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THE COUNTRY
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Dynamic and young, with a promising future, Turkey is the natural bridge between
East and West. Founded in 1923 by Atatürk (father of Turks), the great statesman
and soldier, the Turkish Republic is confidently progressing towards being the leader
of emerging economies with its 72 million young and industrious brains, numerous
universities, vast natural resources, mild and inviting climate and geography for
the fast growing tourism industry.
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THE CITY
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Perhaps more than any other city in the modern world, Istanbul embodies the ideal
of unification. Somewhere beneath the magnificent waters of the Bosphorus, Europe
and Asia meet, making Istanbul the only major city in the world that links two continents
and many cultures and religions.
There is, of course, far more than geography to the magical hold of Istanbul exerted
over man’s imagination throughout its fabulous history. Three separate empires ruled
the world from this powerful capital – the Roman, the Byzantines and the Ottomans.
Trace of their presence – in ancient walls, imressive hippodromes, royal basilicas,
aqueducts, magnificent mosques, brilliant palaces – shape Istanbul’s alluring landscape
and color its exotic texture. For more than 3000 years, this city has been at crossroads
of cultures, a rendez-vous of the East and West.
Today, Istanbul blends the ancient and the modern in a seamless tapestry of life.
It stands, in a new world, as a model of free market economics, enlightened social
reforms, cultural and religious diversity. In many ways, Istanbul is the capital
of the future – a marriage of East and West for the benefit of both!
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ACCESSIBILITY
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Seating in the middle of the East and West, Istanbul is easily accessible from almost
every corner of the world. Europe and the Middle East are only 3 hours away,
while the Americas and the Far East are at a distance of less than 12 hours.
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AIRPORT and VISA
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Istanbul is served by the brand new State-of -the-Art International Atatürk
Airport, where more than 50 airlines operate direct flights. For further details,
check www.dhmiata.gov.tr
For participants from some countries, a visa to Turkey may be required. Participants
are advised to contact the nearest Turkish Embassy in their country. For some nationals,
visa applications are available at the airport. For further details please check
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/MFA/ConsularInformation/ForForeigners/VisaInformation/
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TRANSPORTATION
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Airport to city :
Bus : HAVAS company operates regular airport to city bus
transportation at half hourly intervals from 06:00 till 24:00 hours.
For further details, check www.havas.com.tr/en/otobus_istanbul.asp
Taxi : Taxis are available around the clock and operate by the meter. 50% surcharge
is applied between 00:01 and 06:00 hours.
In the city :
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Bus : Public bus transportation has a wide web of services across the city. The
fare is the equivalent of $ 1.- One has to pre-buy tickets to board a bus.
Taxi : Taxis are available around the clock and operate by the meter. 50% surcharge
is applied between 00.01 and 06:00 hours.
Boat : Ferry boats and fast catamarans operate between the two shores of Istanbul
- between Europe and Asia. The boat landings are at Kabataþ,
Karaköy and Eminonü on the European
side and Üsküdar, Kadikoy and Bostancý on the Asiatic shores.
Tramway : Modern tramways operate in the European suburbs of Istanbul, mainly in
the old city.
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Metro : An underground metro system is available between Taksim Square and 4th Levent.
A light metro operates between Aksaray and Istanbul airport.
Airport transfers:
Kongresist offers the possibility to organize transfers from and to the airport.
Please click here
if private transfer is requested.
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THE CLIMATE
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The climate of Istanbul is mild. Good weather and sunshine is the predominant weather
during June with temperatures ranging between 17°C / 20°C (64°F / 68°F) during the
day and 12°C / 14°C (54°F / 57°F) at night.
To check the current weather conditions in Turkey and Istanbul, please click on
www.meteor.gov.tr/indexmaster_eng.htm
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CURRENCY and CREDIT CARD
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The Turkish currency is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). Cash may be exchanged in banks
and exchange offices during office hours. The official exchange rate is listed daily
at the banks and exchange offices. All major credit cards are accepted at most hotels,
restaurants and stores.
To check the current official exchange rates, please click on www.tcmb.gov.tr/yeni/eng/index.html
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ELECTRICITY
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The electric current in Turkey is 220V, 50Hz.
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EXHIBIT HALL AT HILTON CONVENTION CENTER
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An exhibition will be organized during the conference and will be
located at the Hilton Convention Center. Please contact KONGRESIST Inc. for
any information regarding the exhibition including the contract.
KONGRESIST Convention Management Inc.
Cumhuriyet Cad. 295 D.15
34273 Harbiye, Istanbul - Turkey
e-mail: contact@kongresist.com
Fax: 90 (212) 2337678
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