
A unique city where east meets west, the bridge
between Europe and Asia thriving metropolis of 12 million people-exotic yet
distinctively western. Over the course of millennia, Istanbul was the seat of
three great empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman and meeting place of people of
many religions and cultures who came together and learned to live in peace and
harmony.
Ultra modern amenities, the splendours of the
Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make
Istanbul a perfect meeting city, one that will impress treasured and lasting
memories.

The city offers value for the money as well, with
competitive prices, often below the rest of Europe, and superior service. The
rates may be lower but not the quality.

SECURITY
Based on the data provided by the well known statistical
institutes of the world amongst the other metropolises, Istanbul is one of the
few cities with a minimum amount of crime. Despite its intensive population and
traffic, you can walk through every part of the city together with the people.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
The temperature in Istanbul in September is around Cº21
and ranges from Cº19 to Cº24. In Istanbul spring weather is generally warm.
However, it is advisable to take a jacket, a pullover, a light raincoat or
umbrella for occasional rain showers and cool evenings. Hotels and the
conference halls are air-conditioned.
TIME ZONE
Turkish Standard Time is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean
Time.
CURRENCY
The local currency is New Turkish Lira (YTL). The exchange
rate changes daily. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks,
hotels and exchange offices.
BANKS
Bank business hours are from Monday to Friday,
09.00-16.30. Banks are closed on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. All banks
have similar exchange rates.
POSTAL SERVICES
Hotels often provide basic postal services. Post offices
are open daily except Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
ELECTRICITY
General Household electric power is 220 volts.
RESTAURANTS
It is possible to find various kinds of Turkish, Western,
Asian and all other cuisine in Istanbul.
SHOPPING
Most shops in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 to
19:00 Monday to Saturday. Some of the supermarkets, shops, newspaper kiosks,
restaurants and food shops are also open on Sunday. In all the big shopping
centres major credit cards are accepted and your shopping will be tax free.
There will also be some special shopping tours organised by the
organisation.
