http://toroslar.com.tr/ Latest News from Turkish Riviera / Turkey en Copyright 2007 www.toroslar.com.tr 09.10.2007 00:43:58 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/images/toroslar100x.png http://www.Toroslar.com.tr 20 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=848 WEF's Istanbul summit will bring together more than 1,000 people from the political, business, civil society and media sectors. Turkish Minister for European Union (EU) Affairs and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said Saturday that the World Economic Forum (WEF) would host a summit on Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia in Istanbul between June 4 and 6. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=847 Turkey's population increased by 1.35 percent to 74.7 million at the end of 2011 when compared to the previous year. Turkey's population was 74,724,269 at the end of 2011. Turkish Statistical Authority, TurkStat, made public Friday results of the census conducted through the Address-Based Population Registration System which uses the National Address Database to track the number of people living at a specific address. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=846 "ATAK" is one of the best helicopters in the world with its high technology, Bayar underlined. Undersecretary of Turkey's Defense Industry, Murad Bayar, said Saturday that Turkey's first attack helicopter "ATAK" (T129) would be delivered in April. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=845 Turkey’s first-ever face transplant patient, 19-year-old Ugur Acar, was removed from intensive care at the Akdeniz University Hospital on Wednesday and uttered his first words on Wednesday afternoon. Acar suffered serious burns to his face during a house fire that occurred when he was just 40 days old. Dr. Omer Ozkan, a professor from the department of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at Antalya University’s Faculty of Medicine, told the press on Wednesday that the young patient was continuing to surprise doctors with the speediness of his progress following the operation, adding that stubble had even begun to emerge on Acar’s face. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=844 Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is considering a bid to buy one of Turkey's biggest media groups, which owns the Sabah daily and popular TV station ATV, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), one of the media outlets owned by News Corporation. The Turkish group is currently owned by Calik Holding, a business conglomerate run by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's son-in-law. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=843 Turkey’s three metropolises of Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul were among the fastest-growing metropolitan economies, according to a report released by the Brookings Institution. Turkey’s western province of Izmir was ranked the fourth among the fastest-growing metropolitan economies, the report titled “Global MetroMonitor 2011: Volatility, Growth, and Recovery” said. Ankara took sixth place, while Istanbul was ranked seventh. These three metropolises are also the largest among Turkey’s provinces. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=842 Turkey and South Korea have signed a joint action plan to boost bilateral relations. The two countries agreed to sign a free trade agreement as soon as possible, which would pave the way to balancing trade between the two countries, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said after talks with his South Korean counterpart Jan. 20. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=841 The prices of new properties in Turkey have been increasing steadily over the last 12 months and experts expect them to continue doing so in 2012. According to the latest figures from the REIDIN New Home Price Index prices increased 0.78% in November and are now 9.88% up on November 2010. Trademarked projects in the of European side of Istanbul increased 1.17% month on months while those on the Asian side were up 0.47%. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=840 he income earned from museums and ancient sites around Izmir in 2011 increased by 41.64 percent over 2010, according to Izmir Culture and Tourism Directorate data. Earned income was 12.28 million Turkish Liras in 2011. The figure was 8.67 million liras in 2010, according to the data. It shows that 2,792,053 people visited museums and ancient sites around Izmir last year, while 484,943 visited those places free of charge and 414,799 people visited with a Muzekart, a discounted museum card. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=839 U.S. President Barack Obama named Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan among the five leaders that he has established relations based on confidence, in an interview with Time. In an interview with Fareed Zakaria, the Editor-at-Large of Time magazine, Obama named Turkish PM Erdogan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and British Prime Minister David Cameron among leaders that he was able to forge "bonds of trust." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=838 Euromonitor International is pleased to release its latest Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. After recording a decline in 2009, international arrivals to countries regained growth in 2010, positively impacting results for the top 100 cities, which saw arrivals increase by 7%. Star performers in 2010 were emerging city destinations located in Asia Pacific, thanks to a strong economic environment and growing travel and tourism dynamism. Most European cities lagged behind as a result of the weak economic prospects in the Eurozone, which impacted intra-regional travel. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=837 Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yilidrim said that the third bridge on Istanbul Strait would be constructed by own resources. Yildirim said on Sunday that North Marmara Highway Project, which also included the construction of a third bridge on Istanbul Strait, would be built by own resources. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=836 Turkish Airlines (THY) will increase the number of its destinations in Russia to eight as of March, 2012. THY Russia Director General Mefail Deribas stated on Wednesday that THY's new destination in Russia would be Novosibirsk. THY had been flying to only Moscow till 2005, said Deribas, adding that the number of destinations in Russia increased to seven till 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=835 A Turkish ice-cream company will open its first shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. MADO signed an agreement with five Far Eastern countries two years ago, the head of the company executive board, told AA correspondent on Wednesday. "We have established MADO Asia Pacific company, and started to invest in the Far East," Mehmet Kanbur said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=834 The Ministry of Education has given permission to the Greek community to open a primary school on Gokceada (Imbros), an island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Canakkale province. Laki Vingas, elected representative of non-Muslim foundations at the Council of the General Assembly of the Directorate General for Foundations (VGM), was quoted in the Milliyet daily on Thursday as saying that the ministry gave permission verbally and that the Greeks of Gokceada can start the process of opening a Greek school on the island. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=833 Addressing Turkish ambassadors in Ankara, Turkey’s Culture and Tourism minister Ertugrul Gunay said that despite political turmoil the country witnessed more than 30 million tourists in 11 months of 2011, exceeding their expectations http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=832 The report says world population has reached 6.9 billion in 2011, and Turkey's population became 72 million as of 2011. One of each 100 people in the world is living in Turkey, according to a report by International Monetary Fund. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=831 Last year more than 1.2 million tourists visited Turkey's pavilions, mansions and palaces, the Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday. According to the National Palaces Directorate, foreign and Turkish visitors showed a great interest in the country's historic sites in 2011, as 1,269,596 foreign and Turkish visitors toured Turkey's grand palaces and mansions, particularly Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi palaces. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=830 The Turkish team would open a mobile kitchen to meet food need of 10,000 people a day, Lostar also said. Turkish Red Crescent teaches Somali people how to make bread in a mobile bakery, head of the Turkish team said on Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=829 The compulsory 12 year education will be divided into three steps: four years for primary school, four years for middle school and another four years devoted to high school education. Turkey's current eight years of compulsory education will be increased to 12 years per a draft bill prepared by Parliament's Education Commission. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=828 In an exclusive interview with Japan's economy newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), Davutoglu talked about developments in Syria, Turkish-Japanese relations and talks on a planned nuclear power plant in Turkey. In his interview, Davutoglu said Turkey and Japan could sign a nuclear cooperation agreement in spring, and he wanted to visit this country in spring to boost bilateral relations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=827 Turkish and Dutch high-level officials will pay mutual visits during the friendship year which will be celebrated with cultural, artistic, political, economic and sport events aiming to further develop the relations. Year 2012 will be celebrated as Turkish-Dutch Friendship Year. The friendship year will be celebrated within the scope of the 400th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries. Turkey and the Netherlands began diplomatic relations on May 1, 1612 during the Ottoman period. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=826 The snow thickness at one of Turkey's forefront and most popular skiing centers, Bolu-Kartalkaya, has reached 1.25 centimeters, the weather service said on Sunday. The snow thickness at one of Turkey's forefront and most popular skiing centers, Bolu-Kartalkaya, has reached 1.25 centimeters, the weather service said on Sunday. Kartalkaya has been constantly receiving snowfall. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=825 3.3 million Russian tourists have visited Turkey between January and October 2011. Speaking to AA correspondent in Moscow, Celal Kilic, the culture and information counsellor at the Turkish embassy in Moscow, said that the number of Russian tourists would probably exceed 3.5 million at the end of 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=824 The director of the Iran International Staffing Organization, Mehrdad Eyubi, announced on Thursday that 2,000 nurses will work in Turkish hospitals in the new year. According to a report from Iran's official IRNA news agency, Eyubi said 2,000 nurses will be sent to work in Turkey as a part of a working abroad program. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=823 Turkish foreign minister said on Friday that Turkey would welcome every Palestinian executive who would like to visit Turkey. Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkey would always be pleased with any visit from Gaza as a country that had helped occupied Gaza, had backed occupied Gaza issue, and had considered the issue as a human rights issue. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=822 Istanbul Technical University (ITU) presented their eco-friendly boat “Marti” (Seagull) at a press meeting yesterday in Istanbul. Turkey’s first hydrogen boat was produced over four years by a student organization and funded by university and other organizations, such as Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=821 Turkey's Hacettepe, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Ege, Istanbul and Gazi universities entered all 25 categories prepared by the Leiden University. Six Turkish universities entered the list of world's best 500 universities prepared by the Dutch Leiden University. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=820 Unemployment in urban areas was 11.1 percent, and it was 4.5 percent in rural areas. Unemployment rate was down 2.5 points to 8.8 percent year-on-year in September 2011, Turkey's statistical authority, TurkStat, said on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=819 A nine-member team from Turkish State Airports Management (DHMI) went to Mogadishu and launched initiatives to modernize the airport and install air traffic devices. Turkey has undertaken the project to modernize the airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=818 Turkey's prime minister completed the "person of the year 2011" poll of the U.S. Time magazine in the first place. The vote to choose the "person of the year" ended on Monday. Accordingly, Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan won 122,931 votes and became the first runner-up. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=817 One of Europe's best winter resorts and skiing centers, the north-western mountain of Uludag is offering the joy of snow to visitors. Snow thickness at Uludag has reached 40 centimeters on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=816 The World Economic Forum on Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia will take place in Istanbul, Turkey on June 4 and 6, 2012. The World Economic Forum will convene over 1,000 leaders in Istanbul to catalyse new partnerships for growth and human development. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=815 Turkey is among top ten countries participating in work and travel (WAT) program. "7,000 students from Turkey are attending in the WAT program annually," said Izzet Aslantatar, director general of Edufairs International Education Fairs of Turkey. Speaking to AA correspondent, Aslantatar said that Turkish students attached a great interest in the work and travel program. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=814 Turkey's Ford Otosan has broken all-time sales record in 2011, the general manager of the automotive company said on Wednesday. Nuri Otay said that 2011 would be a year of records in production, export and domestic sales. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=813 Software giant Microsoft is considering projects in Turkey that could potentially turn into high-tech investments in software research and development (R and D), after an invitation from Turkey’s Science, Industry and Technology Minister Nihat Ergun who paid a visit to the company’s headquarters in Seattle, Washington. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=812 As economic contagion tarnishes the European Union, a newly assertive Turkey is increasingly looking east instead of west, and asking a vexing question: Should Turkey reject Europe before Europe rejects Turkey? When Recep Tayyip Erdogan , the charismatic prime minister, first swept to power in 2002, he made Turkey’s entry into the European Union his overriding goal. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=811 The Christmas Market, organized by Alanya Foreigners Committee, will be held on December 11. Alanya Foreigners Committee started the preparations for the second Christmas Market. The details of the event were discussed on the Committee meeting, which was also joined by the members of local foreign Associations, who wanted to participate in the Market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=810 True to its name, Oceania Cruises' new Riviera will be christened in Monte Carlo, Monaco on the French Riviera on April 19. The 1,250-guest Riviera will set sail on her maiden voyage, a 12-day Ancient Grandeur itinerary from Piraeus (Athens), Greece on April 24 with ports of call including Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt; Haifa and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel; Rhodes and Patmos, Greece; and Alanya, Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=809 Over 2,000 foreign doctors have sent their resumes to companies such as AKkariyer Consultancy, Secretcv and Kariyer.net to work in Turkey since the decree was introduced. Doctors from various countries have begun sending job applications and resumes to Turkish human resources companies following a statutory decree that was introduced on Nov. 3 allowing foreign doctors and nurses to work in Turkish hospitals. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=808 Turkey's statistical authority, TurkStat, made public industrial labor force input for Q3-2011, and said industrial employment was up 4.6 percent year-on-year in the mentioned quarter. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=807 The period over which a tourist visa issued to those who visit Turkey on a temporary basis is valid will change from 1st February 2012. The much anticipated change to Turkish tourist visas was brought into law on 24th October when the Turkish Council of Ministers changed the regulations. Tourist visas issued from 1st February 2012 will be valid for 90 days as now. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=806 More than 1,200 delegates from 60 countries are attending the four-day event in Antalya, Turkey, one of the fastest growing and most successful emerging golf destinations in the world. What is especially exciting about this year’s event is the ratio between destinations, resorts and tour operators,” said Peter Grimster, IGTM Exhibition Manager. Turkey : Antalya Belek is getting a highly anticipated Golf destination http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=805 The value of residential real estate assets in Turkey has risen, new research shows. According to the REIDIN.com monthly property index for the nation, the worth of homes increased by an average of 0.81 per cent in October, compared to September. Izmir saw the biggest price hike in this period at 1.53 per cent, while Istanbul also topped the average figure with a jump of 0.88 per cent in its real estate values. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=804 he Danish cyclist, Klaus Nielsen, showed an excellent performance in the Alanya International MTB Cup 2011 on Monday, November 21. Nielsen powered to beat the other cyclists in the last kilometres by covering the distance of the race in 1 hour, 38 minutes and 14 seconds. A group of three cyclists made their breakaway lead, Klaus Nielsen, Uwe Hochenwarter and Kornel Osicki, all of whom put in a great deal of effort and finally attained headway of a few seconds over the others. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=803 The rapidly growing Turkish economy has started to garner more attention from international investors, indicated by the fact that 17 American firms and Russia's largest company, Gazprom, are now considering investing in Turkey's energy market. The companies from the US are mostly interested in the renewable energy business in Turkey, while Gazprom, the world's largest national gas extractor, is seriously looking for an opportunity in the country's electricity market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=802 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has introduced a new project, titled the "Reverse Brain Drain Project," in which it aims to bring distinguished Turkish engineers from Western countries to Turkey to participate in the production of domestic technology. As part of this project, TAI announced on its website that it is looking for highly qualified Turkish engineers who have previously undertaken important roles in the aviation sector. In the period of one month, more than 100 applicants contacted TAI through its website. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=801 Turkey ranked the sixth in automobile sales in Europe in October. Turkey had been on the 8th rank in September, 2011, according to figures of Automotive Distributors' Association (ODD). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=800 Guus Hiddink's contract as Turkey coach has been terminated by mutual consent following the team's failure to reach the Euro 2012 finals, the Turkish Football Federation said on Wednesday, ending a disappointing spell in charge for the Dutchman. The decision, announced on the federation's website (www.tff.org), had been expected after Tuesday's 0-0 draw in Croatia which completed Turkey's 3-0 aggregate defeat in their playoff. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=799 Turkey ranked 19th in a global list of countries with most valuable brands with a total value of 373 billion U.S. dollars, according to a global brand valuation research. The country ranked 10th in a similar list for European countries. Brand Finance said the brand value of Turkey increased 19.8 percent over a year earlier to move up the country to the top 20 list for the first time in the world and to the top 10 in Europe. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=798 The 8th International Alanya Stone Sculpture Symposium started Nov. 4 in the southern province of Antalya’s Alanya district with the participation of 10 sculptors from eight countries. The symposium is being organized in collaboration with the Alanya Municipality and Istanbul’s Mimar Sinan University Fine Arts Faculty. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=797 Although the Seker Bayram holiday is considered more fun, the Kurban Bayram is the greater celebration because of the stronger religious connotations and family traditions. Islam has two major festivals every year, a smaller one known as the Seker (Sugar) Bayram holiday and a greater one known as the Kurban Bayram. Although people tend to think of the Sseker Bayram as more important since it occurs at the end of nearly a month of fasting, the Kurban Bayram (Feast of the Sacrifice) has a stronger religious connotation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=796 Turkey will assume the post following the Australian term in 2014, and 2012 and 2013 terms will be assumed by Mexico and Russia, respectively. Turkey is set to take over the rotating presidency of the Group of Twenty in 2015, said a declaration which closed Friday G-20's summit meetings in Cannes, France. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=795 Belarus's foreign minister has said that Turkey and Belarus completed their works on mutual lifting of visa requirements. Speaking to the AA, Belarus's Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Martynov said Friday that works on lifting of visa procedure had been completed and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was invited to Minsk to sign the agreement on visa procedure. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=794 Turkey's Istanbul metropolitan city targets to host 8 million tourists by the end of 2011. Istanbul, which has an 8,500-year-old history, hosted 6.9 million tourists in the first ten months of 2011. This figure increased 16 percent when compared to the same period of 2010, Istanbul Culture and Tourism Director Ahmet Emre Bilgili told AA on Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=793 New York Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers last year. Along with Chicago and Boston Marathons, the NYC race is among the top long-distance running events in the United States. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=792 Rather than 04.00 a.m., the clocks went back to 03.00 a.m. as Turkish Summer Time ends for another year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=791 Gatwick Airport will be THY's third destination in London following Heathrow and Stansted airports. Turkish Airlines (THY) will start operating scheduled flights to London's Gatwick Airport this winter, a company statement said on Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=790 The Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle "ANKA" was rolled out with a ceremony held in capital Ankara on Friday. Numerous high-level Turkish officials including General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug, Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul, Land Forces Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner, Naval Forces Commander Gen. Esref Ugur Yigit, Air Forces Commander Gen. Hasan Aksay and Undersecretary for Defense Industries Murad Bayar attended the ceremony at the headquarters of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=789 Turkish TAV Airports Holding wins Saudi Arabia's Medinah Airport tender along with its partners Al Rajhi and Saudi Oger. TAV Airports Holding, its consortium partners Al Rajhi and Saudi Oger signed a contract with Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority GACA to increase the capacity of Medinah Airport on the basis of build-transfer-operate model. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=788 Two trains departed from their respective stations on Thursday, one from Turkey to Germany and the other from Germany to Turkey, to mark the 50th anniversary since the first group of Turks left their homeland for a new life in Europe as part of a labor agreement signed by the two countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=787 In the future we will probably remember the years 2010-2015 as very special years for Turkey’s economic growth and Turkish tourism, with both making it a very special period for the Turkish property market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=786 Over $1.3 billion were stuffed into Turkey's property market last year. The figures, released by the Turkish government, show that foreign investors are still keen to own a share of the country's booming real estate industry, as Turkey becomes one of the biggest success stories of recent years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=785 Noting that 120 students would be boarders, Celik said that they would give the text books to students for free. A Turkish high school will be opened in Somali capital of Mogadishu within a month. Nil Organization's Chairman Bilal Celik told AA on Wednesday that while preparations in the school building were under way, a test was made to select the students to the school, and over 1,000 applications were made to the school. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=784 joint effort between the Karikaturculer Dernegi (Cartoon Association) and the Culture and Tourism Ministry with the support of Koc Holding, the colorful competition, which was held for the first time in 1974, got under way on Wednesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=783 Total production and exports by the Turkish automotive industry rose in January-September period of 2011. Automotive Industry Association (OSD) stated on Wednesday that total production rose 13 percent to 884,000 in the mentioned period of 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=782 Mehmet Buyukeksi, chairman of TIM, said at a news conference at the Elazig Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that exports rose 18.83 percent to $131.62 billion in the last 12 months. Turkey's exports reached $10.72 billion with an increase of 16.41 percent year-on-year in September 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=781 The 720-meter long Deriner Dam on the River Coruh in the northeast of the country rises 207 meters above the riverbed and 249 meters from the foundations. The world's third biggest double-curve arch dam is counting down to start generating electricity in Turkey beginning of the next year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=780 A Turkish diver has broken a world record in 87 m constant weight apnea. Cenk Devrim Ulusoy broke the record off Kas town of the southeastern Turkish province of Antalya in the presence of observers from the World Underwater Federation (CMAS). He reached the depth of 87 m in 1 minute 15 seconds. The diver completed his dive in 2 minutes 28 seconds. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=779 U.S. President Barack Obama honored on Monday a Turkish scientist with Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. Associate Professor Aydogan Ozcan of the University of California (UCLA) who is currently leading the Bio- and Nano-Photonics Laboratory at the Electrical Engineering Department was one of the recipients of the award. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=778 Famous Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan's film “Bir Zamanlar Anadolu’da” (Once Upon A time in Anatolia) will compete for the Best Foreign-Language Film Award honor at the 84th Academy Awards. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=777 The “Assassin’s Creed,” a historical/science-fiction computer game that has been eagerly anticipated by gaming aficionados, made its world premiere Wednesday in Istanbul. The game, which will be released in both Turkey and the rest of the world at the same time, was introduced at the Binbirdirek Cistern in an event that brought together representatives of the world’s leading computer gaming companies. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=776 Germany, Russia, Britain, Iran and Bulgaria, France became the sixth country which sent highest number of tourists to Turkey in 2011. The number of French tourists visiting Turkey in 2011 broke a record. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=775 Accordingly, government support to agriculture in OECD countries fell to 18 percent of total farm receipts in 2010, a record low linked to high commodity prices. Government support to the agriculture has increased only in Turkey among all Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)-member countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=774 Abdurrahman Akyuz, chairman of Turkish Federation of Wushu, said Thursday that they were proud of hosting Jet Li in Ankara. Chinese martial artist, actor, film producer and wushu champion Jet Li will come to Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=773 AFAD's assistance included 12 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment as well as 250 tents. Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) said Friday that they have sent humanitarian assistance to flood stricken Pakistan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=772 The team of 23 doctors and paramedics will be working at a field hospital opened by Turkey on August 18 in Mogadishu and at another care center at a tent camp which was set up by the Turkish Red Crescent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=771 Turkey won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals in Greco-Roman style, and one silver medal in free style. The World Wrestling Championships ended in Istanbul on Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=770 Investment and trade opportunities as well as Turkey-USA cooperation in third countries will be high on agenda of the meeting. The first meeting of Turkey-USA Business Council will take place in Istanbul on September 19. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=769 President Abdullah Gul said Turkish and German finance ministers would sign the updated version of the agreement on the sidelines of his visit to Germany. Turkey's president said on Sunday that Turkey and Germany would sign an updated version of agreement on prevention of double taxation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=768 CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia fair will take place in Istanbul between October 6 and 9. Being a leading ICT fair in Eurasia, CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia will once again be "the meeting point of ICT (information and communication technologies) industry" to be held at Istanbul Tuyap Exhibition and Congress Center. ICT is an essential part of future business strategies, opening up new fields and new potential for growth in just about every industry. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=767 Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Situation Management said Turkey sent two military cargo planes to Libya, loaded with 22 tons of food stuff worth almost 200,000 Turkish liras. Turkey sent on Saturday 22 tons of food stuff to Libya to meet urgent needs. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=766 Opened at a former factory in Gaziantep, the "Zeugma Mosaic Museum" cost about $50-55 million. World's number one mosaic museum was inaugurated in Turkey's southeastern province of Gaziantep on Friday. Speaking in the inauguration ceremony, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his government was trying to create a symphony, and he wanted Turkish citizenship and nation to be enriched by different languages and cultures. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=765 The 80th International Fair has opened in the western province of Izmir. Cahit Kirac, governor of the province, said at the opening, "Izmir has a long history of fairs and trade shows. Now, Izmir is among candidates to host EXPO 2020. We call on everyone including politicians, non-governmental organizations, press organs, businessmen, industrialists and citizens to support us in this process." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=764 Akdamar Church had been opened to worshippers for a single day and hosted a religious ceremony for the first time after 95 years in September 2010. A religious ceremony began at the Akdamar Church, located on Akdamar island in Lake Van, on Sunday morning. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=763 High level representatives of G-20 member and non-member countries as well as international organizations will attend the conference to discuss the volatility in commodity prices. G-20 Conference on Commodity Price Volatility will take place in Istanbul on September 13. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=762 Turkey's leading defense industry company ASELSAN has added a new item to its remote-control weapon systems. ASELSAN which earlier developed STAMP (Stabilized Machine Gun Platform) and STOP (Stabilized Naval Gun System) for warships, now added SARP (Stabilized Advanced Remote Platform) for land operations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=761 On Tuesday, Muslims all over the world will celebrate the end of the monthlong fast of Ramadan with communal prayers called “Eid al-Fitr,” or Feast of the Fast-Breaking. Eid al-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid al-Adha, comes at the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=760 Toroslar Construction is rejuvenating its machine park by buying more environmentalist, more powerful and less fuel consumption new engineering vehicles. Toroslar construction lastly has raised the number of the engineering vehicles to 8 by buying new 2 engineering machines. Sumitomo SH210LC excavator is completely Japanese wonder. Sumitomo is a eco- friendly engineering vehicle by providing less fuel consumption, less harmful exhaust waste and less noisier running. It has an environmentalist engine in Europe standards. In construction sector the most used tonnaga is 22 ton. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=759 Turkey's first national earth observation satellite, RASAT, has been launched to the space successfully. Designed and manufactured by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey - Space Technologies Research Institute (TUBITAK-UZAY), the satellite was launched to space from the Yasny Base of Russia at the Kazakh border by the Dnepr space launch vehicle. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=758 A German joint venture company has undertaken the renewal works of the 60-km rail line. Twelve German citizens have been working in railway renewal in western region of Manisa-Salihli. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=757 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that tragedy in Somalia was testing contemporary values. Erdogan is currently in Somalia to visit a camp built by Turkish Red Crescent and a field hospital opened by Turkish Health Ministry. Erdogan and Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed appear at a joint news conference following their meeting. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=756 A Turkish aid ship departed from Istanbul for Somalia on Friday. The ship, coordinated by Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD), carries the assistance of Turkish Religious Affairs Department and Turkish Red Crescent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=755 42.9 percent of homes in Turkey are connected to the Internet, revealed a survey conducted by TurkStat. Turkstat-Turkey's national statistics authority, made public the results of a survey titled "2011-Information Technology Usage in Households" on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=754 Turkish people's charity has reached drought-hit Somalia. Officials from Turkish Religious Foundation distributed food packages to Somali people in a camp in the capital Mogadishu. Turkish officials and soldiers helped women, children and the disabled people to carry their packages. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=753 Erdogan said that they attached a great importance to the olympic spirit that made a great impact on world peace. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey would bid to host 2020 Olympic Games. Premier Erdogan held a press conference in Istanbul and said that they gathered to announce Turkey's bid for 2020 Olympics. "We are excited, because we believe that we will reach our goal this time. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=752 In the last two months, a number of football teams from the second and third division leagues preferred Cappadocia to camp and to play preparation matches. The Cappadocia region in central Turkey, a unique place with fairy chimneys, has become the new camping center of football teams. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=751 Turkish national football team defeated Estonia 3-0 in an international friendly match in Istanbul on Wednesday. Turkey thrashed Estonia 3-0 with a penalty by Emre Belozoglu and a Colin Kazim double in a confidence-boosting friendly on Wednesday ahead of next month's Euro 2012 qualifiers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=750 Two cargo planes carrying food and medical supplies took off on Monday in Turkey's first aid shipment to the famine-stricken Somalia. The aid campaign was launched jointly by the Turkish Red Crescent Society, Turkey's Cooperation and Development Agency, and the country's Religious Affairs Directorate General. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=749 Turkuaz Residence is located in Kestel. Sea, with fantastic views of the Taurus Mountains and the great city make this a unique residence. Kestel has great sea views and green fields, and coastal construction projects, an area known as much more attractive now for investors. The rapidly developing Kestel of shops, restaurants, and a new city center is being built. The center of Alanya is 10 minutes, the New Gazipasa airport 20 minutes is away. Kestel is now the most popular destination for investment. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=748 Turkey drawn against the Netherlands in 2014 World Cup qualifying group Turkey will play against the Netherlands, last year's runners-up in 2014 World Cup qualifying group. Turkey was also drawn against Hungary, Romania, Estonia and Andorra in Group D after a draw in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=747 Imports in Turkey increased 41.1 percent over the same period of last year and reached 21.586 million USD. According to the provisional data, produced with the cooperation of Turkish Statistical Institute and Ministry of Customs and Trade, in June 2011 exports increased by 19.3 percent and reached to 11.3 million USD while imports increased by 41.7 percent and reached to 21.5 million USD compared with June 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=746 The "Arap Spring" has turned into a "bitter winter" for Turkish contractors operating in North Africa and the Middle East. The uprising in Arab countries, especially in Libya, has caused a threat to Turkish construction projects worth billions of U.S. dollars, a report of Turkish Contractors Association showed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=745 Turkey's national air carrier, Turkish Airlines (THY), is hosting the members of the world's two giant football clubs, Manchester United and FC Barcelona, in the U.S. capital city ahead of a friendly game to be played by the two teams on Saturday. THY, which is the official partner and air carrier of both clubs, will also be sponsoring today's pre-season friendly match to be played at the FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=744 Archeologists have unearthed remains of a church in an ancient city in the Mediterranean province of Isparta, head of the team said on Monday. Associate Professor Mehmet Ozhanli, the head of Suleyman Demirel University's Archeology Department who heads excavations in the ancient city of Pisidian Antioch, said they had discovered remains of a church during their excavations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=743 Turkey is ready for hosting its first event of Olympic status, as some 3.000 athletes will participate in the 11th edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival in Trabzon. Authorities believe the province is ready for the event The most talented young athletes from 49 countries will compete for gold in Trabzon from July 24 to July 29, as Turkey prepares to host the European Youth Olympic Festival for the first time. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=742 The European Union (EU) will extend 290 million Euro financial support to Turkey's agricultural and rural development projects, Turkey's EU Ministry said on Thursday. A ministry statement said that the EU would allocate 290.5 million Euro financial aid to Turkey within the framework of Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) funds of the European Commission for all candidate states. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=741 According to a statement released by the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate, a total of 7,890 Syrians have returned to their country so far. Number of Syrian people who escaped from the violence in their country and took shelter in Turkey dropped to 8,017 on Monday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=740 World Bank's top official said on Thursday that Turkey was in a much better position and Turkish economy was stronger and more resistant compared to past. Holding a press conference at International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Istanbul office, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said he had recently held fruitful talks with Turkish officials, focusing mainly on Turkey's upcoming economic reforms and plans, as well as regional and global developments. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=739 A Turkish household appliances company will purchase South Africa's largest manufacturer and distributor of major domestic appliances, a company statement said on Thursday. Turkey's Arcelik signed a contract with Franke Holding AG on Wednesday to purchase South African Defy Appliances Ltd. as Franke owned the South African household appliances company's shares. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=738 According to the Turkish association of real estate investment companies, foreign purchases of Turkish property grew by 40% in 2010 compared to 2009. It is hardly a coincidence that such growth took place in a year of rapid economic growth, and almost unprecedented economic stability in the country. Given that this growth seems set to continue or accelerate, and the economy remains stable, it is a fairly safe bet that foreign purchases will also increase further this year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=737 According to a report recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO), Turkey's grade has improved in its battle against smoking, as reported by the Anatolia news agency. The report, titled “WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2011: Warning about the dangers of tobacco,” about the worldwide struggle with tobacco, evaluates its member countries based on the measures they have implemented to combat smoking. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=736 The unemployment rate dropped 2.1 points to 9.9 percent in April 2011 when compared to April 2010. Thus, unemployment rate decreased to single-digit for the first time since July, 2008, stated TurkStat on Friday. Unemployment rate was 12 percent in April, 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=735 The program of the 11th International Side Culture and Art Festival organized in the Mediterranean Antalya’s Side district from July 23 to Sept. 17 was unveiled Friday. The festival was initiated as a municipal event 11 years ago and will be expecting support from all organizations in Antalya this year, said Side Mayor Abdulkadir Ucar. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=734 Turkey's national flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY), which has been recently named Europe's best airline company, wants to become the world's best airline in near future. Speaking to AA, THY's Director General Temel Kotil said THY had been chosen the best airline in Southern Europe in 2009 and 2010, and this year, it had been named the best airline in Europe by London-based research organization in air travel, Skytrax. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=733 Istanbul will be trying for a fifth time host a summer Olympics since their first attempt for the 2000 Games when the Turkish city bids to host the 2020 Games, a senior International Olympic Committee member said on Friday. So far only Italian capital Rome has been officially confirmed as a candidate with the deadline for announcing bids being Sept. 1. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=732 A Turkish businessman is eager to buy at least three Greek islands which were put to sale due to economic crisis in this country. Fiyapi's Executive Board Chairman Fikret Inan is planning to purchase at least three of six Greek islands put up for sale, and to set up a company in Greece in order to buy the islands in case of any obstacle he may face during the purchasing process. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=731 Turkey's capital Ankara will be a home to world's biggest health center. Executive Board Chairman Kazim Turker of Turkerler Holding, which will construct Etlik Integrated Health Campus in Ankara, told A.A on Friday that the campus would be like Cleveland health center in Ohio, the United States, adding that it would accept patients from foreign countries too. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=730 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the new cabinet members in Ankara on Wednesday. Deputy from the southern Hatay province Sadullah Ergin became the Justice Minister; deputy from the southeastern province of Gaziantep, Fatma Sahin, became Family and Social Policies Minister; Istanbul deputy Egemen Bagis became Minister for European Union Affairs; deputy from the northwestern province of Kocaeli, Nihat Ergun, became Science, Industry and Technology Minister; and deputy from the southeastern province of Sanliurfa Faruk Celik became Labor and Social Security Minister. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=728 The 650th annual Kirkpinar oil wrestling competitions started on Friday in the northwestern city of Edirne, with the first day featuring 912 wrestlers. A total of 1,419 wrestlers are taking part in the competitions, which will run through Sunday. The aga (local chief) of Kirkpinar, Seyfettin Selim, arrived in the city on the first day. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=727 The average growth rate in the European Union was 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2011. Turkey grew 11 percent in the first quarter of 2011 over the same period a year earlier to become the fastest growing country in the world. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=726 Turkey's economy grew 11 percent in the first quarter of 2011, Turkish Statistics Institute said on Thursday. The economy had grown 9.2 percent in the last quarter of 2010, and 8.9 percent throughout the previous year, higher than the expectations of the government. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=725 MSP Messenger, a free instant messaging client created by Turkish engineers, has attracted more than 250,000 users from 124 countries only 24 hours after it was released. With its online translation feature, MSP Messenger has drawn great interest from internet users across the world. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=724 Number of Syrian people who escaped from the violence in their country and took shelter in Turkey dropped to 10,227 as of Sunday. According to a statement released by the Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD), a total of 15,228 Syrian nationals have fled to Turkey and 5,001 of them have returned to their country until today. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=723 Turkey's exports and imports were up 11.7 percent and 42.6 percent respectively in May 2011, Turkey's statistics authority, TurkStat, said on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=722 Turkey will become one of the global players with a power to influence other countries within the next 25 years, an official with the World Bank has estimated. "In 2025, Turkey will be one of the 15 global poles and it will assume a role to influence other countries," Mansoor Dailami, manager of the Emerging Global Trends Team of the Development Prospects Group at the World Bank, told Wednesday a meeting in Ankara on the release of a World Bank report, "Global Development Perspectives 2011." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=721 Data released by Eurostat, the EU's official statistics office, on Wednesday showing the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 27 member countries and the six non-EU members found Turkey overtook the union's Romania and Bulgaria in 2010, challenging the "too big and too poor" argument used by parties opposed to Turkey's acceptance into the union. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=720 Turkey has become the fourth country, raising its R and D spending the most in Europe, according to a report. The European Commission has released its innovation union 2011 competition report, and according to the report Turkey has raised its annual R and D expenditures more than 10 percent between 2000 and 2009. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=719 French carmaker Renault plans to start mass production of its electric cars in a couple of months at Turkey plant, a senior company official said on Friday. Ibrahim Aybar, CEO of Renualt-Mais, a joint venture of Renault and Turkey-based Oyak, said that company's plant in Bursa would build electric version of Fluence --a classic compact 4-door sedan-- mostly for global markets. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=718 Turkish Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin said Wednesday that the Turkish Olympics was more than just a thousand students from 130 countries reading poems and singing songs in Turkish language and dancing to Turkish melodies. The Turkish Olympics is an activity that sheds light to the bright future of humanity and a guiding force, Sahin said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=717 The Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA) will suggest Turkey as the "destination of the year" in the 2011/2012 tourism season based on an agreement signed by UHPA Chair Jelyko Trezner and Turkish Culture and Tourism Attache in Zagreb Derya Polat on Friday. A press conference took place in Zagreb after the agreement was signed on Friday. Turkish Ambassador in Zagreb Burak Ozugergin, Sales Manager of Croatia Airlines Boris Kolka, Turkish Culture and Tourism Attache Derya Polat and UHPA Chair Trezner were present at the press conference. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=716 In case tourists call 112 emergency call service, they will be connected to foreign patient call centers. Turkey's Ministry of Health has taken measures to eliminate problems foreign tourists are facing in emergency health services during their summer holidays. Releasing a circular, the ministry decided to set up foreign patient call centers and foreign patient provincial coordination centers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=715 Hundreds of Turkish students will study nuclear engineering at a leading Russian university and later be assigned in the operation process of Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear power plant. A total of 300 Turkish-origin students will attend engineering programs at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI in the Russian capital of Moscow thanks to a scholarship to be provided by Akkuyu NGS Elektrik Uretim A.S., the Akkuyu Project Company, officials told AA on Friday. Accordingly, 50 Turkish students will be sent to Russia this September, and 300 students in total will receive training throughout the program, officials said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=714 Turkish Prime Ministry Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) sent three million Turkish Lira (TL) to Hatay Governor's Office to meet the needs of Syrian people in the city. (one USD equals 1.6 TL) AFAD stated that total help reached 3.7 million TL, adding that the number of Syrian people who escaped from the violence in their country and took shelter in Turkey's southern Hatay province increased to 10,114. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=713 Hearkening back to Diyarbakir’s cosmopolitan past, diaspora Armenians and clergy held a small service in a local church Saturday in what many hope is a harbinger for a more multicultural future in the southeastern city. “The sounds of the call to prayer and church bells will mix here on this land from now on,” Diyarbakir Mayor Osman Baydemir said following the service at the restored Surp Giragos Church. “There were major sorrows experienced in the past. We [condemn] the heartlessness of those days in our hearts and we want a new start.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=712 German magazine der Spiegel published an editorial about Turkey's elections, calling Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "charismatic leader" and Turkey "the rising power of the Bosphorus." Der Spiegel published an editorial on Wednesday and evaluated the election results in Turkey, daily Miliyet reported on its website. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=711 The result means the prime minister must make a deal with the opposition to write a new basic law. Turkey's political class agrees on the need for a new, more democratic constitution to replace the current one written under military rule in 1982, but efforts to find consensus on the issue have so far failed. Last night Mr Erdogan pledged to work with his rivals. "We will all write the constitution together. A blank new page has been opened," he said in his victory speech. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=710 Migration into Turkey from Europe, where a number of members of the euro common currency area have been struggling with serious debt crises since the global financial crisis erupted in 2008, has greatly increased because of still-present economic difficulties, the Turkish Sabah daily said on Sunday. In its report the newspaper quoted a leading professor from Istanbul Bilgi University and claimed that there are now 200,000 European Union citizens employed in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=709 Holiday-makers used to be quids in if they went to the British seaside instead of jetting to the Med. They may want to double-check their prices though – after travel experts found a week in Turkey is CHEAPER than one in Torquay. Britons could save more than £600 by flying 1,600 miles to the sun-kissed resort of Antalya instead of going to Devon. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=708 Turkish and Polish parties signed a cooperation agreement in the area of science and technology on Monday. Turkish State Minister Mehmet Aydin and Polish Science and Higher Education Minister Barbara Kudrycka signed the agreement at Polish Presidential Palace in Warsaw. The agreement foresees development of joint scientific projects and mutual visits by Turkish and Polish scientists. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=707 Tents have been established for the Syrian refugees, overwhelmingly women and children. More than 5,000 Syrians have fled to Turkey to escape clashes between government forces and anti-Assad protesters in their country. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=706 The Project Support Agreements for the Nabucco Pipeline will be signed on June 8 in Kayseri, Turkey, said a statement posted on the project's website. The ceremony will be participated by the Nabucco Companies and the responsible ministries of the five transit countries (Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=705 Turkey's national soccer team is set to play on Friday against their Belgian opponents in an away game in Group A qualifiers for the 2012 European Championship. The game will be played at Brussel's Roi Baudouin Stadium and it will kick off at 9:45 p.m. Turkish local time. Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli will be the man with the whistle with assistant referees Renato Faverani and Andrea Stefani. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=704 Turkey's exports rose by 21.7 percent to 11 billion U.S. dollars in May 2011 when compared to the same month of 2010, Turkish Assembly of Exporters (TIM) said on Wednesday. According to the figures by TIM, exports increased by 20.38 percent to 54.4 billion U.S. dollars in the first five months of 2011 over to the same period last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=703 Turkey's national oil company Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Iraq's Ministry for Oil signed Sunday two agreements on the operation of the Iraqi natural gas fields of Siba and Mansuriya. Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz attended the signing ceremony in Baghdad together with Iraqi Oil Minister Abd al-Karim Luaybi. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=702 Turkey's first domestic diesel train began its journey between the western province of Izmir and its town Tire, the starting point of Turkish railway history. A ceremony took place at Alsancak Train Station in Izmir for the first travel of the train named "Anatolia" produced by the Turkish Wagon Industry, Inc. (TUVASAS). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=701 Istanbul has been a site of peace and tranquility and known to the world as such since Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered the city more than five-and-a-half centuries ago, Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas said during ceremonies organized for the 558th anniversary of the Conquest of Istanbul. Topbas referred to Mehmet the Conqueror’s words, “True art is to set up a magnificent city.” Topbas said Fatih invited scientists and artists to Istanbul, renovated old parts of the city and started building major masterpieces. Thus, making Istanbul one of the most important cities in the world. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=700 One of the greatest works of the Ottoman architect Sinan is now set to become a UNESCO world heritage site. The Selimiye Mosque, an Ottoman mosque in the northwestern province of Edirne, was commissioned by Sultan Selim II and built by Sinan between 1568 and 1574, will be the second Turkish mosque to enter the list after the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=699 Citizens of neighboring Georgia and Turkey will be able to travel to each other's country with only their state identity cards, beginning on May 31. A ceremony will be held at the Sarp land border gate on the very same day with the participation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Georgia's President Mikheil Saakashvili and Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=698 Greek Minister of Culture and Tourism Pavlos Geroulanos said on Tuesday that they were trying to remove visa requirements for Turkey, noting they were talking with the European Union (EU). Geroulanos, currently on a visit to Bodrum town of the Aegean province of Mugla, visited Sub-Governor of Bodrum, Cemal Ozdemir. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=697 Turkish-Chinese Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUCSIAD) will organize a business forum to bring together investments from the two countries. The Business Forum will be held in Istanbul between June 2 and 3. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=696 Turkey is now the second most popular choice among Russian buyers according to a survey conducted at a major Moscow property show. Leading Russian overseas property magazine International Residence conducted the survey of 499 Russian buyers at the Moscow International Investment Show in March. They found that Turkey was the third most popular country among Russians looking at overseas property, beaten by Bulgaria in first and Spain in second. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=695 Antalya, one of Turkey's popular tourist destinations, has for the first time outpaced its major rival, Spain's Mallorca, in the number of tourists visiting it, a tourism information agency has said. Tourexpi.com Executive Board President Huseyin Baraner told the Anatolia news agency on Thursday that Mallorca is touted as a “tourism paradise” in Europe and said the latest studies show that Antalya has outpaced Mallorca in the number of tourists the city hosted. Baraner backed his claim up with studies conducted by other European tourism research institutions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=694 Fenerbahce clinched their 18th Turkish league title with a 4-3 win over Sivasspor on Sunday, moving ahead of the 17 won by arch-rivals Galatasaray. Trabzonspor, the Istanbul club's only challengers, won 4-0 away to Karabukspor to also finish on 82 points but Fenerbahce became champions due to a superior record in matches between the two clubs this season. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=693 Some 4,000 Russian tourists arrived in the Turkish district of Demre, part of the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, to participate in a liturgy performed by Archbishop Kirill at the St. Nicholas Museum on Sunday. “We know the bones of Santa Claus were stolen from here and carried off to the city of Bari in Italy. Santa Claus’s grave, however, is located here,” the archbishop said, according to Anatolia news agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=692 Since 1990 yachts from all over the world have converged on Turkey to participate in the Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally (EMYR), and 2011 continues the tradition. Beginning with a small fleet of 17 boats in its first year,this year 76 yachts from a wide range of sailing countries - USA, Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, France, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland and Germany to name just a few - have joined the fleet. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=691 The World Tourism Organization based in Spanish capital Madrid said that Turkey which drew some 27 million tourists in less than a decade became the world's 7th biggest tourism destination behind France, the USA, Spain, the People's Republic of China, Italy and the United Kingdom. World Tourism Organization Marketing Director Michel Julian told the A.A that there was an annual increase of 2.2 percent in number of tourists visiting Mediterranean countries between 2000 and 2009, adding that countries such as France, Spain, Italy and Greece suffered a decline following the global financial crisis. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=690 The European Commission raised its 2011 growth forecast for Turkish economy to 6.1 percent from an earlier forecast of 4.5 percent. In its economic forecast report for spring 2011, the Commission said, "Turkey's fiscal consolidation in the past decade is an impressive success story." The report projected that Turkey's growth, which touched 8.9 percent in 2010, would slow down but continue in 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=689 Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAS) and German Cassidian signed a cooperation protocol for the development, production and marketing of the unmanned aerial vehicle "Talarion" in Istanbul on Wednesday. The protocol was signed on the sidelines of the 10th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF'11) in Istanbul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=688 Turkey's Kale Group and U.S. Pratt and Whitney company laid on Saturday the foundation of F135 fighter engine factory in the western province of Izmir. President Abdullah Gul attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the factory in the Aegean Free Zone in Izmir. In the summer of 2010, Pratt and Whitney and Kale Havacilik San, A.S., (Kale Group) announced the formation of a joint venture partnership to produce aircraft engine components. Under the terms of the joint venture, Kale will own 51 percent and Pratt and Whitney will own 49 percent of the joint venture company. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=687 Turkey has built its national laboratory for particle physics. Country's first Institute for Accelerator Technologies and Particle Accelerator Laboratories were opened with a ceremony on Monday. The new building complex launched by Ankara University is located in Golbasi, 20 kilometers from the capital Ankara. The project is carried out jointly by Turkey's Bogazici, Dogus, Dumlupinar, Erciyes, Gazi, Istanbul, Nigde, Suleyman Demirel and Uludag Universities. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=686 As mentioned earlier, we are working on flights Gazipasa Airport. This airport has a very short runway and is only approved for so-called type C3 aircraft, a category neither of our current aircraft is in. The type has particular something to do with how long start / runway the plane need to use. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=685 Some 4 billion euros will be invested in the Turkish portion of the Nabucco project, a proposed pipeline designed to eventually carry natural gas from the Caspian Sea and the Middle East to Europe, according to a spokesman. The Nabucco Pipeline Company has finalized arrangements for the physical surroundings for the part of the pipeline that will be situated in Turkey, spokesman Christian Dolezal said in an interview published on Hurriyet newspaper’s website on Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=684 Suffice it to say that Sebastian Vettel is living a charmed life this season. The Formula One champion continues to dominate in qualifying and in the races and Saturday was no different as he earned the pole for Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix. With his blistering lap Saturday the German driver scored his fourth consecutive pole of the season. The 23-year-old Vettel crashed in the rain in the opening practice on Friday but had clearly put that behind him come qualifying. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=683 Caribbean International announces the extension of its third consecutive season in the Middle East with 18 round-trip 7-night sailings and two 12-night sailings from Dubai to India starting in November 2011 through to April 2012. The move is part of the deployment of a historic number of cruises by the global cruise brand which has 22 ships currently in service, offering unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Middle East, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=682 Kenny Van Hummel (Skil-Shimano) pipped André Greipel (Omega Pharma-Lotto) at the line to win the final stage of the Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey on Sunday, but the real celebration was over at the Team Type 1 team bus. Alexander Efimkin wrapped up the overall title in the biggest victory for the U.S.-registered team, which is now looking to carry that same momentum into the Amgen Tour of California later this month. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=681 In Istanbul, more than 200,000 workers gathered in Taksim Square in the largest such rally there since 1977, when random shooting triggered a stampede, killing 34 people. Turkey marked on Sunday the largest May Day celebrations in the last four decades. In Istanbul, more than 200,000 workers gathered in Taksim Square in the largest such rally there since 1977, when random shooting triggered a stampede, killing 34 people. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=680 A prototype of the "ALTAY" tank will be on display in the north-western province of Istanbul on Tuesday, May 10. Turkish Minister of National Defense, Vecdi Gonul, said Saturday that the prototype of Turkey's first national tank "ALTAY" was ready. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=679 Turkish and Kyrgyz citizens would be able to visit each other's country without visas, says Erdogan Turkish me Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Turkish and Kyrgyz citizens would be able to visit each other's country without visas. Prime Minister Erdogan held a joint press conference with his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambaev in Ankara on Tuesday. Speaking at the press conference, Erdogan said that Turkey and Kyrgyzstan signed three agreements. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=678 The F1 racing teams head for Istanbul and the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday 8 May 2011 with Sebastian Vettel leading the championship from Lewis Hamilton. McLaren will be hoping to build on Lewis Hamilton’s success in the Chinese Grand Prix as the Formula One racing teams head for Istanbul and the Turkey Grand Prix on Sunday 8 May 2011. Hamilton’s victory in Shanghai ended a run of wins by reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel but nobody should be in any doubt that Vettel and his Red Bull team mate Mark Webber are the dominant forces this season. Vettel managed a creditable second in Shanghai and Webber drove one of the best races of his career to elevate himself from eighteenth on the grid to third in the race. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=677 On 27 April 2011 around 21:00, the first commercial airline from the Dutch fleet Transavia landed on Gazipasa Alanya's airport. This was a major event for the Alanya region and foreign investors moreover the foreigners living in Alanya already. House prices dropped down dramatically due to the financial crisis. The convenience of having the airport close to paradise Alanya will certainly stimulate the real estate market again. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=676 An Italian rider has won the prologue stage of the 47th Presidential Tour of Turkey on Sunday. Andrea Guardini of Italy from England's Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli team finished 114.1-kilometer stage in the 47th Presidential Tour of Turkey in 2:35:54, and became the winner. Fyler Farrar from the USA's Garmin-Cervelo team ranked second while Kenny Van Hummel from the Netherlands' Skill Shimano team came on the third place. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=675 Turkey celebrates the April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day on Saturday. High-level state officials led by Turkish Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Republic of Turkey. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, members of the Council of Ministers and a number of deputies accompanied Sahin http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=674 The fifth International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival will begin May 1 in the southern province. The festival's director general, Cem Karaca, said Tuesday that "Hollywood" would be the theme of this year's festival. A total of 10,000 tons of sand would be used for the sculptures, Karaca said, adding that nearly 25 artists from 11 countries would make the sculptures. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=673 Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Canakkale in northwestern Turkey was the place where the first heartbeats of the Republic of Turkey were heard. An international ceremony took place in Gelibolu Peninsula in the northwestern province of Canakkale to mark the 96th anniversary of the Canakkale Battles. Wreaths were laid at the Monument of Martyrs on behalf of Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, France, Canada, Germany, India, Ireland, Pakistan and the United Kingdom. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=672 Prices for hotels in Europe are gradually returning to pre-crisis indicators. According to the trivago portal, prices for the hotels in the Old World on average in April were $170 per night. The biggest price increase, according to the portal, was shown by hotels in the Czech Republic, Turkey and the Netherlands. Hotels in the Czech Republic were leaders in price increase. In this country, the average cost of night in the hotel has grown by 49% compared with March 2011. At the same time, the largest number of proposals was registered in Spain, Portugal and Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=671 First Russian tourists have entered Turkey at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport without visa requirements Visa-free travel regime between Turkey and Russia has officially begun on Saturday. First Russian tourists have entered Turkey at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport without visa requirements Saturday morning. Russian tourists must have 50 U.S. dollars for each day they will stay in Turkey, Turkish passport officials said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=670 The changing face of tourism in Antalya has surprised many in the southern province so far in 2011, as visits from Germans and Israelis have dropped sharply while business from Russians and Iranians has significantly increased. A deterioration in the country's economy is the biggest reason behind the decrease of German tourists, Irfan Ali Oren, a tourism investor, recently told the Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review. “People feel the need to reorganize their social needs in the midst of such tight economic conditions. Their need for a holiday abroad may not be a top priority.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=669 The ground-breaking ceremony of German industrial giant ThyssenKrupp's new factory in northwestern Kocaeli province was held on Thursday. Turkish State Minister Zafer Caglayan attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the 30 million EUR worth facility which will produce chassis and related parts for the automotive industry. Speaking at the event, Caglayan said ThyssenKrupp had decided to invest in Turkey thanks to the political and economic stability in the country. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=668 The European Commission was surprised by Turkey's growth rate of 8.9 percent in 2010 as they were waiting for a growth rate of 7.5 percent. Evaluating the economic figures of candidate and potential candidate countries in a report prepared on 2010, the European Commission said that Turkey's growth rate of 9.2 percent in the last quarter of 2010 and 8.9 percent for the whole year of 2010 was an "unexpected" development. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=667 Turkey's Semih Yagci won two gold medals at the European Weightlifting Championship held in Kazan, Tatarstan on Thursday. Yagci, competing in men's 77 kg category, won two gold medals with 192 kg in clean and jerk, and aggregate at the 90th Men's European Weightlifting Championship. Turkish weightlifters have won 12 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze medals in the ongoing tournament so far. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=666 Turkey’s property sector has exceeded growth expectations on a surge in foreign purchases, according to a recent report by the Association of Real Estate Investment Companies, or GYODER. The association’s “Turkey and World Real Estate Sector Report” for the fourth quarter of 2010 was released at a press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=665 The Riviera, Amalfi coast, the south of Spain? It's none of these -- but just as stunning. Alanya, in the southern province of Antalya, is one of the finest cities of the Turkish Riviera, with pebbly beaches on the eastern shores and golden sandy beaches on the west. Cleopatra Beach is said to have been where Anthony and Cleopatra swooned. It is thought that he gifted Alanya to her as a wedding present after they fell in love. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=664 Chinese-based global telecom solutions provider Huawei is aiming to continue investing in the research and development center field in Turkey, according to the director general of the company’s local arm. Turkey is a crucial base for Huawei in meeting the demands of its nearby regional neighbors, Europe, Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, or CIS, Philip Zhihui Liang said Wednesday during a meeting held in the company’s research and development center in Istanbul’s Umraniye district. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=663 The 3.99 percent annual inflation in consumer price index (CPI) in March 2011 made public on Monday by Turkey's statistical board, TurkStat, was the lowest one since 1970. According to the data by TurkStat, annual inflation was 1.85 percent in 1970. The figure became 3.99 percent in March 2011, the lowest one in the past 41 years. The board made public inflation figures for March 2011 and said the CPI climbed 0.42 percent and the rise in producer prices index (PPI) was 1.22 percent in March. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=662 urkey is a vast country, a land of ever-surprising contrasts once you are outside the well-known Ottoman and Byzantine wonders of Istanbul, with dramatic landscapes that vary from the cool, green-wooded nut forests on the Black Sea, and the parched deserts of the east, to the early Syrian Christian settlements of central Cappadocia, and the over-subscribed tourist beaches of the Mediterranean coast. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=661 Alanya is been famoust for holidays many years and growing very fast that hard to know all the small town around the Alanya this days but region of Turkey is fantastic value for money compared to many other European countries and offers much more than your average beach holiday destination! A lot of people have compared this area to Spain and Portugal 20 years ago before it was heavily developed. It is one of Turkey s hidden secrets the area offers such a wonderful culture and a diverse and unique beach holiday experience. The most popular locations for the region of Alanya are Mahmutlar, Oba, Konakli, Avsallar, Tosmur, Belek, Antalya, Kargicak, Cikcilli and Demirtas. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=660 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced that Turkey’s stand at the 18th Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition, which is held in the Russian capital from 16 – 20 March, 2011. Turkey's stand was chosen as the "Best Stand" at the world's seventh biggest tourism fair, 2011 MITT Moscow Fair. Turkey attended the fair with 1,254 sqm stand at Hall 8 and received greater attention from Russian travelers thanks to good relations between two countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=659 Istanbul, Turkey's largest commercial and financial hub, made in 2010 exports worth nearly 52 billion USD, more than the sum achieved by 79 of 81 provinces in the country. Istanbul claimed a 46 percent share of the 112.2 billion USD worth of total exports to reach 51,833 million USD, becoming the top exporter province in Turkey. Industrial sector's share in Istanbul's exports was 46,452 million USD and agricultural sector claimed 3,813 million USD. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=658 A signature ceremony was held in southern province of Mersin on Friday that made Mersin the official host of the 2013 Mediterranean Games. The document was signed by the President of International Mediterranean Games Committee Amar Addadi, Director General of the Youth and Sports Department Yunus Akgul, Mersin Governor Hasan Basri Guzeloglu, Mersin Mayor Macit Ozcan and Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey Nese Gundogan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=657 The Dutch travel agency Neckermann have confirmed that this summer they will open up a route between Holland and Gazipasa. The flight will be operated by the plane company Transavia, and the planes will hold up to 129 passengers. The flights will purely be sold as packages solutions, and Transavia will not be selling “seats only”. This means that all seats will be sold through Neckermann Holland. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=656 Russian’s most popular radio channel Avto Radio celebrated with songs the abolishment of visa regime between Turkey and Russia. The news of lifting Visa to Turkey, given to listeners by famous Turkish Singer Tarkan’s song ‘Simarik’ (Pert) In the live program, the music group said they wanted to celebrate the lifting visa with songs. “As we know the famous singer is Tarkan in Turkey. Then we will presents a music by taking reference the Tarkan’s song,” noted group and started their song. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=655 President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi of the Union of Comoros has thanked Turkish government for evacuating their citizens from Libya during the uprising in the north African country. In a statement, the Consulate General of Comoros in Istanbul quoted President Sambi as saying, "Ottoman fleet saved our great grandfathers from occupation of the Portuguese navy back in the 16th century. Now, some 450 years later, great grandsons of the Ottoman Empire mobilized to rescue their Comorian brothers. I want to thank the Turkish government, Turkish army, Turkish diplomats, the Turkish Airlines and Turkish people on behalf of Comorian people." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=654 Turkey's fresh fruits and vegetables producers hope to export 3 million tons of products in 2011. Fresh fruits and vegetables exports rose nearly three folds over the past decade and reached 2.7 million tons in 2010. "Turkey earned 2 billion USD from fruits and vegetables exports in 2010," said Mustafa Satici, head of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Exporters' Assembly of Antalya, Turkey's top tourism destination which also leads country's agriculture sector in citrus production and greenhouse cultivation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=653 The Turkish Airlines (THY) has increased its market share in the Netherlands to 55 percent. Metin Gozuacik, THY's director in Amsterdam, said at a press conference, "we carried some 350 thousand passengers from the Netherlands to Turkey last year. We expect a ten percent increase in number of our passengers in 2011." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=652 Turkey is sending a 33-member search-and-rescue team to quake- and tsunami-hit Japan, one week after the twin natural disasters that left more than 6,500 dead and over 10,300 missing. The Prime Ministry's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate said in a statement on Thursday that Turkey was sending the rescue squad at the request of Japanese authorities. The team, which also includes experts from the Turkish Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK) and the Ministry of Health, were expected to depart for Japan on Friday evening. Three vehicles, two trailers, 40 dosimeters and five sets of radiation measuring equipment are also being sent to Japan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=651 Turkish Red Crescent Aid Society and Turkey's Search and Rescue Association (AKUT) have sent a three-member team to earthquake and tsunami stricken Japan on Friday. Sinan Derindere and Gokhan Dilmac of the Turkish Red Crescent and AKUT's Murat Harun Ongoren have departed for Tokyo, Japan on board a Turkish Airlines passenger jet on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=650 Turkish humanitarian relief foundation's team to distribute aid materials to the people, also try to reach Turkish citizens there and learn whether they need anything. The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation's rescue team arrived in Japan hit by a massive earthquake, a statement of the foundation said on Saturday. IHH team left Turkey on Friday night and arrived in Japan on Saturday after a 13-hour journey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=649 Thirty-nine Turks are included in the world's billionaires list of the U.S. financial magazine Forbes. Thirty-eight of the Turks were from Turkey and one of them from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Owner of Turkey's Cukurova Holding, Mehmet Emin Karamehmet entered the list at the 268th place. The Turkish Cypriot businessmen was Suat Gunsel, the owner of Near East University, and was at the 1,140th place in the list including a total of 1,210 billionaires. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=648 The general elections slated for June 12, 2011, will witness some of Turkey's most ambitious political campaigns as political parties are gearing up to make their most assertive election promises. One promise that is common to all parties is the drafting of a new constitution. Even the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) is promising to prepare a new constitution free of the militaristic undertones of the current one despite having in the past argued that 75 articles of the 1982 Constitution had been amended and, therefore, further amendments were not needed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=647 Turkish State Minister and Deputy Premier Ali Babacan said that Turkey would host G-20 conference in the end of April or the beginning of May. Speaking at a meeting in Kizilcahamam town of capital Ankara on Saturday, Babacan said that G-20 conference would be held together with G-20 term president France, adding that Turkey and France would co-chair the conference. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=646 Turkey and Russia have agreed to mutually waive visa requirements, enabling their citizens to enjoy visa-free travel between the two countries from April. Following an earlier signing of a readmission agreement by the two countries, Russia informed Turkish officials that it has completed the bureaucratic process regarding the enactment of the agreement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=645 Summer 2011 is on the way and many people all over the World will escape to sandy pretty beaches in Turkey and certainly Alanya cant be missed for family holidays in 2011 because almost offers entertainments to every age group and has all the facilities you need for wonderful beach holidays in Turkey, well even self catering is ideal now in Alanya because many holiday apartments for let and all good prices. You just need to do little search over the internet for self catering holidays in Turkey and you will find many villas, apartments for rent in Alanya Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=644 Turkey-Russia 11th Joint Economic Commission (KEK) held in one of Russian Federation republics Tatarstan’s capital of Kazan on Saturday. In the meeting, two countries signed Tourism protocol which comprises the collaboration between the Russia and Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=643 Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that Turkey did not compete with any regional countries, adding that Turkey was a "moderate force". Speaking to German Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Davutoglu said that Turkey had good neighborhood relations with all countries in the region. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=642 EU interior ministers decided Thursday to start visa dialogue with Turkey by approving the readmission agreement. However, Ankara expects the EU to allow Turkish citizens to travel to member states without visa in a gradual way. To this end, EU member states have to authorize the European Commission to carry out negotiations with Turkey to lift visa procedures. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=641 Turkey's former Prime Minister and Islamist movement leader died in Ankara on Sunday. His demise comes day before anniversary of what writers call "post-modern coup". Necmettin Erbakan devoted his life to the "Milli Gorus", National View, a deep-rooted Islamist political movement in Turkey. Here is his life's brief summary. Erbakan is a Turkish engineer, academic, politician (eventually political party leader), who was the Prime Minister of Turkey from 1996 until 1997. He was Turkey's first Islamist Prime Minister. In 1997 he was pressured by the military to step down as prime minister and later banned from politics by the constitutional court. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=640 Turkish President Abdullah Gul gave clear messages to his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy who visited Ankara on Friday, expressing Turkey's uneasiness over political obstacles on Turkey's European Union accession. At a joint press conference following their tete-a-tete meeting, Gul told reporters that the two countries had deep-rooted relations for over 500 years and reaffirmed Turkey's determination to maintain strong ties. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=639 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said the government planned to conclude a tender for the construction of a third bridge over the Istanbul Strait that would connect the city's Asian and European sides. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=638 Turkish university inaugurated an exhibition of maps of two Ottoman geographers in the Vatican on Tuesday. The Civilization Studies Center of Istanbul's Bahcesehir University opened "The Ottoman Worldview from Piri Reis to Katip Celebi" exhibition at the Palazzo della Cancelleria in the Vatican in coordination with Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=637 Back in November, the city announced it would be replacing the iconic Crown Victoria with the first-ever purpose-built yellow cab. It released a questionnaire seeking input on what New Yorkers want from their new cab, as well as seeking votes on which of three designs—from Ford, Nissan and Turkish light-truck manufacturer Karsan—people preferred. Last week, the results of the survey were released, and today Karsan trumpeted the news that nearly 2/3s of the voters like their model, the most unusual of the three for sure. This was compared to 42 percent that liked the Nissan and 38 percent that liked the Ford. (The question was "yes-or-no," not "pick a favorite.") http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=636 Turkey's state minister for foreign trade said Sunday that Turkey and Venezuela were working on a few finance model regarding the bid to construct dwellings in Venezuela in exchange for oil. Zafer Caglayan said he would visit Portugal, Venezuela and Argentina in the following week, and Venezuela needed 150,000 dwellings in 2011 and 200,000 more in 2012. "These dwellings will be 42-by-60-by-72 square-meter social dwellings, and Venezuela also needs social facilities, schools and gym halls," Caglayan said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=635 With foreign exchange reserves of US$80 billion and predicted growth of seven per cent for 2012, Turkey is also now on a par with many Asian economies, according to Nenad Pacek, president of Global Success Advisors. Pacek was a keynote speaker on the opening day of the first CATHIC (Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference ) at the Ceylan InterContinental Hotel in Istanbul 7-9 February. More than 330 delegates from 32 countries came together for the inaugaral event to hear Pacek set the macro-economic scene, with analysis of the economic potential of Turkey and Central Asia. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=634 RWE, the German power generator and distributor, plans to invest 900 million euros in central and eastern Europe including Turkey by 2013, said Andreas Radmacher, chief executive of the company’s Turkey unit. The figure includes 500 million euros RWE is spending for its first investment in Denizli, Turkey to build a 775-megawatt gas-fired power plant with Istanbul-based Turcas Petrol, which is envisaged to come on stream at the end of 2012, Radmacher said at a news conference in Istanbul Wednesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=633 Turkey is rapidly becoming known as one of the hottest property investment destinations for the near future, and also one of the safest and most stable places to invest. With 6.4% GDP growth in 2010, a rapidly growing population, a massively growing mortgage market, low property prices, low interest rates, inflation at a 41 year low and falling, falling public debt and a shrinking deficit, it is a reputation it is thoroughly earning. But of course you can't invest in Turkey property, you have to choose a property or properties, which are on a street or streets, which is/are in a town or towns or city/cities, and which is/are in a region or regions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=632 The recent outbreak of severe political turmoil and civilian clashes in Mediterranean countries like Tunisia and Egypt is expected to redirect large numbers of European tourists to Turkey for the summer due to more or less equivalent price margins in these countries, according to a report by the weekly Ekonomist. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=631 Germany's Munich Administrative Court approved on Wednesday the validity of an earlier European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling that Turkish nationals are exempt from visa requirements during travel for tourism purposes to the EU member nation. The ruling comes just 11 days after the EU announced that negotiations with Turkey on an agreement for the readmission of "illegal" immigrants, the biggest obstacle before a visa-free travel regime between Turkey and the 27-nation bloc, have been concluded. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=630 This time of year is traditionally when cruise companies bring out some of their most tempting offers. Known as the "wave" period, it runs during December and January and is marked by discounted prices and other benefits, including cabin upgrades, free port parking and complimentary drinks. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=629 Turkey is a trading hub for its region and offers excellent networks to reach neighboring markets, Jonathan Worsley, co-organizer of the first Central Asia and Turkey Hotel Investment Conference that starts Monday in Istanbul. Turkey is growing fast in the hospitability business as many markets are shrinking, Worsley tells the Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=628 Turkey's reputation as one of the top overseas property hotspots of the next 5 years continues to grow. This is hardly surprising; right now, Turkey is one of the hottest emerging/fastest growing economies in the world, and is also one of the most stable and robust. During 2010 the economy grew 6.7%, while inflation fell to a 41 year low of 6.4%, and the budget deficit fell to just 2%. Because of strong growth and falling inflation Turkey has continually lowered interest rates, even now as other countries -- including emerging markets like Poland -- are putting their rates back up, Turkey brought another 20 basis points off the rate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=627 John Lipsky, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said that Turkey fulfilled its responsibilities about monetary and fiscal policies as well as structural reforms, and took positive results. Speaking to A.A in Davos on Saturday, Lipsky said that the measures, which Turkey took recently, were against both domestic and foreign economic risks, adding that Turkey fulfilled it responsibility well. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=626 Turkey's and Kosovo's businessmen came together in a meeting of Kosovo-Turkey Chamber of Commerce in Pristina on Saturday. The chamber was established to develop commercial and economic relations between the two countries. Turkish Ambassador in Pristina Songul Ozan said during the meeting that commercial and economic relations between Turkey and Kosovo should be further developed, adding that Turkish companies should invest in Kosovo and participate in auctions more. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=625 US President Barack Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed that peoples' demands for “legitimate and natural democratic rights” should be recognized by their leaders, as political upheaval continues to rock the Middle East, from Egypt to Tunisia and from Lebanon to Yemen. Obama initiated a telephone conversation with Erdogan on Saturday night, the Turkish prime minister's press office said in a written statement released on Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=624 Members of Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists of Turkey (TUSKON) and Moroccan businessmen got together in "Turkey-Morocco Trade Bridge" meeting in Istanbul on Saturday. TUSKON's Chairman Rizanur Meral said that they targeted to increase the trade volume between Turkey and Morocco to three billion USD in a short time. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=623 The Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) welcomed on Friday Venezuelan president's call to invest in his country. TOKI chairman Erdogan Bayraktar said the administration could launch initiatives if Turkey's prime minister asked it to undertake projects in Venezuela. Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez received Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz, who was paying a formal visit to that country, and said he wanted to stop by Turkey on his way to China in April. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=622 Turkey will invest around TL 2.8 billion in natural gas across the country over the next five years. According to data gathered by the Anatolia news agency, Turkey's investment in natural gas distribution across the country will peak this year, reaching an investment amount of TL 986.5 million, while the total investments in the same field will edge to TL 2.8 billion over the next five years. Currently, 60 regions in the country are receiving investments. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=621 Mercedes-Benz will invest 35 million Euro in Turkey in 2011, an executive of the company in Turkey said on Monday. Wolf Dieter Kurz, the chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Turk Board of Directors, said the company was planning to invest 35 million Euro in Turkey in 2011. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=620 Releasing a written statement on Friday, the U.S. State Department said that Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy and Business Affairs Jose W. Fernandez and Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer would pay visits to Turkey. Accordingly, Fernandez will be in Turkey between January 24-27 as part of the U.S. capital's commitment to expand and intensify the economic ties between Turkey and USA, the statement said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=619 This year you can expect even more Russian neighbors at the hotels and beaches in Turkey. During the next two months - just before the tourist season starts - the popular holiday destination will abolish the visa requirement for Russian citizens. This was reported by the Turkish newspaper "Sabah" on Tuesday. The final step before the abolition of the visa requirement is the signing of an agreement. The Turkish tourism industry hopes that the visa cut would lead to more bookings from Russia tour operators http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=618 Turkish tourism is set to register bigger growth in 2011 compared to global averages, according to Ekin Fair General Manager Hacer Aydin. Speaking to the Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review about her predictions for 2011, Aydin said the global growth rate for the tourism sector in 2011 was expected to hover between 2.2 percent and 2.5 percent. “But when we look at the 2010 data, we can say that Turkish tourism’s growth will surmount that,” she said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=617 The Foreigners’ Municipal Assembly in Alanya wants to see the southern holiday district upgraded to provincial status and is preparing to speak with President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to realize its wish. ‘All foreigners living in Alanya want their town to develop,’ the head of a Russian group says. ‘Alanya deserves that’ http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=616 Nearly 100 high-speed train stations will be built across Turkey for accommodation of high-speed trains. The train stations will be presented to auction with build-operate-transfer model. At least three new high-speed train stations will be constructed in capital Ankara. After Ankara-Konya high-speed train begins trips, a tender will be held to build a station in central Anatolian province of Konya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=615 Turkey's industry and trade minister said on Friday that Turkey and Greece did not have the luxury to live with inherited problems. Ergun said when overseas countries needed each other in the globalized world, two neighboring countries, Turkey and Greece did not have the luxury to live with inherited problems. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=614 Bone-chilling cold and heavy snow fall in Europe proved to be a lucrative business for salt producers in Turkey, sending exports skyrocketing almost seven folds over a year earlier. Producers have exported as high as 400 thousand tons of raw salt to European countries so far, prompting a round-the-clock production in many plants at the Salt Lake in central Anatolia. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=613 Turkish soccer club Galatasaray's new stadium in Istanbul, "Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex Turk Telekom Arena", will be inaugurated on Saturday. Galatasaray and Dutch Ajax team will play a friendly game at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday in the new stadium. Turk Telekom Arena has 52,647 spectators capacity, and it is one of the most technological and authentic sports complexes of Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=612 The Greek prime minister said on Friday that premiers of Turkey and Greece could make a radical change in relations between their countries. Speaking at the Third Meeting of Turkish Ambassadors in eastern province of Erzurum, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou said Greece went through a rebirth process nowadays and it desired to see Turkey as a close partner during such period. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=611 The "2011 Vakantiebeurs Utrecht" or "Utrecht Tourism Fair" which is set to bring together tour operators and sector representatives as well as other visitors, will run through January 11 and 16. Turkey will open one of the ten largest pavilions of the fair over a 1,400 square meters area. This will include a special pavilion to be built over a 750 square meter area, where Turkish cuisine and handicrafts will be displayed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=610 The Sumela Monastery in northern Turkey has attracted more interest and attention after a religious ceremony that took place in August. The Sumela Monastery in Trabzon's Macka town was opened to one-day religious ceremony of Orthodox community on August 15, 2010, for the first time in 88 years. Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew conducted the mass, marking the Assumption of Mother Mary, a sacred day for Christians. 500 Orthodox Christians from Russia, Greece, Georgia and the United States attended. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=609 Turkey banned use of alcohol-related content in sports activities and sports-associated promotion campaigns, sponsorship agreements and commercials. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=608 500 businessmen will travel to Kuwait and Qatar together with Turkish PM Erdogan. Turkish businessmen will accompany Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his visit to Kuwait and Qatar, attend business forums and discuss business opportunities with their Kuwaiti and Qatari colleagues. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=607 Turkey was able to avoid the damage that could have been inflicted by the global economic crisis of 2008 and 2009. Given the developments in the Turkish economy from 2002 until now, we can see that it is performing particularly well for the following five reasons: http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=606 Erzurum will have its day as an internationally significant city thanks to the Universiade Winter Games -- which it will host in the second half of January -- according to officials at winter sport organizations. Ozer Ayik, head of the Skiing Federation, expressed full confidence that Erzurum’s Palandoken Mountain will become one of the largest, most modern and most popular skiing destinations in Europe once the city makes a name for itself with the 2011 Winter Universiade. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=605 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan tested Turkey's first electric car on Saturday. Officials briefed Erdogan about Turkey's first mass production electric car Renault Fluence Z.E. at Prime Ministry residence. Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergun as well as National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul accompanied Erdogan during his test drive. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=604 Though the unseasonably warm weather in Istanbul gave no hint of the approaching winter holiday, the city’s big churches were bustling for the traditional Christmas Eve services, full of worshippers and curious – or confused – onlookers alike. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=603 Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz and Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akihiro Ohata on Friday signed an agreement on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=602 The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) approved applications of five countries including Turkey to become full member. CERN told a statement that the delegates adopted launching of candidacy process of Turkey, Southern Cyprus, Israel, Serbia and Slovenia. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=601 Turkey and the European Union (EU) has signed several agreements under the Union's program to provide financial support to the candidate countries. Turkey's Secretariat General for EU Affairs said in a statement that the Union, each year, provided the candidate countries with a financial support under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=600 This year,”international Alanya Christmas Market” will be opened by the organization of Alanya Municipality Foreigners Council in front of the Waterfall at 19 December afternoon.Christmas Market will be opened fort he first time in Alanya where more than 10 thousands of people from 75 different countries lives. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=599 The annual Sheb-i Arus ceremony has held in the central province of Konya on Friday to commemorate Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi who passed away 737 years ago. A number of people converged to the province to watch the ceremony. Each year, on the 17th of December, the Mevlevi Order offers a special Sema (dance of the Whirling Dervishes) to celebrate Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi's "Sheb-i Arus" or "Wedding Night (Vuslat)". On this traditional night, the Mevlevi Order, the Whirling Dervishes, and the many lovers of Mevlana celebrate and remember his reunion with his Beloved. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=598 Higher-than-expected performance of Turkey's automotive industry in 2010 signals another promising year ahead, according to Turkish carmakers. Turkish automotive industry's sales hit peak level in 2005 with nearly 729,000 units. This year, carmakers expect to close the year with some 730,000 units. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=597 The Land Registry Information System (TAKBIS), which aims to make all information pertaining to real estate available online, will also be implemented at Turkish embassies abroad. Noting that the trial period for the system that started in 2000 will be ending in the near future, Public Works and Housing Minister Mustafa Demir said the system will be used across Turkey and at embassies overseas, where there is a large demand. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=596 Turkey is able to finance its widening current account deficit at current levels and the wave of speculative investment entering the economy is not a problem yet, but Ankara needs to attract more fixed investment to guarantee stability, International Monetary Fund Turkey director, Mark White Lewis said Wednesday. Speaking in an interview with CNBC-e television, the IMF executive also stressed that the rise in Turkish house prices was not a bubble, but a reflection of the rapid growth of the economy, which expanded 10.3% on the year in the second quarter, tying China for the fastest growth in the Group of 20 industrial and developing nations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=595 Electric cars, which are started to be produced in Renault's factories in Turkey's northwestern province of Bursa, will be on the roads of Turkey by the end of 2011. Hasan Ali Celik, chairman of industry, trade, energy, natural resources and technology committee of Turkish Parliament, said on Friday that the electric cars would started to be exported within 2011, and they would be presented to Turkish consumers by the end of next year when required infrastructure was completed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=594 Three Turkish military helicopters evacuated 633 flood victims in Albania in seven days. Turkey's General Staff posted an information note on its web-site on Sunday in which it said that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) sent three Skorsky helicopters to Albania after a flood disaster. The helicopters carried 45.4 tons of aid from Gjader air base to flooded regions in Albania on Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=593 Turkey, which sells marble and stone to 154 countries, will establish the world’s first marble and stone exchange in Kocaeli. Turkish marble exporters, who sold $1.5 billion worth of marble to foreign countries in 2009, are planning to export $5 billion in marble two years after the establishment of the exchange. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=592 The rapid expansion of the Turkish economy in the recent years is attracting Dutch firms to investment opportunities in the country, according to the chairman of JAMAO Consulting. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=591 Three more Turkish traditions were added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. "Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival", "Semah, Alevi-Bektasi ritual" and "traditional sohbet meetings" are among the 46 elements inscribed Tuesday on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival takes place in Edirne, Turkey where thousands of people from different age groups, cultures and regions travel every year to see wrestlers (pehlivan) fight for the Kirkpinar Golden Belt and the title of Chief Pehlivan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=590 Regarded as an important center for agricultural production and techniques, the Mediterranean city of Antalya hosted the 10th International Growtech Eurasia Agricultural Equipment, Floriculture and Technologies Fair. The first day of the fair started with a panel on biodiversity attended by government authorities and academics from various universities http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=589 The organizations Whale and Dolphin Protection Forum (WDSF) and ProWal (For Whales) criticize the disastrous conditions of the dolphinariums at the Turkish Riviera, also to dissuade tour operators from offering their dolphin shows. Now hesitantly, the giant group Thomas Cook has give up. The Oscar-winning documentary "The Cove" exposed the cruel and bloody dolphin hunt in Taiji, Japan. The strongest and most beautiful dolphins are singled out and sold [for commercial purposes] for 150,000 dollars worldwide - as well as dolphin shows in Turkey. However, they kill more than 20,000 dolphins and they end up in Japanese restaurants and supermarkets. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=588 Greek authorities will speed up plans to build a new mosque in Athens to satisfy a long-standing demand by Muslim residents that has sparked tension in recent months, a report said on Saturday. Top-selling Ta Nea daily said the government is expected to fund the temporary mosque to be erected within six months in a disused navy base in Elaionas, an industrial district near the city center. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=587 Ten Turkish films as well as two documentaries and eight short films will be shown during this year's festival. During the opening of the festival organized by the American Turkish Society (ATS) and the "Moon and Stars Project" with the support of the Turkish Cultural Foundation, "10 to 11" by Pelin Esmer was screened at the School of Visual Art (SVA). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=586 Turkish filmmaker Semih Kaplanoglu's award-winning film "Bal" (Honey) has been nominated in three categories in the fourth edition of Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA). "Bal" (Honey), directed and produced by Semih Kaplanoglu, has received the nominations in Best Feature Film, Achievement in Directing and Achievement in Cinematography, APSA organization committee said on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=585 Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the process regarding NATO missile defense system was functioning well. Prior to his departure for Lebanon, Erdogan told reporters that necessary steps (regarding missile defense system) have ben taken in Lisbon Summit and it was finalized in accordance with Turkey's goals regarding the matter. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=584 Investment property in Turkey has been on the up over the last few years due to the nations booming economy and tourism sector. Turkey is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, with a GDP growth rate that more than doubled the best performing EU nation in the second quarter of 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=583 Turkey has much to offer and many holiday beach resorts that you can count on and all has many different natural beach beauty that will make every holidays amazing and all most all offers wonderful dream beach weddings you might interested for your dream weddings in Turkey. Beach holiday resort guides is below and see what you think about Turkish holiday resorts. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=582 Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to be the guest of honor at the 3rd European Union-Africa Summit on Nov. 28 in Libya, where he will be given an award by the country's human rights committee. Mr. Erdogan has been invited to attend the summit by the Leader of the revolution Muammar Gaddafi to be honored with an award by the Gaddafi Humans Rights Award National Committee at a ceremony scheduled to take place on the night of Nov. 29. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=581 Istanbul will host the 3rd International Health Congress between December 3-6. Over 40 countries, mostly Turkic Republics and Middle Eastern countries are set to attend the Congress. Standards in Health Tourism, Market Analysis, Middle Eastern Markets, Human Resources, Employment of Foreign Doctors, Medical Informatics, Role of the Ministry of Health in Health Tourism and the Role of Universities will be discussed in detail during the congress which will draw 150 high level participants. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=580 The eurozone is in need of “immediate structural changes” if it is to prevent a possible domino effect related to the current debt crisis, according to prominent Greek and Turkish academics. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=579 Would it make any difference if the country was not going to the ballot booths in a matter of months? Even if it might be difficult for non-Turks to understand, it has been a tradition of this country to declare an “administrative holiday” a Monday or a Friday – sometimes both – “captured” in between a religious or public holiday to extend the holiday period to cover the preceding or succeeding weekend, or both, and provide the nation an extended holiday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=578 President Gul collected the prize from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom at a ceremony at the Banqueting House. Turkish President Abdullah Gul was presented with the Chatnam House Prize 2010. President Gul collected the prize from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom at a ceremony at the Banqueting House. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=577 Britain has not “downed the pom-poms” for Turkey’s bid to become a European Union member, the country’s state minister for EU affairs said, following reports that Turkey had lost its principal supporters in the bloc. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=576 Tour operators have reported seeing a boost in demand for domestic hotels and tours abroad during the upcoming Kurban Bayram holiday. Tour operators said there was as much as a 20 percent increase in demand compared to last year. According to their figures, almost 200,000 people have purchased domestic tour packages and 80,000 people have purchased foreign tour packages. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=575 Turkey plans to pump 75 million cubic meters of drinking and irrigation water to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Turkey's Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu who attended the reception hosted by the Turkish Embassy in New York to mark the 27th anniversary of the foundation of TRNC, announced that the Turkish government pressed the button for a massive project to supply drinking and irrigation water to Northern Cyprus. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=574 Turkey is a tourism center that appeals tourists both in winter and summer. Turkey has winter holiday places, which are suitable for winter sports such as skiing, skating, snowboarding, and sledding. Currently, Turkey has 17 ski resorts, but only three out of them can host international skiing events. Viewing this, the authorities are planning to construct ski jump towers and a curling rink, new hotels, and sports facilities in the country. This will help to attract more tourists in the country. Hence, tourist arrivals in the country are forecasted to peak at around 33 Million by the end of 2012, says our new research report “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012”. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=573 U.S. city of Houston hosted the fourth traditional "Turkish Cultures and Children's Festival" on Saturday. More than 30,000 Americans visited the festival and had a chance to witness rich cultural heritage from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Bosnia-Herzegovina. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=572 Turkish Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergun has invited Facebook, the global social networking site, to make software investments in Turkey. During a visit to Silicon Valley in California, Ergun visited the Facebook offices and urged executives to invest in Turkey, whose citizens rank among the top users of the networking site. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=571 530,000 German people visited Turkey through TUI's organization, and TUI's reservations in Turkey were up 10 percent in the summer of 2010. The CEO of a German tour operator said on Saturday that Turkey had become the number three destination of the company. Volker Bottcher, the CEO of TUI Germany, said that Turkey was among the holiday destinations preferred by TUI's customers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=570 Turkish firefighters from the Mediterranean province of Antalya have hosted their French counterparts for a joint training program, Anatolia news agency reported Friday. Five firefighters from France came to Turkey at the invitation of the Antalya Greater Municipality Fire Department. The department periodically invites firefighters from Europe to exchange techniques and methods. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=569 The number of foreigners who have bought real estate in Alanya is 23,045, while the number of properties they bought is 17,000, a report by Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ALTSO) has found. According to the report, titled “Real Estate Acquisition by Foreigners,” based on data from the Land Registry and Cadastre Agency (TKGM), the number of foreigners who have acquired real estate in Turkey is 100,623 from 44 countries, while those who have made real estate investments in Alanya account for about 23 percent, or nearly one-quarter, of the total. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=568 The daylight saving practice will end at 4:00 a.m. Sunday on October 31 as the clocks will be set back by one hour. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=567 The 87th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic was celebrated across the country Friday, with President Abdullah Gul leading the first ceremony, which took place at the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara. Heading up a delegation of the country’s top officials, Gul placed a wreath of red and white carnations at Anitkabir, the tomb of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The group paid homage to Ataturk and sang the Turkish national anthem. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=566 The Turkish prime minister said on Saturday that Turkish Airlines (THY) was an international brand and Turkey's pride. Speaking at the delivery ceremony of Turkey's national air carrier's newest aircrafts at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said THY's fleet expanded to 149 with the 5 aircrafts that joined the airline company today. Noting that THY had the youngest fleet in Europe at the moment, Erdogan said the company would have more than 200 aircrafts by the year 2014. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=565 Istanbul's film buffs are being treated to a weeklong fiesta of documentaries from 24 countries through next Thursday, thanks to the 13th Istanbul International 1001 Documentary Film Festival, which got under way on Friday. The festival, organized by the Association of Documentary Filmmakers in Turkey (BSB), is presenting a total of 68 films in admission free showings at the Muammer Karaca Theater, the Tarik Zafer Tunaya Cultural Center and the Goethe Institut on the European side, and at the Nazim Hikmet Cultural Center in Kadikoy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=564 Belgian FM Vanackere said that their goal was to move Turkey and the EU closer to each other. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere said that their goal was to move Turkey and the EU closer to each other. Vanackere delivered a speech at a session titled "Turkey-EU: Shaping Future" within the scope of the 7th Bogazici Conference. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=563 Turkey’s Industry and Commerce Minister Nihat Ergun has said the constitutional reforms introduced by a recent public referendum broadened individual rights and liberties and strengthened democracy, consequently increasing the motivation of investors to take a chance on Turkey’s future. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=562 Erdogan who is in Athens to attend the inaugural meeting of the Mediterranean Climate Change Initiative, said Turkey could host the second meeting. Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish-Greek relations would rise to the future on solid foundations. Speaking at a joint press conference with his Greek Counterpart George Papandreu in Athens Friday, Erdogan made comments on the relations between the two countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=561 Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will pay a week-long visit to China beginning on Wednesday, expected to be key to initiating tangible steps in line with agreements signed between the prime ministers of the two countries several weeks ago. As part of his visit Davutoglu is also going to attend the closing ceremony of EXPO 2010 in Shanghai and visit the Turkic Uighur-populated Xinjiang and Qashqar regions, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=560 German President Christian Wulff who attended the groundbreakng ceremony of the Turkish-German University in Istanbul on Friday said it would contribute to Turkish-German friendship as well as Turkey's dynamism. Wulff said the two countries would together seek solutions to future problems and jointly provide education. He said they had great expectations from the Turkish-German University adding that it would emerge as an international and multilingual university. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=559 German President Christian Wulff, who has been on a historic visit to Turkey since the beginning of this week, met with Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew on Friday. Following the meeting Wulff sent positive messages about mutual understanding between believers in the world. “I long for dialogue between all religions to develop, and I wish for the dialogue between Judaism, Christianity and Islam to improve,” he said, adding that he would be “happy to learn about the perspective of the Muslim world on this subject” at a meeting he later had with Deputy Mufti of Istanbul Mustafa Asik. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=558 The presence of Turkish forces in Kabul on behalf of the NATO mission in Afghanistan is crucial to the mission’s long-term goal of enabling Afghan institutions to manage the country on their own, according to a U.S. diplomat. “There have been questions in the past about Turkey providing more in the way of combat troops rather than trainers” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=557 The Alanya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or ALTSO, has been chosen as the Turkey partner for “Intour,” an eco-innovation project developed within the EU’s Compatibility and Innovation Program. With a budget of 800,000 euros, the project will help the region develop its tourism potential and raise tourism revenue. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=556 There is going to be an enormous buyer interest in Turkey claims a new Global Property Guide report. The report states that property values tend to appreciate in countries that have sound macro-economic management, falling interest rates, growing mortgage markets and a background of rapid economic growth and rising tourist interest. And it concludes that all of these positive factors are present in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=555 With some 100,000 people expected to run from Asia to Europe and through central parts of Istanbul on Sunday, the city will see a variety of road closures and changes to public-transportation schedules, the Police Department has announced. The Bosphorus Bridge, the starting point for the 32nd Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon, will be closed to traffic part of Sunday, as will some main roads. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=554 Turkish and Chinese companies will jointly construct high-speed train lines in Turkey, Turkish State Railways, or TCDD, Director General Suleyman Karaman said Friday. Under an agreement signed between China and Turkey last week, China will grant loans for the construction of a Silk Road Railway of high-speed train lines between Edirne and Kars. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=553 Demand is high for the “Heaven’s Door: Sculptural Art by Hurremshah in the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi” art exhibit, which has been displayed in Brazil and many countries in Europe by UNESCO, to opened up in Turkey by tourism representatives. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=552 Norwegian state-owned Statkraft, Europe’s leading renewable energy company, has opened a hydroelectric power plant in the Karaisali district of Turkey’s southern city of Adana. The Cakit hydroelectric power plant, constructed on the Cakit River in Kapikaya village, is the company’s first investment in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=551 Turkey's prime minister said on Saturday that Turkey would launch a national intelligence satellite in 2012. Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the intelligence satellite named "Gokturk" was being built by Turkish engineers. "I hope we will launch it in 2012," Erdogan said during an amphibious ship launching ceremony in Tuzla, Istanbul. "Thus, we have ended our foreign dependence in the construction of particularly military ships," Erdogan said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=550 USC men's volleyball players Tony Ciarelli and Jeff Carlson both tied for fifth place with their respective partners at the recently-concluded 2010 FIVB Junior World Beach Volleyball Championships (for players under 21) in Alanya, Turkey. Ciarelli teamed with Stanford's Evan Barry and Carlson was paired with UC Irvine's Connor Hughes. Ciarelli-Barry posted 2-0 pool play sweeps over teams from France, Belarus and Poland, then went 2-0 over a team from Norway in the first round of elimination play before falling in a 3-set quarterfinal match on Sept. 18 to eventual tourney champion Garrett May-Sam Schachter from Canada. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=549 Turkey will host the Third European Heritage Forum and National Coordinators Meeting in October. Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a statement that the event would take place on October 1 and 3. Experts from 55 different countries will be in attendance at the gathering which will constitute the closing event of the 25th anniversary of the European Heritage Days involving European countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=548 General Electric Turkey is readying to sell its shares in Garanti Bank and invest more money in energy projects, said the general manager of GE Turkey at a press meeting in Istanbul. GE Turkey currently contributes $1.5 billion to GE International, Kursat Ozkan, general manager of GE Turkey, said Friday, adding that nearly $500 million of their revenue comes from Garanti. GE still has 20.85 percent of Garanti’s shares. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=547 Already a premier tourism destination, Turkey has been enjoying one of its best years in tourism in 2010. The number of tourists visiting Turkey in the January-July period increased 6.67 percent over the same period last year, from 15 million to 16 million. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=546 Sabiha Gokcen International Airport competed against airports in cities and regions such as Budapest, Bremen, Jacksonville, the East Midlands, Edinburgh and Copenhagen and was chosen the "world's best airport." The Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has been chosen as “the world's best airport” by the World Low Cost Airlines Congress http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=545 SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has started direct flights connecting major Turkish cities on the Asian continent and major destinations in Germany. For the approaching winter schedule, SunExpress plans to operate direct flights between the Anatolian cities of Adana, Ankara, Elazig, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Malatya, Samsun and Trabzon and German cities Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart and Dusseldorf, starting from Nov. 1, 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=544 The 2010-2011 education year will begin in elementary and high schools in Turkey on Monday, September 20. After a three-month summer break, nearly 16 million students and 600,000 teachers will begin the new education year tomorrow. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=543 Turkey's chief negotiator for European Union accession talks on Friday said the approval of a raft of government-backed constitutional amendments would boost Ankara's EU membership bid, adding that the amendments had been designed to comply with EU's political criteria. "These amendments will strengthen Turkey's hand on the negotiations table, specifically in the policy chapter on Judiciary and Basic Rigths," Egemen Bagis told a meeting of a national panel that monitors EU reforms and their implementation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=542 Khodro, an Iranian carmaker, plans to manufacture automobiles in Turkey in a “free zone” to be established on the border between the two countries, according to Abdolazim Saedian, export manager of Khodro. Speaking about Khodro’s automobile manufacturing plan in Turkey on behalf of the Developing Eight countries, or D-8, Saedian said, “Khodro is ready to do everything necessary for the creation of a common automobile manufacturing project.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=541 A religious ceremony was held Sunday at a historical Armenian church located in an eastern Turkish province for the first time after 95 years. The Armenian church located on Akdamar island in Lake Van in Turkey's Van province was opened to worshippers for a single day. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=540 Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) was elected to the Council of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). A total of 94 countries voted in the election and TSE got 62 votes. TSE Chairman Tahir Buyukhelvacigil told AA correspondent that TSE's role in the international platform would also increase more and TSE would have a more important place in standardization efforts in the EU. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=539 Turkey's Nurcan Taylan has set a world record by lifting 121 kilograms in the clean and jerk at the World Weightlifting Championships in the women's 48-kilogram category. The previous record of 120 kilograms was set by Chen Xiexia of China in 2007. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=538 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday received Turkish basketball team players as well as technical delegation and administrators. Turkey's national basketball team achieved a historic success at 2010 World Basketball Championship by getting ranked the second behind the United States. Speaking at the meeting, Erdogan eulogized the Turkish basketball team noting Turkey was proud of the team. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=537 A prestigious U.S. newspaper has said that Turkey fortified its freedoms in Sunday's referendum. In its article titled "A More Democratic Turkey", U.S. paper The New York Times said 58 percent of Turkish voters had approved a constitutional amendment package that aimed to end army meddling in politics. "That overwhelming 'Yes' vote showed that Turks are fed up with ultimatums and coups and want elected politicians fully in charge," the article said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=536 Today is the final day of the fast of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which draws to a close at sunset, ushering in Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic holiday generally celebrated for three days in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=535 Internationally known in the tourism sector for its beautiful blue-flagged beaches, famous castle, premium hotels and high-quality service, the Mediterranean city of Alanya is preparing to make a name for itself in the education sector. The first private university in Antalya’s tourism heaven gained Higher Education Board, or YOK, approval last week and will open its doors in 2012. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=534 With his band’s visit one of the most anticipated events on Istanbul’s cultural calendar this year, U2 singer Bono took time out of preparations for Monday’s concert by meeting Sunday with Turkey’s prime minister. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=533 Germany was the leading country in the world with most tourists sent to Turkey in the first seven months of 2010. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 14.65 percent of all tourists who arrived in Turkey between January and July were those coming from Germany. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=532 As the long, hot days of summer stretch on, Turkey's resorts may start to empty out a little as locals return home to celebrate Ramadan. But with over 7,000 kilometers of coastline, the country has more than enough beaches to satisfy all those who want to stretch out on the sand and do very little for a fortnight. Of course the mega-resorts such as Alanya and Antalya have their fair share of the yellow stuff, but if you're looking for something just a little less obvious, these are some of our favorites. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=531 Turkey's Agaoglu Group will make a 200 million TL investment to construct a 93 MW wind power plant that will generate 332 million kWH of energy per year in Bandirma town of Balikesir province. Speaking at a press conference held to announce Agaoglu Group's new investment, the group's chairperson Ali Agaoglu said that his company, which was a leading name in the construction sector, had decided to invest in energy 1.5 years ago. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=530 Turkiye - Turkey’s Industry and Trade Minister Nihat Ergun stated that Turkey is gaining strength in the political arena with each passing day and that this is due to the country’s economic power. Ergun pointed to the fact that Turkey’s potential is recognized by foreign investors and the country is slated to become an investment hotspot in the near future. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=529 The rise in Turkish real estate owners has been further bolstered by the country's tourism trade making it one of the most exciting overseas real estate markets in 2011 for lifestyle opportunities, second homes and property investment. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=528 The seminary in Heybeliada, Istanbul will open its doors for the first time in 30 years for an art exhibition, local authorities said on Friday. Executives of the Adalar (Princes' Islands of Istanbul) Municipality said that the Heybeliada seminary would open its doors for the first time in 30 years for 20 days for an exhibition titled "Tracing Istanbul". The event comes to life through the invaluable hospitality of the Heybeliada seminary, the Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul and the Cultural Organisation of the Municipality of Athens "Technopolis". The organization of the exhibition is implemented by the company White Fox S.A and curated by art historian Iris Kritikou. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=527 A team comprising 15 members from a Turkish search and rescue group flew to Pakistan on Saturday to help victims of the recent floods in this country. Speaking to reporters prior to the team's departure from Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, Umut Dincsahin, coordinator of GEA Search and Rescue Ecological Group, said that nearly 12 million people had been affected and 1.8 million people currently waited for help after the recent flood disaster in Pakistan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=526 Gen. Ilker Basbug, the outgoing chief of the military staff in Turkey on Friday handed the post over to Gen. Isik Kosaner (65), who will serve as the head of the second largest army in NATO for the next three years. A handover ceremony was held in capital Ankara. Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan were also in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony Basbug said the military supported a plan to introduce a single type of military service. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=525 Archeologists unearthed two new findings during excavations in Smyrna Ancient City in Turkey's western province of Izmir. A bath belonging to Roman period, and the head of a statue dating back to 2nd century A.D. were unearthed during excavations which are pursued by Dokuz Eylul University and Culture and Tourism Ministry, and supported by TOTAL. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=523 Turkey's chief European Union negotiator reiterated his country's call for the Union to stay loyal to its commitments. "We are expecting the European Union to meet its obligations. The joint drive of Turkey and the EU for a common future is a mutual promise based on agreements, conventions and anonymously voted EU resolutions," Egemen Bagis said in a letter he sent to the British daily The Times. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=522 Turkey was among top ten countries in the tourism sector in the world, the culture minister said. Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay said that the number of tourists visiting Turkey reached 27 million in 2009 and it was a great achievement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=521 350,000 tourists enjoyed the spectacular view of Cappadocia --a region famous with its fairy chimneys-- from the air in last three years, thanks to air balloon rides. According to figures compiled from the air balloon companies based in the region, 100 thousand local and foreign tourists took air balloon rides over the region in 2008, 150,000 people in 2009 and 100 thousand people so far in 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=520 Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Mexican Secretary of Foreign Relations Patricia Espinosa signed a cooperation program and an agreement memorandum following a tete-a-tete meeting at the Turkish Foreign Ministry Residence in Ankara on Friday. The signed documents will facilitate cooperation between Turkey and Mexico in various fields, including education, science, culture, arts, press, youth and sports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=519 Turkish people make an average monthly mobile phone call of 209.3 minutes, which put Turkey in third place among European countries in mobile call duration. A report, prepared by Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK), showed that both mobile and fixed phone call traffic rose in the second quarter of 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=518 For a number of years, Istanbul has been given the cold shoulder with respect to joining the elite European Union club and there were feelers that Turkey was believed to be too economically backward to qualify for membership. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=517 Marc Pierini, the head of the EU delegation to Turkey, said on Friday that Turkey and EU should continue economic growth by creating more employment and boosting social cohesion. European Investment Bank (EIB) allocated 150 million euros of loan for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Turkey by cooperation with the EU. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=516 The Turkish environment minister said on Friday that the number of tourists visiting Turkey had risen in line with the increasing number of green fields in the country. Speaking at the inauguration of a waste disposal facility in the northern Amasya province, Turkish Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroglu said, "Nearly 400 of Turkey's beaches have blue flags. If Turkey, which once hosted 7 million tourists, receives 25-30 million visitors today, I believe environment and green fields have an important role in such increase". http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=515 An unmanned land vehicle developed by a team of Turkish experts led by a leading Turkish defense industry company will compete at the finals of an international robotic contest to be held in Australia in November 2010. The unmanned land vehicle "Peri", developed by the team "Capadocia" led by Turkish defense company ASELSAN, has succeeded in the semi-finals of the "Multi Autonomous Ground-robotic International Challenge (MAGIC 2010)" and has become one of the 6 teams that qualified for the contest's finals. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=514 Thanks to policies implemented over the last 10 years, Turkey’s reputation in plastic surgery standards is increasingly improving as the country looks to become the shining star within the sector, according to plastic surgeons. Turkey is now vying to become one of the top five countries in plastic surgery tourism, according to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Orhan Murat Ozdemir, who said nearly 350,000 people visit Turkey annually to receive treatment. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=513 High-level executives of world's leading banks and companies, decision-makers and institutional finance will meet at an international finance summit. High-level executives of world's leading banks and companies, decision-makers, institutional finance executives, banking sector representatives and officials from regulatory bodies will meet at an international finance summit in Istanbul between September 28-30, 2010. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=512 In the normal world, people trust the other party when making a contract. In the past, Turkey was a place where you could make a hand shake deal with confidence. There are still some people who count on handshake deals, while there are other people who even trust a written agreement. But what would you do if that written and trusted agreement is a trap in itself? For instance, the current tapu scam issue shaking the construction industry in the Turkish Riviera. The local chambers and authorities seem reluctant to put more pressure on this matter. I have read news reports that police have arrested several people in tapu scams. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=511 The event, included on the calendar of the International Cycling Union (ICU), was not merely a sports event but also worked like a tourism envoy, with its route featuring Turkey’s historic and natural beauties, starting from Istanbul and ending in the famous holiday resort town of Alanya in southern Turkey. In addition to the Presidential Tour, Turkey has also been hosting another internationally prestigious cycling event, the European Road Bike Championship. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=510 One of the upcoming projects is a golf court near Gazipasa. Two UK and two Irish investors combined forces and invested 100 million euros in a golf court to be built close to Gazipasa. The plan is to attract new kinds of tourism to Alanya and Gazipasa. A golf court in the area is bound to be a successful investment as at present the nearest golf courts are hours away in Belek. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=509 Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday was presented by the World Health Organization with an award for his contributions to struggle against smoking at a global scale. "This award is going to add a fresh momentum and excitement to our fight against smoking. And it would boost support for the anti-smoking ban. Turkey is no more a country that goes with the saying 'Smokes like Turk'," Erdogan told a ceremony where he was presented with WHO Director-General Special Recognition Awards in tobacco control. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=508 On Monday 12th of July, Gazipasa Alanya airport begins its first domestic commercial flights to and from Istanbul Sabiha Gocken airport with Borajet airline. Flights to and from Alanya-Gazipasa Airport and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport are running Monday to Friday with Borajet Airlines with seats available for sale from 105 Turkish Lira. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=507 TAV Airports Holding, Turkey’s leading airports group, today welcomed the first scheduled flight to its latest operation at Antalya Gazipasa. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=506 From the foundation of the Republic to April 2008, foreign investors bought almost 39 million square meters of real-estate assets in Turkey. In the last two years, however, the amount has drastically increased, reaching 25 million square meters. Britons rank at the top in purchases, followed by Germans and Greeks. The increase in property sales to foreigners has been boosted by slashed prices during the global recession, officials say Foreign investors purchased twice as much property in Turkey in the last two years as they did in the past 79 years, according to data recently released by the General Directorate of Land Registry. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=505 Turkey has a strong market for insurance with its economy and population structure, according to Lutz C. Bauer, director general of Zurich Financial Services Group. “Turkey is one of our key markets among developing markets. We trust in the Turkish market,” Bauer told Anatolia news agency in a recent interview. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=504 Recent changes in Dubai due to the negative impacts of the global financial crisis have created opportunities for Turkish executives, the weekly Ekonomist magazine reported in its latest issue on Monday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=503 The Spanish secretary of state for the European Union (EU) compared on Wednesday EU's opening a new chapter with Turkey on the last day of the Spanish presidency of the union as "Spain's kicking a last-minute goal for Turkey." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=502 A visa exemption agreement between Turkey and Tanzania was published in the Official Gazette on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=501 In partnership with BUCS and TASS a team of 6 Beach Volleyball players, Team manager and Physiotherapist are being sent to represent Great Britain in the World University Beach Volleyball Championships in Alanya, Turkey. The competition runs from the 14th June to the 21st. It will include teams from 16 other countries with both female and male competitions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=500 What links an ancient Roman theater, alluringly situated between the crags, precipices and peaks of the Toros Mountains and the coruscating expanse of the Mediterranean, with a renowned ballet company from the Japanese capital, Tokyo? http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=499 Turkey tops the table of the most improved country in real estate transparency for 2010, according to a report by Jones Lang LaSalle and LaSalle Investment Management. The two organizations released the “2010 Global Commercial Real Estate Transparency Index” on Thursday. Since the last index was released two years ago, Turkey has moved up 27 positions in the rankings and improved more than any of the 81 other markets sampled. Turkey is now classified as ‘semi-transparent’ rather than ‘low-transparent.’ http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=498 Residence permit regulations Getting a residence permit is a common legal issue for foreigners residing in Turkey. How and where do they get residence permits? What type of residence permit do they need and how long do the permits last? These questions and many like them exist. To answer these questions, I will discuss the topic on several fronts. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=497 Lots of UK passport holders have settled in Turkey, particularly in the popular cheap holiday resorts or Marmaris, Icmeler, Belek, Alanya, Fethiye and Olu Deniz say airflights. Accessibility to the airports of Bodrum, Dalaman, Antalya and Ismir Adnan on cheap flights from the UK has never been better along with great long stay deals available in the regions cheap hotels and apartments mean that many consider Turkey as a second home say airflights.co.uk. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=496 Fancy watching the World Cup somewhere more exotic than your local without having to spend a fortune flying all the way to South Africa? How does Greece or Turkey sound? Oh, and we'll even throw in a 10% discount for anyone booking via the PNE Holiday Club before next Monday, 21st June. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=495 THE WORLD’S property markets are on the road to recovery, but investors will have to be careful about which markets they select, a new report by the Global Property Guide on residential property investment for 2010 said. Unlike in the crash and the bull market of 2006-2007, the world is no longer moving in one direction -- some countries’ real estate markets are moving down, most notably Bulgaria, Ireland, Iceland, Slovakia, Spain, the Philippines, Greece, the Netherlands and, for political reasons, Thailand, the report said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=494 France has opened an office in Istanbul to promote investment opportunities in the country as part of drive to boost economic relations with Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=493 As one of the few countries having overcome the global financial crisis without any major damage, Turkey has started to attract foreign direct investment again. Alpaslan Korkmaz, president of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT), has said a number of investors from around the world are planning to invest in Turkey in the near future. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=492 The ancient theater of Aspendos in the Mediterranean province of Antalya welcomes opera and ballet artists for the 17th time this year, as the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival opened Tuesday with Verdi's ‘Aida.’ State Opera and Ballet General Director Rengim Gokmen, however, laments the lack of financial support for the festival http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=491 The golf industry needs to bring forth change to attract new customers such as women and families to make the sport more popular, according to experts at a forum held in Belek last week. Antalya’s Belek, Turkey’s emerging golf destination, was voted “Best Golf Destination in Europe 2008” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, or IAGTO. The Mediterranean district was also the venue for the seventh annual Golf Business Forum organized by KPGM Golf Advisory. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=490 There are number of cheap flights to Alanya, Bodrum and Dalaman in Turkey. Being a popular holiday destination all major airlines run regular flights to this holiday destination. This is a very competitive route so to attract more customers all airlines that run flights to Bodrum Dalaman and Alanya regularly announce offers, discounts in fares and cheap flights to Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=489 New international airport was built in Gasipasa village – 35 km far from Alanya city. According to Turkish Press, the airport receives medium-sized planes. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=488 From the 5/29/2010 up to the 6/1/2010 starts in Alanya the 10th International tourism and art festival. During 4 days you can enjoy the art gallery of classical music, the dance performances and the exhibitions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=487 With the European economy floundering, Turkey - which underwent its own crisis in 2001 - has become a model of stability, boasting robust growth and a secure banking system. Now Germany is seeking closer economic ties. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=486 A 10-percent increase in the number of Russian tourists visiting the southern province of Antalya is expected this year following the lifting of visa requirements between Turkey and Russia. The trade volume between the two countries has already reached $40 billion. Russian tourists are especially attracted to Turkey by the country’s hospitality and service quality http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=485 The recently opened Gazipasa Airport, located in eastern Antalya, will soon be receiving scheduled flights, according to Gazipasa Mayor Cemburak Ozgenc. The airport will obtain a C-III reference code after an inspection planned for next week while scheduled flights to Istanbul and Ankara are expected to start in June, said Ozgenc. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=484 Turkey is a guaranteed crowdpleaser, whether you choose the golden sands and purpose-built resorts of the Mediterranean coast, a quiet harbour village or a full-on party town like Bodrum. Dip into a little culture and visit ancient temples and ruined cities, while for adventurers there's no shortage of activities from scuba diving to hot air ballooning. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=483 Turkey and Greece signed 22 agreements on the sidelines of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's state visit to Greece. The agreements were signed by Prime Minister Erdogan and Prime Minister George Papandreou of Greece. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=482 Challenged by the limited size of the domestic market and squeezed by the increased risk of losing market share and its competitive edge in innovative technology products, Denmark has been forced to embark on a rush to find new markets, looking in particular at the fast developing Turkish economy, Danish authorities have told Sunday’s Zaman here in the capital of Copenhagen. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=481 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday that they targeted to apply a whole visa-free regulation with Turkey in long-term. Earlier in the day, Turkish and Russian officials signed an agreement putting an end to visa procedures between the two countries. The agreement was signed between Turkish and Russian governments in capital Ankara, removing visa requirements for Turkish and Russian citizens to travel to each other's countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=480 The Russian president’s historic visit to Turkey this week has been largely interpreted as an indication of the burgeoning relations between the two countries, as a number of agreements were signed, including a highly debated deal easing visa requirements. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=479 Turkey and Russia signed 17 agreements on Wednesday to enhance cooperation in energy and other fields, including pacts to build Turkey’s first nuclear power plant and furthering plans for an oil pipeline from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=478 Thirty sculptors from 10 countries who have begun working on sand sculptures at the Antalya sand sculpture festival will finish their works on April 20. The theme of this year’s festival is “Mythology II.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=477 Turkey has everything you need for a fantastic summer vacation. The sun normally shines the whole day, and the beaches are great for stress-free. The nightlife doesnt stop until the morning, and the Turkeys kitchen is nominated as the third best in the world. If you just want to relax, you can use the whole day on the beach. If you want some action, you can try one of the water sports: jet skiing, parasailing or the banana boat. Or you can just play a game of beach volleyball. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=476 Ninety-five years after historic battles that helped Turkey forge its independence, Australians, New Zealanders and Turks continue the respectful friendship that was born out of a bloody fight for control of the Dardanelles. With the commemorations, memories are relived as veterans and relatives pay homage to their fallen brothers in arms Although they fought each other to the brink of death nearly a century ago, Australians, New Zealanders and Turks came together again in friendship Sunday to mark the 95th anniversary of the beginning of the Gallipoli campaign. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=475 Aida Cruises, one of 11 brands owned by the world’s largest cruise-line operator Carnival, moved the home port of its AIDAdiva ship to Turkey from Greece, the Greek government said on Thursday. Aida will use Antalya port in southwest Turkey instead of Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete, the ship’s home port for the past eight years, the Athens-based Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping Ministry said in an e-mailed statement. The vessel will continue to call at Greek destinations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=474 Rewarded as the best golf destination in Europe for 2009, Antalya’s Belek tourism center witnesses a 21 percent increase in tourist numbers and revenue during the first quarter of the year. The appreciation of the euro, direct flights, the extension of the season and rising exposure have increased the region’s potential While much of the Turkish tourism sector spent last year stuck in the sand trap of collapsing margins, the country’s sprawling tourism complex just east of Antalya ploughed its way to greenery through golf. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=473 A pet cemetery will be established in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya to meet the increasing demand. Speaking at a meeting of the Alanya Animal Protection Board, Alanya local head Hulusi Dogan said his office received many demands on the issue, especially from foreign residents in the region. “We have decided to establish a pet cemetery in town and officials have already started the necessary process,” he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=472 Turkey's 30th marina opened in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya on Monday. Alanya Marina Corp.'s executive board chairman Mufit Kaptanoglu told the Anatolia news agency that the Alanya Marina is the only marina located in the east of Antalya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=471 Andre Greipel won the final stage of the Tour of Turkey, with another perfect sprint ahead of Angelo Furlan and Kenny van Hummel. Giovanni Visconti clinched the overall title, ahead of HTC-Columbia's Tejay Van Garderen. The HTC team had an exceptional week, wit five stage wins through Greipel. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=470 Airport operator TAV, which took over the controversial Gazipaza airport last year have confirmed to Overseas Property Professional, that the first foreign flight, a Hamburg International from Germany, will arrive on 22 May, after reports appeared in local newspapers. "Other routes are under negotiation but are not yet confirmed," said TAV spokesman Mr Yavuz. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=469 A total of 128 athletes with 16 teams from 11 countries have been announced to participate in the 46th Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey, which is set to take place from April 11 to 18. Included on the calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI), the tour has been upgraded to the 2.HC category, which denotes a multi-day beyond categorization race, and is now one of 17 prestigious races in the same category. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=468 Opening ceremony of the world's leading tourism exhibition; ITB - Berlin staged show of its 2010 partner country; Turkey. Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, German Minister of Economics and Technology Rainer Bruederle and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit attended the gala on Tuesday night, March 9th. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=467 Language courses in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya, organized free of charge for residents by the local municipality, are attracting great interest from both Turks and foreigners. Foreigners living in Alanya are taking Turkish courses in order to better adapt to the Turkish lifestyle and remove the language barrier between them and locals, while Turkish residents in the town are studying foreign languages in hopes of communicating better with tourists. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=466 Health care tourism has been one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world. It includes such branches as medical tourism, thermal tourism, spa and wellness, age tourism, handicap tourism and sport tourism. Compared with other countries, Turkey has had a rapid improvement in this sector in recent years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=465 The long-awaited first commercial flight from Gazipasa Airport in Alanya will take off on May 22. Gulcin Guner, president of the Alanya Hoteliers Association, or ALTID, told the Dogan news agency that they had met Oger Tours officials during the International Tourism Fair in Berlin last week and learned the company will launch the first flight in May in the Mediterranean district. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=464 The number of second homes in England climbed in 2009 to its highest level in at least seven years as the pound’s weakness encouraged Britons to buy properties in their own country rather than overseas. The currency weakness may be seen as boding ill for Turkish property sales in the Mediterranean region, but an expert said this is far from being a top concern for Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=463 Norwegian Cruise Line today announced it would base a ship in Rome in 2011 -- a first for the line. The company says the 2,402-passenger Norwegian Jade will operate 10- and 11-night voyages out of the Italian city's nearby port, Civitavecchia, for the winter of 2011-12. The voyages, beginning Oct. 15, 2011, will include the line's first stops in Israel in more than a decade. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=462 Although Turkey’s peak tourism season is still months away, members of Turkey’s “Blue Flag jury” met last week to determine which tourist hotspots will win the right to fly the Blue Flag this year. The Blue Flag is coveted throughout the tourism industry as it is considered a stamp of approval for environmental cleanliness and safety. The program awards a “voluntary eco-label” to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries, according to Blue Flag’s Web site. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=461 The number of tourists arriving in Turkey’s southern province of Antalya in the first two months of 2010 reached an all-time high for the period, the head of the city’s culture and tourism directorate said. Some 311,995 tourists came to Antalya by plane during January and February, said Antalya Culture and Tourism Director Ibrahim Acar. Some 25,253 tourists entered through Antalya Airport’s international terminal on the weekend of Feb. 26 to 28, he said, adding that tourist arrivals totaled 171,976 for all of February. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=460 Turkey has been applying a liberal and flexible visa policy toward its neighboring countries in the Caucasus and Middle East for quite some time. As of 2009, visa policies for the following countries were liberalized and visa requirements were abolished mutually: Syria (as of Sept. 16, 2009); Albania (as of Nov. 20, 2009); Libya (as of Nov. 24, 2009); Jordan (as of Dec. 2, 2009); Tajikistan (as of Dec. 13, 2009); Azerbaijan (as of Dec. 25, 2009); Lebanon (as of Jan. 11, 2010); Saudi Arabia – unilateral (as of Jan. 10, 2010). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=459 Three private equity funds plan to provide $200 million in financing to eight Turkish companies that are preparing for initial public offerings, or IPOs, according to a chairman involved in the deal. Through Investco, a corporate financial consultancy, Investco chairman Mustafa Unal said. The funds will be shareholders in the companies, ranging from 5 percent to 40 percent, while it is also expected the funds will hold the shares of the companies they acquired for two or three years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=458 Turkey's tourist board is promoting the country's wine culture as part of an initiative to highlight the activities and experiences on offer outside traditional beach breaks. The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK organised a tasting tour for a group of British wine experts including television presenter Oz Clarke and Times wine critic Tim Atkin. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=457 Turkey’s potential to become an international center for medical tourism, evidenced by ever-increasing numbers of patients from the US, Europe and the Middle East traveling here for major procedures, is the topic of a new book, “Patients Beyond Borders: Turkey Edition.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=456 The Association of European Airlines has just revealed that passenger numbers on Turkish Airlines flights grew 12.3% according to the website of Turkish realtor Alanya Properties. According to a high up in the AEA Turkey is a massive market, with masses of potential for growth in the near future, but the administration needs to be more proactive in order to achieve the growth: http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=455 Martin Rosenberg, who’s British and lives in Belek, loves Turkey so much that he’s found an innovative way to promote the country. He tells us about his Web site and what he appreciates about Turkey, the golfing opportunities in particular http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=454 Istanbul was designated as European capital of culture 2010, together with Pecs in Hungary and Essen in Germany. Euromonitor International’s Angelo Rossini investigates its potential. Istanbul is Turkey largest city with a strong historical and cultural heritage due to it being the ancient capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=453 Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Saturday time has come to strengthen cooperation between his country and Bangladesh in trade and investment and tap potentials of undertaking joint ventures in a third country. Addressing at a breakfast meeting with the local businessmen, president Dr Abdullah Gul urged the local business peoples to investment in different fields in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=452 Turkey will join the 44th ITB Berlin Tourism Exchange as a partner country, Recep Yavuz, chairman of the Travel Agencies' Administrators Association, or SAYD, said Thursday. "We will hold a lottery at the fair, and host 44 couples in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya," Yavuz told the Anatolia news agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=451 Huawei, a leading Chinese company in new generation telecommunication solutions, Saturday opened its research and development center in the largest Turkish city of Istanbul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=450 On the first day of a three-day visit to Turkey, Council of Europe (CoE) Secretary-General Thorbjorn Jagland is scheduled to meet in Istanbul today with President Abdullah Gul, who once described the 47-nation European institution as “a school of democracy and human rights.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=449 The increase in the number of budget flights and tourists travelling to Turkey will have a large impact on its property market, it has been claimed. Many airlines have increased the number of flights they offer to the country in order to keep up with demand. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=448 As Turkey aims to raise its share in tourism, the Middle East provides a significant potential pool of tourist arrivals for the country. The tourism sector now plans to attract more tourists by introducing product-based promotions on top of the current destination-based promotions, says a cultural attaché http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=447 Turkey will be the winner in tourism in the Mediterranean this year, according to Wybcke Meier, board member of the German Travel Association (DRV) and managing director of tour company Oger Tur. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=446 The 318-member Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) yesterday elected Mevlut Cavusoglu (Turkey, EDG) as its new President at the opening of its plenary session in Strasbourg (25-29 January). Mr Cavusoglu succeeds Lluís Maria de Puig (Spain, SOC) as the Assembly’s 25th President. He is the first Turk to hold the office since Turkey’s accession to the Council of Europe in August 1949. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=445 Oddly enough, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos implied that granting Turkey membership to the European Union would somehow assist the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=444 Gathering on Thursday and Friday, NuBridge Venture Summit brought together Turkey’s Internet entrepreneurs and companies with leading global Internet investors in Istanbul. The event aimed to be a platform for sharing knowledge, networking and for developing business relations between entrepreneurs and investors, according to Pamir Gelenbe, founder of NuBridge Ventures, an investment company headquartered in Britain. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=443 Turkey is being represented by travel agencies, hotels, touristic institutions and eight provinces at the 30th international tourism fair, FITUR, that opened its doors to visitors on Wednesday in Madrid, Spain. Representatives from 170 countries worldwide are trying to promote their countries' tourism at the fair. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=442 Chinese equipment maker Huawei, one of world's leading telecommunications network solutions provider, will invest more than 50 million USD in Turkey in three years with a new research and development center in Istanbul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=441 Turkey, Iran and Malaysia jointly will make a car that will come to market by 2011. This car will come to the world market with latest car technologies and will be adapted with global standards” he told reporters. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=440 A group of women in Antalya, including foreigners living in the area, has opened a second-hand store to collect money for the care of stray dogs in the district of Alanya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=439 According to a global market research report prepared by Airbus, domestic lines in Turkey will constitute the fastest-growing market over the next two decades. The detailed and realistic research predicts domestic lines in Turkey to grow 10.1 percent annually. With this average, Turkey will be leaving behind India, China and the Middle East countries, which have the fastest-growing airline markets in the world. Average global passenger traffic, according to the research, will grow 4.7 percent annually until 2029. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=438 Well... Everybody who's anybody in the world of overseas property is currently releasing a chart of their hot tips for the best destinations for property investment in 2010. I thought I better get in on the action... My family are right, I couldn't see crap but I'd want it. Anyway... Here is my top 10 countries for property investment in 2010 in no particular order: http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=437 Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) have been working to restore historic buildings constructed by Ottomans in a region stretching from Mongolia to Mexico in a series of projects. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=436 The Spanish European Union presidency will seek to give a new push to Turkey's membership negotiations with the union, Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Friday. Spain was hoping to open four new chapters in addition to the 11 ones that are under negotiation, Moratinos told journalists in Madrid. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=435 Many tourism investors have put their hotels up for sale due to the global economic crisis and poor investments. “For sale” signs are up in thousands of hotels, from boutique hotels to five star ones. Some of those hotels are being sold due to debt collection, while others are up for sale by their owners. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=434 Agreeing that 2009 became a “lost year” for the Turkish economy due to the severe effects of the global crisis, representatives of the economy’s key sectors and analysts voiced hope for the new year, as many said 2010 will be crucial for both the country and the world. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=433 The Corendon Group, a Turkish conglomerate, aims to reap 8 million euros profit in 2010, said Atilay Uslu, one of the group’s founding partners. The company aims to attain a turnover of 227 million euros. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=432 Turkey officially launched its campaign to host the 2016 European Football Championships with a ceremony held in Istanbul on Wednesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=431 Against its US counterpart, the Turkish lira traded higher during New York deals on Wednesday. At about 10:50 am ET, the lira climbed to 1.5177 versus the greenback, which may be compared to yesterday's closing value of 1.5256. This set a 5-day high for the Turkish currency. As of now, the pair is worth 1.5200. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=430 Sunk under corrupt governments, nationalistic self-reliance and regular political upheaval, the former superpower of Turkey never punched its weight in the 20th century. That has changed as the country re-embraces its immediate neighbours through trade links across the Middle East and geopolitically important fuel lines from the Caucasus. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=429 Every hotel that uses thermal water for any purpose must employ a physiotherapist, according to new regulations from the Health Ministry. If the hotels, some of which have already received written warnings, do not comply, they will be charged, their water will be cut and their operating licenses will be revoked. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=428 The Turkish state minister for foreign trade said on Tuesday that Turkey aimed to raise its trade volume with the Netherlands by five-folds in three years. Turkey's State Minister Zafer Caglayan said Turkey aimed to raise its foreign trade volume with the Netherlands to 20 billion USD. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=427 Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Friday that European Union (EU) was a strategic target for Turkey, and qualified the obstacles in front of this target as subjective. Speaking at a joint news conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Davutoglu said, "we assessed the EU and Cyprus. Estonia is one of the countries seriously supporting Turkey in EU accession process" and underlined Turkey's determination on EU full membership. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=426 In January 2010, a reality TV series filmed in Alanya will start being broadcast on Finnish television. "Tour Reps," or "Matkaoppaat" as the series is known in Finnish, was shot in Alanya between August and November this year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=425 Turkey has become an ideal place for Britons who wish to go overseas to hire a holiday home during the tough economic climate, it has been stated. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=424 INTEREST in natural healing, wellness and beauty care is increasing around the world, and this trend definitely doesn’t stop at Turkey. Just the opposite, the country has been famous for its natural healing and relaxation practices for thousands of years and has continued to attract visitors and residents with an amazing range of health and wellness opportunities. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=423 he news that nearly 1 million tourists have visited the ancient city of Hasankeyf -- a 10,000-year-old settlement threatened with inundation by the currently on-hold Ilisu Dam project -- has apparently led Turkish officials to come to the absolutely wrong conclusion: That the site should be turned into theme-park version of itself. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=422 Turkey’s relative stability in the past year of the global crisis on Thursday won it a long-awaited upgrade for its sovereign debt from Fitch Ratings, a move that could encourage foreign equity investors and help Turkish companies raise debt. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=421 Once the European Union’s natural gas pipeline project Nabucco moves close to reality, Russian energy policy in opposition to the project will U-turn, said Joschka Fischer, ex-vice federal chancellor of Germany, at an event in Bucharest http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=420 Its reported by airflights.co.uk that the International Sand Sculpture Festival held in the Mediterranean city of Antalya in tourist friendly Turkey is set to end on December the 1st The spectacular sand sculptures which are exhibited at the Lara Beach Park Complex, on one of Antalya's most popular beaches, have attracted much interest from visitors and holidaymakers alike. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=419 A group of foreigners living in the popular Mediterranean resort town of Alanya have been attending courses to learn about Turkish cuisine. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=418 Gazipasa Airport, 45 kilometers from the Alanya city center on the Mediterranean coast, opened on July 13 of this year but is still awaiting its first commercial flight. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Gazipasa Airport head Cengiz Asikli said the airport is able to accommodate airplanes that hold 150-160 passengers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=417 The Mediterranean town of Alanya already meets an important portion of the domestic demand for bananas. Though authorities agree that turning more open land into greenhouses will increase productivity, making Turkey a banana-exporting country, many growers disagree with the idea of turning their open lands into greenhouses http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=416 An airport in eastern Antalya that opened in July has everything it needs to serve passengers – except planes to carry them. Gazipasa Airport and its 40 staff members are still waiting for the first commercial flight to land. Airport manager Cengiz Asikli told the Anatolia news agency that the airport has been available for domestic and international flights since July 13 with a C-II reference code that allows planes with a capacity of 150-160 passengers to land. Although the airport is technically suitable for such flights, airlines companies do not usually choose C-II airports, he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=415 Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean shores are very popular among foreign property investors for their low prices and ideal climates, say real estate experts. The first thing someone who want to buy property in Turkey should do is to consult with a lawyer expert on Turkish laws, instead of going online to make his own search, warns a real estate dealer http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=414 Overseas property buyers considering investing in Turkish real estate will be heartened by the news that the European Union economic report has predicted that Turkey will become the fastest growing country in Europe in 2010 with a 2.8 percent growth rate. Turkey also came out very well in recent Tourism statistics issued by the World Tourism Organization showing Turkish increases against a worldwide decline. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=413 Economic data coming from both the UK and Turkey are suggesting that now is an ideal time to invest in property in Turkey for the future. With rumours that the Turkish Central Bank is preparing to cut interest rates on mortgages even further and the prospect of a recovery in the value of Sterling, the future of property investment in Turkey is looking positive. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=412 Winter sports facilities at Uludag, Turkey’s premier skiing spot, have announced that they are ready for the seasonal spike in domestic and international tourists and winter sports enthusiasts. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=411 Wilo SE, one of the world's leading manufacturers of state-of-the-art pumps and pumping systems for heating, has revealed plans to invest $10 million in Turkey. The company is planning to set up an environmentally friendly production facility in Turkey that will include sales and service units as well as a training center. Wilo will use the facility to produce pressure tanks for water supply and control panels while also developing customer- and market-specific system applications. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=410 Independent Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile Co plans to invest 500 million dollars to build a plant in Turkey, state media reported Thursday. Chery's plan to establish the factory with its Turkish dealer, Mermerler, is still subject to Turkish government approval, the Beijing News newspaper reported, citing unnamed company sources. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=409 Russian athletes dominated the 17th International Swimming Marathon held in the Alanya district of the western city of Antalya. The marathon events on famous Cleopatra Beach saw Russian swimmers sweeping up almost every division. Lubov Volkova of Russia won the women’s division in the 5-kilometer race and was followed by fellow Russians Dasha Kostovara and Svetlana Uskakova. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=408 American Naval Officer John COLLINS had wanted to make test durability of human body in Hawaii 1978 year.This test contains are swimming for 3.800m parkur shortly after bicycle race for 180 km shortly after marathon race for 42km 195m.It has come to Eroupe this race in 1983 year, later first time organized in Alanya 1991 year for Turkey.Alanya, triathlon,tenis club and Triathlon Federation of Turkey have been pioneered to set up in Turkey by Alanya.The International Triathlon is raced a step of Eroupean Triathlon Championship for men and women categories.It is formed 1,5km swimming,40km bicycle race and 10km marathon race. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=407 Situated on the Gulf of Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Alanya has been a favoured seaside resort for over 800 years. Today's European package tourist is drawn here for much the same reasons as the Seljuk Turks all those centuries ago; the sea is warm and gentle, the beaches stretch for miles and the town has an interesting history. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=406 Investment opportunities in Turkey are under the spotlight of a summit being held in London to attract British investors. The "Turkey Investment Summit," organized by the Turkish Embassy in London and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), was attended by Turkish Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Investment Support and Promotion Agency of Turkey (ISPAT) President Alpaslan Korkmaz, Turkish Ambassador to Britain Yigit Alpogan, EBRD Vice President Varel Freeman, Morgan Stanley chief economist Tevfik Aksoy and a number of bureaucrats and businessmen. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=405 The Mediterranean country has seen the signing of two very significant wind energy agreements in the last week. Firstly, the British wind developer RES has announced the acquisition of a portfolio of projects in the country totalling 500 MW, while the Indian turbine manufacturer Suzlon has announced that it will supply 27 2.1 MW turbines for a Turkish wind farm. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=403 The fishermen in Alanya, a district in the southern tourist city of Antalya, are sharing in the success of the U.S.’s Elinor Ostrom, the first woman economist to receive the Nobel Prize for her analysis of economic governance, particularly in regards to the commons. Ostom, 76, who shared the prize with Oliver Williamson, 77, featured a wide section on the fishermen of Alanya, who demonstrated that fish stocks can be husbanded for the benefit of all. Alanya fishermen are now proud to have contributed to the work. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=402 Property in Turkey makes for a great offshore investment due to the growth of tourism there, it has been stated. International mortgage firm Conti noted that the country was the third most popular among its customers making enquiries and stated that the share of such requests for information had risen from 11 per cent last year to 13 per cent so far in 2009. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=401 Turkey's geographical position and great potential to create conditions for skiing. With an average elevation of 1000 to the Anatolian peninsula is covered by mountains of northern Anatolia (2587-3932 m), in the mountains north and Bull ring (3086-4136 in) in the south. In central and eastern Anatolian high plateaus are fascinated by the extinct volcanic mountains such as Mt. Erciyes (in 3917) and Mt. Agriculture (in 5137). During the winter at a normal height of the snow reaches approximately 3 meters, and covered with forests, the natural beauty of the mountain is impressive. Uludag is located in the south of Marmara Region in Uludag National Park. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=400 Turkey’s south eastern city Gaziantep is going to welcome world’s largest mosaic museum next year. World’s current largest mosaic museum in Tunis will be second largest next year after the opening of Gaziantep Zeugma Museum. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=399 Those looking for the best place to invest in overseas property early in 2010 have been advised to consider Turkey. Property Abroad said the country is growing in popularity with holidaymakers, particularly from Britain, as its lira has a more favourable exchange rate with the pound than the euro from the point of view of UK consumers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=398 There is a real sense in the overseas property industry at the moment that the worst of the downturn is over. As data emerges to suggest that property markets around the world are either bottoming or nearing bottom, the keen overseas investors and lifestyle buyers, who have been waiting for this moment are now out there and looking at buying. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=397 With the economic crisis taking a heavy toll, Summer 2009 was a trying season for many in the travel industry. The fragility of the UK economy has been commented on by several Bank of England announcements, all of which suggest another period of struggle. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=396 Ramadan is a special month for Muslims all around the world. For many foreigners living in Turkey, this will be their first experience with the month of fasting. To acquaint readers with Ramadan traditions, here is a brief overview of what to expect during Ramadan and the following Ramazan Bayrami. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=395 Alanya Jazz Days which is organized by Alanya Municipality near Red Tower every year will be implemented for the seventh time. Famous jazz artists will perform at the concerts which will be held between 1-4 October. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=394 When people think of grand beaches, they generally think of places like California, Florida or Hawaii, but they rarely think of a country like Turkey. Despite being under-publicised, holidays to Turkey offer a wide variety of beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean Sea. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=393 The first modern pentathlon competition held in Turkey started Wednesday in the Mediterranean town of Alanya. Youth A European Championships in Modern Pentathlon, organized by the Turkish Modern Pentathlon Federation and Alanya Municipality, will end Sunday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=392 Four beach volleyball teams, two men’s and two women’s, will represent the United States at the FIVB Junior (U-21) World Championship on Sept. 16-20 in Blackpool, England. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=391 The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 6.32 percent year-on-year in August to 4.34 million, the Tourism Ministry said on Monday, indicating a revival in tourism after two months of decline. In the first seven months of the year the number of foreign visitors, an important source of foreign currency for Turkey, rose 1.1 percent to 14.93 million versus the same period in 2008. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=390 We’ve all heard the disaster stories but what about the holiday romances that go the distance? These three women tell how they brought home love from their hols. I hadn’t believed in love at first sight Carla Finlayson, 20, a student from Milton Keynes, met her fiancé in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=389 The textile industry, combining cotton and synthetic yarns, fibers and fabrics, home textiles, ready-wear and apparel, is the largest economic sector of Turkey, employing about 2.5 million people and providing indirect jobs of more than six million. The industry contributes to one-tenth of the country's gross national product (GNP), according to the Turkish-American Business Council (TAIK). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=388 Turkey's real estate market is directing its focus from shopping mall projects toward new hotel chains, with more entrepreneurs investing in this field. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency on Tuesday, Isil Dincer, the general manager of TSKB Gayrimenkul Degerleme, a Turkish real estate rating firm, said they have been conducting market research on investors' tendencies in the Turkish real estate sector for the past month and have seen that more and more investors are switching their interest to building new hotels. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=387 UNESCO has ended the debate between Turkey and Greece over which country the shadow puppet traditions of Karagoz and Hacivat belong to, affirming that the figures are part of the cultural heritage of Turkey and not Greece. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=386 Turkey’s efforts to become a transit country between gas suppliers to the east, south and north and consumers to the west are fraught with danger, energy analyst Necdet Pamir said in an interview with daily Cumhuriyet. According to Pamir, the natural-gas pipelines to Europe that are in the planning stages are competing projects, not complementary ones, as some officials have suggested. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=385 As if it wasn't enough that the worst economic crisis in 60 years has already taken a 9.6 percent bite out of tourism revenues in the first half of the year, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has fallen smack-dab in the heat of the August tourism season. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=384 Turkey is a country where people who want to spend their vacation can find different facilities and attractions. There are many holiday options in Turkey, which has hosted many civilizations throughout centuries. Mediterranean Region, on the south of Turkey, is the locomotive of sea, sand and sun tourism. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=383 Two USA beach teams failed to advance out of the qualification rounds of the Eighth Annual Youth SWATCH-FIVB World Championships (U-19) on Wednesday at Alanya, Turkey. Two other USA beach teams open play on Thursday in the main draw of the event. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=382 Dongfeng Motor Corporation has decided to invest $250 million in Turkey to assemble vehicles, with production starting by the end of this year, the Turkish newspaper Zaman reported. A Turkish official from the Ministry of Foreign Trade confirmed the news and added the project is reaching the final stage. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=381 Those who have lost their jobs and can no longer benefit from health insurance in the United States have discovered Turkey and its offer of health services at reasonable prices. Turkish health tourism has reached a business volume of $150 million with loss of health insurance accompanying widespread job loss in the United States, more Americans have discovered Turkey’s health tourism to lower their medical expenses. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=380 The southern Aegean town of Didim has finally been elevated to the ranks of a serious player in Turkey's tourism sector, ready to compete with its bigger neighbors such as Bodrum and Fethiye. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=379 The Mediterranean city of Antalya has received good news regarding the aviation sector. Turkish Airlines, or THY, will start direct flights from Antalya to three destinations in Europe, the Gazipasa Airport in Alanya welcomed its first flight and a foreign firm has started direct flights from Kuwait to Antalya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=378 Turkey has agreed to grant access to Russia's South Stream gas pipeline through its part of the Black Sea, in a move which could hurt the prospects of an EU-backed project to reduce Russian energy dependency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=377 Every part of Turkey is worth seeing thanks to its cultural richness, historical fabric and natural beauties, all of which captivate visitors. Its regions offer a wide variety of tourism options in terms of faith, its beautiful flatlands, hunting and health tourism, as well as the sea, sand and sun. Turkey fascinates everyone with its cultural richness. Bringing together meals cooked using a diverse range of ingredients grown in the fertile lands of Anatolia, Turkish cuisine also offer flavors to suit every taste. The offerings available to visitors vary from region to region -- spices, cultural traditions, fresh fruits and vegetables and more. The culinary specialties available to visitors are surely a highlight of the experience of traveling through Turkey, no matter who the visitor. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=376 Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrives in Turkey for an official visit. PMs of the two states agreed on the visit back at Sochi meeting in May, 2009. “We expect the visit to be productive,” Deputy Head of Russian Government Staff Yuri Ushakov told journalists. According to him, Putin and Erdogan are going to “discuss the current issues on cooperation in tête-à-tête conversation with further participation in intergovernmental talks at lunch. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=375 Russia and Turkey concluded energy agreements on Thursday that will support Turkey’s drive to become a regional hub for fuel transshipments while helping Moscow maintain its monopoly on natural gas shipments from Asia to Europe. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=374 LESS than two hours’ journey from Didim, the drive for more golf courses, and gold tourism, to the region, is gaining ground with new initiatives being planned. Turkey’s golf links are concentrated in Istanbul and Belek, near Antalya, but the Bodrum region, which takes 70 per cent of all tourist arrivals to the country, is being talked up as having the potential to be on a par with Spain’s Costa del Sol, according to an expert http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=373 legal term real estate refer to a land that has building on it be it for commercial use or residential purpose. This meaning of real estate is more popular in countries like Turkey, Spain and Italy. Real estate is all together different from personal property. Matters of real estate are handled by real estate law where as matter related to personal properties are deal under chattel law or personal property law. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=372 On June 2009, one of the gaudiest and glitziest parties of the year was staged in what was once the budget Turkish resort of Antalya. Mariah Carey and Tom Jones performed - and Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton and Monica Bellucci are on the guest list - for the opening of the $1.4 billion 560-room Mardan Palace hotel. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=371 German holidaymakers, famed for getting up early to secure their sunloungers with a towel, can now book them in advance. Good, says Harry de Quetteville - it gives Brits abroad something to moan about http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=370 The Turkish Golf Federation has plans to add 100 new golf courses to Turkey’s current scanty tally of less than 20. Golf tourism is already experiencing strong growth in Turkey and revenues should hit 500 million euros by 2010, but now Turkey really means business and intends to take golf giant Spain on head-to-head with the Aegean province of Mugla http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=369 Dr. Ernst Pernicka, a German archeologist who is leading the excavation of Troy, has stated that establishing a Trojan museum is a priority on both his and Turkey's agenda. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=368 The market generating the most buzz lately is Turkey, and with good reason. The country, which famously straddles both Europe and Asia, is fast establishing itself as one of the most luxurious resort locales on either continent. Turkey is one of the few markets in the world that has seen inbound American tourism increase this year—up 2.4% in the first quarter year-over-year. Furthermore, travelers from the UK are choosing Turkey in greater numbers since the recent slide of the sterling against the euro. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=367 The Turkish Culture and Tourist Office has launched its official YouTube Channel, letting viewers learn about what the destination has to offer with the click of a mouse. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=366 Thomas Cook Secures Turkey Package Holiday Deal Tour operator Thomas Cook has won the exclusive rights to offer grand holidays to Turkey at the luxurious resort of LykiaWorld in Oludeniz. Situated near the town of Fethiye on Turkey’s south west coast, Oludeniz remains one of the most picturesque resorts for beach holidays in Europe. With phenomenal water sports, diving, paragliding and outstanding sites of natural beauty, including the Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz attracts tourists from all over Europe. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=365 IF you have made up your mind and decided to buy a property in Turkey, conducting due diligence is always essential prior to the purchase of the property. Verification measures in the land registry office: When purchasing property in Turkey, you will be required to submit information and several documents to secure the transaction. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=364 Haber cited Mr Zafer Caglayan Turkish State Minister for foreign trade as saying that Turkey and Brazil were 2 countries that could complete each other and cooperate on many areas. Mr Caglayan said while "Turkey-Brazil Business Forum" meeting in Brazil, that Turkey wanted to sign free trade deal with Mercosur zone which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=363 Turkey is a country where people who want to spend their vacation can find different facilities and attractions. There are many holiday options in Turkey, which has hosted many civilizations throughout centuries. Mediterranean Region, on the south of Turkey, is the locomotive of sea, sand and sun tourism. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=362 The USA Volleyball beach department has announced its selections for the Under-19 (youth) and Under-26 teams that will represent the United States in international competitions this summer. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=361 Europe is very close to realizing a pipe dream. The intergovernmental accord between Europe and Turkey signed last Monday in the presence of four other transit countries — Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria — gives the first transfusion of blood to Nabucco. Till this moment, Nabucco had been more an idea than an actual project intended to reduce Europe’s critical dependence on Russia for gas supplies. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=360 Five Southeast European countries are among the top 28 foreign destinations for EU holidaymakers this year, according to a recent Eurobarometer report. Beaches, glorious mountain views and a rich variety of historical sites continue to draw summer visitors to Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=359 Have you ever swum with dolphins? Been kissed on the cheek by a dolphin? Hugged a dolphin? I have! http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=358 On July 13 the Nabucco transit countries removed an important obstacle for the strategic pipeline project. Attending a high profile meeting hosted by Turkey, the prime ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Turkey inked the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The ceremony was also attended by several government officials and representatives of international organizations including the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, the E.U. Commission's President Jose Manuel Barroso, E.U. Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and the U.S. special envoy for Eurasian energy Richard Morningstar http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=357 After more than a decade of preparation, criticism and waiting, Antalya Gazipasa Airport will be available for civilian flights next week. The General Directorate of State Airports Authority of Turkey, or DHMI, said in a written statement Tuesday that the airport will be available for all flights on July 13. All parties in the aviation sector have been informed about the situation, and a temporary border gate will be operational at the airport on June 13. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=356 At a time when finances are tight, the low prices of Turkish property are increasingly attractive. Not only this but if you are looking for a holiday home, the cost of living is so low it’s cheaper to be on holiday in Turkey than stay at home. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=355 Sedes Holding head Demir Sabanci said on Wednesday that investment opportunities in Turkey have become more appealing than ever before despite the ongoing global financial crisis. Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul to introduce Gratis, the holding's new retail chain, which will sell food, perfumes, personal care and cosmetic products, Sabanci said costs have declined noticeably amidst shrinking demand and that companies are in a better position today than they were when they first began operating. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=354 An Airbus 340, sporting the distinctive Turkish Airlines tail-fin logo, landed at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport Wednesday afternoon, thus inaugurating direct, commercial flight links between Istanbul and China's commercial capital. Scheduled to operate five days weekly, the Turkish Airlines Istanbul - Shanghai direct flight brings to ten the number of flights weekly between Istanbul and China, and marks an important step in the fast-growing airline's development in the booming Chinese market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=353 Pfizer, one of the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical companies, committed to increase research and development investments in Turkey. Phizer signed Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkey's Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=352 Alarahan, a historic caravanserai in Alanya once left to its fate, now serves as a beautiful tourist attraction and a heritage center and has added value to Turkish tourism. Noted for its marvelous construction technique, this exceptional architectural masterpiece is also included in the World Tourism Organization’s World Heritage List. Alarahan caravanserai now a major attraction Alaeddin Kayqubad I is the most famous of all the Seljuk Sultans who reigned the Seljuk Empire between 1220 and 1237. Kayqubad was considered the most illustrious prince of the Seljuk dynasty. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=351 Rize - Turkish people are well known for their thirst for tea and now a tea company is looking to take advantage by launching a travel trend: tea tourism. The first of such tours takes off for northern Turkey this summer. Visitors will have a day of picking tea leaves and then the opportunity to observe closely as leaves are made ready for our pots Brewing a future from tea tourism With a secret tea garden tucked away on mountain near the Black Sea, one of Turkey’s leading tea companies is looking to offer an escape from the urban jungle and forge a path into the field of "tea tourism." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=350 China and Turkey have great potentials to boost ties in economic, political and cultural areas, said Chinese ambassador to Turkey on Sunday. "The two countries will definitely see closer cooperation in various fields and push their relations to a new level," said Chinese ambassador Gong Xiaosheng in an interview with Xinhua ahead of a state visit by Turkish President Abdullah Gul to China. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=349 Archery is one of the oldest sports in the world. You can see mythological figures such as Apollo or Eros carrying bows and arrows. If we must stay within the borders of Turkish history, we can see that the sport was practiced in early Turkish states, but the greatest importance was attached to it during Ottoman times. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=348 The Municipal Council of Alanya recently instituted a citywide summer siesta from 1-3 p.m. until Sept. 30. The suggestion came from Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu, who said it is a necessity around noon, when the heat is the worst. Sipahioglu added that tourists do not shop between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and that a siesta would be beneficial for the personnel working at tourism faculties. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=347 The largest Turkish tour operator in Europe, Oger Turk Tour, will bring 1.3 million European tourists to Turkey in 2009, the company's top figure has said. Speaking to the Anatolia news agency on Tuesday, Oger Tour Chairman Vural Oger recalled that the company brought 1.4 million tourists to Turkey in 2008 and said that the lower figure this year was a result of an overall drop in the tourism industry. He recalled the expectations that 8 percent less visitors would cross Turkey's borders this year, mainly due to the ongoing global crisis. European households have been less willing to spend money on recreation this year, he said, adding, "However, it will be better next year because we know crisis management well and we have confidence not only in ourselves but also in Turkey." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=346 Toroslar Construction and Investment is ready to present our new campaign For the convenience of our clients - payment-in-installments plans for buying any of our apartments in Prestige and Laguna Residences. In the World economical crisis time there is an objective need for our company to offer new and attractive conditions of sale. In addition to discussable payment schedules and discounts, we have introduced the sale of apartments in installments. We are sure this offer will be interesting for all our agents and potential clients worldwide. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=345 Christoph Daum is set to walk out on Bundesliga side Cologne to return to coach Fenerbahce in Turkey. Coach Christoph Daum was at Fenerbahce between 2003 and 2006, The Bild newspaper reports that the 55-year-old resigned as Cologne coach to allow him to go back to the club he led to the Turkish title twice in a previous three-year spell in charge between 2003 and 2006. Contact between Fenerbahce representatives and Daum was made on Friday with negotiations reported to have taken place in Mallorca, where the coach was on holiday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=344 Turkey's Galatasaray soccer club appointed Dutch technical director Frank Rijkaard as their new coach, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Friday. The club stated on its website on Friday that they agreed with former Barcelona coach Rijkaard to replace Bulent Korkmaz, according to the report. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=343 One-year events for Ottoman architect Great Sinan get start in Turkey The cultural activities to promote the most important Turkish Architect Great Sinan got start in Turkey's presidental palace. The cultural activities to promote the most important Turkish Architect Sinan, known as Great Sinan, got start in Turkey's presidental palace on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=342 Turkey should have a bigger share of the fast developing medical tourism industry, urged the country's top business association. Dr. Erdal Karamercan, a member of the acting board of Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association, or TUSIAD, said Turkey should become a strong alternative for international medical tourism, one of the fastest developing sectors in the world. Karamercan was speaking at the introduction of the opinion paper: "Medical Tourism: A New Window of Opportunity for Turkey" and said the document was prepared to introduce Turkey’s potential in this globally advancing sector. The document was prepared by Meri Bahar, Cengiz Gul, Rusen Yildirim, Kemal Ozgirin, Enver Guney and Mehmet Derici. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=341 Sedes Holding head Demir Sabanci said on Wednesday that investment opportunities in Turkey have become more appealing than ever before despite the ongoing global financial crisis. Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul to introduce Gratis, the holding's new retail chain, which will sell food, perfumes, personal care and cosmetic products, Sabanci said costs have declined noticeably amidst shrinking demand and that companies are in a better position today than they were when they first began operating. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=340 Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on a state visit to Turkey, said his country’s state-operated Petroleo Brazileiro SA (Petrobras) should not hesitate to invest in overseas oil and gas projects. The Brazilian president’s remarks came as the country’s oil and gas regulator, the Agencia Nacional do Petroleo (ANP), aiming to step up discoveries at home, denied a Petrobras request for extensions on its concessions in the pre-salt layer. “[Overseas investments] will help the company have more access to sources of oil,” Lula said in Turkey, adding, “Gasoline prices, which are already cheap in Brazil, could become even cheaper [with more overseas exploration].” Underscoring the chances of his country making discoveries, the Brazilian president even said that “God wants Petrobras to find oil.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=339 Brawn GP's Jenson Button won the Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday for his sixth victory in seven Formula One races. Button overtook pole sitter Sebastian Vettel on the first lap following a mistake by the Red Bull driver and held on for a 6.7-second win over Red Bull's Mark Webber. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=338 ALANYA, Antalya - Gazipasa Airport starts to stage test flights finally, showing some positive signs after years of debates and questions hanging in the air. The beginning marks the area’s transition from a turbulent past to a clear future and gives hope to everyone, not only the residents of Gazipasa, but also to every local of the Mediterranean area http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=337 The standard of healthcare in Turkey varies substantially; within the tourist resorts and major cities like the capital Ankara and Istanbul, standards are very good, however, in some more remote areas standards in state facilities are lower than one may expect in more developed countries. There are now plenty of private healthcare facilities, which offer great care, treatment and standards. When booking a vacation to Turkey, it is imperative that you ensure you have private medical cover; Turkey does not have a free health service like the UK, nor does it recognise the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you fall ill or have an accident during your stay in Turkey, you will have to pay for all of your medical treatment including any emergency care. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=336 Marinas in Marmaris, Fethiye and Datca hosting hundreds of yachts every year were packed with yachts from all over the world, despite the global economic crisis. Sea Tourism Union Chairman and Marmaris Marti Marina General Manager Ercan Gunestutar said that the marinas in Turkey reached 85 percent capacity in May and the marinas in the southern Aegean were at 100 percent capacity. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=335 Following Tuesday's opening ceremony, the Turkey-World Trade Bridge 2009 meeting, organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON), kicked off on Wednesday at Istanbul's Halic Congress and Culture Center, with businessmen finding this the year's first chance to come together and start discussing trade deals. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=334 The United States can use Turkey as a hub for air supply and cargo transportation to Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the region, the transport minister said Wednesday. Binali Yildirim said the United States was currently basing its transportation to the region over the German city of Frankfurt, but the country was facing difficulties because of heavy traffic." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=333 The number of retirees emigrating to spend their twilight years in foreign climes has increased substantially over the last decade. Many are lured by a warmer climate, lower costs of living and a strong sense of adventure. Providing you can cut the ties with friends and family back home, retiring to Turkey is a rewarding experience; your pension will go much further, you can release the equity in your house back home and invest in low cost property here and the climate and relaxed lifestyle will contribute to your overall well being far more than had you stayed behind in a gloomier climate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=332 Despite thousands of vessels from all around the world visiting the bays of Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris and Antalya every year, bringing approximately $4 million a year to the Turkish economy, sea tourism is an often underrated part of the country’s assets. The industry authorities believe that the country can at least double that amount if it is supported with new and improved facilities as well as creating laws that will protect the bays from many dangers http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=331 On May 20-23 Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited Turkey. Bilateral economic ties were an important element on da Silva's agenda, who was accompanied by government ministers and leading businessmen. The visit highlighted the prospects for improving cooperation between the two emerging economies, which complements Ankara's efforts to diversify its economic and political relations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=330 The $1.4bn luxury resort Mardan Palace was unveiled 23 of May night at a spectacular opening party in Antalya, Turkey. A glittering audience of 600 international dignitaries and celebrities dined on top of the Mediterranean's largest swimming pool, enjoying performances from Mariah Carey and Tom Jones. Guests included Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Paris Hilton, Seal and Monica Bellucci. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=329 Toroslar together with Home Investment took part in overseas property exhibiton. Our first clients are planning their tours to Alanya The First International Real Estate Forum INFOREAL, which has been held in Saint-Petersburg on May, 14-17 2009 is completed. Participants and members of the supervisory board have called both parts of the Forum – the Overseas Property Congress for professionals and the Overseas Property Exhibition – a success. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=328 Turkey becomes the cover story of ‘MICE Tourism’ magazine of China that has a circulation of 50,000. Turkey is promoted with a total of 20 pages at the Chinese magazine. According to news received from Beijing Office of Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Turkey may receive good business opportunities after the Turkey articles at the magazine which has a leading position in Chinese media promoting congress and convention tourism in country http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=327 The southern town of Antalya is continuing its bid to become a center of sports tourism with plans to build a beach volleyball camping spot in its Alanya district. The area recently hosted the World Championship qualifying games for the Turkish national youth volleyball team, much to the benefit of Alanya, said Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=326 A new strain of H1N1 flu that has killed dozens worldwide and infected many others could increase Turkey's popularity as a tourist destination for Muslim countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=325 US retail electronics giant Best Buy is entering the Turkish market with long-term targets. The company is preparing to open its first store in Izmir in October. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=324 Bell Micro, a specialist IT distributor, has signed a European partnership agreement with BroadSign International, a provider of Software-as-a-Service solutions for digital signage, to offer a complete solution for simplified digital out-of-home networks. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=323 Long gone are the days when Alanya did not have a single movie theater of its own. Now this tourist town in the Western city of Antalya has its own documentary film festival, where movie enthusiasts can see real-life stories from all over the world. The eighth Alanya Documentary Film Festival starts today and will continue until Saturday http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=322 Some realtors claim foreigners are rushing to sell their properties in Turkey due to the global economic crisis, but others disagree. This is an action taken purely for profit, says one realtor, while another denies reports on foreigners pulling out of Turkey. ’Very recently many foreigners approached us with the intention to buy,’ says the top executive of a leading realtor http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=321 Boeing Co (BA.N) and Turkish Airlines (THYAO.IS) have signed an order for five Boeing 777-300ER planes valued at $1.36 billion at current list prices, Boeing said on Wednesday. The purchases are part of a large-scale expansion plan by the partly-state owned flag carrier, which is buying up to 105 planes from Airbus and Boeing by 2023. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=320 Zhou Biren, vice president of Chinese car manufacturer Chery, said Turkey has a strategic location and they are analyzing feasibility work on whether to invest in the country or not. Chery plans investment in Turkey Speaking to journalists at the 13th Shanghai Auto Show over the weekend, Zhou said despite the global slowdown, the auto sector in China continues growing. "Sales for the past three months have not decreased despite the crisis," he said. "In that period, we sold more than 100,000 cars. But we also cannot say the crisis has had no effect on China." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=319 Due to a growing interest towards overseas property the Group of Companies “Bulletin of Real Estate” has decided to arrange an international issue-related forum - INFOREAL, the Forum will take place in Saint-Petersburg on May, 14-17, 2009. The Forum has a complex format and consists of two parts: the Overseas Property Congress for professionals and the Overseas Property Exhibition for the people. Representatives of more than a hundred companies will participate in the Exhibition. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=318 New Turkish Euro Mortgage Service Launched A new euro based mortgage service has been launched today by Offshoreonline.org, the UK regulated specialist overseas mortgage broker. Available to buyers of all nationalities based anywhere in the world, loans of up to 70% of a property’s value are being offered on a capital and interest basis only. Loans can be structured over any term between 7 and 20 years, with the minimum loan size being 50,000 euros. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=317 Turkey is emerging as one of the top short-flight destinations this year. Outside the eurozone, its exchange rate is kind to British visitors. The country has a huge coastline with an unending succession of resorts mixed up with quiet little coves and fishing villages. You are guaranteed top-wattage sunshine and a famously warm welcome. Gareth Huw Davies lists his favourite things on the gorgeous stretch of seaside around Antalya - the Turquoise Coast... http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=316 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Federation of Turkish Hotels (TUROFED), Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB) and Turkish Airlines (THY) cooperated to boost domestic tourism and aims Turkish citizens to take cheap and high quality service at their holidays by making early reservation. early-reservation-conf09.jpgIn order to announce their campaign, a press conference held at Feriye Restaurant in Istanbul with the participation of Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Gunay, President of TUROFED Ahmet Barut, President of TURSAB Basaran Ulusoy, Director of Promotion Cumhur Guven Tasbasi and representatives of tourism industry and media. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=315 U.S. military combat and information system company "Harris Corporation" had agreed with Atel Telekomunikasyon, a Turkish communication and defense system producer company, to manufacture some products to be sold in Turkey and Middle East, Atel Telekomunikasyon's manager said. "We decided to make joint production with Harris Corporation in Turkey," Guntekin Guntay, the marketing manager of the Atel Telekomunikasyon, told AA correspondent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=314 A reduction of the value-added tax (KDV) in the real estate sector, part of government's efforts to fend off the ongoing global financial crisis, has led to an increase in the sale of residences in Turkey's prominent tourism destinations. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=313 Turkey is offering a cheaper alternative to the eurozone when it comes to holiday property for rent, it has been stated. At a time when the pound is weak against the euro and budgets are stretched, the country provides a good alternative destination, as does Bulgaria, the Daily Telegraph reports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=312 Turkey is an ideal family holiday location. It offers a reliable climate, beach resorts, good quality accommodation, water sports and land-based activities, all at a lower cost compared to Western Europe. Figures report a 12 percent rise in overseas visitors. Tourists see Turkey as ideal holiday spot According to Europe's second largest travel operator, Thomas Cook, the hottest ticket this summer is a holiday in Turkey and it is no surprise why thousands of Britons are expected to visit in 2009. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=311 German real estate company Prime Development said on Tuesday it planned to invest $1.5 bln in building shopping malls in Turkey. The first two investments in the southern cities of Antakya and Iskenderun, with a total value of $350 million, would be completed within a year, the company added. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=310 Garanti Bankasi (GARAN.IS), Turkey's second-biggest bank by market value, said on Monday it was launching a hedge fund with a registered capital of 500 million lira ($306 million) within a month. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=309 The South African Team Barloworld rider won the week long stage race despite a terrible crash in the final 500 metres of the eighth and final stage from Antalya to Alanya (166km). Due to the crash occurring within the final three kilometres of the stage, Impey was given the same time as stage winner Sebastian Siedler (Voralberg Corratec) clenching the victory and the coveted yellow jersey. Italy's David Malacarne (Quick Step) was second, one second behind, and David Garcia Da Pena (Xacobeo Galicia) placed third at three seconds. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=308 The Presidential Tour of Turkey will once again confirm its status of a “must have” on the international calendar of the cycling stage races. The event will take place from April 12 to 19 with a start and finish scheduled in Istanbul and Alanya respectively. Going alongside the Mediterranean from Izmir to Alanya, the race is suitable for the promotion of tourism and cycling in Turkey with the input of the Eurosport TV channel that will broadcast the stages live everyday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=307 President Barack Obama officially began his two-day landmark visit to Turkey on Monday in Ankara. Here are some highlights from his first day. President Abdullah Gul and his counterpart U.S. President Barack Obama made a gesture to each other by wearing ties that represented the color of the flag of the other’s country. Gul wore a blue tie and Obama wore a red tie. Obama greeted soldiers at Cankaya Presidential Palace in Turkish, saying, "Merhaba Asker!" (Hello Soldier!) http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=306 Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) President Erdogan Bayraktar has said entrepreneurs who invest in Turkey will not lose out, but will instead make considerable profit. Speaking on Monday at the inauguration of a workshop organized the Prime Ministry Investment Support and Promotion Agency (ISPAT) bringing Turkish real estate sector representatives together with entrepreneurs from the Gulf region, Bayraktar said those who refrain from investing in Turkey will regret doing so in the future. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=305 The only metropolis in the world straddling two continents, Istanbul defies categorization. Sights, smells, sounds — all converge in glorious cacophony in the bridging of Europe and Asia along the Bosporus. Still called Constantinople by some and Stamboul by others, Istanbul received its official name with the founding of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=304 The Turkish investment property market could be in for a boost as British buyers head to the country seeking lower priced property and exchange rates. According to the Daily Mail, the Institute for Public Policy Research says one in eight British people over 55 will be living abroad by 2010. Development hubs like Alanya in Turkey look likely to attract Turkish Investment and retirement home buyers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=303 According to a leading British tour operator, Turkey has knocked Spain off the top spot in terms of being the most popular summer holiday destination for Britons in 2008. This may not seem so significant, until one remembers that Spain had dominated that top spot for the past 30 years. It seems that the appeal of Turkey is rising and rising and in the words of the Association of British Travel Agents, Turkey is enjoying "spectacular growth," according to Rhiannon Davies from Shelter Offshore, an online publication. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=302 ISTANBUL-The Bosch Group in Turkey generated sales of more than 1.6 billion euros in 2008 and continued to invest in automotive technology despite the slump in markets, said Bosch’s general manager. Hermann Butz, general manager of Bosch Sanayi Ticaret said the decline in exports to 972 million euros was compensated with better domestic sales in Turkey. Total sales therefore remained unchanged compared to the previous year and Bosch maintained its market position, Butz said at a press conference in Istanbul on Wednesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=301 Organized by the Foreign Economic Relations Board and the Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, the World Turkish Entrepreneurs Assembly will bring together Turkish businesspeople from around the world in Istanbul this month. Turkish entrepreneurs abroad to visit Istanbul The World Turkish Entrepreneurs Assembly, held by the Foreign Economic Relations Board, or DEIK, and the Undersecretary for Foreign Trade, or DTM, will bring together Turkish investors and entrepreneurs from around the world in Istanbul on April 10-11. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=300 The American Business Forum in Turkey-US Chamber of Commerce believes President Barack Obama's visit to Turkey today underscores Turkey's growing importance as a trade and investment partner for the United States, and that investments in Turkey could double in the next five years to more than USD 10 billion. The stock of US direct investment in Turkey doubled from 2006 to 2007, from USD $2.6 billion to almost $5 billion, and ABFT members have said in a recent business climate survey that they are very satisfied with their decision to invest in Turkey, and recommend further investment to other US companies. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=299 Savings of up to 40% are on offer for self-catering holidays in Turkey for Easter and the Spring bank holiday. Holidays in Turkey are expected to be even more popular this year as the weakness of the pound means holidays in eurozone countries like Spain, France and Portugal will be more expensive than last year. Turkey holidays specialist Artemis Travel has holiday offers for April, May and June with up to 40% off rental prices at its self-catering villas and apartments. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=298 Repositioning Turkey's image and hoping to attract more tourists, Turkey has launched a dynamic new international advertising campaign, a travel Web site reported. The "Unlimited Turkey" campaign began earlier this week, "targeting experienced travelers in North America seeking endless possibilities in a destination," Travel Agent Central Web site reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=297 According to a leading British tour operator, Turkey has knocked Spain off the top spot in terms of being the most popular summer holiday destination for Britons in 2008. This may not seem so significant, until one remembers that Spain had dominated that top spot for the past 30 years. It seems that the appeal of Turkey is rising and rising and in the words of the Association of British Travel Agents, Turkey is enjoying "spectacular growth," according to Rhiannon Davies from Shelter Offshore, an online publication. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=296 Turkey is without doubt one of the rising stars in the tourism world, with recent studies ranking it above the traditional destinations of Spain, and Italy. Meanwhile Turkey property prices are still very low, the growth they promised a few months ago being stunted by the advent of the credit crunch. This presents a rare opportunity to buy property in Turkey at the prices found in an immature market, but in a country set to see the levels of foreign direct investment and visitors you generally find in an immature market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=295 ettah Tamince, the chairman of luxury hotel chain Rixos, has said tourists from Middle Eastern countries started to show more interest in Turkey following a standoff by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Davos and added that Turkish entrepreneurs should capitalize on this advantage. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=294 IZMIR - A project to publicize the seven Christian areas of Izmir was launched recently in the city’s Ismira Hotel. About 1,000 Christians who manage Protestant churches in 120 countries will participate in the Izmir Civilizations Meeting Project "If we manage to get the financial support from the Prime Ministry Publicity Fund, we will hold a congress and thousands of Christian clergy will come to Izmir. This publicity will turn Izmir into a place of pilgrimage in the Christian world," Ertan Cevik, who is managing the project, said in the meeting, which Neville G. Callam, world general-secretary of Protestant Churches, and local authorities attended. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=293 The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 0.27 percent year-on-year in February to 898,927, the Culture and Tourism Ministry said on Monday, as the key tourism sector shrugged off the impact of the global economic crisis. In January the number of tourists, an important source of foreign currency for Turkey, had fallen 3.96 percent from a year earlier to 751,817. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=292 EPHESUS, Turkey—If you're visiting Greece and its islands in the Aegean Sea, the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, make a worthwhile side-trip. From the port of Kousadasi, it's about a half-hour to what was once a Roman city of a quarter-million people, but left in ruins by pestilence and earthquake. (Tours are available, and the best way to go.) Remains of an aqueduct and the Temple of Artemis (one of the ancient wonders) mark the way to this early center of Christianity, where archaeological restoration continues. But it takes little imagination while walking amid the ruins to envision yourself among its toga-donned denizens of nearly 2,000 years ago. While the remains of colonnaded temples, the ornate fountains of Trajan, and a library that once held 12,000 scrolls draw your focus, it is wise to look to the ground as you move on. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=291 RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012” to its report gallery. The research report provides the detail analysis of the forces that are fuelling the growth in the Turkish tourism industry. RNCOS has recently added a new Market Research Report titled, “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012” to its report gallery. Turkish tourism industry has reported remarkable growth over the past few years. The country received more than 26 Million international tourists during 2008. These numbers are expected to grow, despite the current economic crisis, says “Turkey Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012”, a new report from RNCOS. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=290 ANKARA - Aiming to better promote Turkish cinema abroad, representatives from the film industry and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will visit Berlin from March 25 to 27 to discuss joint Turkish-German projects. Turkish film sector reps to visit Berlin The 13-person Turkish delegation was invited to Germany by the Berlin Cinema Fund, the culture ministry’s Abdurrahman Celik said, adding that they would attend a panel there and exchange information about the system for funding cinema in both countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=289 The second biggest German power company, RWE, said Monday it bought stakes owned by number one EON in two Turkish projects, including a plant that would generate up to 800 megawatts of electricity. German power company RWE to invest $820 million in Turkish plants RWE and Turkish partner Turcas Petrol would pay EON an undisclosed sum for its holding and invest an estimated 600 million euros ($820 million) in that project, a spokesman for the German group told AFP. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=288 TUI Turkey, the Turkish branch of TUI Travel PLC, one of the world's leading international leisure travel groups, is fostering interest in the Turkish tourism industry by improving the quality and enhancing the content of its services, which explains the ever-rising demand for the company's services from customers worldwide, even during the prevailing uncertainty that is mostly attributed to the ongoing global financial crisis. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=287 Carrefoursa is a joint venture between one of Turkey's largest conglomerates, Sabanci Holding, and supermarket chain Carrefour of France. Turkish supermarket chain Carrefoursa has targeted double digit growth in 2009 as its market share is expanding rapidly, the chairwoman of Sabanci Holding , Guler Sabanci, reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=286 A High Level Panel of Experts argued here that public and private institutions should make bigger and more strategic investments in water. Beyond delivering water services, vital water projects are also an opportunity to stimulate growth, generate jobs and yield high returns against relatively low risk. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=285 On the overseas property investment radar, Turkey is still an emerging signal and the temporary suspension of Title Deed Act last year gave many investors the wrong signs. However, 2009 looks set to be the year when Turkey firmly establishes itself as a strong green light on the radar... http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=284 The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is attending the world's largest travel and trade fair, the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin, which begins today. With the slogan "The perfect holiday starts here," the fair offers an excellent opportunity for travel industry representatives to come together. With 11,147 exhibitors, comprising 8,540 foreign and 2,607 German parties, ITB Berlin 2009 is being held on 160,000 square meters of floor space at the Messe Berlin fairgrounds. Almost 180,000 visitors have already registered to attend the fair, which runs through March 15. In order to make the fair as convenient as possible for visitors, organizers have arranged market segments thematically so visitors will have no problem finding their way within the enormous fair space. Market segments that are expected to be particularly popular include among others culture tourism, travel technology, health tourism and cruises. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=283 Turkey property is currently attracting a lot of media attention, and rightly so. Sales in the country haven't dropped nearly as much as most countries because of the credit crunch, prices are generally holding firm -- according to some agents rising in places and on luxury properties -- and tourism is expected to hit over 30million this year. That mind sound unbelievable but Turkey received 23million visitors last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=282 Competition among the three giants of Turkey’s mobile communications industry is becoming more fierce this year. Encouraged by increasing contracts, operators are planning to invest a total of $2.8 billion in 2009. The mobile communications industry in Turkey, which has reached a volume of $35 billion, is getting ready to play a leading role in the country's economy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=281 Ataseven Energy Production, a Turkish energy company operating in the wind power sector, and Epuron, a German company operating in the fields of wind and solar power and bioenergy, have announced that they are planning to make a joint investment in wind power in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=280 ISTANBUL, March 3 (Reuters) - Vodafone's (VOD.L) Turkish unit plans to invest 1.3 billion lira ($754 million) in 2009, hoping to turn around last quarter's poor performance which saw revenue fall 14.5 percent, state-run news agency Anatolian said. Turkey's mobile phone market, which has one of the highest penetration rates in Europe, is intensively competitive and market leader Turkcell (TCELL.IS) and Turk Telekom's (TTKOM.IS) Avea have gained at the expense of Vodafone. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=279 The second most widely-circulated newspaper of Sweden SvD gave a title of "An airport near Alanya" by drawing attraction Alanya-Gazipasa Airport in terms of Scandinavian Market. The Newspaper wrote that the Alanya-Gazipasa Airport which is very popular for Swedish people and which is 35 kilometres to Alanya would be opened on June and Swedish Apollo made some researches for arranging charter flights. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=278 Three of Turkey's popular holiday spots gain international acclaim, as they are added to a list of the best. According to a survey conducted by Thomson, one of England’s prominent travel agencies, Marmaris, Icmeler and Didim are among the world’s best holiday places Turkey enters the list of top 10 holiday hot spots Three towns in Turkey were named among the 10 best holiday spots in Europe. According to a survey conducted by Thomson, one of England’s most prominent travel agencies, Marmaris ranked third, Icmeler sixth and Didim seventh among the best holiday destinations in the world. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=277 Computer giant HP and EMS-provider Foxconn are to invest 60 million USD and begin production of personal computers in Turkey for the Turkish and Middle Eastern markets. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=276 Russian TV channels are promoting Turkey, the head of a Turkish tourism and travel agency said on Wednesday. Russian TV channels were broadcasting programs introducing seven churches in Turkey, IQ Tourism's director general Yadel Ozkan said. "Six Russian TV channels are promoting Turkey by broadcasting programs on seven churches in Turkey, particularly the Santa Claus Museum (in Demre town of the southern province of Antalya)," Ozkan told the Anatolia news agency correspondent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=275 Tourism attache of the Turkish embassy in New York said on Saturday that Turkey had recently become a well-known destination in the United States. Turkey becomes well-known destination for US tourists The "Turkey pavilion" at this year's "New York Times Travel Show", which is one of the most important travel shows in the United States, has drawn much interest from visitors. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=274 If you are looking for beach front property, the best place to look is in Alanya. This beautiful area of Turkey has great features like lush beaches and great entertainment opportunities. Property for sale in Alanya is typically either apartments or villas. While these are the higher priced areas of Turkey, with the sandy golden beaches and the great entertainment, your summer vacation home will be well worth the price. Due to the growing demand for quality properties in Turkey, combined with new real estate legislation, natural disasters, and the age of the current properties, the prospect of new construction in Turkey is immanent. a few years, the prices for quality properties in Turkey will be rising. Now is the best time to buy a property in Turkey for investment. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=273 *Foreign arrivals expected rise between 5-7 percent in 2009 *Total foreign tourist spending seen around $17 billion *Bookings for 2009 are a few percentage pts below last year http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=272 Turkey continues to be an emerging market on the overseas property investment radar globally. In addition to this, 2009 poses to become the year when Turkey is set to further establish its property sector. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=271 Mobius, who oversees about $26 billion in emerging-market stock, said rising income in China, India and other parts of Asia will spur spending on consumer goods, while commodity prices are now “too low.” The two nations, Brazil, South Africa and Turkey offer best investment opportunities, he was quoted as saying by Bloomberg News at a briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=270 Foreign investors have spent over 10 billion dollars on property in Turkey over the last five years according to the latest available figures. The amendment of the Foreign Direct Investment Law, which would overhaul the conditions for foreigners’ real estate investments, is expected to allow foreign companies and individuals to buy bigger chunks of property, and to boost demand even further. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=269 The OIC said in a statement posted on its website it received applications from China, Indonesia, Mexico, Morocco, Poland and Turkey. China is proposing Nanjing as its candidate city, while Indonesia submitted Jakarta and Poland listed Poznan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=268 ISTANBUL - Financial Times is recommending its readers buy residential or holiday homes next year, selecting the 10 top locations, it has included Turkey’s Belek, Altinkum and Bodrum’s coasts, with an emphasis on the ’substantial and beautiful coastline’ Turkey has been rated among the 10 top locations by the Financial Times, or FT, of places people can safely buy residential or holiday homes next year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=267 Sealanya, which boasts the title of Europe's biggest aqua park, will open the gates to one section of its facilities today in the Alanya district of Antalya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=266 ISTANBUL - The correction in global markets creates new opportunities and it is now ’the perfect time to develop,’ says Mike Collini, vice president for Hilton Hotels Corporation. The global crisis is what is in everybody’s mind these days. Hilton will have a challenging year as a global company, and some key markets are clearly going to suffer, according to Mike Collini, Vice President Responsible for Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Development in Northern Europe. Speaking to Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review, Collini says Hilton is "fully focused" on growing the Hilton family of brands. "And we have been reinforcing and taking on additional resources to be present in all our markets," he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=265 The ski resort of Saklikent, which means "Hidden City" in Turkish, set up on a north-facing slope of Mt. Bakirli (Copper Mountain, 2,547 meters), has long been a winter playground for the citizens of the seaside city of Antalya, some 1,800 meters below. With the relatively recent but very rapid growth in winter tourism in the region, it has increasingly become a day, or even overnight, destination for vacationers and second-home owners from resorts along the coast below. Some years the skiing doesn't really get going until well into January, but this year the deluges of late December have brought Christmas early to the resort, with thick snow carpeting the slopes and promising a long, successful season ahead. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=264 Turkey is poised to become a hub of golf tourism in Europe as a result of its steadily increasing number of courses. Golf is particularly popular in Antalya, and entrepreneurs have made investment in this city, Turkey's main tourism center, a top priority. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=263 Amid the onslaught of the global crisis, Turkey’s energy deals prove to be a shield, says a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The country has set a new record with its energy deals worth $6.6 billion last year Turkey proved to be better positioned to weather the crisis than in the past and has done relatively well to be a safe shelter particularly for energy deals, according to a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=262 Firms closed '08 with contracts worth $24.6 bln abroad Expect renewed interest in the domestic property market ANKARA, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Turkish construction firms expect to seal contracts worth $25 billion this year, nearly the same amount as last year, Erdal Eren, chairman of the Turkish Contractors' Association, said on Wednesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=261 Finnair will begin direct flights to Istanbul in March. Flights will start on 3 March with a twice-weekly service. The number of flights will be increased to four on 30 March, when Finnair will fly to Istanbul on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - With the introduction of Istanbul, our route network will provide more comprehensive coverage of the whole continent," explains Petteri Kostermaa, who is responsible for Finnair's route network. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=260 Britain's love affair with the Costas is cooling as the pound slumps against the euro - with holiday bookings down dramatically for next summer. Early figures suggest that the number of families choosing to head for Spain has fallen by 22 per cent. Ever since the birth of the package holiday more than 30 years ago, Spain has been the number one destination for sunseeking Britons. But the credit crunch, the falling value of the pound and budget flights offering cheap alternatives have resulted in a fall in visitors. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=259 Trade volume with the EU countries amounted 6.9 billion USD and the figure was 1.6 billion USD in trade with the OECD countries. Trade volume increased by 4.1 percent to 23.2 billion USD in free trade zones in Turkey in the first eleven months of 2008 over the same period last year, Undersecretary for Foreign Trade said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=258 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced beginning of year to host 25 million tourists. The 2008 target of tourist arrivals is surpassed in November. Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced that the number of foreigners arriving in Turkey in January-November 2008 was recorded 25,245,301 by 13,10 % increase when compared with the same period of previous year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=257 ISTANBUL, Dec 24 (Reuters) - The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 7.69 percent year-on-year in November to 1.268 million, the Culture and Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday. Tourism is an important source of foreign currency for Turkey, which has a large current account deficit. In October the number of foreign visitors had grown 14.38 percent from a year earlier. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=256 Multi Corporation, the Dutch based retail developer, has closed its Turkish retail property fund with investment from the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. The Multi Retail Turkey fund consists 21 completed, under construction or planned shopping centres across Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=255 Consumer demand in Turkey has not declined and still remains strong despite ongoing global financial turmoil, a fact that is likely to help domestic markets recover during the first few months of 2009, a poll conducted by Ipsos KMG, one of the world's leading survey-based marketing research firms, has shown. Ipsos KGM Turkey CEO Vural Cakir announced results of their "Expectations, Preferences and Choices 2009" report. The report was based on the company's annual poll, which was conducted Nov. 10-22 in 26 provinces throughout Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=254 OECD head said Turkey displayed a positive growth performance so far, indicating that it was natural that there would be drops in growth rates. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=253 In the face of the negative effects of the global financial turbulence, Turkey's tourism industry has grown, attracting 14 percent more visitors this year than in 2007. "We are encouraged with the positive developments in the sector," Cavusoglu said. "There is not yet a big problem, and it is most likely that this year's winter period will also bring more opportunities to the Turkish tourism industry than in the past few years." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=252 Monster, the world’s largest online career firm operating in 52 countries with 5,000 employees, opened in Turkey. The U.S.-based firm renewed its Turkey Web site, www.monster.com.tr, within the framework of its "Developing Markets Strategy." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=251 ING, a global financial institution headquartered in the Netherlands, said Saturday that it has completed the transaction to acquire Turkish pension company Oyak Emeklilik. In June 2008, ING agreed with Oyak to acquire Turkey's sixth largest pension company for 110 million euros. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=250 EDF Energies Nouvelles said it had bought a 50 percent stake in Turkish wind energy company Polat Enerji. No financial details of the deal were disclosed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=249 Turkey will be covered in a network of high-speed trains, including the rail route to Bulgaria. The project for a high-speed train on the route Halkali (Istanbul) – Bulgaria will start next year, the online edition of the Hur Haber information agency reported today. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=248 Number of International companies rises in Turkey The number of companies with international capital in Turkey increased three times in the last six years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=247 ANTALYA - One of the world’s biggest tour companies, Britain's Thomas Cook, will host 2,500 tour operators in Antalya as part of a project with its Turkish partner, the Diana Tour Company, in which the Antalya region and nearby tourist centers will be introduced to operators. A member of the Diana Tour executive committee, Burak Tonbul, spoke to the Anatolia news agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=246 Turkish Airlines starts to operate Birmingham, England as of December 15th, 2008. Turkish Airlines keeps increasing its passenger figures by providing its customer with the benefit of wider network oppotunities and quality of service. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=245 The logo and ticket design for the 2008-09 UEFA season final match to be played May 20 at the Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium have been announced, with ticket sales to start on Friday. The tickets for the UEFA final match will be sold on Friday. The announcement was made with the attendance of soccer veterans Bulent Korkmaz and Roberto Carlos. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=244 ISTANBUL, Turkey (eTN) - Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) has announced its plan to operate 40 new properties in Turkey, representing 5,500 rooms, by 2014. According to HHC, eleven contracts have already been signed with property partners Amplio, the Kosifler Group and Gocay Tourism, which will double HCC’s Turkish portfolio by 2011. “We are seeing increased demand for quality accommodation throughout the country - not just Istanbul - and are keen to capture a significant part of that,” Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s senior vice president development, Europe and Africa, said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=243 ISTANBUL - Shopping center investors launched an association yesterday to better represent and promote the interests of the industry. The Shopping Centers Investors Association, or AYD, currently has 15 founding members but more are expected to join in the future. There are currently more than 200 shopping centers in Turkey, which account for a total investment of nearly $30 billion. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=242 Sometimes, stability is the best you can hope for. The pound has been holding its own with the Turkish lira, and is worth the same amount this year as it was last year. New York might have been the Christmas shopping destination of choice last year, but Turkey offers significantly better value, not to mention cheaper flights. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=241 The Turkish Ministry of Finance is considering a decrease in land registry charges. The Ministry is carrying out evaluations to make the necessary amendments to the Charges Law and the Property Tax Law. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=240 Norway hosts not only facilities to rehabilitate youth, but is also a center of healing for the elderly. Between Jan. 15 and May 15, 2009, 200 seniors will come to Antalya from Norway to be treated for various illnesses. Among them will be Norwegians over 65 years of age who will stay in hotels in Belek. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=239 Turkish Airlines’ (THY) net profit rose 244 percent to 668 million lira ($415.4 million) in the first nine months of the year, and it said it had positive expectations for the year as a whole. Sales in the same period jumped 24 percent to 4.416 billion lira as the partly state-owned airline continued to expand to new destinations and added flights. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=238 Raminder S. Jassal, India's ambassador to Turkey, has said Indian firms will continue to invest in Turkey, which he describes as the "center of energy in the region." As Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to visit India on Nov. 21-24, Jassal, who was recently appointed to Ankara, said the two countries have much potential for cooperation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=237 ISTANBUL - The government is taking steps to make it easier for the citizens of Gulf states and Turkic republics to buy real estate in Turkey by taking into consideration whether or not Turkish citizens are allowed to invest in real estate in those countries http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=236 There may be a boom in Turkey's 2009 summer tourism season, according to Adnan Gunes, contracts manager for Kuoni, the world-renowned Swedish tour operator. While the economic crisis and the rise of the dollar are adversely affecting the real economy, this could be an opportunity for the tourism industry. Due to the greenback's rise, Turkey is now cheaper for European tourists, said Gunes. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish tourists flocked to Antalya, Alanya, Kars, Marmaris and Cesme this past season, totaling 58,000 tourists, he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=235 ISTANBUL - Although the finance sector is suffering worldwide from the impact of the global economic crisis, Garanti Bank, a Turkish bank co-owned by General Electric Co., reported a consolidated net profit increase of 21 percent since the beginning of the year. "While the leading players of the global finance sector declared losses, we profited quite well within the first nine months of this year," Ergun Ozen, managing director of Garanti, said during a press meeting held in Istanbul yesterday to reveal the bank’s third quarter results. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=234 Speaking about the world Amateur Golf Championship to be held in Turkey in 2012, Turkish Golf Federation President Ahmet Agaoglu said investments in the event will soon bear fruit and bring at least 1 million tourists to Belek for golf in the five years following the championship. Noting that golf is more an industry than a popular sport in the world, he said: "According to 2005 statistics, golf contributed $80 billion directly and $196 billion directly to the US industry and accounts for 1.64 percent of the US economy. In other words, the golf industry represents about 2 percent of a giant economy." Agaoglu indicated that this also applies to the Mediterranean countries, where Spain earns 6 billion euros and Portugal about 3 billion euros annually from golf tourism. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=233 World-renowned Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie, examined the golf course he helped design in Belek last tuesday on 21st October 2008. Last year, eight-time European Tour champion Montgomerie boosted his expanding course-design portfolio by helping to create a new $100 million golf and hotel complex in Turkey, joining forces with Papillon Hotels to build a facility on the coastal resort of Belek, Antalya. It includes an 18-hole championship golf course and 9-hole academy course, a 600-bed hotel and between 25 and 40 holiday villas. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=232 Around 40 Turkish companies will participate in an international tourism fair in Britain, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Wednesday. Wednesday, 05 November 2008 10:16 About 40 Turkish companies would join the World Travel Market 2008--the third biggest tourism fair in the world, a statement of the ministry said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=231 By the end of the year, national income per capita will surpass $10,000 for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic. National income per capita, which stood at $4,311 in 1998, is expected to reach $11,228 by the end of this year. It will be 2.6-fold growth in 10 years. Based on data collected by the Turkish Statistical Institute, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the State Planning Agency, national income per capita, which used to float around $3,000 to $4,000 between 1998 and 2002, has been on the increase. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=230 Turkey was the recipient of the majority of awards given by the European Foundation for Quality Management, or EFQM this year. The 2008 EFQM Excellence Award Winners were announced Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Paris under the glass pyramid at the Musée du Louvre. The EFQM Excellence Awards recognize organizations with indisputably progressive track records and results in both financial and non-financial performances. The award, given to Europe's best performing companies and not-for-profit organizations, is Europe's most prestigious award for organizational excellence. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=229 ISTANBUL, Oct 30 (Reuters) - A Gulf investment fund made up of three financial institutions plans to invest at least $150 million in 2009 in Turkey's agricultural sector, sources close to the deal told Reuters on Thursday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=228 Two new chapters in Turkey's EU accession talks would be opened to negotiation during the intergovernmental conference between Turkey and the bloc, which is expected to be held on Dec. 18, a French minister said on Wednesday. The new chapters would be opened during the upcoming conference, French Secretary of State Jean-Pierre Jouyet, who attended a reception held on the occasion of the 85th foundation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey in Paris, was quoted as saying by the Anatolian Agency. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=227 The European Union is expected to announce its satisfaction with Turkey's economic performance in line with guidelines set forth by the EU in Copenhagen in 1993. In an annual progress report due to be released on Nov. 5, the European Commission notes that Turkey implemented economic policies in line with the commission's recommendations and successfully completed a stand-by agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) in May 2008. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=226 The first “World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia 2008” is being held today in Istanbul. Government and business leaders from various European countries, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East are participating in the forum, planned to last until Nov. 1. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=225 Istanbul and Ankara have been listed among the top 50 emerging cities in a recent study by MasterCard Worldwide, making Turkey the only European country other than Russia to be represented with more than one city. According to the Worldwide Centers of Commerce: Emerging Markets Index, which was released on Oct. 22, Istanbul’s position in 15th place suggests that Turkey’s financial capital “is a formidable center of commerce deserving of attention.” Just like Russia, the study noted, Turkey has a large population, which is growing rapidly. Turkey’s capital city of Ankara ranked 50th. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=224 The Turkish Tourism Ministry and the private sector will contribute a budget of $320 million to strengthen Turkey’s tourism sector and expand to new markets via advertising. The Tourism Ministry, which has focused extensively on advertising activities since last year, will launch a new project with the cooperation of tour operators and hoteliers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=223 Dubai based international airline Emirates, increased the number of direct flights from Dubai to Istanbul. Beginning from 26 October 2008, company will introduce four additional flights to its daily services. The additional flights will take place on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will bring total number of weekly flights between Istanbul and Dubai to 11. The four additional flights will take off at 22:35 from Istanbul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=222 Turkey ranks third after Spain and Greece in the number of blue flags in marinas and beaches, according to participants at a meeting of the Blue Flag project. The international blue flag coordinators meeting, organized by the International Environment Education Foundation, or FEE, and hosted by the Turkey Environment Education Foundation, or TURCEV, was held over the weekend in Antalya's Manavgat district. Over 60 coordinators from 45 different countries attended the meeting. Blue flags are a marker of beaches that employ sound environmental policy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=221 The rectorate General of Civil Aviation, or SHGM, has started an initiative to expand Turkey's flight network, an economic publication reported in its latest issue. Turkey is among the rising stars in the world's air traffic, which grows 5 percent on average annually, with both the increasing number of passengers and new routes, Turkish economy weekly Ekonomist said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=220 Pegasus Airlines are set to increase the frequency of its cheap flights to Turkey. It is believed that the intention is to operate daily flights to Stansted Airport by the year 2010. It will also be aiming to increase flights that operate from Manchester and Birmingham airports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=219 The volume of housing loans extended by local banks increased slightly to USD 38.06bn as of October 10 from USD 38.02bn one week ago, according to data of the Turkish Central Bank. At the end of August, housing loans stood at USD 36.7bn and at the end of October 2007 the figure was USD 28.8bn. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=218 The value of foreign purchases of Turkish real estates increased to USD 1.99bn in January-August, from USD 1.8bn in the same period of last year, according to the balance of payments data of the Turkey’s Central Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=217 UniCredit SpA, Italy's biggest lender, is planning to open an investment bank in Turkey next year amid increasing demand for corporate advice. The investment bank, which will be part of Yapi Kredi, the Turkish bank UniCredit co-owns with Koc Holding, will have between 15 and 20 staff and focus on mergers, ... http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=216 Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan attributed Turkey's election to the U.N. Security Council to his country's growing role in international affairs. Turkey's new, non-permanent seat for 2009-2010 "is a reflection of our increasing weight in international politics and the confidence that the international community has in us," Erdogan told reporters. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=215 The launches come as Russian tourists increase the number of trips they are taking abroad every year. According to tourism authorities, the number of Russians wishing to receive an international passport is growing by 12% y-o-y, and in 2007 over five million received their new international passport. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=214 The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has reported this morning that Denmark and Sweden still top the list for most heavily taxed nations in the OECD zone. This is according to figures from the latest edition of the OECD’s annual Revenue Statistics publication. ? Denmark is confirmed as the OECD’s highest-tax country, followed by Sweden, while Mexico and Turkey remain the lowest-taxing countries. Overall, the average tax burden in the 30 OECD countries, calculated as a proportion of gross domestic product (GDP), is close to its historic peak of 36.1% in 2000. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=213 President Abdullah Gul yesterday left for Germany to attend the 60th Frankfurt Book Fair, where the honorary guest this year is Turkey. Gul defined his Frankfurt visit as a means of contributing to multi-dimensional relations between the two countries. “I believe that my visit will be beneficial, not only in terms of giving support to the project, which advances Turkey's multi-faceted publicity campaign, but also in terms of meetings with the representatives of both Turkish society and German agencies that will be held during my visit,” Gul said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=212 The financial crisis in the United States and European countries was likely to affect Turkey during 2009, The World Bank Country Director for Turkey Ulrich Zachau said. Zachau foresaw a slowdown in growth for the country, rather than the Turkey becoming mired in recession or negative growth. Additionally, Turkey would be protected from the world financial crisis due to important financial steps undertaken in recent years, Zachau told the business daily, Referans. Furthermore, the impact of the crisis in Turkey could be deflected by a robust financial policy, he said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=211 Despite a global economic crisis, there is no decrease in hotel reservations for 2009, says culture and tourism minister source:Turkish Daily News Turkey's tourism industry can overcome the effects of the global economic crisis if it offers reasonable prices and a well-organized promotion policy, the culture and tourism minister said yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=210 Antalya will continue to be the tourism capital of Turkey with its new facility investments during 2008. Tourism facilities in Antalya consist of almost 60% of all facilities in Turkey, and each year new investments are built in the region. 25 of 61 new luxury hotel investments in Turkey during 2008 will be built in Antalya. The building industry in Antalya never pauses with the increasing number of foreign passengers arriving to the region. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=209 Turkey will host the world amateur team golf championship in 2012, the golf federation announced on Monday. The Turkish Golf Federation said that the World Amateur Team Championship would be held in Turkey in 2012. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=208 Actor Kevin Spacey of the United States will arrive to Antalya on October 17 to attend the 45th Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Engin Yigitgil, chairman of the Turkish Foundation of Cinema and Audiovisual Culture (TURSAK), told Anatolian Agency on Friday, announcing the surprise, Spacey would deliver a three hours lecture on being an actor to 200 cinema students, All the best-known faces of Turkish cinema and many from the international scene will be in Antalya on Friday for the Golden Orange Film Festival, the “Turkish Oscars.” http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=207 First Title Insurance plc, a subsidiary of First Title plc and the largest provider of title insurance in the United Kingdom and Europe, announces that it has acquired 38% of the stock of FU Gayrimenkul Dan and #253; and #254;manl and #253;k AS (FU), Turkey’s largest mortgage BPO business. FU was established in 2006, before Turkey passed a framework of laws to create a mortgage industry in 2007. Since then, the company has grown to become the leading provider of outsourced legal and processing services to Turkish residential mortgage lenders and mortgage-based commercial loan providers. FU looks after the search and examination of title and registration of mortgage securities for many of Turkey’s leading mortgage lenders. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=206 Turksih Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Central Bank Governor Durmus Yilmaz introduced the new “Turkish Lira,” or TL, at the press conference last week. The Turkish Lira will be on the market as of Jan. 1, 2009 and will replace the current YTL, or “New Turkish Lira” gradually. The YTL will no longer be in circulation as of the end of next year. The Turkish lira will be printed in denominations ranging from TL 5 to TL 200. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also used the meeting to deliver an important message in Ankara on Friday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=205 With banks across the globe seeming to need more and more and bets being laid on the next one to go bust it might seem that looking beyond the obvious is a good idea. Its being reported that you can live in Turkey off the interest of a lump sum placed with a Turkish bank. But it does raise the idea of seeking out good banking deals as a measure of where to buy property. Interest rates in Turkish banks are generally over 15% and the Turkish lira is also known to be one of the highest yeilding in an emerging market. It sounds a bit like a no brainer. But would you really want to invest in a Turkish bank. High interest rates = high risk. But then so is the stock market right now. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=204 ISTANBUL, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Lessons learned the hard way have left Turkey's banks relatively robust as their western peers topple, with loans well covered by deposits, limited debt rollover pressure and solid foreign exchange reserves. The sector has not escaped the global financial turmoil unscathed. Istanbul's index of banking stocks has fallen 48 percent since the start of the year, in line with the wider Turkish stock exchange, as credit has dried up. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=203 ANKARA, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Turkey plans to maintain the current level of bank deposit guarantees, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, in the wake of Ireland's move to guarantee all bank deposits. The Turkish state guarantees up to 50,000 lira ($39,030) of bank deposits per person. Amid the current global financial turmoil, Turkish banks are viewed as better placed than many European and U.S. rivals because of strong balance sheets and limited foreign exposure. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=202 Some 12,164,000 Russian tourists have travelled or booked to head abroad this year, with China (2.58m), Turkey (1.91m), Egypt (1.73m) and Finland (1.23m) the most visited destinations, according to the country’s largest insurance body Rosgosstrakh, which insures over 80% of all properties in Russia. Compiled by the Rosgosstrakh Centre of Strategic Studies, using Ministry of Tourism data, its own client information and various surveys, it released the figures last week providing a breakdown of the most popular overseas destinations visited by Russians in order of numbers visited and its forecast for growth over the next two years. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=201 Director General of the Turkey branch of Jones Lang Lasalle said there were currently 217 shopping malls in the country, 144 of which were located in Anatolian cities. A total of 217 shopping malls are currently operating in Turkey, while 71 new are being constructed and 31 more are being designed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=200 In recent years the number of foreigners who have residency status in Turkey has steadily increased. Needless to say, this rise is also reflected in a soaring number of expat communities, which are currently spreading like mushrooms across the country. Indeed, finding and networking with fellow expats concerns many who are starting out in a new country. This doesn’t need to stand in the way of integrating into society; rather, it can be a base for expats to successfully merge two cultures. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=199 Homes Overseas, the world's leading international real estate magazine since 1965, has released a detailed article on its website entitled Buying Property in Turkey. The guide provides potential investors with property details and purchasing information for Turkey. The comprehensive guide can be viewed at: http://www.homesoverseas.co.uk/property-for-sale-in-turkey http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=198 Statistics released by the Prime Ministry Directorate General of Press and Information (BYEGM) indicate that Turkey has 2,459 newspapers and that 258 television stations are based in the country, in addition to providing a wealth of other information on electronic communications and entertainment in the country. Fifty-five of Turkey’s newspapers are national and 23 of them regional, while the country has 2,381 local papers. As for TV, there are 27 nationwide stations, 16 regional stations and 215 local stations. Sixty-five of Turkey’s 258 TV stations broadcast via cable and 92 via satellite only. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=197 Russian investors are increasingly diversifying their assets into overseas property as a result of unstable global markets, it has been reported. According to the New York Times, an unfriendly business climate and ambiguous Russian economic policy, has contributed to an outflow of capital from Russia, with 46% wiped off the value of the country’s RTS index in the last week alone. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=196 Over three million Brits are likely to buy a property overseas within the next two years as economic conditions in the UK make strong returns less likely, according to new research from Cater Allen Private Bank, part of Banco Santander. Its survey of UK clients found that some 2.3 million people already own a property abroad, with around 500,000, or less than 25%, having bought for investment purposes. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=195 Some 100,000 Norwegians own a second home abroad and the same amount plan to buy overseas within the next few years, according to new research. In a report from analysts The Prognosis Centre, in 2007, some 9,000 Norwegians purchased a holiday home abroad, with the top markets listed as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Thailand, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Brazil. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=194 With British house price falls accelerating according to data from the Land Registry and three major UK lenders raising mortgage rates this week amid further volatility in the banking sector, property buyers are increasingly looking overseas for productive investments. New research from Cater Allen Private Bank, part of Banco Santander, found that over three million Britains are likely to buy a property overseas within the next two years as economic conditions in the UK deteriorate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=193 Alanya has become internationally reknowned in many key sports events and tournaments and now you can find out all the latest information about upcoming events and also join in if you're interested. With all the information listed in English as well as Turkish, you can visit www.alanyacup.com and find out about any of the following 11 categories of sporting events in Alanya; http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=192 Confirming what many have long suspected, Istanbul is officially the most crowded city in Europe. Two other Turkish cities are also among the top 10. Ankara, Turkey's capital, ranks fourth, as the Aegean city of Izmir comes in at nine, according to a list released by Eurostat, the European Union statistics institution. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=191 ANKARA, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The Turkish banking system held no risky positions linked to Lehman Brothers, the head of Turkey's banking regulator BDDK told Reuters on Tuesday. Tevfik Bilgin praised Turkish banks' risk management with regard to their borrowing and transactions linked to foreign-based banks. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=190 Recent Treasury figures show foreign companies operating in Turkey were able to transfer close to $27 billion to their countries of origin between January 2003 and July 2008, while investing a record amount of $65.4 billion in the same period as foreign direct investment (FDI) in addition to creating employment and enhancing the production capacity of the Turkish economy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=189 As summer in Europe starts to become a distant memory property investors might be wondering how they can make money in the coming winter months. Those with investments in ski resorts will be gearing up for the winter season but it is possible to make money from rentals out of season according to the many property forums this week. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=188 Property investors looking to Turkey for solid investment prospects will be encouraged by the news that the Turkish Tourist Office has been nominated for an international award. In the last two months, visitor numbers to Turkey have shot up. The Tourism Ministry announced a 19.17 per cent increase in June in the number of foreign visitors, which is a rise of nearly four million tourists in the first half of the year, compared with the same period last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=187 The difference in per capita income in Turkey to the European Union average is expected to fall to 2.4 fold compared to the 2.7 fold recorded five years ago. The Economic Developments in EU and Candidate Countries report prepared by the State Planning Organization (DPT) revealed the EU per capita income average, which currently stands at 24,800 euro ($35,380) in 2007, is expected to reach 25,900 euro ($36,950) in 2008, up from 21,600 euro ($30,815) in 2003. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=186 A total of 14 million students and 662,000 teachers will start lessons today after a three-month holiday. 2008-2009 education year in elementary and high schools will begin today. A total of 14 million students and 662,000 teachers will start lessons after a three-month holiday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=185 The Turkish Open Golf Championship will be held in the southern province of Antalya's resort town of Belek between September 4 and 7, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=184 Turkish no-frills carrier Pegasus Airlines plans to operate daily flights from Stansted to Istanbul by 2010 and then expand its services to Birmingham and Manchester. The operator is increasing its Stansted frequencies from three to four times weekly on Monday and will add a fifth flight on October 1. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=183 The Dutch real estate investment fund Corio would build a shopping center in Turkey’s southern town of Tarsus as it seeks to strengthen its presence in the country, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=182 Despite the ongoing global credit crunch, stable and promising markets such as Turkey continue to attract private equity investments. The first half of the year saw $2 billion in private equity fund investments http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=181 A couple of weeks ago Facebook surpassed MySpace as the most-trafficked social media site in the world (comScore). Facebook Population By Region: all numbers current to last Friday (Aug 22nd 2008) http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=180 Foreign investors have spent over 10 billion dollars on property in Turkey over the last five years according to the latest available figures. The amendment of the Foreign Direct Investment Law, which would overhaul the conditions for foreigners’ real estate investments, is expected to allow foreign companies and individuals to buy bigger chunks of property, and to boost demand even further. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=179 ISTANBUL, August 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Turkcell, the leading provider of mobile communications services in Turkey, today announced it will bring iPhone 3G to its prepaid and post-paid customers in Turkey later this year. iPhone 3G combines all the revolutionary features of iPhone plus 3G networking that is twice as fast*, built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third party applications available through the new App Store. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=178 Against the backdrop of an economical downturn, M and S money has noticed a trend for Turkish currency this summer. Sales of Turkish Lira have risen 53% year on year according to foreign currency agent M and S Money. The Turkish Lira is the second most popular ‘exotic currency' in 2008, only being beaten to the top spot by the Australian Dollar. Non-exotic currencies are the Euro and US Dollar. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=177 As the British residential market continues to deteriorate, many UK buy-to-let (BTL) investors could liquidize their holdings and invest into other asset classes including overseas property, according to the findings of a new report from international savings group Skandia. It believes that a combination of the credit crunch, diminishing rental yields and falling property prices will force many of these BTL investors, whose holdings have grown fat after years of double-digit growth, to look elsewhere for a better ROI. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=176 According to statistics from the Turkish consulate in Stockholm, more than 170,000 Swedes visited Turkey this year between January and June, which was a 20 percent rise compared to last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=175 Thomas Cook has shrugged off the economic gloom and reported strong trading this summer, with Turkey and Egypt the fastest growing holiday destinations. Europe's second-biggest travel company said yesterday there was no evidence that people were cutting back on holidays, despite household budgets being stretched by rising living costs. Bookings for winter and next summer are already ahead of last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=174 The Nilson Report has shown that the total volume of credit card transactions in Europe was $1.36 trillion in 2007. Turkey ranked fourth in Europe, with a volume of $76.98 billion. Britain tops the list with $604.6 billion and France is second with $402.8 billion Yapi Kredi’s Worldcard has been ranked as the eighth-biggest credit card program in Europe in terms of transaction volume by The Nilson Report. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=173 British buyers are increasingly motivated by lifestyle over investment property and are relying more on mortgages to fund their purchases, according to a new report from Savills Research in association with Holiday-rentals.co.uk The ‘Second Homes Abroad 2008’ report found that the total value of UK foreign owned property now stands at £58billion, an increase of £5.2billion y-o-y and that there are currently 425,000 properties owned by UK citizens overseas, an increase of 35,000 properties in the last 12 months. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=172 Blue Flag awards that are handed out every year by the Environmental Education Foundation of Turkey (TURCEV) depending on cleanliness of the water, environmental concerns, security, safety and services at beaches and marinas. Antalya received the most number of awards with 127 Blue Flags followed by 47 beaches, marinas and coastlines in Mugla and 29 in Bodrum Blue flag, which is an international eco-label in the field of environmental and human health, is the symbol of trustworthy waters on five continents and 41 countries in the world. image 2,599 beaches and 644 marinas all around the world had a Blue Flag in 2006 and 194 beaches and 14 marinas had this flag in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=171 Turkey has experienced a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors in the last year, new figures have revealed. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the country has recently seen a double-digit increase in international tourist arrivals. According to official data cited by Reuters, the European country attracted 2.75 million foreign leisure travelers in May. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=170 Bloomberg - Turkey's economic growth accelerated to 6.6 percent in the first quarter from a six-year low in the previous three months as farming recovered from drought, exports boomed and consumer spending grew. The growth rate rose from 3.4 percent in the fourth quarter, the state statistics office in Ankara said on its Web site. The economy had been expected to expand by 5 percent, according to the median estimate of 15 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=169 Reuters - Merrill Lynch plans to launch a new Turkish real estate investment fund by the end of this year, the head of the investment bank's Turkish arm said. The new fund follows another real estate fund worth $1 billion launched just over a year ago. Merrill Lynch Turkey chief Kubilay Cinemre gave no details on the possible size of a new fund. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=168 President of world-famous Century 21 Gold for Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, Alexander Blank, said that they planned to do real estate shopping worth 1 billion dollars with Turkey annually. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=167 Global investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a report that Turkey would grow to become a nearly 6 trillion dollar economy by 2050, the 9th largest economy in the world, moving ahead of G7 countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada and France. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=166 Antalya Free Trade Zone Operator AS (ASBAS) General Manager Zeki Gurses has stated that after eight years of production and export of luxury yachts, Antalya has become known around the world for its high-quality work in this sector. Recalling that 34 domestic and international yacht construction companies currently do business in the Antalya Free Trade Zone, Gurses noted that Antalya ranks third in Europe in manufacture of composite yachts. The Antalya firms currently employ 1,700 workers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=165 Leader of trade delegation, President of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and member of Higher Advisory Board MUSIAD, Murat Yalcintas has expressed hope that two way trade between Pakistan and Turkey will cross one billion dollars in the near future. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, he pointed out that around four years ago, bilateral trade was 200 million dollars, but has slowly increased to 800 million dollars now. Yalcintas said that increasing trade between two countries needs frequent exchange of trade delegations and quick dissemination of trade and investment information between the two countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=164 The number of energy investors in Turkey reached 3,000, Turkey's Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said on Saturday. Everyone would become an investor in Turkey thanks to the new Electric Market Law, Guler said during a panel discussion titled "Where are we in energy?". http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=163 Tourist arrivals to Turkey rose 19.17% year-on-year in June to 3.31 million, the Tourism Ministry said on Wednesday. The number of tourists in the first half of the year rose 16.36% to 10.69 million compared with the same period last year. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=162 President Abdullah Gul on Monday approved three key pieces of legislation that were passed by Parliament earlier this month, including a much-anticipated law allowing foreign nationals to purchase real estate in Turkey. The law allowing property sales to foreigners was drafted in consideration of the issues put forward in a Constitutional Court decision several months ago that revoked the previous law on the matter. Thus, foreign individuals and companies will be able to purchase land anywhere within the country's borders except in areas designated as irrigation, energy, agricultural, mining, religious or cultural sites, those with special protections for flora or fauna, and strategic areas with security considerations. The Cabinet will have the sole authority to designate such areas. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=161 Looking at the potential of the India market, Turkey recently set up a Turkish Culture and Tourism Office as a part of the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi, India. The office is headed by N Sevgi Boz, counsellor, culture and tourism and is part of the strategy to increase the number of Indian arrivals in Turkey from 45,000 in 2007 to 70,000 in 2008. According to Boz, "Turkey Tourism products, with their great diversity and alluring contrasts, are very strong and colourful, and even the seasoned leisure traveller will find some unique vacation experience in Turkey." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=160 Londoner's are booking holidays to Turkey ahead of Spain, Cyprus and Greece, due to the credit crunch and the increasingly tough economic conditions in the UK. A report by the Co-operative Travel Company has highlighted that a "seismic shift" in the way Briton's were buying holidays this summer, showing Turkey overtaking Spain the favourite location since the Sixties. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=159 Lehman Brothers, the global investment bank, on July 10 announced the formal launch of its business in Turkey, affirming its commitment to this important and expanding market. Commenting on this, Mehmet Simsek, the Turkish State Minister for Economic Affairs said:“During the first quarter of 2008 Turkey’s economic growth accelerated more than expected, thiseconomic stability means that the country remains attractive for leading foreign investors such as Lehman Brothers.” Lehman Brothers opened an office in Istanbul in 2007 and acquired 100% of MNG Securities in October the same year. The Firm now offers full investment banking and capital markets services in Turkey. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=158 Turkey's Mediterranean coast provides an escape from our credit-crunch blues Buying a holiday home may not be top of everyone's to-do list this summer, but a place on the Turkish coast can cost as little as £35,000. Tempted? An astute couple could acquire one with a small deposit and a credit card each: credit card companies are still offering 0percent interest for up to 15 months to those with good credit ratings. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=157 News in the foreign press pertaining to Turkey's real estate sector experienced a surge in the aftermath of the approval of a bill by Parliament on July 5 that regulates property sales to foreigners. The attention paid to Turkey's real estate sector, which is characterized by low prices, has been increasing, wrote British newspaper The Times, adding that prices in the sector are expected to skyrocket if Turkey manages to join the European Union. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=156 "Gazipasa-Alanya Airport is a small airport situated on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey." The airport was leased to the Turkish airport management company TAV (Tepe Akfen) Havalimanlari Holdings in mid-2007 for a concessionary period of 25 years – TAV has developed a five-year plan to bring the airport around. This was because the airport was reassessed by a Turkish committee of experts appointed by the State Airports Operations Board of Directors who concluded that the airport could be used for international operations provided that the runway was extended. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=155 Many Britons are turning their backs on Spain in favour of Turkey as a summer holiday destination, it was claimed yesterday. New figures show that Turkey has overtaken Spain this year as the number one destination for two weeks in the sun this summer for the first time for some UK travellers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=154 Parliament passed a bill late Thursday regulating property sales to foreigners after it was re-arranged. Foreigners and foreign foundations will be able to own up to 10 percent of land within a building scheme, according to the new amendment. In case of liquidation of foreign companies in Turkey, the legislation will apply certain limitations which will enable foreigners to buy land in strategic and important areas only through special permission. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=153 Turkish President Abdullah Gul, who is currently in Japan, met Emperor Akihito on Thursday in a visit that is expected to open a new page to in the economic, tourism and investment potential between the two countries. Gul reminded that Turkey declared 2010 "Japan Year" and once again extended an invitation to Emperor Akihito to visit Turkey, who said he would convey the invitation to the Japanese government. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=152 The BLOOMBERG TELEVISION(R) network examines the riches and risks in the Turkish economy with an exclusive half hour-long special report, "Turkey in Transition," airing Friday, May 30th and repeating throughout the weekend. "Last year's drought caused global food prices and energy to rise. So, inflation has been a global phenomenon across the board," Turkey's Economy Minister Mehmet Simsek tells Bloomberg during the special program. "Inflation in Turkey is at a forty year low, while in many other countries it is at a two decade high." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=151 The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced the tourism statistics for April. The statistics show that the number of tourists visiting Turkey in 2008 is expected to increase significantly. The number of tourists visiting Turkey in the first four months of 2008 increased by 12.37 percent over the same period last year, reaching 4.63 million. On the other hand, according to the statistics, the number of visitors last month increased by 8.35 percent to 1.65 million compared to the March 2007. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=150 Turkey's Nuri Bilge Ceylan won Cannes' Best Director prize on Sunday for his searing family drama "Three Monkeys".Ceylan, almost 40 and already winner of a batch of awards for his first four features, is regarded as one of the most distinctive film-makers of the last decade. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=149 Smoking will be banned in all enclosed areas throughout Turkey under the provisions of the Law to Prevent the Dangers of Tobacco Products that will go into effect on May 19. According to a Prime Ministry notice clarifying the law, all closed areas, including tents and sunshades, with a roof will be non-smoking areas. The non-smoking ban will also apply to areas that are partially covered. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=148 The Queen has described Turkey as "a bridge between East and West at a crucial time" during an official visit to the country. She was speaking at a state banquet in Ankara, hosted by President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa. Turkey had a "key role in promoting peace, political stability and economic development in some of the world's most unsettled areas", she said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=147 Turkey ranked ahead of investment hot spots such as Dubai, Morroco, Florida amongst others which have undergone heavy promotion and advertising launches. It is testament to the fact that Turkey still offers the best combination of good value property in prime locations with an unbeatable year round climate. In the top 101 list, France, Bulgaria and Cyprus came next after Spain, although Italy, has only ranked 21st amongst UK internet users. In the more investment-focused markets, Dubai and Morocco came in at 7th and 13th respectively. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=146 The government raised YTL 2.42 billion ($1.9 billion) in an initial public offering for a 15 percent stake in fixed-line phone company Turk Telekom, making it the country's biggest IPO. The government sold Turk Telekom shares for YTL 4.60 ($3.66) each, close to the top range of YTL 4.70, Metin Kilci, the head of Turkey's asset sales agency, told reporters in Ankara yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=145 The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will begin a historic visit to Turkey today for the first time since 1971. Accompanied by a delegation including her private secretary, the Queen will arrive in the Turkish capital in the evening and will first visit the mausoleum of Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. President Abdullah Gul will receive the British monarch at the Cankaya Presidential Palace and host a state banquet in her honor. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=144 British mobile phone Vodafone announced Tuesday that it will distribute Apples wildly popular iPhone in 10 new countries including Turkey, Australia, and South Africa, the AFP reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=143 The number of tourists arriving in Antalya by plane has grown by 17 percent in comparison to the same period last year, the Antalya Culture and Tourism Directorate announced yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=142 Turkey's exports increased by 39.16 percent to $11.39 billion in April, compared to the same period last year, the chairman of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly (TIM) announced yesterday. The 12-month exports rose by 27.61 percent to reach $117.5 billion as of April, Turkey's exports increased 36.9 percent to $42.79 billion in the three months through March, according to TIM data. In April industry constituted 88.4 percent of aggregate exports while agriculture provided 9 percent and mining 2.59 percent. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=141 European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) gave the monopoly of European Beach Volley to Turkish Beach Federation for 30 years. The negotiation between CEV Chairman Andre Meyer and TVF (Turkish Volleyball Federation) Chairman Erol Unal Karabiyik regarding Turkey’s being European Beach Volley Center has concluded happily by the agreement signed in Alanya. European Volleyball Confederation Chairman Andre Meyer was invited to Turkey on 19th July 2007 by TVF Chairman Erol Unal Karabiyik in order to see and decide for the areas of European Beach Volley Center. By means of Alanya Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu’s allocation of 6.000 m2 area on Ahmet Tokus Boulevard together with 27.500 m2 beach area to Turkish Volleyball Federation use, the choice was made on Alanya’s side. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=140 Turkish property has increased in popularity over the past year, while Morocco, Cyprus, Portugal and Italy have also shown significant growth as property hotspots. Turkish property has soared in popularity more than three-fold over the past year amongst British investors, research from Moneycorp’s Foreign Focus Index reveals. The number of enquiries relating to buying property in Turkey received by Moneycorp’s currency dealing desk has increased more than three-fold from 2006 to 2007. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=139 Turkish building construction cost increased 11.45% from the previous year in the first quarter, the Turkish Statistical Institute revealed Tuesday. This compares to 17.89% growth in the first quarter of 2007. Labor cost showed an annual growth of 12.54% and material cost climbed 11.15%. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=138 It's not the minarets, the sunsets or the Bosphorous views making Istanbul's April crowds coo with pleasure -- it is the tulips. With a tulip blooming for almost every one of its 12 million inhabitants the city hopes to remind the world that Turkey was the original home of the flower now more usually associated with clogs, cheese and windmills. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=137 The Presidential Cycling Tour, which is the prestige race of Turkish Cycling, has become an organization that all the federations want to successfully emulate. Newly promoted to a UCI 2.1 event, the race has been boosted by government support and the President of the republic, Abdullah Gul, who attended the last stage in Alanya on the Mediterranean coast. With the participation of qualified athletes and the success in managing the organization the sport of cycling has progressed country-wide. Some of the most famous professionals, Silence-Lotto, Saunier Duval Scott, Team Milram, Lampe, Astana are the teams which coloured this year’s tour. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=136 Hollywood star Josh Holloway otherwise known as 'Sawyer' from popular tv show 'LOST' recently visited Turkey to shoot a commercial for Magnum ice-cream. Including the commercial shoot, Josh also took time out to speak to the press and appeared on various popular tv shows for interviews. Josh spoke about his impression of Turkey and Istanbul and talked about how he would definitely visit again with his wife as he was keen to show her this magical city. Josh follows a stream of Amercian stars who have recently visited Turkey including Paris Hilton, Ivanka and Donald Trump and Kevin Costner. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=135 Turkey ranked 11th in terms of tourist arrivals and ninth in tourism revenues among the worlds' top 20 tourism destinations, the State Planning Organization (DPT) said. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=134 U.S. property tycoon Donald Trump is to build an office, residential and shopping complex in Istanbul together with Turkey's prominent Dogan family, the Dogan Group said in a statement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=133 The shopping center stock in Turkey is set to increase by around 60%* over the next two years according to the latest Turkish Retail Market Report from Jones Lang LaSalle and Alkas Consulting. The shopping center market in Turkey has seen significant development in the last two years; the number of centers has increased by 33 since the beginning of 2007 and totalled 188 in February 2008. An additional 66 centers are currently under construction and a total of 84 are planned. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=132 The "Southeast Europe Attractiveness Survey," announced in Istanbul yesterday, revealed that Turkey is challenging Romania in terms of attractiveness for potential investors. Turkey ranks second with 50 percent approval, whilst Romania scores 52 percent in this year's survey. “Last year Romania scored 58 percent, but this year it came down to 52. Turkey, on the other hand, improved its attractiveness by one percent. This is a good trend for Turkey,” Fabrice Reynaud, senior manager at Ernst and Young, told reporters. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=131 Summer holidays in Europe will be significantly more expensive for British holidaymakers in particular as sterling's value has plummeted 15 per cent against the euro in just 12 months. One of the main sufferers would be Spain as more holidaymakers chose Turkey, Florida and dollar-based destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Mexico. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=130 British consumers are continuing to defy fears of a big slowdown in holiday bookings this summer, while north European sales are booming, said Thomas Cook, which has also revealed it was in talks to buy a Russian tour operator. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=129 WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- Turkey's government is determined to maintain policies that will help it deal with the turmoil in global financial markets, according to a senior representative at the International Monetary Fund. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=128 Three new companies from Turkey -- Eregli Demir-Celik (Erdemir), Halk Bank and Ford Automotive -- made the Forbes Global 2000 list this year, raising the total number of Turkish companies on the list to 14. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=127 Turkey will host the largest U.S. trade delegation ever to visit the country from April 14-16, said a written statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Over 60 U.S. companies will participate in the “Trade Winds Europe” conference, which has been organized by the Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, with the support of U.S. and Turkish companies and business organizations, said the statement. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=126 Residents and friends were invited on Saturday to our first spring barbeque at Prestige Residence. Seated on pool side tables enjoying the beautiful Alanya weather, everyone tucked into a buffet selection of salads and vegetarian dishes as well as hot food served fresh off the barbeque. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=125 Russian tourists have become increasingly prominent in a number of global tourist destinations. In 2007 more than two million Russians visited Turkey, bringing economic benefits to the country's economy. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=124 Moscow and Istanbul real estate investment returns are likely to surpass Paris and London on optimism faster growth in emerging markets will push up rents and fuel demand for property, according to a survey of investors, brokers and analysts. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=123 Moscow and Istanbul Rated Top Markets for Investment and Development in Emerging Trends in Real Estate® Europe 2008. U.S. Economic Woes Lead to Higher Risk, Tighter Credit for European Cities in the Year Ahead http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=122 National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the largest bank in Kuwait and the highest-rated bank in the Middle East, announced today in an international press conference in Istanbul the successful conclusion of the acquisition of a 40% stake in Turkish Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=121 ANKARA, March 10 (Reuters) - Turkey expects a strong tourist season in 2008 despite an economic slowdown in Europe, its main market, tourism officials said on Monday. The Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TYD) expects the number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey to rise 12 percent in 2008, resulting in revenues of up to $21 billion, said Murat Dedeman, the head of the Tourism Investors Association. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=120 Turkey has changed its method of calculating its gross domestic product, switching to the system used in the Europen Union which it is hoping to join, the country's statistics office said Saturday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=119 ISTANBUL, March 5 (Reuters) - Turks celebrated late into the night after Fenerbahce beat Sevilla to reach the Champions League quarter-finals and newspapers heralded the victory on Wednesday as putting it among the giants of European football. Fenerbahce became the second Turkish team to reach the quarter-finals of the competition after former UEFA Cup champions Galatasaray, whose success in Europe has until now overshadowed that of its Istanbul rivals. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=118 Alanya International Mountain Bike Race was held last week with the attendance of 199 sportsmen from eight countries. Kristian Hynek, from the Czech Republic was the winner in the Elite male category with a time of two minutes 5.54 seconds. Czech Mathaus Ulman came in second with 2.06.25 and Austrian Alban Lakata finished third with 2.09.25. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=117 Work is progressing on Alanya's East Beach road running alongside Keykubet Beach. The road has now been reduced from 4 to 2 lanes and new trees have been planted and wider pavements are being laid. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=116 Turkish banks, whose financial infrastructure turned upside down during the devastating 2001 crisis, posted record profits after six years. In 2007, their profit per day was YTL 40.8 million. Overall profit of banks between 2002 and 2007 is a whopping $35 billion http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=115 Once known for its shanty towns and sardine fishermen, Istanbul has emerged as one of the world’s richest cities, home to the fourth highest number of billionaires, behind Moscow, New York and London. Extraordinary wealth may not always be what springs to mind in connection with Turkey. Yet according to figures published by Forbes magazine last week, the opulent villas and wooden waterfront mansions lining the Bosphorus – Sabanci Dincer lives in one with her husband Haluk and two children – are home to 35 billionaires, up from 25 in 2007.Billionaire cities http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=114 Belek, Antalya, Turkey's up and coming golf centre, is preparing to host a major golf event in May with the 250,000-euro Turkish Ladies Open, a part of the 2008 Ladies European Tour (LET). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=113 After deliberating about an Indian office for almost a year, Turkey has finally confirmed its plan to open a dedicated National Tourist Office (NTO) in India in the next two months. The office is scheduled to come up in Chanakya Puri, New Delhi. It is, currently, scouting for a suitable location in the area. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=112 Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Turkey rose 9.8 percent to hit $21.9 billion in 2007 and came mostly in the form of privatizations, mergers and acquisitions, and property sales, the Undersecretariat of the Treasury announced in its monthly "Foreign Direct Investment Data" bulletin published yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=111 The big operators Cosmos Holidays (0871 423 8560 www.cosmos.co.uk) New to this year's Summer Holidays brochure is the Lykia World Antalya in Olu Deniz – plus upmarket hotels in Gumbet and Belek. See www.somewhere2stay.com for accommodation in a big choice of resorts near Bodrum, Dalaman and Antalya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=110 Caffè Nero, the coffee bar operator, has started to open stores in Turkey as part of an international expansion strategy targeting the Gulf, China and several European countries. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=109 Emaar Turkey, the country-subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has signed an agreement to purchase 73,571 sq m of prime land in Istanbul, to develop a mixed-use project, details of which are currently being finalised. The purchase protocol valued at $400m has been signed between Emaar Turkey and Toprak Holding. The land is ideal for a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and tourism components. Located in the Istanbul Asian side within the junction of main highways, it is also in close proximity to the proposed metro line that will join the rail tube tunnel under the Marmara Sea connecting Asia to Europe. The metro line is scheduled to be operational in 2009. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=108 The Turkish-American Business Council and the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) will hold a conference in New York on March 17, 2008. The conference, titled "Turkey after 2008," is a continuation of an earlier meeting held in March of last year, titled "Turkey: the New Target of Direct Investment and Private Equity Funds." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=107 There are around 1.7 million people on Turkey’s Facebook network but the number is actually higher since some users do not join any network. The question is how did Facebook become so popular even though the website does not have a Turkish version and Internet use is relatively low in Turkey http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=106 Thirty years is a long time. As Turkey and India rediscover their common values, economic and strategic interests, two secular democracies are reaching out to each other across an arc of instability to build a better economic and political relationship. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=105 According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Turkey is among the 10 most popular tourist destinations worldwide. With an increase of about 18 percent in tourists visiting Turkey in 2007, the country's tourism market is growing at a rate above the world average. The UNWTO calls this rise in its Worlds Tourism Report 2007 "proof of the positive impact of the continued economic pick-up of the country." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=104 According to a survey published today, in the form of A Place in the Sun magazine’s annual Top 20 buying destinations, despite a raft of emerging markets and USA property prices down 30% on a year ago and a dollar weakened by 25%, it’s the traditional sun-seeker’s favourite Spain that takes the number one spot for the second year running. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=103 Turkish lira, which was the second best-performing emerging-market currency against the dollar last year, rose to its strongest in more than 6 1/2 years against the dollar last week as the highest interest rates in Europe and government plans to simplify taxes and boost employment attracted investors. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=102 Featured in one of U.K's leading newspapers the Daily Mail, Turkey has been selected as a overseas property hotspot for 2008! When looking at where to find a foreign bolthole that will offer good capital appreciation in 2008, Turkey ranked as one of the emerging stars and here's why; http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=101 A new airport will open up Alanya inTurkey to more British buyers reports U.K's Leading Sunday Newspaper The Mail on Sunday 6th January 2008 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=97 TAV Havalimanlari Holding announced that State Airports Operations Board of Directors approved the lease of Alanya - Gazipasa airport for 25 years. Operating lease commitment between the state-run department for aviation and the worldwide operating turkish company TAV for the airport in Gazipasa has now been signed. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=96 Turkey will maintain its strong commercial performance also this year, said the World Trade Organization (WTO) in a report. Should structural reforms in foreign trade be ongoing, Turkey's economic performance will also improve, according to WTO's data. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=95 Best Buy, one of the largest technology retailers in the US, is assessing Turkey as a possible investment center in the future expansion plans of the company. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=94 Early bookings to Portugal and Turkey doing particularly well for 2008, according to ABTA as it released an end of year set of holiday trends. ABTA has forecasted a set of holiday trends suggesting that forthcoming events in 2008 will play a big part in generating tourism. With almost 70 million holidays abroad taken by UK residents in 2007, the numbers are set to increase into 2008, with Portugal and Turkey holidays providing early signs of particularly encouraging bookings. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=93 NEW FOR 2008! LUXURY APARTMENTS AT PRESTIGE RESIDENCE AVAILABLE WITH A 20 YEAR LOW-INTEREST MORTGAGE WITH GARANTI BANK! From the 1st of January 2008 till the 31st of March 2008, Torsolar Construction are offering all our customers a further 1% discount from the current APR% rate on a Euro mortgage at Garanti Bank. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=92 Significant growth in cell phone usage has led monthly cell phone sales to exceed 1 million units in Turkey, making Turkey an important market for cell phone producers. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=91 The sticky but exquisitely Belgian world of pralines, truffles and cocoa butter is about to be transported to the land of Turkish Delight. Godiva Chocolatier, the Belgian chocolate maker, is to being sold by Campbell Soup Company to Yildiz Holding, a firm based in Istanbul that owns Ulker Group, a Turkish biscuit conglomerate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=90 The number of foreign tourists visiting Turkey during the 11 months between January and November 2007 rose 18.15 percent compared to the corresponding figures of 2006. Some 22.3 million foreign visitors arrived between January and November, up from 18.8 million in the same month of 2006. The figures were released by the Turkish Hoteliers Federation (Turofed) in a press conference in Istanbul yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=89 From this week, all residents at Prestige Residence can start to enjoy the convenience of a 24 hour wireless internet service in their own apartment. A wireless internet signal has been installed around the perimeter of the site so you won't need to make anymore more visits to an internet cafe! You can now surf the net from your own home and at no extra cost. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=88 Private equity (PE) investors are keeping their trust in Turkish markets alive though they are in a cautious mood due to the recent turmoil in the global markets, consulting and accounting giant Deloitte claimed in another report yesterday. Its Private Equity Confidence Survey (PECS), published for the second time this year, showed that although the depth of the US subprime problems currently remains unclear, the main emerging markets including Turkey have avoided problems for the moment and in some respects have even been seen as a "safe haven." http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=87 The “Clean Environment, Green world, Blue Sea” campaign has been launched with the cooperation of the Turkey Environment Education Association (TURCEV) and the daily Hurriyet. Turkey, with its 235 blue flag beaches, ranked fourth in the world following Spain, Greece and France said Izmir Governor Cahit Kirac at the conference. “Izmir, with its 23 beaches in the districts of Selcuk, Ozdere, Gumuldur, Cesme, Karaburun, Foca and Dikili, has some 10 percent of all shorelines in Turkey flying the blue flag,” said Kirac. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=86 The firm, which plays an important role in Turkey's lucrative tourism sector, posted a net profit of 194.19 million lira ($165.62 million) in the first nine months of 2007, up 52.4 percent from the same period last year. Its share price was 2.79 percent lower at 8.70 lira at 1207 GMT, in line with the main stock exchange index. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=85 Age of Riches, Articles in this series are examining the effects of the growing concentration of wealth. Since 2000, Husnu M. Ozyegin has spent more than $50 million of his own money, building 36 primary schools and girls’ dormitories in the poorest parts of Turkey. Next to the Turkish government, Mr. Ozyegin is the biggest individual supporter of schools in the country — and an official from the education ministry has told him that his market share is increasing. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=83 ISTANBUL, Turkey, Dec. 11 GE Energy Financial Services will join GAMA Holding AS to invest in energy and water projects in Turkey. The company said it will help the surrounding region meet rising demand for electricity and water, and grow in emerging markets. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=82 The uncertainty over IndianOil’s proposed 15-million-tonne greenfield refinery in Turkey seems to be over. According to sources, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority of Turkey has finally granted licence to IOC-Calik Holding joint venture last week for setting up the refinery at the port city of Ceyhan. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=81 Turkey’s economy grew by 2 percent in the third quarter of 2007 from the equivalent figure last year, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on Monday. The figure shows the change in gross national product (GNP) over the period, the preferred measure of Turkish economic growth, which includes the output of millions of Turkish workers abroad. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=80 Turkish Mediterranean province of Antalya has become the new favorite for international capital companies which work in Turkey. According to figures of Treasury Undersecretariat, Turkey drew direct investment of 940 million USD in September 2007. On the other hand, direct investment figure in January-September period of 2007 has become 15.3 billion USD. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=79 Turkey is among the countries that have been shortlisted for an EC 'European destination of excellence' award. The competition is designed to recognise Europe's most popular tourist destination of 2007, with the eventual winner set to be announced next year. Representatives from Turkey's ministry of culture and tourism will be assigned to decide which particular destination will be put forward to represent the country, Turkish Press reports. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=78 In a recent survey comparing the purchasing power of European countries, Turkey has placed 31st with per capita disposable income of just over 3,000 euros. The findings of a recent Growth for Knowledge survey have revealed that European consumers have a total of around 8,000 billion euros to spend from their household net income. This corresponds to an average purchasing power, or disposable income, of around 11,998 euros per capita across the 40 countries surveyed. This figure includes state payments such as unemployment benefit, child support allowance and pensions. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=77 Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) sets a new record in its general public offerings by surpassing the $2.8 billion record set in 2000, to reach $3.3 billion. With a public offering by Turk Telekom and Ziraat Bank a new record is expected to be set in 2008 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=76 Istanbul, Turkey (Sports Network) - Turkish champion Fenerbahce overcame an early own goal to defeat CSKA Moscow, 3-1, on Wednesday and qualify for the knockout round of the Champions League for the first time. Ugur Boral had two goals and Alex chipped in one, helping Fenerbahce finish second in Group G and earn one of the two qualifying berths still undecided entering the final day of the group stage. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=75 There was a time when foreign investors couldn't leave Turkey fast enough. It was back in 2001 when the entire economy crumbled. Nearly seven years later the wounds have largely healed, growth has returned and Turkey's becoming a realistic, even alluring, destination for foreign investors with money to spend. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=74 The number of British tourists visiting Turkey during the January-October period of this year increased by 14.58 percent, said a statement from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Consultancy in the United Kingdom. This is considered "quite a healthy increase," the statement said. In January-October 2006, 1.6 million British tourists visited Turkey and in 2007 the number rose to 1.9 million. In the same period, the number of tourists coming from European Union countries also increased http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=73 Tourists are continuing to enjoy summer-like weather in the southern province of Antalya where meterorologists have recorded that the weather is averaging around 23 degrees celcius. Meliha Sene Aksel, who came to Antalya for the first time from Belgium, said she was surprised to see that the weather is so warm in Antalya, adding 'I did not expect the weather to be so warm. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=72 For all DIY enthusiasts the opening of Koctas (B and Q) has come a welcome arrival to Alanya. The store opened last Friday and is convenientely located a 5 minute walk away from Prestige Residence. The store offers a complete range of D.I.Y products, electrical goods and appliances, gardening store and plenty of choice items for all your decorating needs. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=71 The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Turkey for a four-day tour of its cultural and historical treasures. They will visit the mausoleum of one of Islam's most celebrated poets during the trip, which is the third by Prince Charles in as many years. The royal couple arrived in Turkey's capital Ankara after an invitation from President Abdullah Gul. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=70 Exciting news for travellers from the U.K to Antalya, British Airways have announced that they will operate flights from Gatwick to Antalya with three flights per week to Antalya from April 10, 2008. This is exciting news for the region that has already seen an increase of 25% in tourist numbers since last year. Now travellers will be able to choose from flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for departures to the city on the Mediterranean coast, according to the New Anatolian http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=69 The number of foreign visitors to Turkey rose 25.6 percent year-on-year in October to 2.15 million, the Turkish Statistics Institute said on Wednesday. In the first 10 months of the year, the number rose 18.3 percent to 21.1 million, the institute said. Visitor numbers have continued to show strong growth, but income from tourism has grown more slowly than visitor numbers. In the third quarter revenues rose 8.6 percent year-on-year to $8.7 billion, after 1 percent growth in the second quarter. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=68 Business prodigy Sir Richard Branson, in Istanbul for the first time, said Saturday he intends to enter the Turkish cellular phone market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=67 Forbes magazine has announced the richest people in the world as of 2007. There is a total of 946 billionairs this year (+150 compared to last year) who scored with their personal wealth, Bill Gates being on top of the list (56 billion US Dollars), Warren Buffett the 2nd (52 billion USD), and the Mexican businessman Carlos Slim Helu as the 3rd (49 billion USD). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=66 Close to 8,000 beds in 25 accomodation facilities await winter tourists all across Turkey but the Culture and Tourism Ministry aims to boost the number to 42,700 through a series of construction projects currently in the pipeline. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=65 Year-end spending habits of Turks are becoming increasingly similar to that of Europeans, according to research conducted by global consulting firm Deloitte. The survey conducted in 15 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with more than 15,000 participants shows the Turkish consumer is more optimistic than the European consumer, as 32 percent believe the economy is stable, while 17.3 percent say it is growing. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=64 Netherlands-based property firm Redevco announced yesterday that it was planning to make more than $1 billion in investments in Turkey, with shopping malls and business centers on the drawing board for Istanbul, Ankara, Edirne, Manisam, Antalya and Erzurum. Redevco Europe CEO Jaap Gillis, Redevco Turkey Managing Director Patrick van Dooyewert and Redevco Turkey Construction and Land Development Director Muharrem Polat held a press conference yesterday for the promotion of the projects. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=63 Mediterranean city Antalya's Alanya district will be promoted in 18 more fairs, 17 of which will be organized abroad. In a statement the Foundation for Alanya Tourism and Promotion said that there were 20 fairs in 2007-2008 schedule of the foundation. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=62 World-famous Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and his band Modern West rocked Istanbul's WOW Convention Center Tuesday night at a rare concert in Turkey. The Oscar-winning actor, starring in such hits as "Dances with the Wolves," "Field of Dreams," "JFK," "The Bodyguard" and "The Postman," walked to the stage from among the audience at the beginning of his Istanbul concert. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=61 Turkey jumped up six spots to 53rd place among 131 countries in the overall ranking of The Global Competitiveness Report 2007-2008, released by the World Economic Forum yesterday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=60 Norwegian Ankara Ambassador Ms Cecilie Landsverk who came to Alanya to attend the opening exhibition of Turkish and Norwegian ceramic artists that is organized at Alanya Municipality Arts Center, visited Mayor Hasan Sipahioglu. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=59 17th International Alanya Triathlon European Final ended. 400 sportsmen attended the competitions from 35 countries. The start of the organization consisting of 6 categories was given by Deputy Mayor Kemal Dere. The Russian Yulian Malshev in men’s category and Ukrainian Yulia Yelistratova in women’s category were the winners at Alanya Triathlon championship which is the final stage of European Triathlon Cup. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=58 Lithuania’s real estate newspaper Bustas carried on a full page of Alanya news in the front page regarding the promotion of real estate sector in Alanya. The paper emphasized on the villas, construction sector and the interest of the foreigners in Alanya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=57 Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner was one of the guests at a presidential reception to mark the 84th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey at Cankaya Palace yesterday. After shaking hands with President Abdullah Gul, the world-famous actor had a brief chat with him http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=56 Alanya Triathlon Championship will start at 09:15 am on Wednesday 24th October in the harbor with swimming category and continue at the road between the old Kocbank crossroad and Grand Kaptan Hotel http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=55 Turkey, which drew foreign investment to the tune of $20.1 billion last year, is the sixth most attractive country for investment, according to the World Investment Report 2007, prepared by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=54 Turkey, one of the most attractive countries among western Asian economies, made the list of the world's largest cross-border mergers and acquisitions of 2006 with five operations: http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=53 Developing countries and transition economies have experienced an all-time-high foreign investment inflow of $379 billion. The increase in international direct investment is related to the abundance of liquidity all over the world, strong economic performance and increasing profitability. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=52 LONDON, Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S.-based bank Lehman Brothers said on Thursday it had agreed to buy Turkish equity securities brokerage firm MNG Securities. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=51 American R and B singer Beyonce Knowles, is due to perform in Istanbul at a rare concert, scheduled for Oct. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=50 Finland - Helsinki: 15 to 16 September 2007 with Asuntovarma Buying Properties Abroad Exhibition will be held at Wanha Satama in Helsinki on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 - 16, 2007 between 10.30 - 17.00 Our projects will be presented by IDEAL REAL ESTATE and Asuntovarma Oy LKV (Kiinteistomaailma) Kazan - Teteristan: 25th to 29th September 2007 http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=49 Last Updated: 12:01am BST 20/09/2007 As the weather cools, more of us are tempted to buy abroad. But will it be a Turkish bargain, asks Cherry Maslen A new airport outside the ancient city of Alanya in southern Turkey has finally been given the go-ahead after years of anticipation. It will take just 20-30 minutes to reach the city from the new Gazipasa airport, which will be 30km outside Alanya. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=48 Koc Holding's do - it - yourself chain, Koctas / B and Q will be opening a brand new store in Alanya before the end of the year. Koc entered the home retail sector in 1996 leading the development on th Turkish DIY sector and launched their first store in Bornova, Izmir. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=47 SEARCHING for that dream home in the sun but can't afford Spain? Then why not take a look at Turkey? The country at the eastern end of the Med is becoming increasingly popular with Brits buying abroad, with 17,000 homes now under UK ownership. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=46 Property investors can only expect a better outlook for the future when looking to Alanya as an investment opportunity. News of the opening of Gazipasa airport has brought a stream of investors to Alanya hoping to have their share of what will undoubtedly create a major boom in tourism and development. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=45 Over 30 different Web sites promoting Turkey in different countries and languages have been gathered under the single Web portal by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=44 A concert by the popular Latvian jazz musician Laimis Racenajs and his band opened the fifth edition of the Alanya Jazz Days at the Mediterranean holiday town's Kizilkule Square. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=43 The announcement of Tepe Afken Airports Holding (TAV) winning the right to operate the Gazipasa Airport near Alanya for 25 years has lead to a boom in the real estate and construction sector. Upcoming projects include residences, five star hotels and a golf course. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=42 ANKARA - A draft of Turkey's new constitution will be finalised before the end of September and submitted to parliament for approval before the end of this year, a senior official of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) said late Monday. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=41 Turkish province of Antalya will host the 2011 Outdoor Sports Olympics, said the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV) on Wednesday. More than 30,000 athletes from 50 countries and regions are expected to attend the Antalya Olympics, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=40 The nation voted for a new Parliament in an election on Sunday that went peacefully across the country, with a record-high in participation rate. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=39 The London-based Global Property Guide (GPG), a respected consultancy group preparing analyses and research on global property markets, determined recently that Turkey has one of the most attractive property markets in Europe. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=38 DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND  OUR SPECIAL OFFER IS EXTENDED TO THE 15TH OF SEPTEMBER** http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=37 ISTANBUL, Turkey -- Turkish champions Fenerbahce have signed Real Madrid full back Roberto Carlos, the Istanbul club said on its Web site on Wednesday. A World Cup winner in 2002, the 34-year-old Brazilian announced in March he would be leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the Primera Liga season, and he has now accepted a new challenge with Fenerbahce, where his countryman Zico is the coach. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=36 Kipa, the Turkish subsidiary of Europe’s largest retailer Tesco, is to open a brand new store in Alanya this summer. The new store opening comes as part of an expansion of stores in Turkey which has already reaped substantial profits for the chain since they launched their partnership with Kipa. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=35 Total climbs to 230 It is expected that 38 more beaches in Turkey will get Blue Flag certification -- an international standard of cleanliness, tidiness and good maintenance -- bringing the total number of Blue Flagged beaches in Turkey to 230. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=34 Fenerbahce proudly wins this title for the 17th time. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=33 NEW YORK -- Visits by Americans to Turkey have returned to pre-2001 levels, with 532,000 U.S. visitor arrivals in 2006, according to statistics from the Turkish government http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=32 Turkey to partly cancel property sale law: Turkey's Constitutional Court cancelled part of a law previously approved by Turkey's center-right government. The law was to allow sales of real estate to foreigners as part of a drive to open up the economy and to meet legal standards of the European Union. The ruling affected a part of the law that allows the cabinet to increase the amount of land owned by individual foreigners in Turkey by up to 30 hectares. Turkish Daily News http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=31 13 April 2007 - Britons spending £161 million each year on medical tourism reveals Treatment Abroad. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=30 About 3,000 foreign-owned companies - two-thirds of them from the EU - set up shop in Turkey in 2006. Foreign investment has almost quadrupled in the last three years, drawn in by a rigorous round of reforms, a skilled, low cost workforce, a 20 per cent corporate tax rate and a market of 72 million people. In 2006 foreign investment in Turkey reached $17.4 billion, compared with $8.5 billion the year before http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=29 Norwegian Air will start to fly between Antalya - Oslo from 5th May and the service will initially operate ones a week on Saturdays. Prices are starting from 342 NOK. Norwegian has 22 aircraft of Boeing 737-300 with 148 seats. Visit www.norwegian.no for further information. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=28 Antalya based SunExpress Airlines the sister company of Turkish Airlines starts to fly between Antalya and London from 8th february 2007. The service will initially operate twice-weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. Visit www.sunexpress.com.tr for further information. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=27 Turkey's golf tourism sector is set to rise over the course of this year, an industry official has reported. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=26 Our 1st Residents Meeting at Safran Residence took place on the 31st of March and was a very lively and http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=25 Toroslar are pleased to offer an exclusive discount to our customers for purchase of furniture at Arstil in Alanya. We will give our customers a special discount coupon which entitles our customers to a special 15% discount for all furniture purchases at Arstil. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=24 Queen Beatrix of Holland arrives in Turkey today for a 4 day visit as the official guest of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, accompanied by her son, Prince Willem Alexander, and her daughter in law Princess Maxima, who is 7 months pregnant. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=23 The total income from foreign property sales has now reached 7.2 billion dollars over the last 4 years. Property in Turkey has been available to sale to foreigners since 2003. Merkez bank report that the highest level of sales achieved was in 2005 seeing an increase of 59% from the previous year with property sales worth 2.9 billion dollars. In 2006 monthly sales were worth an average of 243.5 million dollars. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=22 The property exhibition, ”Buying Properties Abroad” arranged by Fair Media took place on the 20th and 21st of January 2007 in Globen Stockholm. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=20 A Place in the Sun Live, in association with Moneycorp, is back…and it's bigger and better than ever before! Taking place at ExCeL London, from Friday 30th March to Sunday 1st April, it is the world's largest exhibition of overseas property. Based on the hit Channel 4 TV series, the exhibition will feature 1000s of properties for sale http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=19 A Place in the Sun Live! - the exciting new overseas property, travel and lifestyle exhibition. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=18 Turkey is such an exciting nation with incredible potential for growth in many sectors - from automotive manufacturing to tourism for example – and this growth will most certainly enhance both the commercial and residential real estate industries for a number of significant and sustainable reasons. As a result of these facts Turkey is definitely one of our favourite emerging markets for 2007 and it is our belief that property investment in Turkey in 2007 will soar and the foundations will be laid by many for the attainment of substantial profits over at least the medium term. However, as with any emerging market it is not all plain sailing in terms of profiting from property in Turkey and as a result this overview of the Turkish property market prospects for investors in 2007 will aim to show both the main prospects for growth and also any significant factors that could potentially inhibit the ongoing appeal and development of the property market. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=17 For investors, holiday or retirement home buyers, for property developers and those looking to land bank attractive parcels of Turkish real estate this is our comprehensive Turkey Property Report which details and assesses the latest findings and statistics relating to the areas of Turkey most popular with overseas buyers, the most common buyers of property in Turkey and the future prospects for intense development and purchase focus. 2006 has so far been an important year for the emerging Turkish real estate market and it means that now is definitely the time that investors hungry for a new market should begin seriously exploring their options in this exciting nation full of potential. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=16 There has been a sharply growing demand for buying property in Turkey. According to data revealed by Minister of Finance in August, the number of Britons who own a real estate in Turkey rose to 14,456 from 2,964 in mid-July 2003. Thus, the increase in the number of Britons who invested in property became 388% over the period in question. http://www.toroslar.com.tr/readx.asp?id=15 Figures from Turkish Treasury showed that the number of FDI companies in Turkey reached 13,904 at end-August 2006. When the distribution of the companies with foreign capital according to their country of origin is concerned, it is seen that 7,500 of the total 13,904 companies with foreign capital are of EU origin, in which Germany leads with 2.435 firms followed by United Kingdom (1,226) and Holland (1,098).