The only city in the world

located on two continents PRESS RELEASE

is Istanbul, which has been
TURKISH EMBASSY INFORMATION COUNSELLOR’S OFFICE
the capital of three great
empires; Roman, Byzantine Contact person: Ahmet KAPLAN
and Ottoman. Telephone: +358 9 6829150
Fax: +358 9 666061
E-mail: info@tourismturkey.fi
Web-site: www.tourismturkey.fi

The Seven Churches
referred in the Book of
Revelation are all found in
Turkey: Ephesus, Smyrna,
Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,
Philadelphia and Laodicea.
Turkey has a rich history and cultural heritage; it covers more than
10.000 years and nearly 60.000 ancient cites in which more than 20
civiliziations flourished. For thousands of years Anatolia, the crossroads of
history, the link between Orient and Occident, has witnessed the mass
migrations of diverse people shaping the course of history. The home to
countless civilizations, Anatolia has developed a unique synthesis of culture,
each with its own distinct identity, yet each linked to its predecessor through
insoluable threads. It is difficult to imagine that all these successive layers of
civilization have left their traces behind on top of the other and side by side in
a single country, but this is exactly why Turkey is considered the World’s
Largest Open Air Museum.

As an old land and a modern nation; Turkey today is both the inheritor
and the conservator of the universal heritage of mankind. Constantinople
(Modern İstanbul), Troy, Ephesus, Pergamon, Dydima, Miletos, Hierapolis,
Antioch, Cappadocia, Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Dalyan
are not only names of cities familiar to us from history books but all modern
cities each offering unique experiences. Turkey is full of magnificent natural
The word "turquoise" landscapes with massive plains, huge mountains, great rivers, wonderful
derives from the French cascades, endless caves, topless summits, wild forests and even deserts,
word for Turkish (Turquois),
the beautiful colour of
golden shores of thousands of kilometers, turquoise costs, best quality hotels,
waters of the Mediterranean reasonable prices and of course the great hospitality of Turkish People and
Sea on the southern Turkish one of the biggest and delicious cuisines of the world.
coast.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council WTTC, Turkey
ranks the first among the countries which will rapidly increase demand for
travel and tourism. By the end of October the number of tourists visiting
Turkey in 2010 reached 25 975 296; % 6.25 increase from the previous year’s
numbers. Of these 135 849 were Finnish, making Turkey one of the most
popular destinations among Finns as well. Compared to 2009 by the end of
October 2010 an increase of 5.05% has been achieved by Finnish visitors to
Turkey and the numbers are expecting to grow significantly in 2011.

Anatolia is the birthplace of

many historical figures such
as the Phrygian King Midas,
the father of history
Herodotus and St Paul.

There are hundreds of
underground cities in
Cappadocia. Two of the most
impressive are Kaymaklı,
which has 8 levels, and
Derinkuyu, which reaches
down to 55 metres.
Since the dawn of the time,
Bodrum, known in antiquity
as Halircarnasus, has amazed
human beings, and carried
imprint of many cultures and
civilizations, including the
Carian, Leleges', Persian,
Dorian, Helen, Roman,
Byzantine, and Ottoman.
The famous Trojan Wars took
place in western Turkey,
where a wooden model of
the Trojan Horse has been
erected at the site.
The world’s oldest known
settlement is in Catalhoyuk
in central Anatolia, Turkey,
and dates back to 6,500 BC.
We have the honor and pleasure to invite you to our cocktail.
Place: Matka 2011, Stand: 6H31
Time: Thursday, January 20th 16.30 – 18.00
Organized by: Turkish Culture and Information Councellor’s Office
& co-exhibitors in the Matka Fair 2011
During the cocktail and throughout the fair Turkish Information
Counsellor’s Office along with its esteemed representatives of private
sector will be happy to provide information to our guests. Matka
Fair’s co-exhibitors this year are: Turkish Airlines – THY Helsinki;
Alanya Tourism and Promotion Foundation – ALTAV; Antalya Golf
Club; Korineum Golf Club – TRNC; Ekstra Travel Agency –
Nevşehir; Mediterranean Association of Touristic Hotels and
Operators – AKTOB; Association of Tourism Entrepreneurs – Side,
Manavgat; Eftalia Hotels – Antalya; STH Travel; IsmoTours –
Istanbul; Hotel Safran Sarı – Antalya; Capris Beach Hotel –
Marmaris; Susamuru; Model Invest; Nazar Tour Operators; Best
Western Khan Hotel – Antalya; Kayıtur – Antalya; Association of
Tourism and Infrastructure Service- Marmaris and surroundings –
MARTAB; Municipality of Göcek; Association of Tourism and
Infrastructure – Fethiye; Berke Ranch Hotel – Antalya.
It’s Happening in Stand 6H31
You are most welcome to our Coctail event : 20.01.2011, 16.30 – 18.00.
Watch Glass engraving, Marbling and Calligraphy masters from Turkey
work and create!
- Also a seminar&workshop on Turkish Arts by our guests in Caisa
Cultural Center on 24.01.2010 at 17.00 – 19.00, free entrance -
Have a taste of Turkish hospitality, we serve Turkish delights and coffee all
fair long.
Win a voucher and gifts from Turkey – lotteries every day!
Come and enjoy Nefes perform – a Helsinki based Traditional Turkish
Music Band: 20 & 22.01.2011
And more surprises for everyone!
Get to know Turkey better – watch our videos on Turkish culture, history,
cuisine and feel free to approach our team and ask. We will be here for you!