Country Report / Turkey Turkey offers visitors 10,000-year history, archaeological ruins, sun-drenched beaches and amazing shopping and dining Turkey is known worldwide as the place where the cultures of east and west meet, but the country is much more than just a popular tourist attraction. There are many sacred grounds and relics of the Christian faith found no one where else in Europe. Millions travel to this holy area to see what Turkey has to offer, and Korean Air is pleased to offer this increased travel convenience to customers, said an executive responsible for oversea marketing at the company. The addition of Turkey significantly expands Korean Air's worldwide network. Whether you are an art and history buff, an archaeology nut or a nature lover, enjoy browsing through markets or going diving, the different regions of Turkey offer endless possibilities all year round. Each area has its own personality, history, landscape and even cuisine, and with so much on offer to visitors it is not surprising that one trip to Turkey is never enough. Surrounded by four different seas, Turkey is a beach paradise with over 8000 km of sunny beaches. It also has an abundance of plant and wildlife species that can be enjoyed while camping or trekking in the many national parks dotted around the country. Home to more than 20 different fascinating civilizations, Turkey has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of gods, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life. And of course in cities like Istanbul, there is a modern, lively ambience of contemporary society living alongside tradition, where art and music can be enjoyed. On World Heritage List Turkey has signed the World Heritage Convention in 1983 and through the work carried out under the responsibility of the General Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural and Natural Heritage has so far registered 9 locations on the World heritage List. Turkey has seen many civilizations beginning from the earliest ages of humanity, signs of which are spread all around the country. The spectacular examples of natural wonders support this rich cultural heritage. Turkey's Culinary Culture Nutritional habits are shaped according to the prevalent cultural - geographical - ecological - economic characteristics and features and the historical process. When one talks about the Turkish cuisine, the term should be understood as the totality of foods and beverages which provide nutrition to the people living in Turkey, the ways of preparing and preserving them; techniques, equipment and utensils required for this, eating manners and all the practices and beliefs which are developed around this cuisine. Turkish Cuisine, which in general consists of sauced dishes prepared with cereals, various vegetables and some meat, soups, cold dishes cooked with olive oil, pastry dishes and dishes made from wild vegetation has also produced a series of health foods such as pekmez, yogurt, bulgur etc. The eating habits, which reflect the tastes changing from one location to the next, gain a new meaning and near - sacredness on special occasions, celebrations and ceremonies. The Mediterranean and Korean Air Service Beginning from the south of splendid Toros Mountains lies the Mediterranean coast with beautiful sceneries, sandy beaches, secluded coves, tranquil ruin places and attractive holiday facilities... Targeting Turkey's huge market potential, Korean Air, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Korea, began thrice weekly regular flight services between Seoul (Incheon), Korea and Istanbul, Turkey as of May 21. Korean Air, which has been offering charter services between the two cities since April of last year, started to operate an A330 aircraft on the route. Flights depart Incheon International Airport on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays Flights depart Istanbul on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Black Sea Region Coasts curling besides mountains covered with very green forests, valleys and plains. Fields of tea, hazelnut, tobacco and corn, highway parallel to narrow coastline, coves, villages and beaches... East and Southeast Anatolia With its high mountain ranges, valleys, plains and lakes, streams and riverbeds integrated with colors of purple, brown, gray, yellow and red, and adorned with the unique architectural samples of Turkish culture, East and Southeast Anatolian Region bring to the sight pleasurable panoramic views... Aegean It is no exaggeration to depict Anatolia as representing onr of the most incredible spectacles on the Aegean coast Central Anatolian Region Being at the center of Turkey, Central Anatolian Region embodies assorted beauties. Having been witness to the transitions of important civilizations, today the region is the political center of Turkey. Marmara Hills of various sizes, fields of sunflowers and vineyards as far as the eye can see. And Trakya constituting the European side of Turkey. The region separated from Anatolia by the Bosphorus, The Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles.

TOURIST ACTIVITIES IN TURKEY Hunting Geographic structure of Turkey is an appropriate ground for hunting in connection with its plant cover and wild life. Faith Tours All throughout its history as the homeland of various religions, Turkey possesses monuments worth seeing by people having different beliefs. Thermal Resorts Turkey with its rich and curative mineral waters is the paradise of thermal springs and welcomes the ones seeking for good health with its high quality facilities. Spelunking With an approximate number of 40.000 caves and caverns present, Turkey is like a ' paradise of caverns ' when compared to other countries... Air Sports Turkey is a country that should be discovered by those fond of air sports such as, Paragliding, Glider, Parachute and Balloon... Rafting Turkey, with its rich natural resources, provide an important river tourism potential for the visitors of water sports... Ornithology Ornithology is to discover the nature trough the eyes of a bird... Winter Sports Turkey is an important center of winter activities and attractions with her high altitude mountains covered with snow all throughout the year Yachting Surrounded by the sea in three directions, Turkey is a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and bays at which yachtsmen can choose a different and private anchorage each night... Golf In recent years, since the golf facilities with international quality enter into service respectively, Turkey has become an elite golf center where golf players all around the world meet in an environment of delicacy, quality and prestige... Silk Road Anatolia, is formed one of the most important junction points of Silk Road from China to reaching to Europe through passing over Middle Asia. Congress Tourism Located on the junction point of Europe and Asia, Turkey is an ideal venue of meetings and congresses. Youth Tourism Having the great majority of her population made up of young people, Turkey embodies youth hostels and facilities providing the young people living abroad and in Turkey the opportunity to enjoy an inexpensive holiday... Botanic Various geographic characteristics, climate variety, caused by geographical differences enable Turkey to have rarely encountered vegetation in the world... Highlands The highlands of Turkey and the lifestyle of its people have an important place in the rich cultural landscape of Turkey... Mountaineering Turkey presents mountains lovers with an incredible variety of interesting climbing opportunities that are sure to satisfy the most demanding hikers, climbers, and winter sports fans.... Underwater Diving Important submerged things and underwater caverns within the seas of Turkey are waiting divers for discovery...