General Information

 

Language

The Conference language is English.

 

Political Structure

The Turkish Republic is based on a secular democratic, pluralist and parliamentary system, where law and social justice protect human rights. The national assembly is elected by popular vote and the nation is governed by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Turkey is a member of the OECD, NATO, The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, the European Council and the European Parliament and a candidate for full membership of the European Union.

 

Religion

99 % of the population is Muslim. In the large cities and especially in Istanbul, there are also many churches (Catholic, Orthodox, Armenian, Protestant) and synagogues.

 

Economy

Turkey's economy is marked by the coexistence of a modern industrial sector and an agricultural sector that still provided jobs for 40% of the population as of 2001. Turkey's growth rate in 2005 was one of Europe's highest, bringing an adequate level of stability. In recent years, Turkey has committed to a broad programme of liberalisations and privatizations in all the major economic sectors of the country.

Also Turkey has become a major tourist destination. With the rapid development of both summer and winter resorts, more and more people from all around the world are able to enjoy the history, culture and beautiful sites of Turkey.

 

Letter of Invitation

Those persons needing an official Invitation Letter in order to attend the Conference may write to the Conference Secretariat Bureau specifying the necessary details. This service is provided only to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference. It should not be considered as an official invitation covering fees or any other expenses.

 

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for Turkey depends upon the diplomatic agreements between the countries concerned. Entry visas to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Ataturk Airport for some countries. Participants are advised to check visa requirements with the Turkish consulate in their home country or with their travel agency.
You can also learn about your visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To avoid any inconvenience, apply for your visa in person and 1 month before you proceed to Turkey.
You may need an invitation letter from the 9.Plant GEM 2011 local organizers in order to get your visa, in which case please contact: pgem@pgem2011.com

 

Travel to Istanbul

The travel time to Istanbul from most major cities of Europe is between two and four hours. Istanbul is served by more than 50 airlines from all parts of the world. The national carrier of Turkey, Turkish Airlines has branches in nearly all European countries.

 

Airport- City Center / Hotels Transportation

On arrival at the Ataturk International Airport (about 30 km from Taksim Square), you have the following options to go to the city center, Taksim Square:

• Private transfer (Please contact the Conference Secretariat - pgem@pgem2011.com)
• Taxi to the hotels (approx 20-25 Euro)
• Havas Shuttle Bus Service, which has its final stop at Taksim Square (approx 7 Euro)

 

How to Get to the Conference

The recommended Conference Hotels and the Conference Venue (Point Barbaros Hotel) are within 45-60 minutes' car journey of Atatürk International Airport.

 

Shuttle Bus Services

Shuttle Bus Services will be provided between Conference Hotels and Conference Venue. The schedule will be displayed on information boards at the Conference Hotels and the Conference Venue.

 

Liability

Registering for the Meeting participants agree that the Organizing Conference Secretariat do not assure any liability whatsoever. Participants should therefore organize their own health, travel and personal insurances.

 

Security

Istanbul is regarded among the safest metropolises of the World.

 

Climate & Clothing

May is the end of the spring in Istanbul. It is sunny and the temperature is around 18-22 C during the day and 14-14 C during at night.

 

Time Zone

Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

 

Electricity

220 volt, 50 cycle. Most hotels cater for 110 volts. The socket type is European standard.

 

Banking and Exchange Facilities

Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business hours (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.

 

Currency

The Turkish Lira is available in notes and coins. Turkish Lira (TL) denominations
Banknotes : 5; 10; 20; 50; 100; and 200 TL
Coins (kurus) : 5; 10; 25; 50 Kurus and 1 Lira

 

Weight and Measures

Turkey uses the metric system for weight and measures.

 

Phoning in Turkey

Turkey's GSM operators have a wide range of roaming agreements with foreign operators. It is possible to use most cellular phones in Turkey. Public telephones work with cards. They are sold in post offices and tobacco shops.  All over Turkey, phone numbers consist of two sections: area code with three digits and the number itself with seven digits.
Same area / city calls : just the 7 - digit number
From area to area : 0 + area code + 7 - digit number
International : 0 + 0 + country code + area code + number

 

Business, Banking & Shopping Hours

Offices and banks are open between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Most of the shops are open until 8:00 p.m. The Grand Covered Bazaar is closed on Sundays. However all the big shopping malls are open 7 days a week between 10:00 am and 09:00 pm.

 

Taxis

Available at taxi stands or hailed on the street. All are yellow with a taxi sign at the top and have meters.

 

Eating Out

Turkish Cuisine is one of the best in the world. You will find many restaurants which serve Turkish and International cuisine. There are also a lot of fast-food possibilities. An evening on the shores of the Bosphorus to taste fresh fish with Turkish wine is always recommended.

 

Tipping

Although a service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated.