About Us Turkiye Tourism Services

All About Turkiye

Rich History of Turkiye

History

The history of Turkiye is a captivating tale that spans millennia and has seen the rise and fall of great empires, convergence of opposing cultures and the formation of a country that straddles two continents.

As far as civilizations are concerned, these lands have been inhabited by the likes of the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians and Urartians. Alexander the Great conquered these lands during the 4th century BCE and brought Hellenistic and Roman influence to the region. Between 330 BCE and 1453, Constantinople (now Istanbul) stood as a beacon for the Byzantine empire.

The Ottoman Turk empire gained significance between the late 13th and 16th century. They overthrew the Byzantines at the end thus began the Ottoman era. Ottoman influence began to decline post World War I and by 1923 Turkish forces rebelled against the foreign invaders and founded the Republic of Turkiye. Today, Turkiye has established itself as one of the leading countries that celebrates its rich history and vibrant modernity. With this perfect infusion, Turkiye has made it’s as a must-visit tourist attraction around the world.

Embracing Local Culture of Turkiye

Culture

Most Turkish customs showcase a lot of warmth and hospitality. For instance, the traditional way to greet someone often involves physical contact in a handshake or a cheek kiss (air kissing). It is a common practice to remove your shoes before entering someone's home and guests are often welcomed with tea or coffee.

Familial ties are quite strong and are upheld by locals. It is not uncommon to live in close proximity or within the same house as your elders even after marriage. The concept of 'aile' or family generally involves close friends as well.

The Turkish way of life is highly influenced by the Islamic faith and non-muslim locals and guests are encouraged to show the utmost respect. This is especially true during the holy month of Ramadan during which you are not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public spaces while the sun is out. Overall, Turkiye's rich culture beautifully blends tradition, community, and faith, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere for everyone

Language & Communication

Languages

Türkiye is a linguistically diverse country, reflecting its rich cultural and historical heritage. The official language, Turkish, is widely spoken and serves as the primary medium of communication in government, education, and media. Modern Turkish, introduced after language reforms in the 20th century, adopted the Latin alphabet, simplifying the language and making it more accessible.

Kurdish is the second most commonly spoken language, primarily by communities in the southeastern regions. Variants such as Kurmanji and Sorani are commonly used. Arabic is another significant language, especially in areas close to the Syrian border, reflecting historical and cultural ties.

In addition, smaller linguistic communities contribute to Türkiye's diversity. These include speakers of Zaza, Laz, Georgian, Rumelian Turkish, and even English, which is increasingly learned as a second language. This multilingualism highlights the country's unique position as a cultural crossroads bridging East and West.

Currency and Payment

Currency

The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkiye and it is denoted by the letters 'TRY' or the symbol '₺'. Each Lira is further subdivided into 100 kurus denoted by the letters 'kr'.This is the only currency accepted across the country and it is regulated by the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkiye (CBRT).

Banknotes and coins are both used by people and they can be found with various denominations. While coins sports lower values like 1kr, 5kr, 10kr, 25kr and 50kr along with 1₺. Banknotes however, sport much higher values like 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Lira.

The Lira is the only accepted currency in Türkiye for transactions. However, tourists can easily use credit cards with MasterCard or VISA emblems for payments. These cards are widely accepted at shops, restaurants, and hotels. Additionally, they can be used to withdraw cash from the numerous ATMs available across the country. This convenience makes traveling in Türkiye seamless for international visitors.

To offer you more clarity regarding the currency exchange value, below we've created the table. You can refer to it while travelling to Turkiye. However, it may change in future.

Turkish Lira	Indian Rupees (INR)
₺5	INR 12.17
₺ 10	INR 24.33
₺ 20	INR 48.67
₺ 50	INR 121.67
₺ 100	INR 243.34
₺ 200	INR 496.68

Note: The exchange rate may fluctuate with time due to various factors.

Shopping in Turkiye

Shopping

Shopping in Türkiye is both a delightful and culturally enriching experience, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Whether exploring bustling traditional markets or visiting contemporary malls, there's something for everyone.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, is a labyrinth of thousands of vendors offering Turkish goods like carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. Another must-visit is the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where visitors can shop for aromatic spices, dry fruits, nuts, and high-quality tea leaves. These markets provide a glimpse into the nation's rich trading history.

For a modern shopping experience, Türkiye's major cities like Istanbul, İzmir, and Ankara boast world-class malls and shopping districts. Places like Istinye Park and Kanyon Mall in Istanbul offer a mix of luxury brands, local designers, dining, and entertainment, making them a complete leisure destination. From tradition to modernity, shopping in Türkiye is truly unforgettable.

Local Heritage

Heritage

Turkiye's local heritage is a tapestry woven by threads of diverse traditions, cultures and customs. It has evolved over centuries while being influenced by forces like the Anatolian civilization, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Turkish music and dance are integral parts of the heritage that showcase its storied past involving many influences. The architecture prevalent in this region showcases brilliant history as well as major Islamic influences. This stark difference can be seen at sites like the city of Troy and the Hagia Sophia at Istanbul.

Turkish hospitality known as 'misafirperverlik' is a major pillar of the nation's heritage. It involves tea drinking customs, warm greetings and communal meals. The concept of 'Hamam' or a Turkish bath not only promotes personal hygiene but also highlights social interactions. With all these values, customs and traditions, Turkiye has left an everlasting impression in the souls of discerning travellers leaving them in awe forever. .