This is an   unofficial     web page for giving you some tips, information about Izmir ...hope you enjoy  !                        

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Babacool's TIPS

Well....where is IZMIR after all  ?    What does it look like   ?                      So...it's an European city....don't be     !    WHERE  WILL YOU STAY  IN IZMIR  ? The World University Games Athletes Village is located within 10 min. distance to Konak (Centrum), on an uninhabited green valley, directly connected to the high way. It sits on the ridges of Üçkuyular district, on top of Mimkent and is easily reached... IS TURKEY SAFE ?  FRIENDLY ?    Turkey is not only friendly, it's as safe as Europe and North America--perhaps safer. Even though Turkey is relatively safe, the only crime-free place is heaven, so here are things to watch:  CLICK   and as usual ..   Beware of bag snatchers on motorbike pillions. Carry your bag on the side away from the roadway. Don’t carry a lot of money in your bag, and never your passport. Use a body belt or chest bag strung around your neck. Don’t leave your bags in a vehicle unless you are very sure that the driver is reliable and that the vehicle can be securely locked – not just locked. To have your bags stolen with all of your documentation in them must be a traveller’s greatest nightmare, and it happens not only in Izmir but in Sydney and London and New York and -          LITTLE HISTORY                                                      Former Smyrna, capital of the Aegean region and also called the Pearl of Aegean, is considered by the Turks as the most beautiful and most modern city of the country. Izmir is also the third biggest city and second biggest commercial harbor and counts about 3 million inhabitants. In 2000 Izmir celebrated its 5000 years existence.          MORE.... Three of the "Seven Churches" which were mentioned in Bible are in Ýzmir. One of the Seven Wonders of the antiquity, Temple of Artemis is at Ephesus. The symbol of the ancient city of Izmir was a lion's head. Parchment paper was first invented in Pergamon. Phokaians established colonies in the western Mediterranean such as "Velia" in Italy, "Ampurias" in Spain and "Marseilles" in France. The earliest temple dedicated to the goddess Athena was constructed in Izmir. Izmir was mentioned by famous historian Heredos as" the city under the most sublime blue sky and on the remarkable climate". Alexander the Great was told by Aristo, the philosopher like the following " If you do not see Smyrna you remain lacking". The first church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built at Ephesus Virgin Mary's House where she spent her last days is in Selçuk St. John wrote the Bible at Ephesus and died there. On his 3rd missionary journey St. Paul preached at Ephesus Theatre. Cleopatra spent the winter of the year 188 in Ephesus together with Antonius. French poet Lamartine, French authors Chateubriand, Theophile Gautier, and Gustave Flaubert visited Izmir. Pope Paul VI and Pope John II visited the Virgin Mary's House in 1967 and 1979 respectively. Famous singer Dario Moreno lived in Izmir.                      Artemis CLIMATE       We have 4 seasons in Turkey. Quite hot in the summer time...But Cesme and Eski Foca beaches  are very close. FOOD            Turks accept Turkish Kitchen as 3. great one in the world.  I haven't seen any tourist dissapointed till now.  RAKI is Turk's ; Whisky, Sake, Ouzo,Meakong.. it's 40-45pc alchole...you add water in it then becomes white  ( That's why, Turks called it  * Lion's Milk * ), please drink RAKI,  eating and drinking extra water... no need to have head-ache the day after.( If it happens take an asphine* * if not allergic to Asphirine ** , before you go to sleep with some water. ) Taste ..Döner Kebab..meat slides .. nice !  Click WHAT TO BUY ?   In the streets of the Kemeralti Market area, it is possible to find fascinating antiques, both fine and fun jewellery, a great variety of clothing, and the dried figs and sultanas for which Izmir is famous. The fish restaurants in this colorful area serve up local specialities; trança and çipura, two types of sea bream. The best modern and most elegant shops line the Kordon Promenades in Alsancak, Karsiyaka and Cumhuriyet Avenue. Scuba diving   All the cities by the sea .. have scuba diving schools.  In 5 days, you may have an international cerficate and quite cheap. ( About 300 Euro )  Our sharks are syndicated..never attack !   Places to visit  around Izmir   Bergamum ( History)-Ephesus + Virgin Mary ( History + Christianism-  Pamukkale (Amazing nature + Thermal - Cesme(Sifne-thermal pool + sea + fish) )      -      Eski Foca( sea+fish ) Cesme  If you are a Christian, you better visit Virgin Mary's house ( close to Efesus ) and drink holy water, bring back also holy water for your beloved folks...nice gesture. MONEY is Turkish Lira. You may feel millionaire in Turkey, because 1 USD is more than a Million Turkish liras. SEE Exchance    All the banks exchance All known currencies but better USD or Euro. There are also EXCHANCE OFFICES ..which works faster. Hotels exchance also...but their rates are high. CREDIT CARDS     You can use your major credit card to pay for most purchases: hotel rooms, rental cars, auto fuel (gasoline/petrol), airline tickets, fancy dinners, and the more substantial souvenirs.  The most popular card is VISA, followed by MASTERCARD/EUROCARD. AMERICAN EXPRESS is accepted in many of the more expensive places, such as the luxury hotels. At fuel stations you may see a sign which reads %0 Komisyon (0% Commission). This means that no credit card service fee will be charged if you choose to pay for your fuel by credit card. TIPPING   No tips for Taxis. At restaurants.. you may let 5-10pc of your bill. Electricity is 220 W.       Better.. drink bottled water. POST OFFICE  Open 7 days a week and 24 hours per day for buying stamps and telephone cards. For change (cash and post office checks), same hours as the banks. Telephone between 22.30 and 08:00 and on Sunday is cheaper except from hotels.  To call your country ...add 00 to your country code + city code+ number ( ex.  0041.22.3346062 - Geneva-Switzerland,                0049.7141.536485 Asperg/Germany, 0066.1.6037712 Bangkok-Thailand  )  See also HERE                                  Free search engine submission and placement services! Bu site bir sebildir...vatan yoluna !