Istanbul Guide

Language
Turkish is the official language; English and German are also widely spoken in the shops.

Turkish belongs to a unique language group and is not related to any of the Indo-European languages, making it difficult for some Westerners to learn. Of course, any attempt to learn a few words or a simple phrase is much appreciated.

National Public Holidays
On the following dates, shops and businesses will either close or trade for limited hours. Public transport will be in great demand just prior to the holiday and may run limited services during the holiday.

Please note that Turkey uses the Gregorian calendar, despite being a largely Muslim country. However, religious festivals are celebrated according to the lunar ( Hijri ) calendar (354 days), so there is approximately an 11-day disparity each year. Prior to a major religious festival, there will be a half-day vacation preceding the beginning of the festival; therefore, shops and businesses close at noon. In respect of Kurban Bayrami , banks close for the week.

December / January ( Seker Bayrami - end of Ramadan)
1st January (New Year's Day)
March / April ( Kurban Bayrami - religious festival)
23rd April (National Independence Day and Children's Day)
1st May (Spring Festival)
19th May (Youth and Sports Day)
29th May (Conquest of Constantinople - 1453)
30th August (Victory Day)
29th October (Republic Day)
10th November (Death of Atatürk - 1938)

Tourist Information
There are Ministry of Tourism offices at:

Atatürk Airport - Tel: +90 212 663 6363
Sultanahmet Square (central Istanbul) - Tel: +90 212 518 1802
Sirkeci Railway Station - Tel: +90 212 511 588

There are Regional Directorate of Tourism offices opposite the British consulate at:

Mesrutiyet Caddesi 57
Tepebasi
Tel: +90 212 245 0109

and at:

Karaköy International Maritime Passenger Terminal
Tel: +90 212 249 5776.

Religion
Most Turks (99%) belong to the orthodox Sunni Muslim faith. Other faiths include the Alawites and Shiites in the east and south-east.

Newspapers and Magazines
British, American, Australasian and European newspapers and magazines are available through the Concierge and at certain news vendors throughout Istanbul.

The Turkish Daily News is published in English and contains news and features from Turkey and abroad.

Magazines listing the latest in entertainment news include the Turkish Daily News, which publishes a special weekend supplement, and The Guide - a booklet published bi-monthly especially for tourists.

Electricity
The electric current is 220V, 50HzAC. Turkish sockets are of a common European standard and therefore take two round-pin plugs.

Converters and adapters should be purchased before leaving home.