-leh) Wednesday Qarsamba (char-sham-bah) Thursday Persembe (per-shem-beh) Friday Cuma (ju-ma) Saturday Cumartesi (ju-mar-te-sih) Sunday Pazar (pa-zar) Numbers 1 bir (beer) 6 alti (al-tih) 11 onbir (on-beer) 40 kirk (kurk) 2 iki (eek-ee) 7 yedi (ye-dih) 12 oniki (on-eek-ee) 50 elli (elli) 3 üç (ooch) 8 sekiz (seh-kihz) 20 yirmi (yir-mih) 100 yüz (yooz) 4 dort (dirt) 9 dokuz (dohkuz) 21 yirmibir (yirmih-beer) 200 ikyüz (iki-yooz) 5 bes (besh) 10on (on) 30 otuz (otooz) bin (bin) Page 28 of 30

29 KAPSA was officially recognised as a registered non-profit association in April 2008 but founded many years ago by a small group of dedicated people living in Kalkan, all of whom are volunteers. Our aim is to ensure the street animals of Kalkan remain happy and healthy throughout their lifetime. To achieve this we operate a spaying and neutering scheme to reduce the number of unwanted animals, as well as a feeding programme throughout the winter months. We also treat a number of sick and injured animals along the way. Although we have the full support of the local Belediye (council), we receive no funding from official sources and rely totally on public donations. Why not join our growing list of supporters by becoming a member, and help us make a difference to the lives of Kalkan s street animals.our main aim is to ensure the health and general welfare of the street cats and dogs in Kalkan. We work to reduce the number of animals with our neuter and return programme. We neuter as many animals as we can mainly over the winter months then return them to the streets. Although we do neuter during the summer too, it is very hot and most of the street animals go to ground during the daytime. Winter time is a particularly difficult time for the animals and is when most of our work is done. When all the tourists have gone and most of the shops and restaurants are closed, we initiate a feeding programme throughout Kalkan as food is scare which is very traumatic for the animals. Although our funds are limited we also respond and treat sick and injured animals which can be as a result of being in a fight with another animal, car accidents or general illness such as cat flu or other killer diseases. We hope to extend our neutering programme to the 16 villages which fall within the remit of the local authority. Kalkan s biggest challenge presently, is the number of animals, normally bitch puppies or adult dogs, which are abandoned within Kalkan. This creates an additional burden on Kalkan and one that KAPSA with the support of the Mayor is trying to address. With your support Kalkan s street animals can continue to remain happy and healthy, so please give generously. Page 29 of 30

30 HOW TO DONATE What your donation will buy will buy will feed will pay 4 days supply of antibiotics a street dog for 1 month for a street animal to be neutered We rely totally on public funds and receive no other financial aid. If you would like to make a donation you can do it one of the following ways. In Kalkan By calling at the following locations: Vassila and Brako, Abi Travel, Express Travel and MSJ Real Estate. Bank Transfer UK Bank Account Lloyds TSB Bank Plc Account Number: Sort Code: Account Name: KAPSA To be transferred to our account at Is Bank, Kalkan, Turkey Account Name: KAPSA Account Number: GBP 6276/ Customer Number: Bank Address: Menteşe Mah. Şehitler Cad. No 19 Kalkan / Antalya - TURKEY Branch Code: 6276 IBAN No. : TR Page 30 of 30