MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine November 2012

MEETURKEY Novenber’2012 Year:18 No:70

Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

Description: Hittite relief at the Karabel Pass.

It depicts Tarkasnawa, king of Mira. Karabel is near modern Izmir. Mira was a western Anatolian kingdom in close relations with the Bronze Age Hittites.

November’2012 Year:18 NO:70

From the Editor

PUBLISHER Suat TORE suattore@smpublicaton.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sevil OREN KONAKCI sevil@smpublicaton.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Ali KIRGIZ ali@smpublicaton.com Cahit UREN cahit@smpublicaton.com Fusun TORE fusun@smpublicaton.com Kate CLOW kate@smpublicaton.com

The Art of Managing Chaos

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Tourism is a difficult terminology that can be easily damaged by the environmental events. Planning to visit a country, the main concern is security, sincerity and simplicity. Chaotic happenings, destroyed cultural, archeological values, nature that has been sacrificed due to ignorance and sustainability still a word to be defined, makes a country unattractive to visit and experience the culture and history.

Ozgur TORE ozgur@ftnnews.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE Ozge TORE ozge@smpublicaton.com

PHOTOS Hagia Sophia Museum Archive Sebnem Yavuz, Ruth Dwyer Kate Clow Selim Adali, Cemil Gursen Era Yachting Design Biennial MeeTurkey Archive

This the reason we have chosen The Hittite-A Journey of Civilisation as our cover story. So we go back to the Bronze Age in Anatolia. The cover story is written by a very successful young Historian and Linguist, Selim Adali.

COVER PHOTO

With deep knowledge of the Hittite and very good photos , it is a pleasure to read the cover story and bring back the Hittite Civilisation to travel the world tourism fairs within the pages of MeeTurkey.

FILM & PRINTING

Karabel monument Selim Adali, Cemil Gursen

ART DIRECTOR Fatih Kamil TAHTALI

OFFSET PREPARATION Repronet Reproduction

Culture Routes Association has been recently formed and Kate Clow has contributed to this issue with Trekking the Hittite Trails at the Meet & Trek section.

Another interesting topic is Mountain Tourism and Villages ,this is a contribution again by the Culture Routes Association.

Fly&Sail has the 24th Bodrum Wooden Cup Regatta and I must say that this regatta is getting a growing international acclaim as the years pass by. This year, for the first time, Kalimnos and Cos islands were in the route of the Bodrum Cup and the “Winds of Friendship” sailed between Turkey and Greece.

Fame&Game has the speed boat race.

Meet at Art has the 1st Design Biennial that started on the 13th October and will continue until the 14th December. A must see and visit event with the theme just right for Istanbul “Imperfection”. Also,it can be considered related to the Chaotic building frenzy and the traffic of Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia has a different perspective in this issue of MeeTurkey ; Meet at the Sound of Hagia Sophia is written by Sebnem Yavuz and Meet the Architecture, Mathematics and Decoration of Hagia Sophia is written by Ruth Dwyer. These ladies living in Germany and Canada has a different kind of spiritual attraction to the “Soul” of Hagia Sophia and both are experts on their studies of Hagia Sophia. I have met them and was very impressed by their research regarding the “soul” of Hagia Sophia and I will visit Hagia Sophia again and imagine hearing the music of Boetius and figure the mathematical perfection of the magical number “Pi” of Pisagor.

Hagia Sophia museum contributed to this coverage with the photos and we have to thank them for their understanding and contribution.

I sincerely believe that this issue will be so interesting and informative for the readers that I will say a heartfelt “Thank You” for all the valuable contributors that have shared their knowledge, expertise and time for MeeTurkey. This is the Art of Managing Chaos by creating and focusing interest in the centuries of old values that a county posses in Culture, Nature and History. The choice to visit a country for a simple family visit, conference, congress, incentive lies in this simple fact of sustainability of the core values.

Sevil Ören

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Contents

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The Hittites: A Journey of Civilization

The Hittites had established a kingdom at the heart of what is today modern Turkey. They ruled over ancient Turkey between the 17th and 12th centuries BC for over half a millennium, under at least 26 kings (thus far known). After the collapse of the Hittite kingdom in the 12th century BC, the “Neo-Hittite” cities emerged.

Tourism Outside The Towns Turkey’s chains of mountains are some of the most beautiful in the world. However, as in most European mountain ranges, since the 1980’s a steady population drift to the cities has left her mountain villages populated by only a handful of old people and their remaining animals. Sure, for a week or two every year at Bayram, former inhabitants flood back to their ancestral lands.

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A Genuine Taste of Italy in London Theo Randall at The Intercontinental

Istanbul Design Biennial

The first Istanbul Design Biennial started at 13 October and continues until 12 December 2012, under the curatorship of Emre Arolat and Joseph Grima, within the framework of the theme Imperfection, as suggested by Deyan Sudjic, Istanbul Design Biennial advisory board member and Director of the Design Museum in London.

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Meet the Architecture, Mathematics and Decoration of the Hagia Sophia he Hagia Sophia is one of the wonders of Istanbul, an edifice which was for a thousand years the largest and most magnificent church in the world. Built by the Emperor Justinian at breakneck speed, in just under six years, he dedicated her in 537 and named her the Church of Holy Wisdom (hagia sophia).

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24th Bodrum Cup To sail at the Blue Voyage is a dream that one must do once in a life time.

The Gulets that are big wooden yachts that can sail, do this throughout the year, however without sails due to the difficulty of catching the right wind and sailing to the dream coasts at the same time.

CONTENTS News Line Turkey 06 Exhibition 19 Cover Story 22 Meet at Village Tourism 28 Meet the Sound of Hagia Sophia

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Meet at Art 32 Fame & Game 34 Meet at Luxury 35 News Line World 36 Meet the Architecture of Hagia Sophia 39 Fly & Sail 42 Meet at Trekking 43 Destinations 44 DMCompanies 48

Trekking the Hittite trails Like any other ancient civilisation, the Hittites left roads linking their settlements, fortifications and holy sites. Under the guidance of the Governor of Corum, Nurullah Cakir, these routes have been combined with present-day paths to make a network of walking and bicycle trails crisscrossing the rolling plains and hills of northern Anatolia.

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

November’2012

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News Line Turkey

Turkey Expects 33 Million Visitors Next Year More than 25 million visited Turkey in 9 months Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry announced tourism statistics for the first 9 months of 2012.

According to the report, a total of 25.756.984 tourists visitedTurkey in 9 months, an increase of 0.51 percent compare

to same period last year and a total of 3.991.415 tourists visitedTurkey in September 2012; an increase of 1.73% compare to September 2011.

In September 2012, following Turkish cities welcomed top tourists.

1- ANTALYA %38,13 (1 521 767) 2- İSTANBUL %23,56 ( 940 241) 3- MUĞLA %13,12 ( 523 600) 4- EDİRNE %6,06 ( 242 062) 5- İZMİR %4,83 ( 192 890)

On the other hand, top cities for January – September 2012 period are: 1- ANTALYA %34,43 (8 868 040) 2- İSTANBUL %27,52 (7 088 628) 3- MUĞLA %10,58 (2 724 624) 4- EDİRNE %8,19 (2 108 539) 5- İZMİR %4,46 (1 147 983)

Top Nations between Jan. – Sept. 2012

Countries GERMANY RUSSIAN FED. UK BULGARIA NETHERLANDS GEORGIA IRAN FRANCE USA ITALY OTHER

2012* 3 929 329 3 270 115 2 080 326 1 101 592 1 067 083 1 049 008 981 966 852 777 588 748 575 785 10 260 255

% 15,26 12,70 8,08 4,28 4,14 4,07 3,81 3,31 2,29 2,24 39,83

2011 3 715 156 3 176 669 2 210 886 1 128 144 1 010 979 863 756 1 512 004 934 180 572 396 603 193 9 897 935

% 14,50 12,40 8,63 4,40 3,95 3,37 5,90 3,65 2,23 2,35 38,63

2010 3 367 586 2 818 063 2 314 503 1 062 190 879 852 809 401 1 481 590 753 561 493 379 536 607 8 618 469

% 14,56 12,18 10,00 4,59 3,80 3,50 6,40 3,26 2,13 2,32 37,25

GRAND TOTAL

25 756 984

100,00

25 625 298

100,00

23 135 201

100,00

Turkey expects its tourism revenues to reach $25.4 billion next year with an estimated 33 million visitors, according to a government program for 2013.

The figures mark an 3.8 percent rise in the number of foreign visitors from 31.8 million in 2012 and an 8.1 percent increase in revenues from $23.5 billion.

Turkey claims 6.2 percent share of the European market in the number of visitors and a 5 percent share in terms on revenues.

Istanbul to Break Tourist Record in 2012 Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Istanbul Directorate announced the number of foreign tourist arrivals for September 2012. A total of 940.156 tourists visited Istanbul in September 2012; an increase of 9 per cent compare to September 2011.

Since beginning of 2012, a total of 7.087.974 tourists visited which states 16.6 percent increase compared to previous year.

German tourists continue their leadership with 11.5% of all tourists visiting Istanbul in first 9 months of 2012. Russians follow Germans with 5.6%. Other nationals choosing Istanbul as a tourist destination are American 5.3%, French 4.7%, British 4.6%, Iranian 4.6%, Italian 4.6%, Dutch 2.8%, Libyan 2.2%, Spanish 2.2%, Azerbaijani 2.1%, Ukrainian 2.0%, Japanese 2.0%, Saudi Arabian 1.8%, other nationalities 41.6%.

Turkey Hosted the ABTA Travel Convention 2012 The Ministry of Culture and Tourism hosted The ABTA Travel Convention, in association with The Telegraph, on 10-12 October at the five-star Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Turkey’s resort town of Belek near Antalya on the Mediterranean coast. Antalya, the jewel in the crown of the Turkish tourism industry, is Turkey’s most visited tourism destination. This for a country which is one the fastest developing tourist destinations in the world; Turkey has moved up one place and now ranks 6th in terms of number of foreign arrivals according to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), with a total of 31.4 million foreign visitors in 2011 and a spectacular 50% increase growth in these figures over the last five years. The Undersecretary for the Turkish

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Ministry of Culture & Tourism Ozgur Ozaslan, who was attend the Convention, said at the opening : “I’m delighted that this year’s ABTA Convention is being held in Turkey, a country which is the cradle of civilisation as well as, today, being one of the world’s foremost destinations for holidaying. We feel honoured to be hosting this important event and are very much looking forward to working together with ABTA members this year, in the hope that this will mark the beginning of a fruitful and long-lasting partnership, and that it will serve to continue and enhance many of the positive links between Turkey and the UK.” The Travel Convention is the UK’s largest and most significant event for senior travel industry professionals, organised by ABTA – the UK’s leading travel association. The Convention was last hosted in Turkey in 1996, in Istanbul.

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

News Line Turkey

Justin Rose won Turkish Airlines World Golf Final The eyes of millions of golf fans from around the world were on the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final which took place between October 9 and 12 at Antalya Golf Club. The tournament hosted the world’s top eight golfers including Tiger Woods. Justin Rose has won the inaugural Turkish Airlines World Golf Final at the Antalya Golf Club in Turkey beating Lee Westwood in the final by a shot.

Westwood and Rose were matched on the back 9 coming in at 2 under par but Rose gained a shot advantage on the front 9 with a 3 under par 32 which was enough to win the match with a score of 5 under par. Rose by winning the tournament in Antalya, Turkey captured the $1.5m first prize cheque.

Turkey Received Top Honours at World Travel Awards Europe’s travel elite have walked off with top honours at a World Travel Awards (WTA) ceremony hosted at the new Conrad Algarve on Saturday 6th October 2012.

Lufthansa, Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, DFDS Seaways, Disneyland Paris and Norwegian Cruise Line were among the brands to emerge victorious at WTA’s Europe Ceremony 2012. A packed delegation of VIPs, senior tourism figures and international media travelled from 35 nations to attend the event, which was held in partnership with Conrad Algarve and Turismo do Algarve. It was an evening of sweet success for countries across the continent. Still basking in Olympic glory, London fended off competition from the likes of Venice, St Petersburg, Stockholm, Madrid, Prague and Paris to win the coveted title of “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination”.

Meanwhile Hôtel Le Bristol (Paris) nudged ahead of Hotel Cipriani (Venice), The Dorchester (London), Four Seasons Hotel Milano and Grand Hotel Europe (St Petersburg) to claim the title of “Europe’s Leading Hotel”. Turkey’s ascendancy up the tourism order was acknowledged with The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism named “Europe’s Leading Tourist Board”. The nation’s leadingedge hotels also scooped a series individual awards, including “Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel” (Mardan Palace), “Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort” (Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa) and “Europe’s Leading New Luxury Hotel” (Angel’s Peninsula).

Hospitality veteran and founder of Hoar Cross Hall, Stephen Joynes MBE was honoured with a “Lifetime Achievement Award”, whilst the English county of Yorkshire was given a special award for “Innovation in Marketing”.

1 Million People Visit Ephesus One million local and foreign tourists visited the Ephesus Ancient City in the first seven months of 2012. The ancient city earned 4.6 million Turkish liras (TL) from the tourists in the first seven months of the year. The Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Izmir, Abdulaziz Ediz reported that they expected a high rise in the number of tourists visiting the ancient city once connection is made to a seaport in the near future. The Ephesus Ancient City is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List

Istanbul to Have its Third Airport Soon The Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Istanbul needs a third airport very soon.

Currently, there are two airports: the first airport of the city; Located on the European side of Istanbul, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Tarabya and Istinye districts are welcomed two on the European side floating marinas. The floating pier project was of the city, and second conceptualized by İSPARK, a subsidiary of the airport Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Asian side. Both are quite Istanbul Municipality that runs and constructs large; in 2011 Ataturk Airport had more than 37 million passengers, while the parking lots in the city. Two floating piers with Sabiha Gökçen had over 13,688,000 passengers. The Turkish government has a 388-boat capacity inaugurated with the begun procedures to nationalize a plot of land ahead of the construction of a participation of Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş. Water, third Istanbul airport. Transport Minister Binali Yıldırım said the airport would electricity, shower facilities and security will be be built on the build-operate-transfer model, and that the High Planning provided on the piers for boat owners, who can rent Commission (YPK) was in the final stages of making its decision. According to space on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis.

Yıldırım, the first stage of the airport’s construction will be completed by 2015, and the airport will be able to accommodate 90 million passengers in its first stage. On the other hand, General Directorate of State Airports Administration General Manager Orhan Birdal commented that after final stage the airport will be the world’s third biggest when completed with its capacity of 150 million people. Orhan Birdal added that they expect to conclude the bidding process by the end of 2012. “The location of the airport has been determined. It will be on the European side in the northern part of the city near the Black Sea,” added Binali Yildirim.

Istanbul Welcomed 2 Floating Marinas

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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

News Line Turkey

Incredible India Roadshows Held in Turkey After being held at Swissotel in Ankara on October 16, the second road show of “Incredible India” took place at Le Meridien Hotel in Istanbul on October 18, 2012. Ambassador of India in Ankara; Susmita Thomas, Consul General in Istanbul; Shri Vanlalhuma and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Shri Girish Shankar attended the roadshow in Istanbul. Speaking at the event, Mr. Thomas said that they are interested any kinds of cooperation with Turkey and expressed his thoughts about the low volume of tourism between the two countries as lack of information about the country and its offerings. Mr. Thomas also announced that ‘visa on arrival’ is in progress however to enable it for Turkish tourists, he said the number of Turkish tourists must increase. On the other hand, Mr. Shankar said that a total of 80 thousand Indians visiting Turkey whereas only 15 thousand tourists are coming to India from Turkey. He mentioned the reason as lack of promotion and incentives. Shankar said, “There is a very serious bond between the two countries, but we are not aware of it; we are here to increase awareness”. Shankar foresees Turkey as a big market and expecting a growth in tourism volume in the next 2-3 years.

Korea Opened a Tourism Office in Istanbul The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has opened a branch in Istanbul to boost tourism between Turkey and South Korea.

Speaking at the opening ceremony the director general of KTO, Lee Charm, said they had opened the branch to promote relations in terms of tourism between Turkey and South Korea. He said that to boost South Korea’s tourism sector, they had chosen Turkey.

“Our target is to bring 40,000 Turkish tourists to South Korea,” said Charm, adding that tourism between Turkey and South Korea was constantly developing. Last year, the number of South Koreans visiting Turkey was up 21.5 percent to 170,000 South Koreans. At the same time, the number of Turks visiting South Korea increased 6.6 percent to 17,000. “There are 10 times more tourists from South Korea coming to Turkey. I believe that this number will increase in line with the economic development of both countries,” he added. Charm said KTO’s number of branches had reached 32 in 20 countries.

Henan Province Promoted in Istanbul

Delegation of Henan Province, China visited Istanbul and promoted the province to Turkish agencies and media. Head of Delegation was H.E.Mrs. Kong Yufang,Vice Chairwoman of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mrs. Song Feng Xian, Deputy Director General of Henan Provincial Broadcasting & TV Administration, Mrs. Jia Changian , Chairwoman of Nanyang City Committee

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of CPPCC, Mr. Wang Mingde, Vice-mayor of Jiaozou Municipal Government, Henan. Mr. Guo Junfeng,Deputy DirecetorGeneral of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Henan Province and Mr. Fan Xiufang, Director General of Henan Provincial Tourism Administration. Zhou Yaoxia, Director Henan Tourism Administration, International marketing&Promotion Dept., Zang Yanli, Foreign&Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, Henan Provincial People’s Government, Asia&Africa Affairs Dept., Wang xiao dong, General Manager, Hoto Tours were the other members of the delegation. Mr. Li Jang, Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Istanbul presented “Charming Henan” by power point and speeches given by the visiting delegation. Henan situated in the centraleastern part of China(the middle and the lower reaches of the Yellow River), Henan Province is one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation. It is known as the “Chinese History Museum” and is beeing called the “microcosm of China’s Historic Culture”.

Of China’s 8 ancient capitals, 4 are in Henan, namely, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang and Zhengzhou (the provincial capaital). The place of origin of Gongfu, Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng.Also,one of the World’s Cultural Heritages, Luoyang Longmen Grottoes and one of the world’s biological conservation protection zone and many other natural and humanistic landscapes are the visiting card of Henan to the world.

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

News Line Turkey

Cappadocia’s Underground Cities Host 600 Thousand Visitors Each Year In the past 17 years, Cappadocia’s underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu received 10 million tourists. Underground cities of Cappadocia were used as a hidden sheltering and worship places during different eras. Between the years of 1995-2012, underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu hosted by 10 million tourists, mainly foreign visitors. Both underground cities have several room which were used by people of old times.

Kaymakli underground city’s average ceiling height is 2 metres and Derinkuyu underground city has 8 floors below the ground.

Both underground cities involve rooms for providing place to stay for groups of people. Underground cities are unique to the Cappadocia region as the geological formation of the area is not similar to any other places.

Antalya is Getting More and More Famous on International Sport Events Antalya is Turkey’s 7th largest city that stands for professionalism, experience, diversity and quality. It is a city which hosts more than 11 million foreign guests, from all over the world on yearly basis. The city has become a new star of Sport Tourism. Last year, The International Golf Travel Market and 12th IVV Olympiad of International Federation of Popular Sports have been realized in fun and friendship in Antalya. This year in April, 2012 European Weightlifting Championships, in May 2012 ITU Triathlon European Cup were successfully organized in the city. In October, Antalya will host the 8th World Championship in Fire and Rescue Sports which aims further development of firefighters and rescuers sport and popularization of the profession, advancement of professional skills and sporting practices of firefighters and rescuers, strengthening of friendly relations and international cooperation between firefighters

and rescuers, firefighting and rescuing agencies and services from different countries. Moreover, Antalya will host Tiger Woods during the Turkish Airlines World Finals Golf Tournament between 9-12 October 2012. Antalya also hosts every year the different stages of Archery World Cup. Nowadays Antalya is getting prepared to organize Archery World Cup Stage 4 in 2013 and Orienteering Stage 1 of the World Cup in 2014. Antalya has hosted 3 WRE events up to now, and is now preparing to host the 2013 Orienteering Cup for the Confederation of Orienteering Federations of the Mediterranean Countries (COMOF) next year.

Antalya also becomes the football capital of Europe during winter as more than 2000 teams use the city as their base for winter camps. In 2013 Antalya will host a stage of FIFA U 20 World Cup. Antalya, which is the capital of tourism in Turkey, is the rising star on Sport Tourism today.

Airep is GSA in Turkey for Olympic Air Olympic Air appointed AiRep for its GSA in Turkey.

An event was organized at Greece Consulate in Istanbul.

Commercial Director of Olympic Air; Mr. Mais Anastasios made a speech and announced the General Sales Agent (GSA) of the company. Olympic Air (OA) is a new airline, registered in Greece, born from the acquisition of formerly state-owned

flag carrier of Greece, ‘Olympic Airlines’, by Marfin Investment Group, in April 2009. Olympic Air launched scheduled operations on September 29th, 2009, carrying over the historic name and logo of ‘Olympic Airlines’ embodying a dynamic, modern approach to the company’s management and operation. Olympic Air boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe, which consists of 23 aircraft, eight (8) of which are Airbus, ten (10) Q400 Bombardier, five (5) Dash 100 Bombardier. Olympic Air operates domestic routes flying to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Limnos, Mytilini, Chios, Corfu, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania, Kefalonia and Ioannina. Olympic Air also operates Public Service Obligation (PSOs) routes from Athens to Astypalea, Zakynthos, Leros, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Syros, Kalymnos, Kythira, Ikaria, Skiathos, Karpathos and from Rhodes to Karpathos, Kasos, Sitia, Kos, Leros, Astypalea and Kastelorizo.

Istanbul was crowned Destination of the Year at the inaugural Food and Travel Reader Awards on 3 September, voted by readers of Food and Travel magazine.* Istanbul is now regarded as one of Europe’s top citybreak destinations with more than 8 million visitors annually, taking its spot among the world’s 10 most-visited cities. The only city in the world

to straddle two continents, recent archaeological excavations have shown its history to date back 8000 years or so. Istanbul is this year’s European Capital for Sports as well as being one of the three candidate cities in line for the 2020 Olympics.Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK Tolga Tuyluoglu, who attended the gala dinner, expressed his delight by saying: “We are thrilled that Istanbul has won this prestigious award, which is even more meaningful given that it is chosen by the readers of Food and Travel themselves.Istanbul was also recently ranked 4th best destination in Europe and 7th best destination in the world, in the TripAdvisor 2012 Choice Destination Awards. *Istanbul competed against Beirut, Hong Kong, Lima, New York, Paris, Sardinia, San Sebastián (Spain), Singapore, Stockholm and Vietnam to take the top spot.

Istanbul Voted Destination of the Year

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Williams won WTA Championship in Istanbul During the WTA Championship final in Istanbul, Serena Williams never let rival Maria Sharapova get back in the game, in a match that capped the American’s comeback year.

The straightset victory on October 28 capped an illustrious year for Williams, in which she won two Grand Slam events, one Olympic gold medal and finally the year-end tournament. The final match attracted 16,410 fans, up from last year’s 13,676. During the six-day tournament in the Turkish city, Williams proved she truly is the most powerful player in the women’s game, storming through all her opponents at the Sinan Erdem Dome. In the final game, Williams held all nine of her service games and broke Sharapova

three times - once in the first set, twice in the second set - to score a 64 63 win Sunday night. “I actually thought about the last time we played at the WTA Championships, and she won, and she’s also ranked ahead of me right now, so I really had nothing to lose,” Williams jubilated. “I feel great right now. This was exactly my dream and I’m so happy I was able to achieve it. And the Turkish fans here are so amazing, so nice and so supportive - I’ve never seen so many signs with my name on them. I can’t even explain how that makes me feel.” Williams captured her seventh WTA title of the year, following triumphs at Charleston, Madrid, Wimbledon, Stanford, the Olympics and the US Open - it is her second-best season total, after capturing eight back in 2002. On the other hand, Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova had a dream weekend in Istanbul, defeating the Top 2 teams in the world and winning their biggest WTA title at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships - Istanbul 2012. Kirilenko and Petrova now have four WTA doubles titles together, having won Cincinnati in 2008, Moscow in 2009 and Miami this year. Individually, Kirilenko now has 12 WTA doubles titles, Petrova 21 - and this was Petrova’s second WTA Championships title, having won with Meghann Shaughnessy in 2004.

International Tourism Cartoon Competition is held with the cooperation of Turkey’s Anadolu University Research Center for Caricature Art, Association of Turkish Tourism Writers and Journalists (TUYED) and Anatolia:

A Journal of Tourism Research. The objective of the competition, which was first held in 2009, is to examine tourism, which is one of the biggest sectors in the world, with its various dimensions.

Also, the competition aims to put forward cartoonists’ aspects in terms of travelling population’s experiences and relations during their travel. In this respect, the main objective of this competition is to assess such topics, developments and experiences within the tourism industry as accomodation, transportation, food and beverage, recreation, sightseeing, museums, envirenment, tourist-resident relationships, from cartoonists’ point of view.

Competition is held annually and is open to all cartoonists from all over the world, both amateur and professional. Nearly 100 submitted works which get to the final elimination take place in the Cartoon Book and the reward ceremony of the competition will be held in İstanbul. Deadline for Submission: 18 January 2013 www.tourismcartoons.com

4th International Tourism Cartoon Competition

Air Onix Started Regular Flights Between Simferopol and Istanbul Starting on October 11, 2012 Air Onix Airlines launches regular flight from Simferopol to Istanbul. The new destination will be operated twice a week - on Thursdays and Sundays to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, located in Asian part of Istanbul and having good transport connection to the city center. Simferopol is the capital of Crimean Autonomic Republic (Ukraine). Air Onix’s new destination will be interesting first of all for Turkish people wishing to have interesting and not expensive leisure in major tourist centers of Crimea - Yalta, Sevastopol, Alushta, Yevpatoria, Bakhchisaray, etc. The flights should be also demanded by habitants of Istanbul and neighbor cities on Asian side of Bosporus, traveling to Crimea by business. Air Onix Airlines currently operates three “Boeing-737”, all having two-class layout - Premium and Economy. During a flight all passengers are offered with meals and soft drinks. Premiumclass passengers of Air Onix Airlines additionally are serviced free of charge in business lounges of Simferopol Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (since November, 2012). All Premiumclass passengers are transported to and from an aircraft by dedicated bus. The minimum ticket price, including all taxes is EUR 91 for one way ticket and EUR157 for return ticket Baggage allowance in Premium-class is two pieces of 23 kg, in Economy Class – one piece of 23kg. Air Onix Airlines was founded in 2007 in Simferopol (Crimea, Ukraine). Air Onix was established as traditional European airline in terms of passenger service, tariff

policy and tactics of sales and distribution. Air Onix’s mission is to strive to a maximum satisfaction of demands of the Crimean people and other passengers in direct scheduled high quality passenger transportation. Air Onix Airlines make a high rate on safety and comfort of passengers. Moreover we are pleased to offer our passengers the full service on the flights, constantly high level of service and flights punctuality. The main operation base of Air Onix Airlines is Simferopol International Airport.

Turkey GSA : AiRep Aviation and Tourism Inc. www.airep.com

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November’2012

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News Line Turkey

Troy Historical Artifacts Back in Turkey Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister announced that twentyfour pieces of jewelry comprising earrings, necklaces, diadems, bracelets and pendants, unearthed at the ancient city of Troy and kept in the American Penn Museum since 1966, were returned to Turkey.

These Troy artifacts had become famous with the Illiad and discovered during the Ottoman period. In the scope of the project of returning historical artifacts which were taken out of Turkey

via illegal ways, Gunay said that they had been receiving positive results and that between the years of 1993-2003, a total of 869 artifacts were brought back to Turkey and between 2003-2007, thousand pieces were returned and since September 2007 until today, 3 thousand 336 artifacts reached Turkey. “These pieces have such importance. They are originated from Troy, which we can call the ‘Istanbul of ancient ages’ in a sense. City of Troy was destroyed nine times and but it was rebuilt. These artifacts are said to have belonged to the second period of Troy. They were unearthed during excavations carried out by the German archaeologist Schliemann. Many artifacts had been looted during this period and were smuggled to different parts of the world.

Some of these artifacts were in Germany, and then went to Russia at the time of the war. Some are currently on display at the Pushkin Museum. We’ve put forth a great effort to get them back,” Gunay said at a press conference held at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ankara.

An ancient theatre which belongs to 2nd century B.C. has been discovered at the ancient city of Pompeiopolis in Taskopru in Turkey’s northern province of Kastamonu. Lecturer at the Kastamonu University and the head

of the Pompeiopolis ancient city’s excavation team, Professor Dr.Latife Summerer, told that this year’s excavation works went well and they reached the largest part of it after 6 years of effort.

Professor Summerer who has been leading the excavations said that they discovered the marble steps of the ancient theatre and the architectural state of the theatre is fine too. She added that as the archaeological excavation of Pompeiopolis ancient city continues, their aim is to bring out the rest of the theatre.

Summerer stated that from 7 different countries, experts and archaeologists are involved in the excavation works and there are also students from different universities who live in Kastamonu region. Pompeiopolis ancient city remains many artifacts from Roman era. An ancient Rome commander, Pompeious, built a city on Zimbilli Hill and called the city Pompeiopolis.

2200 years old Ancient Theatre Excavated

New Exhibition at Istanbul Modern Photography Gallery Gaze - The Changing Face of Portrait Photography to be held at the Istanbul Modern Photography Gallery from October 3, 2012 to January 20, 2013. The exhibition sheds light on the 160 years of portrait photography through 72 works by 54 photographers, on loan from the Bank of America Art Collection as part of the company’s Art in our Communities™ programme. Bringing together artists associated with many of the major developments in the medium of photography, this exhibition explores the evolution of the photographic portrait in terms of technique, content and aesthetics. The exhibition Gaze traces changes in society, mind-sets, and artistic tendencies throughout the history of photography, from the first examples of portraiture to the present day. Early studio photography, some of the first depictions of war, pioneers in the genres of photojournalism and documentary photography, as well as well-known contemporary artists, are brought together through this exhibition. Curated by Sena Çakırkaya, the show not only examines portraiture but also traces the social and artistic transformations that have taken place since the emergence of photography to the present. Artists featuring in the exhibition are: Dieter Appelt, Shelby Lee Adams, Henry Clay Anderson, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Tina Barney, Erwin Blumenfeld, Mathew B. Brady, George Brassaï, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Harry Callahan, Julia Margaret Cameron, Chan Chao, Rineke Dijkstra, Andre Adolphe Eugene Disderi, Mike Disfarmer, Walker Evans, Roger Fenton, Gerrit Petrus Fieret, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander, Alexander Gardner, Ben Gest, Emmet Gowin, Philippe Halsman, David Octavius and Robert Adamson Hill, Lewis Wickes Hine, David Hockney, Peter Hujar, Yousuf Karsh, William Klein, Gertrude Käsebier, Nikki S. Lee, Hellen Van Meene, Lisette

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Model, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Nicholas Nixon, Arno Nollen, Bill Owens, Man Ray, James Ross & John Thomson, August Sander, Gary Schneider, Fazal Sheikh, Malick Sidibé, Aaron Siskind, W. Eugene Smith, Albert S. Southworth & Josiah Johnson Hawes, Edward Steichen, Paul Strand, Thomas Struth, Roman Vishniac, Weegee (Arthur H. Fellig), Carrie Mae Weems. This exhibition is part of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s art loaning programme: Art in our Communities™. The company’s art collection has grown in scope and size in recent decades with artworks from various legacy institutions, and has been converted into a unique resource from which museums and non-profit galleries may borrow complete or customised exhibitions at no cost, allowing them to expand their programmes, reach new audiences and generate vital revenue. Since its launch in late 2008, more than 50 exhibitions have been loaned to museums around the world.

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

Turkish Delegation Showed Great Interest to ICCA Congress The 51th ICCA Congress took place 20- 24 October in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The 2012 ICCA Congress attended 750 delegates. Turkish delegation also showed great interest to ICCA Congress and represented by 10 professionals from 7 ICCA member organizations.

ICVB General Manager Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu attended the Congress as a mentor and speaker. “The future of “official airline” status” session took place on the 1st day of the congress. As the airlines are crucial parts of the international meetings mix, transporting millions of delegates around the world each year. The session concentrated on the topics of; how to work with airlines and how destinations and other meetings suppliers can create the most effective working partnerships, or how airlines themselves can capture a bigger slice of the meetings market, there appears to be no consensus on the best approach to take. For decades, “official airline” status has been at the centre of airlines’ relationship with the meetings industry, but the nature of this concept is having to dramatically evolve as the airline business itself undergoes a revolutionary shift. In the session, representatives from airlines, airline alliances and destinations which have close working relationships with airlines discussed the merits of different models of collaboration, and what “official airline” status might look like in the future.Eduardo Sanovicz, the President of the Brazilian Association of Airline Companies (Abear), moderated the session. ICVB General Manager Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu was among the panel members with Jorge Franz, Vice President of International Convention Sales and Tourism, Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, U.S.A. and Thierry Jacques-Edouard, SkyTeam Airline Alliance Management.

Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu made a presentation on behalf of Istanbul CVB and Turkish Airlines about the cooperation between ICVB and THY as a successful case study. Fisunoğlu said; “Air accessibility is one of the first criteria of being a congress destination and the cost of the destination especially during the turbulence days is very important.

Nowadays planners are asking more for financial support, most of the convention bureaus do not have such funds and it is not easy to obtain sponsorships or contributions for these long term businesses from local authorities or bodies.”Fisunoğlu also mentioned that; Turkish Airlines is today an important player in Istanbul for the destination marketing. In 2008 Turkish Airlines became a member of Star Alliance and formed the conventions department. Since then the department is working very closely with us and this way we were able to explain the value of the meetings industry to senior management of Turkish Airlines. As Istanbul Convention Bureau we are so lucky

Music Lovers Meet at Ghetto Ghetto, found six years ago, is one of the leading live music venues in Istanbul maintaining a focus on jazz, nujazz, world music, fusion and indie.

It is a four story venue with a 10 meter vaulted ceiling and a 750 person capacity for live music and 1400 is with the use of the whole building.

Ghetto is located in Beyoğlu, the part of Istanbul where the city never sleeps. When you get to the end of the famous Fish Bazaar, you turn your head to the left and there it is. Once you step inside through its huge doors, you are in Ghetto’s ‘independent world of entertainment’.

Live music from popular local and international bands, DJ events, parties Wednesday through Saturday on the ground floor, with an exclusive bar menu, delicious cocktails and various spirits.

Mezzanine floor METTO, which sees the stage from an upper level, is the building’s center of attraction with its ceiling decorations reflecting the historical texture of Beyoğlu. Dinner, as a part of some events, is occasionally served on that floor. On the third floor, SESSION, another hall of

that we have a fast growing airline. Together with an increase of 25% in the recent years Turkish Airlines is today number one airline in the world which flies to most countries. We are helping Turkish Airlines to reach new markets. Congress delegates are frequent fliers with high income potential.” Turkish Airlines and ICVB have joint marketing activities such as; joining all international meeting industry events together, exhibiting at all trade shows, working on congress bidding and ICCA database. Turkish Airlines is also partner of ICVB for the Istanbul Delegate Boosting Program and Istanbul Congress Ambassador programs.

Turkish Convention Package offers various products for association and corporate events and THY secured over 100 official airline contracts in 2012. Turkish Airlines Group & Conventions Manager Nesrin Guley and Group & Conventions Specialist Leyla Koray attended the session.

Participants and representatives from Turkey at the ICCA Congress were: Antalya Convention Bureau Mr. A.Sinan Inan and Mr. Nizamettin Sen, Halic Congress Center Mrs. Handan Boyce, Istanbul Congress Centre Ms. Pınar Ceyhun, Izmir Convention & Visitors Bureau Mr. Kerim Gulec, Kenes Group Ms. Sebnem Ege, MB Production & Communication Systems Mr. Harun Guzel, Turkish Airlines Ms. Nesrin Guley and Ms. Leyla Koray.

The 53rd ICCA Congress will be held in Antalya, Turkey, in the first week of November of 2014.

The 53rd ICCA Congress is expected to bring together approximately 1,200 senior level professionals from the meetings industry for top quality networking, high-level education, exchange of business and tailor-made expert advice.

500 people capacity, with a different decoration and lighting, is where the after show parties and most DJ events are held. This floor is also available for private and corporate events. With its unique space, rare in the Beyoğlu district, Ghetto Terrace is almost a ‘liberated zone’ for smokers or for those who prefer being outdoors in fresh air while listening to the live music in the background, rather than being in the crowd.

Ghetto’s new Motto is “Let’s GHETTOgether with Music!” and we welcome who would like to GHETTOgether with and around music, witness surprise musical GHETTOgethers. Archie Shepp, Fred Wesley, Brazzaville, Incognito, Eric Truffaz, Beady Belle, Transglobal Underground, Tricky, The Divine Comedy, New Model Army, Jay Jay Johanson, Red Snapper, Fatima Spar, Does It Offend You Yeah!, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Charlatans are among some of the international names who have played here. And there will be many more. Let’s GHETTOgether with good music!

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November’2012

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News Line Turkey

New Bond Film Shot in Turkey The new James Bond film ‘Skyfall’, which was released in the UK on Friday 26 October, has been filmed in various locations around Turkey. Filming locations for ‘Skyfall’ included Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, marking the third time in 50 years of Bond films that Istanbul has served as a backdrop for 007’s adventures, as well as the picturesque coastal resort of Fethiye on the Mediterranean coast and the historical city of Adana in the

country’s southeast. Turkey’s diverse cultures, landscapes and architecture means that it is an ideal location for film-makers of glamorous and escapist movies looking for a versatile setting.

Bond’s latest film ‘Skyfall’ combines the historic location of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar with the metropolitan skyline of the city, while the golden beaches and crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean at Fethiye provide the setting for a beach scene.

The lesser-known city of Adana in Turkey’s southeast also features with its historical Vardar and Kasim Gulek Bridges and train station forming the setting for a dramatic scene involving trains. Turkey has also served as the backdrop for two other Bond films: ‘From Russia with Love’ (1963) and ‘For the World is Not Enough’ (1999). It has also been the filming location for several other blockbuster movies, including ‘Star Wars’, ‘Taken 2’ and ‘Ghost Rider 2: Spirit of Vengeance’.

Musical Legends performed in Istanbul A

number of musical legends, new and old, from jazz and classical to rock and heavy metal took stage in Istanbul at September.

Known in rock music history for hit singles like Suck My Kiss and Under the Bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers met their fans on the santralistanbul stage on September 8. Küçükçiftlik Park hosted the legend of soul, Stevie Wonder, on September 14. The voice of the alternative culture Radio Eksen organized Istanbul’s first Alternative Music Festival on 15 September. The line-up is announced as 2010’s NME’s best new band Bombay Bicycle Club, with 40 albums in 40 years one of the permanents of Radio Eksen’s playlists The Stranglers and one of the most important

indie bands of 90’s Space. Also Belle & Sebastian, London Guns and more was on the DJ set along with Radio Eksen djs. With his unique voice and singing style, Leonard Cohen performed at Ülker Sports Arena on the evening of September 19. Dead Can Dance was another leading music group Istanbul welcomed the evening of September 19 when Lisa Gerrard and Brandon Perry met their Istanbul fans for the first time at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theater. One of the younger generation’s favorite bands, Beirut was at Turkcell Kuruçeşme Arena on September 21. The band was known especially for their blend of Balkan music and contemporary sound. Always among the top three on any list of the world’s best symphony orchestras, The Berlin Philharmonic came to Turkey for the first time as part of The Istanbul Art and Culture Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The orchestra performed at Istanbul’s Halic Congress Center on September 27 and the Izmir Efes Commercial Agora on September 28. Istanbul’s first urban themed festival Urban Festival Istanbul, highlights the most important bands of North Europe this year.

As announced so far, breaking through the boundaries of electro pop, ambient, triphop and electronic music, Grammy nominee Norwegian band Röyksopp and world renowned Danish DJ Trentemoller and one of the original Turkish bands 123 took stage at the festival with the cooperation of Lounge FM 96, FG 93.7 and Radio Oxi-Gen. The festival was on September 30, at Küçükçiftlik Park.

Intra Tours Promoted Italy’s Firuli Venezia Giulia Region Intra Tours promoted Italy’s Firuli Venezia Giulia region in Istanbul with an organization on October 4, 2012 at Grand Hyatt Istanbul. Intra Tours CEO Ertugrul Karaoglu, Intra Tours Management Coordinator Pınar Özbilge, Intra Tours Aviation Manager Yeliz Çimen took part at the organization which took place with the support of Italian Chamber of Commerce President Fatih Ayçin. A presentation was followed that promoted and gave information about the region’s history, summer & winter tourism, and food & wine tours. Firuli Venezia Giulia is a place where the Alps and the Adriatic symbolize the two extremes of a multifaceted and changing landscape, Italian, Slavic and Germanic cultures meet in a sort of melting pot of traditions, languages and religions. Nearly 8,000 square km of unspoilt mountains, gentle hills and deep blue sea form the contours of a nerve center of European geography at the crossroad of people and history, a land that rewards the visitor with its richness and that never fails to surprise, no matter what the point of view is, tourism professionals representing the region; Doriana Parisi, Alessandra Rozzi and Sonia Fornalo invite Turkish travelers to discover the

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Firuli Venezia Giulia.

Guests at the event, which is organized by Comitel Partners, enjoyed delicious cheese and meats, and tested region’s famous wines. Moreover, as the surprise of the night, NBA stars of Boston Celtic’s team; Robert Horry and Sam Perkins attended the event. At a lucky draw that took place at the event, many participants won tickets to the Fenerbahçe Ülker vs.

Boston Celtics basketball match that took place on 5 October at Ülker Sports Arena.

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News Line Turkey

A First and Unique Global B2B Matchmaking Tourism Event A first and unique global B2B matchmaking tourism event will be held at 10–11 April 2013 in the Green Park Pendik Hotel & Convention Center, Istanbul. Tour Operators, Hotels, Airlines, Destinations, Venues, Touristic Service Providers, and National & International Tourism Media, will gather together at The Greenpark Pendik Hotel & Convention Center. B2B World Tourism Meetings offer tourism decision makers the opportunity to realize effective, fruitful, speedy and economical face-to-face business meetings. To establish new co-operations and improve business networks in a professional meeting layout, with a prearranged online appointment system. for more information: http://www.b2b-tourism.com Programme 10 April 09:00 – 10:30 Opening Ceremony: Ankara Ballroom 11:00 – 13:00 B2B Meetings (Session 1): Grand Ballroom 13:00 – 14:00 Lunch 14:00 – 16:00 B2B Meetings (Session 2): Grand Ballroom 16:00 – 18:00 Networking: Business Lounge 20:00 – 23:00 Gala Dinner * 11 April 09:00 – 12:30 B2B Meetings (Session 3): Grand Ballroom 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch 14:00 – 16:00 B2B Meetings (Session 4): Grandballroom 16:45 – 18:00 Closing ceremony: Ankara Ballroom 20:00 – 23:00 After Show Party: * TBC

Austria Organizes B2B Workshop in Istanbul In 2011 Austria enjoyed 5 Star travelers from Turkey, which now makes the country the leading amongst the 50 most successful travelling countries to Austria. This is a twofold increase within the last 5 years!

Following this current trend in Turkey’s outgoing travel industry, Michael Strasser, Head of Austrian Tourist Board in Milano and Beliz Miller, Head of Marketing of the Austrian Trade Commission in Istanbul have busily started preparations to host a delightful B2BDinner Workshop in 15th November with a majestic atmosphere at the Ciragan Palace Kempinski to bring together the most sophisticated Tourism Professionals who enjoy the finer pleasures of life. The ambition of this workshop is to celebrate the positive economic developments and high growth rates in Turkey for outbound destinations, to begin new businesses and also to magnify the cooperation already established between the tourism and media professionals of Turkey and Austria. Board members of the Austrian Tourism Board, Regional Directors, leading Incoming Travel agencies, Hoteliers and the renowned Swarovski Crystal Worlds will be pleased to present the concept ‘Arrive and Revive!’ featuring the historical and naturally beautiful Austria and provide a complete update on touristic events offered for selective travelers. Themes like city travel, culture, shopping, dining, wellness and seasonal skiing amongst fairy tale sceneries, which are in particular appealing to families with children, will be amongst the many topics discussed during this event.

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In Brief

l

Bea (Beate) Berke has been appointed

General Manager Turkey for Lufthansa. l

Renaissance Polat Erzurum Hotel

Bea Berke

appointed Leyla Olmez Altintas as Sales &Marketing Manager of the hotel. l

Funda Bezircilioglu is the new General

Leyla Olmez Altıntas

Manager of Crowne Plaza Izmir. l

Hilton ParkSA Hotel appoints Elif

Yazoglu as General Manager. l

Faik Alsaç is the General Manager of

Elif Yazoglu

Altunizade Mercure Hotel. l

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Turkey

announced the appointment of Kai A.

Faik Alsac

Winkler as the new General Manager of the hotel. l

Erdogan Turan is the General Manager of

Kai Winkler

Crystal WaterWorld Resort & Spa which will be opened in Bogazkent, Antalya – Turkey. l

Anil Boydas Tinaz appointed as General

Erdogan Turan

Manager to the Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel. l

Mövenpick Hotel Ankara announced the

appointment of Murat Uçan as the hotel’s

Anil Boydas Tinaz

new General Manager. l

Olivier Vetter is the new GM of Izmir

Hilton. l

Murat Uçan

Alihan Akkoc elected as the president of

Historical Hotels of Turkey (OZBI). l

Pelin Kılıçarslan is the new Sales and

Oliver Vetter

Marketing Assistant of Haliç Congress Center l

Singapore Airlines appointed Andrew

Budiman as the new General Manager for

Pelin Kılıçarslan

Turkey. l

Birol Kaymas has been appointed as the

General Manager to a new hotel in Asian

Andrew Budiman

side of Istanbul; Silence Istanbul Hotel & Convention Center which will open in February 2013.

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Birol Kaymas

Exhibition

PATA Travel Mart September 27-30 – Manila The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart opened with a great opening ceremony on the night of September 25th. The PATA Travel Mart (PTM) took place at the SMX Convention Center at the Philippine’s premier

destinations for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE). Manila hosted the first ever PTM in 1978, where over 300 delegates gathered to experience Asia Pacific’s first industry trade event.

In its return to Manila, the PTM is bigger and bolder with more than a thousand delegates registered to attend. Almost

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a hundred foreign and local multi-media representatives are ready to cover the PTM, as well as the PATA Executive Board and PATA Board Meeting which held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel from September 27-30.

November’2012

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Exhibition

The 20th IT&CMA and 15th CTW Asia-Pacific - Bangkok

Celebrating its 20th year anniversary this very year, IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) welcomed a record number of 2,579 delegates at

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Bangkok Convention Center, Central World Bangkok, being the largest MICE and Corporate Travel Showcase with 325 exhibiting companies. A stunning 497 international and local buyers from 52 countries frequented the booths at the

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exhibition hall – an impressive ratio of 1.7 buyers to one exhibiting company.

Furthermore, there were some 132 international and local media from 32 countries during the event on October 2-4, 2012.

IMEX America 2012 - Las Vegas

IMEX America is held at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas between 9 and 11 October 2012. IMEX America Chairman Ray Bloom said that the

show had hosted 2,400 buyers from across North America and 43 other global markets – 20% more than last year. In addition, the trade show had also welcomed around 1,700 attendees. Turkey continued its participation to IMEX America with a stand

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which was organized by ICVB and Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry. The stand, which is located in Europe hall, is one of the largest stands where a total of 25 companies represented their products and services to buyers and attendees.

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Cover Story

One of the reliefs from Yazılıkaya: The deity Sharruma embraces king Tudhaliya IV (from www.hattuscha.de)

The Hittites:

A Journey of Civilization

T

he Hittites had established a kingdom at the heart of what is today modern Turkey.

They ruled over ancient Turkey between the 17th and 12th centuries BC for over half a millennium, under at least 26 kings (thus far known). After the collapse of the Hittite kingdom in the 12th century BC, the “NeoHittite” cities emerged. These city-states inherited Hittite political culture, and survived independent of each other until different occasions between the 9th and 7th centuries BC. The Hittites are particularly celebrated for their achievements in the

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field of statecraft and social order. Their relations with pre-classical Greece, Troy, ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia are also recognized. Visitors can today see the monuments and sites once inhabited by the Hittites and their kings; these are much more than physical ruins because they tell the story of a people who lived in a world different from ours. We can walk where once the ancients spoke, ate, worshipped, made love and war. They dealt with some of the issues prevalent in today’s world: wars, ethnic hatred, crime, strife. They

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Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

By Selim F. Adalı

The German Archeological Institute recently restored part of the city walls of Hattusha.

Photo by Cemil Gürsen (2.6.2012)

The Hittite state had initially grown under charismatic military leaders such as Hattushili I (1650-1620 BC) and Murshili I (1620-1590 BC). The great king Murshili I was assassinated by his sister’s husband and the latter’s son-in-law. The bloodshed did not stop there. Son killed father. Brother killed brother. Mothers and children were slaughtered. All was done for the seat of power. Telipinu did not see these murders as isolated and solely “political” events. In his historical and theological account, Telipinu identified these murders as parts of the “bloodshed” that spread over a century.

What is to prevent people from killing each other to take power? What rules are people willing to obey and how can they be established? How do you turn anarchy into order and civilization? Can there be peace after so much bloodshed?

Hittite history writing, witnessed in Telipinu’s Proclamation and several other Hittite texts, reveals advancements in history writing (i.e. historiography) that recognized and answered such fundamental questions. The Hittites framed these according to their own polytheistic and spiritual worldview.

Telipinu was confronted with these questions not just on an intellectual level but also on a personal level. Telipinu lost his wife, queen Ishtapariya, and his son Ammuna, to these very same bloody political intrigues. He could have lost himself to his pride and passion.

Even ancient customs demanded blood

for blood. He could view this as an isolated event paralyzing his personal life, but he managed to maintain the mental and emotional discipline to apply his historical analysis towards the greater civilized goal. He identified the real enemy; the social and political prerogative of political murder. Telipinu wanted to create a new prerogative: Individuals would not take justice into their own hands, repaying “evil” with “evil,” but they would obey and resort to the law. Men of religious standing

established a world of peace and stability under their rule, a Pax Hethitica, until the inevitable end of the Bronze Age in the 12th century BC. The journey of civilization can be described as progress in the face of primeval human ambitions. I will introduce some major Hittite sites to visit, with a view of the Hittites’ journey of civilization.

“They did evil to me but I did not do evil to them” This is not a quote from a book of religion. It is taken from an ancient text more than 3500 thousand years old.

“The Proclamation of Telipinu,” called as such by modern historians, documents the legal reforms of the Hittite king Telipinu (reigned 1525-1500 BC) and their historical and practical justification.

The “evil” described by Telipinu was murder. Telipinu had inherited a Hittite state torn in internal strife and political murders for over a century. Factions had gathered around royal family members.

They fought over power and control, trying to install their candidate as king. in Hittite society, called “the men of the gods”, were already denouncing the bloodshed in the land. Maybe these men had a popular role in proclaiming religious values and messages, like the prophets of biblical times. In any case, Telipinu drew strength from the religious values of his time and gave up on revenge, labeling it as “bloodshed.” Instead of seeking revenge, Telipinu promulgated a law to ban revenge, consistent with his political philosophy. According to the “Proclamation of Telipinu,” he appointed

Entering the Great Temple. Photo by Cemil Gürsen (2.6.2010).

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November’2012

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Cover Story

Temple 1 and the Lower City, and a suggested reconstruction of the three main parts of the Temple 1 complex: the temple proper (in red), the storage magazines (in yellow), and the Southern District with the “House of Operations” (in green) ,after W. Schirmer (both from www.hattuscha.de)

the pankus (“assembly”; the Hittite equivalent of the “house of lords”) to prevent and judge any attempts on the life of royal family members. It is not clear how much power this assembly had after the death of Telipinu, but one fact cannot be denied: the Hittite state continued to exist for three more centuries regardless of various problems.

Telipinu obeyed the law instead of avenging his family’s death and shedding blood. His personal sacrifice left an

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everlasting memory for future Hittite kings – the text of Telipinu’s Proclamation was preserved in Hittite archives until the end of the kingdom.

The core area of the Hittite kingdom was within the bend of the Kızılırmak.

Kızılırmak means “Red River” in Turkish, known also as the classical era “Halys,” and earlier, as Hittite “Marassantiya.”

The Hittite capital Hattusha (Boğazköy [read: Boazkuy; u as in “church”]) was a great city at the center of smaller ancient settlements and places of worship in what is today the modern province of Çorum (read: Chorum).

The people of Çorum are very proud of their Hittite inheritance. Visitors are very welcome. When in Çorum, be sure to first visit the Çorum Museum, designed for visitors who can then go to the Hittite sites with some clear visuals of the historical

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and archaeological background.

The primary Hittite site at Çorum is no doubt Hattusha, at Boğazkale (read: Boazkale). This Bronze Age metropolis served as the Hittite capital from the 17th to the 12th century BC. Scientific excavations began in the 1900s, continued today by the German Archeological Institute. At its largest, the city covered 182 hectars, surrounded by a 3.3 km long city wall with monumental city-gates, among them the Lion Gate, the Sphinx Gate and the King’s Gate.1 There were many temples and edifices within the walls. The largest building in the city is the Great Temple (“Temple I” on the map). Part of the lower city walls next to it (near number 2 on the map, next to “Temple I”) has recently been restored. The Great Temple has a commanding view of the city, only to be matched by that of the Royal Citadel (number 33 on the map, dubbed Turkish “Büyükkale” [Great Fortress]). The king and his royal family resided at Büyükkale, with its own fortifications and chambers.

Visitors must also see the Yazılıkaya Rock Temple, the nearest site to Hattusha. This is an open air temple with rock carved reliefs in chambers inbetween cliffs. The attached temple edifices and the reliefs were contructed under the patronage of Tudhaliya IV (1250-1220 BC) but worship in the rock temple probably predated him.

(Note: don’t forget to visit the Boğazkale Museum nearby).

The Great Temple and in the Royal Citadel in Hattusha yielded most of the Hittite texts (over thirty thousand clay tablet fragments). The region of Hattusha was known in antiquity as Hatti. The Hattians were the predecessors of the Hittites in the Çorum area. They spoke a unique language not related to any known world language. Other languages recognized in Hittite texts were Hittite, Luwian hieroglyphic inscription on the right-hand wall of Chamber 2 at Hattusha. Chamber 2 is at the eastern part of the Upper City. It is a monumental domed chamber, partially restored from large limestone blocks (from www.hattuscha.de).

Hurrian, Luwian, and Palaic. As you walk though the city remains today, keep in mind that in the past you would have heard all these languages chanted in the temples. Hatti was called the “land of the thousand gods.” Religion was at the center of peoples’ lives. The Hittites called their language “that of the city Nesha.” Nesha was the Hittite name of the ancient city (its other ancient name: Kanesh) known today as the archaeological site of Kültepe. Visitors to modern Kayseri can visit Kültepe closeby.

The Hittite language itself is an IndoEuropean language, related to languages such as ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, German and English.

The Hurrians lived in southeastern Turkey; their unique language has linguistic similarities with Caucasian languages but again, it is unique. The Hurrians also inhabited part of the region of modern Adana with the Luwians. The Luwians were spread widely elsewhere in western, southern and central ancient Turkey. Luwian is an Indo-European language closely related to Hittite, as is Palaic (much less is known about the native speakers of Palaic for now, their homeland may have been the Kastamonu region). The ancient world did not know the concept of the modern nation-state. The Hittite kings ruled with the recognition that it was a theocracy, with the king also as a high-priest, administering prayers and worship in all the languages in the land of Hatti. The Hittite approach was unique even for its own age; such official recognition of

different cultures in the realm cannot be attested in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia or China.

Most Hittite texts were written in Babylonian style cuneiform script. There were also “hieroglyphic” texts, based on a pictographic script invented in Anatolia. This script was used for Luwian texts in the Hittite kingdom. These “Neo-Hittite” cities (Kargamish [near Gaziantep], Melid [Malatya], Que and Hilakku [around Adana], amongst others) had a political culture that incorporated Luwian and Aramaean elements while maintaining Hittite royal ideology. Many monumental Iron Age Luwian inscriptions from these cities and their environs are now dispersed in Turkish museums or carved on great rocks in their original findspots across Turkey (see the website Monuments of the Hittites for an introduction [link provided below]).

A most interesting symbol can be found at the ancient site known only with its modern name Alaca Höyük (read: Alaca Huyek [“u” as in “church” and “e” as in “stew”]). Its ancient name was probably Arinna (for now, not beyond doubt). It was a site of pilgrimage, ancient burials and sacred grounds.

Visitors will first see two sphinxes guarding the entrance and wall reliefs.

The reliefs depict festivals and the royal family offering devotional sacrifices that continued until the end of the Hittite kingdom. When you walk inbetween the sphinxes and turn right, a doubleheaded eagle will greet you. It was a symbol taken up by the Hittites, as well

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as the Romans, and later the Selçuk (read: Selchuk) Turks in the eleventh century AD. The royal burials found at Alaca Höyük yielded great works of metal art from the Hattian period preceding the Hittite kingdom. Most of these artifacts are now in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations at Ankara.

One of the sphinxes from the “Sphinx Gate” on top of Yerkapı. You can now see both sphinxes at the Boğazkale Museum, near the Hattusha site (photo from www.hattuscha.de).

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Cover Story

Aerial view of the artificial rampart at Yerkapı (250 m long on a foundation a good 80 m across; stands around 30 m high on the exterior). This is the highest and southernmost point in the city fortifications. The city wall arches up toward the summit from the Lion Gate in the west and the King’s Gate in the east, crowns the ridge, with the Sphinx Gate located just at the center (photo from www.hattuscha.de).

Be sure to walk around all the remains.

There is also a mysterious tunnel. It may be a postern; a secondary way in and out, allowing the occupants to come and go inconspicuously. There is a larger one in Hattusha inside the magnificent rampart dubbed “Yerkapı” (= “Gate in the Earth”). Finally, nearby Alaca Höyük, there is a structure called “the Hittite dam,” contructed under the patronage of Tudhaliya IV (1250-1220 BC). The structure gathers the sacred lake’s waters. Even today, the villagers use the water reservoir for irrigation.

Hurrian culture also had a special standing throughout the life of the Hittite dynasty. We learn that many kings beginning from the 15th century BC have both Hurrian and Hittite names. The 13th

century BC reliefs at the Yazılıkaya Rock Temple were accompanied with Hurrian named-deities written with Luwian hieroglyphics. The Hurrians were the bearers of a great culture in Adana and southeastern Anatolia, with an imperial past; until their defeat at the hand of the Hittite king Shuppiluliumas I (13801345 BC), the Hurrian-based Mitannian Empire was a great power of the ancient Near East. There are many Hurrian ritual texts in Hattusha as well as in the second greatest Hittite archive (well over 3000 tablets) found at Shapinuwa (transcribed “Şapinuva” in Turkish, located at Ortaköy [read: Ortakuy; u as in “church”]).

Tudhaliya III (Hurrian name: Tashmisharri; reigned 1400-1380 BC) and queen Taduhepa resided in Shapinuwa. They

Lion Gate. Photo by Cemil Gürsen (4.6.2010). Recently, the head of the lion on the left has been reconstructed.

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carried out diplomacy and rituals, many texts are in Hurrian, others in Hattian, Hittite and Akkadian (the international diplomatic language of the day, also used in Hattusha). Excavations in Shapinuwa have yielded significant and complex buildings and intriguing areas for ritual and devotional sacrifice in accordance with Hittite royal ideology; it was a very significant site of pilgrimage.

When in Istanbul and/or in Ankara, prior to or after Çorum, be sure to visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museums and Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilisations to see Hittite texts, sculptures, reliefs, and artifacts. You will see, for example, a copy of the Kadesh Peace Treaty, signed between Ramses II of ancient Egypt and Hattushili III (12751250 BC) in 1259 BC (= the 21st regnal year of Ramses II). This is the earliest preserved international peace treaty.

The Hittites ruled over ancient Turkey and Syria and shared the Near East with Egypt, Assyria (who replaced the Hurrian kingdom of Mitanni) and Babylonia.

Homer’s Troy, for example, is mentioned in Hittite texts as the kingdom of Wilusa in a vassal treaty between Muwatalli II (1310-1282 BC; the Hittite king who fought Ramses II at Kadesh in 1285 BC) and king “Alaksandu” of Wilusa. Wilusa is Homeric Ilion. “Alaksandu” perhaps anticipates the Trojan name Alexander for Paris, prince of Troy, mentioned in Homer’s Iliad (like saying Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II). The Hittites and the Mycenaeans had competed over ancient Turkey’s Aegean shore.

Here is a Hittite recipe for one of the most basic “sweet breads” used in ritual offerings (this specific ritual was called the mashtigga-ritual). Ingredients: 1 kg. of full wheat flour, 300 ml. of water, 250 gr. of honey or molasses.

How to prepare: Knead the flour, water, and honey (or molasses) into simple dough.

Keep it in room temperature for half an hour Shape it into a loaf of bread Bake it in a pre-heated oven Places to Visit for the Hittites Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul) Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Ankara) Çorum Museum (Çorum) Hattusha (Boğazkale) and the Yazılıkaya Rock Temple (Çorum) Alacahöyük (Çorum) Ortaköy (Çorum) For more places in Çorum, visit the website of the Çorum Directorate of Culture and Tourism (link provided below) For a map with names of many more Hittite sites, visit the website Monuments of the Hittites (link provided below) Recommended reads in English Bryce, Trevor. The Kingdom of the Hittites. New Edition.

Oxford University Press, 2005 The World of Neo-Hittite Kingdoms: A Political and Military History. Oxford University Press, 2012 Collins, Billie Jean. The Hittites and Their World. Society of Biblical Literature Archaeology and Biblical Studies 7. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2007.

Sagona, Antonio and Paul Zimansky. Ancient Turkey.

Abingdon: Routledge, 2009. (this book discusses the broader archaeological world of ancient Turkey, of which the Hittites are a part) The Internet Çorum Directorate of Culture and Tourism. http://www. corumkulturturizm.gov.tr (helpful information for visitors to Çorum; pictures of Hittite sites) Çorum Museum. http://www.yesilirmakbasinmuseums.org.tr/ corum/mn1.html (or google “Çorum Museum - Yeşilırmak Basin Museums.” This is the website for the Çorum Museum. It also has a virtual tour) The Excavations at Hattusha - A project of the German ArchaeoIogical Institute. http://www.hattuscha.de (the website of the German Archaeological Institute’s excavations at Boğazköy) Hattusha: the Hittite Capital. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/377 (the UNESCO world heritage list website for Hattusha) Hethitologie Portal Mainz. http://www.hethiter.net (maintained by the Mainz Academy and the University of Würzburg; with the cooperation of other institutions and Hittitologists; with up-todate scholarly resources on the Hittites) Hittites.info. http://www.hittites.info (basic info about the Hittites; you can also read translations of some key Hittite texts) Istanbul Archaeological Museums. http://www.istanbularkeoloji. gov.tr/main_page Monuments of the Hittites. Tayfun Bilgin. http://www. hittitemonuments.com (opens with a map of many Hittite sites.

Click on the names and you will see pictures and descriptions) Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (Ankara). http://www.anadolumedeniyetlerimuzesi.gov.tr (the website is currently only in Turkish, but you can Google translate most of it

Photos: Selim Adalı & Cemil Gürsen

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Meet at Village Tourism

Tourism Outside The Towns

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By Kate Clow

urkey’s chains of mountains are some of the most beautiful in the world. However, as in most European mountain ranges, since the 1980’s a steady population drift to the cities has left her mountain villages populated by only a handful of old people and their remaining animals. Sure, for a week or two every year at Bayram, former inhabitants flood back to their ancestral lands. When the cadastro passes through an area, they are only too keen to lay claim to land their grandfathers farmed.

Registered or not, these lands are hardly ever sold, but the scattered families who jointly own them can never agree on who will repair the family home or how the agricultural land might be best used.

Can you blame them? EU agricultural policy has been to merge farms wherever possible: the government finds it easier to deliver health and social services and schooling in the towns and the jandarma still operates like an aggressive patriarchy.

Life in the villages is hard – and not only physically so. But some Ministries, especially Forestry and the Culture and Tourism Ministry, now pay lip service to a policy of sustainable tourism which should support the remaining inhabitants and their traditional way of life. Rural tourism

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is nothing new. The French still do it most successfully – what would French cuisine be without the hand-gathered produce of the countryside – from snails to truffles to wild raspberries? And with longer holidays, foreign retirees and a tradition of using student labour in the grape harvest, the architecture of the old stone mountain villages has not only been preserved but their life-style has developed into desirable, decadent luxury. The slow food movement in Italy is encouraging the same success story there.

Turkey’s villages So what is happening in Turkey? Turkey’s intangible traditions – music, dance, festivals, folklore, the family – have withstood the passage of time and indeed sent out a network of roots and shoots through urban culture. Food – that lifesustaining reason art form – has always been slow and hopefully will resist efforts to speed it up. But the tangibles – the buildings of small towns and villages, traditional structures, farming systems, are sinking under the spill-over from city life. ÇEKÜL Vakfı was the first organization to make an appreciable inroad into the preservation of valuable civil buildings.

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With the Association of Historic Towns, they expanded their work to include the larger urban environment, and the city centres of places as large as Gaziantep or Ankara have benefited from overall planning, reconstruction or preservation of old buildings and traffic management.

These two bodies are now turning their attention from larger cities to semi-rural areas. Rural development plans are under development for five key areas of Turkey.

With these two organizations’ recent attempts on ‘Rural Architecture and Rural Life’ in various cities, it seems that villages in general have started to gain more emphasis as the sustaining mechanisms of cities.

Two examples In addition private initiative has contributed to the preservation of local architecture. Two interesting examples spring to mind. On the Lycian Way, at Hoyran, near Demre, Suleyman and Canan Hacimusaoglu have recreated a village of stone houses. Incorporating a few genuine old buildings and using local craftsmen and materials, Suleyman has created a garden hotel. Perched on a rough limestone slope overlooking the Mediterranean,

Hoyran House Pool within spitting distance of the scattered sarcophagi of the ancient settlement of Hoyran, the first and lasting impression of Hoyran Wedre is the scent of herbs sucked by the sun into the balmy air. The houses blend into the landscape, merge with the mountainous backdrop.

Each bedroom is individually furnished with antiques collected both in Turkey and

Pure life Village House Bicer, manager of a five-star hotel chain; he is currently working on a restaurant and clubhouse which will form the hub of the development.

Mehmet aims to restore at least 10 houses, each as family accommodation with two bedrooms, a comfortable sitting room around an open fireplace and a fitted kitchen.

Although both these examples are bringing an indirect benefit to local people who are employed in them, provide local vegetables or even guide visitors around nearby sites, they do not provide a direct benefit to the villagers.

commitment to preserve the old roads from the ravages of rural road making.

All sorts of hurdles hamper progress towards this aim. Some of them are as follows: - the Education Ministry has to give permission for the schools to be used unimpeded by existing conditions and regulations - the volunteer groups need support – accommodation and food - while they are working; also tools and instruction in technical construction.

- the schools, mostly abandoned since 1996, are in a terrible state and each will require at least 30,000TL worth of materials.

Old School at Değirmenözü - villagers need help to adapt to a new profession – training in the mechanics of Europe. The cuisine, eaten in twilight running a pension, some language and on the terraces of the main building accountancy instruction. overlooking the lights of Demre far below, But the rewards could be great. If the includes simple local recipes enlivened by Direct village benefits model works, for 6-8 months of the year Canan’s special touch and presented in the villagers could receive up to 16 or so gleaming glass and porcelain. At breakfast, The Culture Routes Society is taking a different approach. Formed with the visitors per night, giving a daily income of I counted 12 different types of preserve, intention of developing Turkey’s historic up to 400TL. Deducting the cost of food mostly made from home-grown produce. (locally grown, of course) and electricity, My second example has yet to mature, but roads into a series of walking trails, they now find that accommodation is an for a typical village of 150 inhabitants, this the Pure Life village, close to Korkuteli, essential part of the development of the is a significant sum. Of course there will is in quite a different environment. network. Their plan is, using volunteers, to be teething problems; of course in some Spread along the flank of an ova, or level repair and develop a series of abandoned villages it may never work. However, if we plain below the Bey Daglari, Pure Life is school buildings as village pensions and can spread this model to the 17 existing a collection of village houses which still train the villagers to run these themselves. Culture Routes in Turkey, and incorporate share their surroundings with traditional it into Cekul’s regional plans, this could be farmers. Goats grope the gardens for fresh The Society will then provide marketing and booking services to the network of the making for village sustainable tourism shoots, plantations of pines climb nearby and the regeneration of Turkey’s dying slopes and locals collect mushrooms under accommodation. The theory is that this will ensure a direct benefit for villagers villages. their shade. So far five houses of the along the route, thus encouraging a village have been renovated by Mehmet

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Meet the Sound of Hagia Sophia

Meet the Sound of Hagia Sophia By Şebnem Yavuz

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heodora: “Do you hear the angels singing?”

Justinian: “Yes, it is a truly heavenly sound.”

Theodora: “Never have there been such otherworldly chants.

Boethius and Rusticiana have created perfect music.”

Justinian: “And never has there been such a building on earth!

With the construction of Hagia Sophia, an architectural and acoustic masterpiece has been accomplished.”

Theodora: “And we can be proud to have promoted such projects.

It is the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) that we hear here. It will preserve its sacred secrets carefully and only reveal them to the public when the time is right.”

Justinian: “And that will take a long time.”

Theodora: “True. It will be more than 1,500 years before humanity is ready for the unveiling of this secret.”

The Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (482–565) and Empress Theodora (500–548) knew what they were talking about. They were benefactors of the famous Roman philosopher Boethius and his wife Rusticiana, who often spent considerable periods in Constantinople, today’s Istanbul.

Who was Boethius? While he was once one of the most learned Roman philosophers of his age, few today have heard of him. His full name was Anicius Manlius Torquatus Severinus Boethius. He

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was born around 480 into a wealthy, influential and ancient Roman patrician family, the Anicii.

Boethius became a Roman consul in 510, reaching the high point of his political career as magister officiorum in 521 or 522, enjoying the favour of the Ostrogothic King Theoderic the Great (reg.

471–526) as an honest adviser. Tradition has it that in 523 Boethius got involved in political

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disputes, was found guilty of high treason, was condemned by Theoderic, and was executed in around 524 or 526.

While in prison he wrote his final work, De consolatione philosophiae, which in the Middle Ages became one of the most widely read philosophical treatises.

That’s what the official histories say.

But Şebnem Yavuz has come up with a new theory. According to the results of her research Boethius did not die in 524, but with his wife Rusticiana and his two sons forsook the life he had been living hitherto, leaving Rome for a life of monastic seclusion to develop a system of chants designed to bring about a profound spiritual transformation. It required years of research to study the effect of music on the human body, mind and soul. Boethius and Rusticiana were supported in the project by Justinian and Theodora.

In parallel with the development of the chants, in the shape of Hagia Sophia a building was erected in Constantinople that still to this day is seen as one of the most important in the world. The predecessor building had been destroyed by fire during the Nika riots; in 523–537, in just five years, the new basilica arose

from the ashes as the central church of the Byzantine empire.

The rebuilding of Hagia Sophia is owed to the endeavour to create a space in which the Boethian chants could unfold their power to the best effect. This required special acoustics, geared to the physical phenomenon of partial tones. The mathematical formulae underlying the chants were definitive for the architectural relationships in the sacred building.

The acoustics are quite targeted. The building was tested time and again during the construction phase to see if the acoustic effects were working, and often enough corrections had to be made, before the desired result was obtained.

However the architecture was geared got just to the acoustic demands; attention was also given to the aspects necessary for the practical implementation of the Boethian chants. This explains certain architectural peculiarities of this church, which have hitherto been puzzling. These include the structure of the large dome, the specific dimensions of the main interior space, the narrow barrel vaults to the right and left of the main portal, the gallery and the passage leading up to it, and the wall cladding and

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pattern of the floor slabs.

However the fate which was ultimately to overtake Boethius and Rusticiana was harsh, for the content of the chants, and the theory which Boethius and Rusticiana proposed, contradicted the dogma of the Western church. The couple and their fellow compaigners were arrested in about 546 and executed in Italy the following year. All their writings were confiscated, and the chants forbidden. Later Pope Gregory took the Boethian chants and reworked them as the Christian Gregorian chant that we know today.

Hagia Sophia still holds countless secrets waiting to be deciphered. Among these are the acoustics. It would certainly be an extraordinarily rewarding project to investigate the acoustics of Hagia Sophia with all the scientific methods available, and it would be no less desirable if one day it were possible for the reconstructed chants of Boethius to be heard once more in this space that was built specially for them.

I have had the priviledge of working with two Canadians, Dr. Ruth Dwyer and Dr. Neil Moran in the planning of a colloquium regarding the Hagia Sophia.

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Meet at Art

Istanbul Design Biennial

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he first Istanbul Design Biennial started at 13 October and continues until 12 December 2012, under the curatorship of Emre Arolat and Joseph Grima, within the framework of the theme Imperfection, as suggested by Deyan Sudjic, Istanbul Design Biennial advisory board member and Director of the Design Museum in London. The Biennial exhibitions explore creative products and projects from all disciplines of the creative industries in major fields from urban design (environmental, urban and regional planning) to architecture, interior architecture, industrial, graphic,

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fashion and new media design, as well as their subfields. Istanbul Design Biennial theme Imperfection is interpreted by the Biennial curators Emre Arolat and Joseph Grima, within the framework of their independent approaches.

“Musibet” by Emre Arolat will take place at Istanbul Museum of Modern Art and “Adhocracy” by Joseph Grima will take place at Galata Greek Primary School while the Academic Programme, workshops, exhibitions and the parallel participant’s events will be spread across the city. 514 projects in total were selected to the Biennial exhibitions.

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236 applications are of Turkish origin while 278 projects are from 48 countries around the world including the USA, Germany, Belgium, France, Britain, Italy, Spain, and Greece. Underlining the importance of design education in Turkey, the Istanbul Design Biennial will bring university students together with the Biennial audiences through the Academic Programme. In order to encourage the participation of academia and further explore different angles on the Biennial theme “Imperfection”, the Biennial will collaborate with 74 departments of 26 universities in

Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Eskişehir and Northern Cyprus. Universities within the Academic Programme will display their projects at their campuses during the Biennial. The exhibitions will be open to public and free of charge. Under the scope of the pre-events programme, Istanbul Design Biennial organised a series of workshops between 22 and 27 March with an aim towards creating a platform where various organisations, institutions, students and individuals representing the sector could meet,

interact and learn from each other.

Activities based on the Biennial’s theme of “Imperfection” provided opportunities for local and international professionals in creative industries and different brands to meet with university students and share experiences of thought and production processes. Approximately 250 university students had the opportunity to work closely with 30 international designers in 12 different workshops.

All the works, ideas, products and the entire process itself will be exhibited in

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various locations during the biennial. The Istanbul Design Biennial will present a rich selection of documentary films in different creative fields within its film screening programme as of November.

18 documentary films in a wide spectrum from architecture to fashion design, from industrial design, graphic design, and gastronomy to urban design will be shown at Chamber of Architects, Pera Museum and French Cultural Centre in Istanbul. The full programme is available at http://istanbuldesignBiennial.iksv.org November’2012

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Fame & Game

World Offshore 225 Final Race Took Place at Istanbul

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he final race of Isiklar World Offshore 225 closed the season at Istanbul Palladium Shopping Centre with Grand Prix.

Unexpected surprises were lived during the races and the last race of 225 World Offshore Isiklar race was, for the fourth time, won by Kerem Tuncer-Alpay Akdilek pilots and brothers. During the double race the collision with their Polimersan boat, they left without any points, however,with 2635 points in the general classification their World Championship was announced.

The first runner was the Angel Yachts team, racing with number 66 they fought a lot for the podium during the whole season. The boat piloted by Cengiz

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Siklaroglu-Ugur Yelken, had 54.14.150 timing and got the first runner prize at the podium for the first time and closed the racing season. The second runner trophy went to YKM Sports team pilots Kerim Zorlu-Cengiz Cennetoglu. The team made 54.14.150 score and were at the podium at the last race, whereas at the final the third runner were Murat LekiTugberk Uca with their 54.14.150 score of the Besiktas-Miele team.

With the last race of the championship the World and Turkey Championship second runner with total 1633 points was Besiktas-Miele team and in the general classification, the third World prize was won by Kerim Zorlu-Cengiz Cennetoglu YKM Sport team.The trophies of the score makers were given by Songul Kara, general secretary of the Developing Sports Federation, Angelo Poma UIM Commisioner, Serdar Ozer, IOC 2.President, Aysen Yersen Palladium AVM Manager, Mert Samra of Allfett Marketing Manager and Semra Aydin for Edox.

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Meet at Luxury

A Genuine Taste of Italy in London Theo Randall at The Intercontinental

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heo Randall’s passion for simple, rustic Italian fare took him from Chez Panisse in California to Head Chef and Partner at The River Café.

In 2006, Theo brought this experience to the prestigious address of No 1, Park Lane when he opened Theo Randall at the InterContinental. His unwavering dedication has earned him the respect of his peers, many industry accolades and awards – and a loyal following of diners.

The restaurant continues to exemplify Theo’s signature style of showcasing the best of Italian cuisine in a buzzing restaurant setting. The daily changing menu is inspired by his regular trips to Italy and dictated by the best seasonal ingredients available from the market every day. Theo has personally overseen the extensive wine list

that features 90% Italian varietals, including a selection of Grappas.

The spacious dining room offers views onto the theatre of the chefs in action and the stylish lounge bar presents informal counter-top dining for lunch or dinner, as well as an extensive drinks menu.

For 2012, Theo’s monthly masterclasses are a handson insight into the art of Italian cooking using the finest seasonal ingredients.

The class, priced at £200, includes an interactive cooking session with Theo in the kitchen, followed by lunch, wine tasting with the Head Sommelier, and a copy of Theo’s PASTA cookbook. Since its launch in 2006, Theo Randall at the InterContinental has won numerous awards, including Best Italian Restaurant of The

Year from the London Restaurant Awards. The restaurant was a key contributing factor behind the accolade of Best Hotel in the UK for Food, from Condé Nast Traveller and it continues to be recognised by the Sunday Times Food List, the National

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Restaurant Awards and The London Lifestyle Awards.

While he is a regular on national television and has published the successful recipe book, PASTA, Theo remains true to his culinary roots and can be found at the restaurant most services.

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News Line World

ICCA announces Best Marketing Award finalists for 51st Congress in Puerto Rico A technology-enabled programme designed to turn delegates into destination promoters; how to custom-build a superfriendly national brand ambassador; using cultural assets to tie-up client loyalties and motivate your staff at the same time; and a case study in how to win business in the face of overwhelming obstacles. These are the finalists in this year’s ICCA Best Marketing Award, took place at the 51st ICCA Congress in Puerto Rico. The ICCA Congress education programme is shaping up quickly and is on track of attracting a record attendance of any ICCA Congress in the Americas. The ICCA Best Marketing Award, established in 1997, recognises the excellence and outstanding achievements of organisations in their effort to market their destination or product. Entries

range from national campaigns, innovative branding and the use of technology to success in the face of disaster. The ICCA Best Marketing Award is sponsored by Bedouk Meetings & Events Media (http://www.bedouk.com) and is open to ICCA members only.

The 2012 ICCA Best Marketing Award finalist are: • Artion Conferences and Events (Greece) • Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre • MEET TAIWAN • Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions These finalists will present their successful marketing campaigns at the 51st ICCA Congress, taking place 20-24 October in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Back by Popular Demand - EIBTM 25 Set to Deliver an Enhanced Future Events Experience As a direct result of last year’s success, EIBTM 25 (www.eibtm. com) will deliver an enhanced Future Events Experience with new elements and additional contributors to the area. The innovative feature area on the show floor will provide a dedicated space where exhibitors and buyers can experience and interact with the latest in cutting-edge technology and events services available in the market. In partnership with Newtonstrand and Eventskills, the Future Events Experience will incorporate innovative speaker presentations, a live demonstration area showcasing pioneering technology and a number of networking and education opportunities for all attendees. A full list of events taking place in the Future Events Experience can be found at www.eibtm.com/future . Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director of EIBTM commented, “There is no doubt that technology within the meetings industry and in fact across all industries is progressing at an exponential rate. As the world’s leading event for the meetings and events industry, it is of primary importance that we not only ensure we are offering the latest in technological innovations for our own show but also that we are helping all of our attendees learn about the latest products

and trends so that they can utilise these when driving their own businesses forward.” “The Future Events Experience is designed to provide a platform which will directly allow visitors to interact and experience different technology and innovative services that they can use for their next event, conference or meeting.” concluded Barnett. The Future Events Experience will incorporate the ‘Experts Clinic’ this year. The new drop in clinic will provide a platform for all attendees to meet with experts in meetings and events technology. The experts will be available to consult attendees on all event technology related subjects. Attendees can also benefit from the ‘Ask the Experts’ panel, which will take place on Wednesday 28th November, 10:30-11:30, facilitated by Corbin Ball, CEO of Corbin Ball Associates. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with leading events and meeting technology experts about the latest innovation and trends as well as how to utilise it best in future conferences, meetings or events. Newtonstrand’s Chance2Speak platform will also return for the EIBTM Future Events Experience. This innovative platform provides delegates with the opportunity to become a speaker at EIBTM with a 20-30-minute time slot to share their views on a topic of their choice. To apply for a Chance2Speak slot, visit www. eibtm.com/chancetospeak

The CONVENE Forges Partnerships to Guarantee Buyers The CONVENE has signed two strategic partnerships to ensure it “delivers on its promise” to bring high quality buyers to the inaugural event in 2013. Through partnerships with the Meetings Show UK and Conventa, The CONVENE will engage with corporates, agencies and venue finders from across the UK and Europe. The CONVENE, Exhibition Director, Jolanta Beniulienė: “As CONVENE is an inaugural event, the partnership with Conventa and Meetings Show UK will contribute to CONVENE’s becoming number one meetings industry event in the Baltic Sea Region. High quality buyers are essential to event’s success, which is why our partnership plays an important role in creating hosted buyer

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programme and inviting key decision makers”. The CONVENE organising partner ViaConventus, owner, Jurgita Jurkonė: “The CONVENE is a key to the acceleration of the meetings, conferences and events business in the Baltic Sea region. Miha Kovacic from Conventa; “As one of Europe’s most successful trade shows, with regular attendance from key buyers, these partnerships will ensure we continue to grow and provide a significant return for both our exhibitors and visitors. In particular as the established show amongst the partnership, our long years of experience and success will be of benefit to The Meetings Show UK and Convene.” The CONVENE, run by Vilnius Convention Bureau, will be held from 13 – 14 February 2013 at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO, Vilnius, and will mark the Baltic Sea region’s first exhibition for meetings, events and incentives.

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

Bringing Together Chinese and International MICE Exhibitors & Buyers In One Dynamic Marketplace 汇聚中国以及国际MICE供应商和买家 共同打造一个瞬息万变的市场

The Leading International MICE Event In China 中国首屈一指的专业会议、奖励旅游、 会议和展览的商业和交流平台

www.itcmchina.com 17 - 19 April 2013 | 2013年4月17 - 19日

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center | 上海世博展览馆

IT&CM China 2012 Event Highlights 展会亮点* “A very effective event for generating new contacts and penetrating the China market segment.”

A 30% larger MICE exhibition showcase with 317 exhibiting companies

Ferry Firmaniyah | Melia Bali, Indonesia

317家参展公司汇聚成的MICE展览会，规模增长30%

The show featured 50% new buyers 首次参与IT&CM China的新买家比例高达50%

80% of the exhibitors expect to receive orders over the next 6-12 months

“IT&CM China has allowed my company to establish contact with new facilities and increase our business with the destinations represented at the exhibition.”

Domenico Liantonio | TUASIA by P.o.A., Italy

“展会组织一如既往地好，每次参加都很有收获， 今年展会在买家数量和质量上也有所提升。”

预计在未来6-12个月中收到订单的参展商比例高 达80%

92% of the buyers rated the quality of exhibitors as Excellent/Good 评定参展商质量为极佳/优良的买家比例高达92%

Register Online! 网上注册!

FOR INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS, BUYERS AND MEDIA 国际展商、买家和媒体，请您联系 TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media TTG 亚洲传媒会展部 Tel 电话: (65) 6395 7575 | Fax 传真: (65) 6536 0896 Email 电邮: itcmchina@ttgasia.com

Organised By:

Exhibitors | Buyers | Media 展商 | 买家 | 媒体 Hosting Programme For Buyers and Media Available. 为买家和媒体特设的招待计划现在开始申请。

*Based on 2012 Post-Event Feedback 根据2012展后反馈

Contact: 联络方式 :

胡宝翠 | 环球逸旅, 中国

FOR CHINA-BASED EXHIBITORS, BUYERS AND MEDIA 中国展商、买家和媒体，请您联系 CITS International M.I.C.E 国旅（北京）国际会议展览有限公司 上海分公司 Tel 电话: (86) 021 3304 9999 | Fax 传真: (86) 021 6350 9030 Email 电邮: itcmchina@citsmice.com.cn Supported By:

Official Media:

Media Affiliates: Business Travel 2 / MICE 2 | Executive PA Magazine | Incentive Travel & Corporate Meetings | Kongres Magazine | Korea Tourism News | Mee Turkey | MeetMe | MICE in Asia | MICE Japan | Mix – Asia’s Creative Meetings Magazine | TTG Polska

IT&CM China 2013 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week.

Where The MICE Industry Comes Together In Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events.

News Line World

ILTM 2012 Opening Forum Profiles Tomorrow’s World of Luxury A high profile range of international leaders from the world of luxury will take part in a series of exclusive, conversational, one-to-one interviews at the Opening Forum of this year’s International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes on Monday 3 December. The ILTM Opening Forum launches ILTM 2012 – the annual, ‘invitation-only’ event for the world of global luxury travel, taking place from 3 – 6 December in Cannes, France.

Participating magnates leading the line up include Mr P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Oberoi Group and Mr Silvio Ursini, Executive Vice President, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. The scene will once again be set by John Andrews, Consultant Editor of The Economist who will reveal his predictions for ‘The World in 2013’. Nicholas Coleridge, President of Condé Nast International will conclude the Forum with an overview of tomorrow’s ‘New World of Luxury’: which countries are performing, where key luxury brands are focusing and where to

look for tomorrow’s luxury consumers. ILTM features the world’s definitive collection of luxury experiences and prestigious luxury travel products for the exclusive benefit of the most discerning luxury travel buyers and agents from across the globe. One of the world’s most important luxury travel forums, the event opens with the ILTM Opening Forum on Monday 3 December and closes on Thursday 6 December, welcoming top international luxury travel suppliers and buyers to meet and discuss the key issues facing the industry today in a series of scheduled meetings and social networking events. ILTM comments: “We are delighted to welcome such leading experts from the world of international luxury to this year’s ILTM. Luxury travel is an increasingly important lifestyle choice for high net worth individuals across the globe and we are delighted to attract such a distinguished group of luxury leaders to share a platform – as well as their expertise and experience - at this year’s ILTM.” The ILTM Opening Forum will take place on Monday 3 December from 6 - 8pm at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France. For further information, www.iltm.net

ILTM AFRICA – Details Announced of Latest Edition to ILTM Portfolio 8 - 9 April 2013 Following the success of the first ILTM Americas in Mexico earlier this month, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) has announced that it will be launching a similar event in South Africa next year called ILTM Africa. Taking place on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April 2013 at one of Cape Town’s landmark hotels, The Mount Nelson (www.mountnelson.com.za), ILTM Africa will be a unique event where all suppliers will represent luxury travel experiences from the African continent, meeting with hosted luxury travel buyers and agents from the most significant - as well as key emerging - global luxury travel markets. This is a new format for ILTM: its other regional events (ILTM Asia and ILTM Americas) invite exhibitors from across the world to meet with invited buyers from the specific region. “The success of ILTM Americas proved just how hungry the luxury travel market is to continually seek new experiences. Africa holds some of the world’s greatest wilderness areas, richest cultures and most awe-inspiring wildlife - it is full of life from the tops of the mountains to the depths of the oceans.

ILTM Africa will offer a specific platform for this breathtaking continent to show the world’s most influential luxury travel buyers the full range of its many authentic experiences.” ILTM Africa will be a one-to-one summit, matching mutual requests from buyers and exhibitors alike to meet on a strict one-to-one ratio. Following the traditional ILTM format, both buyers and

exhibitors must follow a strict accreditation process in order to participate. The event will begin with an Opening Forum that reflects key trends and issues, both locally and globally, involving movers and shakers from global luxury travel in a series of interviews and debates.”Since announcing the launch of ILTM Africa, we have been inundated with interest from across the continent, including both the established and the newer, independent operators. Each has commented on how delighted they are that there is now a dedicated platform enabling them to present themselves to those that represent the most discerning of the world’s luxury travellers. ILTM is about addressing the luxury travel needs of both buyers and suppliers and in bringing the variety of this incredible, diverse continent to the forefront of the luxury travel world, ILTM Africa is an unmissable opportunity for those that are able to attend.” Yvan Vermeesch, Managing Director of XO Private added: “ILTM always stands for carefully selected hosted buyers, only the finest exhibitors, a most successful appointment-driven show format, an excellent appointment setting system, great networking events and a knowledgeable management team that perfectly understands the luxury travel industry. It should thus come as no surprise that our XO Private Members are always keen to participate in all ILTM shows around the globe. We expect nothing different from ILTM Africa and look forward to participating in this exciting new show with a prominent XO Private presence.”

Croatia to Host ABTA’s 2013 Travel Convention ABTA announced that Croatia is to host next year’s Travel Convention in the historic coastal town of Dubrovnik, from 21-23 October 2013. This will be the first time the Travel Convention has been held in Croatia.

In the last 12 months Croatia has seen a substantial 22% rise in UK visitor numbers and hosting the 2013 Travel Convention is a recognition of the importance of the UK market to Croatia as well as an opportunity to develop closer, mutually beneficial working ties with the UK travel industry. The Convention will be co-located at the five star Dubrovnik Palace Hotel and the Valamar Lacroma Hotel, both set on the Babin Kuk peninsula, home to the city’s longest beach. Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with its city walls enclosing red tiled roofs, monasteries, medieval churches and city squares, all

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set on the Adriatic’s stunning coastline. Meri Matesic, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board said: “We are delighted that Croatia has been chosen to host ABTA’s 2013 Travel Convention.

More and more British visitors are discovering Croatia and I’m confident that figures will continue to rise. We are very much looking forward to showcasing our home and the historically beautiful city of Dubrovnik to ABTA delegates next year; they can be sure of a very warm welcome in Croatia.” Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “We are very excited to be able to announce Croatia as the host of the 2013 Travel Convention. Croatia is becoming a favourite for British holidaymakers and its popularity is growing. We are delighted that it has agreed to host the 2013 Travel Convention. Dubrovnik is rightly renowned as the Pearl of The Adriatic and this beautiful city is the ideal host for Croatia’s first Travel Convention.”

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

Meet the Architecture of Hagia Sophia

Meet the Architecture,

Mathematics and Decoration of the Hagia Sophia

T

by Ruth Dwyer Ph.D space is designed according to the Golden Proportion. Therefore it is „perfect“ visually and mathematically. The Hagia Sohia has always been known for the beauty of her extraordinary marbles. The green, red and white porphyry columns which support her were brought from all over the Empire.

The walls are clad in exquisite marbles finely cut into circles, rectangles, triangles, squares and ellipses. It is impossible to look in any direction without being dazzled by their beauty. The floors are clad in white marble rectangles interspersed with a few circles and a gorgeous large square area, just under the dome, which has circles in many sizes. Some are banded in white marble and some are not.

he Hagia Sophia is one of the wonders of Istanbul, an edifice which was for a thousand years the largest and most magnificent church in the world. Built by the Emperor Justinian at breakneck speed, in just under six years, he dedicated her in 537 and named her the Church of Holy Wisdom (hagia sophia).

When we first enter the museum we are dazzled by the space. It is interesting to listen to the people around us at the entrance. So very often we hear the inhalation of breath, the „ahh“ of astonishment. This is not only due to what we see, a very large space which almost feels suspended, but also to what we subconsciously perceive: that this

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

November’2012

39

Meet the Architecture of Hagia Sophia

Coronation Square There are sprinklings of small marble triangles between the circles, and the visual effect of this area is that it almost seems to dance. For an explanation about the meaning of this square of circles please visit www.ruthdwyer. com, click on „academia“; then click on

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the photograph of the Hagia Sophia’s interior.

It is my theory that the „wisdom“ of the design of the entire building, and its decorations, is based upon the mathematical principles of Pythagoras.

Thus, the many geometric shapes are there for a specific purpose: to express in material form the wisdom of mathematics – arithmetic and geometry.

Upstairs, on the second floor, is an area which overlooks the interior of the building. It is marked in the center by a green marble circle on which the Empress Theodora stood. She and her entourage watched the proceedings below.

Also at her special site are beautiful lanterns, very delicate and

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

feminine, unlike the towering columns in the nave below. And separating her from the nave below is a bronze railing in the shape of stars. This beautiful railing wraps all around, separating the two floors.

The floor space of the entire building is also made up of shapes. In each corner are semi-circular excedrae punctuated by red columns. These contrast beautifully with the green columns of the central nave and of the second floor.

The Mosaics.

The mosaics on the second floor were done six centuries later, in the 12th century. Let us begin with the Empress Zoe mosaics: Christ Pantocrator in a blue robe holds a bible in his left hand and gives blessings with this right. He is flanked by Constantine IX Monomachus and the Empress Zoe, each of whom holds evidence of the donations they have made. Fascinatingly their faces have been replaced by newer faces, perhaps suggesting a new husband?

The Comnenus mosaics , on the eastern end of the south gallery date from 1122.

The Virgin Mary has the Christ child on her lap, while the child gives a blessing.

It is interesting to note that the Virgin Mary was always depicted wearing a blue dress, both in paint and in mosaics.

That was because the color blue was a very expensive pigment to make, and so it was reserved for her. It was expensive because the semi prescious stone lapus lazuli was an intense blue. It was ground up with a mortar and pestle and stirred into the mixture, whether is was intended for a painting or for a

mosaic. The pigment was fine for the glass tiles of mosaic, but when used for paintings the pigment proved to make the paint unstable. Over time the blue paint crumbled and fell off the painting, making the Virgin´s dress unsightly, and having the opposite effect of what was intended, that she should appear as the most beautiful. With blue mosaic this was not the case, the mosaic tile was stable, and the blue is usually very lovely when done in mosaic.

The Deesis mosaic dates from the 13th century and is generally considered to be the most magnificent of the mosaics at

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

the Hagia Sophia. The style of the work is often compared to the Italian painter Duccio. The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist are requesting that Christ be kind on the Day of Judgement.

The Northern Tympanum mosaics depict various saints including John Chrysostom and Ignatius the Younger standing in white robes and holding jeweled Bibles.

Their names are in Greek to help identify them.

In the history of Byzantine architecture the Hagia Sophia, or Holy Widsom is considered the most magnificent gem, the height of byzantine accomplishment.

Because of her mathematical perfection, based on Pythagorean principles, and because of the quality and workmanship of the marbles of her interior, she remains to this day a breathtaking example of perfection in architecture and a jewel in the crown of Istanbul.

I have had the priviledge of working with Sebnem Yavuz and Dr. Neil Moran in the planning of a colloquium regarding the Hagia Sophia.

November’2012

41

Fly & Sail

T

24th Bodrum Cup

o sail at the Blue Voyage is a dream that one must do once in a life time. The Gulets that are big wooden yachts that can sail, do this throughout the year, however without sails due to the difficulty of catching the right wind and sailing to the dream coasts at the same time. The passengers are happy to do just that as that they have no idea about the delight of sailing with the sails.

Since 1989 The Bodrum Cup is organised at the third week of October, this time to enjoy the race with the sails. It actually is “serious fun” that the yacht owners sail with their family, friends and the passengers that has heard about this interesting, international regatta.

This year the 24th Bodrum Cup sailed for Friendship and Camaraderie. Through the years this race became famous as a international Wooden Yacht Regatta.

It really is one of the major sailing organisations of our country.

It is a rare race where the passengers on board race as well. It is a “Sea Exhibition”

where, mostly, the wooden yachts that are made in our country sail at this regatta.

Through the years Bodrum Cup has become a sailing classic with the participation of hundreds of locals and foreigners racing/sailing at the magnificent coasts of our country with the “Winds of Peace” . Sometimes this “Winds of Peace” is so peaceful that there is no wind and you might have to sun-tan on the deck, but that is part of the fun as well.

I have been on this Regatta at least four times in 24 years and watched closely the growing interest in the regatta. Once attending the regatta gives the yearning for attending the next years regatta. The friends I had met during this regatta are my close friends now for the past 20 years.

Sharing the wind and the salty waters seems to be binding the friendships nationally and internationally.

Bodrum Cup Wooden Regatta will be 25 years old in 2013 and what a young and promising sailing event to attend, to be

part of somehow, contribute and share with the world. I have not been able to attend this year as I was busy trying to finish the contents of this November issue, however, I will get the inside information from Erman Aras, who started the Regatta 24 years ago within ERA Yachting.

This year the Regatta was done at the course of Yalikavak, Didim, Kalymnos(Greece) and COS(Greece). Such a nice attitude to share this sailing event with our close island neighbours. The marinas en-route were very enthusiastic with all the preparations for the regatta attendees.

This Regatta that started to extend the sailing season and enjoy the best time of the year that is called the “blonde beauty” with calm seas and a friendly sun is a good way to meet the coming winter with full of energy and positive energy.

Now, after so much nostalgic information, Below is the contribution of the Bodrum Cup to the Tourism/Promotion/Economy of Turkey in the field of Yacht Building.

BODRUM CUP: A LOCAL AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC VALUE The Bodrum Cup, a regatta of traditional wooden yachts held in Bodrum has contributed to the development of the yacht building sector in the country through the years.

The Bodrum Cup, celebrating its 24th year between October 22-27 was launched to promote sailing on Turkey’s famous GULETS, probably the most original touristic alternative the country ofers. Gulets, built after traditional lines until the 1990’s have progressively underwent a metamorphosis since, oriented towards better and faster sailing.

The crew, too, became better sailors.

A distinguishing aspect of the Bodrum Cup is the presence and voluntary participation in the racing of guests and passengers on board, some of whom are total landlubbers.

Erman Aras, president of the ERA BODRUM

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YACHT CLUB, responsible for the regatta classifies the Bodrum Cup as a “nautic festival of fun and joy complemented with some racing, typical to our part of the world”.

Captain Galip Isen, Ph.D., member of the Bodrum Cup Organisation Committee, underlined the progress in yacht construction techniques inspired by the regatta that contributed greatly to employment statistics of the region as well. He said that “yacht building is the major industry of Bodrum as well as a major export item and added that many yachts built in Bodrum are among the most advanced technologically as well as the largest in size among all pleasure craft made in Turkey, which ranks fourth in the world in this $65 billion industry”.

Erman Aras also said that “ even the global

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

economic crises did not adversely impact the yacht building industry which has now turned its eye on the Middle Eastern and Asian markets”. He continued by saying that” the advance in the yacht building sector is a brain child of the Bodrum Cup”.

The regatta is a unique opportunity to get to know the perks of pleasure navigation in Turkey. This is the livest any boat show can get. There are quite a few persons who have simply bought the yacht of their liking after watching her performance in the Bodrum Cup, a literal floating boat show.

The Bodrum Cup, an international organisation from the start, has recently included neighbouring Greek islands in its itinerary. This year, the yachts were scheduled to stop in the islands of Kalymnos and Cos.

Trekking the Hittite trails.

Meet at Trekking

L

ike any other ancient civilisation, the Hittites left roads linking their settlements, fortifications and holy sites. Under the guidance of the Governor of Corum, Nurullah Cakir, these routes have been combined with present-day paths to make a network of walking and bicycle trails crisscrossing the rolling plains and hills of northern Anatolia. Opened in 2011 and starting spectacularly at the famous Hittite fortified town now known as Bogazkoy, they stretch in every direction. Some are clearly old roads, some less distinct – after all three millennia have passed since they were constructed.

These trails celebrate the great civilisation which ruled Anatolia for nearly 1000 years and which influenced and dominated contemporary surrounding civilisations as far as Troy, the Mediterranean and Black seas and northern Syria. Their dominance can be estimated from the documentary evidence of the battle of Kanesh, where they faced and beat an Egyptian army, their influence on the place names and trade routes all over Anatolia and their presence in Christian Biblical history. Their influence on succeeding civilisations can be seen in surviving artefacts – particularly pottery – scattered all over the many hoyuks which stud the plains and valleys of Anatolia.

Compared with near-contemporary Greek, Cretan or Egyptian

By Kate Clow

civilisations, the Hittites were discovered late – Bogazkale was seen and described by the Fench scholar Texier in the 1860’s, but the significance of the site not known until the early 1900’s.

The cuneiform script, inscribed on baked clay tablets, which is known from thousands of temple records, scripts of laws, land grants, etc, was not

MEETURKEY Alternative Alternative Tourism Tourism & & Incentive Incentive Magazine Magazine

translated until after the 1st world war.

There is still so much to discover about this disciplined, warlike people with their talent for metalwork and pottery, agriculture and trade.

The trails are mostly over rolling, open land, punctuated by occasional canyons and streams. As then, it is still mainly agricultural land providing many basic crops for Turkey’s rich cuisine. You can take the time to explore the canyons, hills and lakes en route, as well as the historic sites. You also have a chance to visit museums dedicated to Hittite history as well as the main museum at Corum.

Outside Corum and Bogazkale there is very limited accommodation, although you may enjoy the bungalows at Incesu canyon and it’s possible to camp near the small lakes at several places along the route. The local people are being encouraged to set up home-stay pensions, so before you walk check what is available on the websites. Also from the website, you can order a copy of the guidebook in English, written and beautifully photographed by Ersin Demirel. Plan your route from this guidebook, taking advantage of local transport or a hire car to see the best parts of the area.

Corum is within easy reach of Ankara and can be reached from Istanbul via Merzifon airport. Best times of year to trek are spring, when the steppe is carpeted by wild flowers, and autumn when the grapes ripen. For further information see ersindemirel.blogspot. com or www.cultureroutesinturkey.com.

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MICE Destinations

ANKARA

A

nkara the capital of Turkey is located in the centre of Anatolia province. With a known history of around 3000, Ankara has seen great heights in the past. Around 3000 years ago, the Hittites established a city by the name of Akuwash (old name for Ankara) at the intersection of two trade routes in Turkey. During its earlier phase, Ankara was ruled by Phrygians, Macedonians (under Alexander the Great),

and Romans. Seljuk Turks captured the city in 1071 AD and renamed it as Enguriye. Most important moment in the history of Ankara came when Atatürk founded his provisional government here in 1920, and in 1923 when it became the capital of Turkish Republic.

The city has seen a number of changes since then, however it has been successful enough in maintaining a fine balance between the old and the new and thereby living up to its unique identity

as the “Melting Pot of East and West”.

Today, Ankara is a sprawling urban mass thoroughly organized and well - planned and much European in look than most of the cities in Turkey. Its wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and government offices distinguish the city. Besides, there are several tourist attractions and meetings in the city making it an ideal destination for the tourists and mice industry.

Convention & Exhibition Centers of Ankara Name

Number of Halls

Total sqm

Largest Hall Capacity (Theatre)

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 06 Telephone Code: 0312

Ankara Hilton Hotel

8

-

600

How to go Ankara’s international Esenboga Airport is well connected to other cities in Europe as well as to important destinations in other parts of the world.

What to do The foundations of this citadel were laid by Galatians to be completed by the Romans. Byzantines and Seljuk made major changes later on. The citadel is located atop a hill in the old city where one can see some fine examples of traditional architecture of Ankara.

What to see • The Ankara Citadel • Had Bayram Mosque • The Museum of Anatonian Civilisation • The Hatti Monument • Anıtkabir • Victory Monument • The Temple of Augusts • Monument of the Republic • The Roman Bath • Yeni Mosque • The Column of Julian • Kocatepe Mosque

Ankara Plaza Hotel

6

-

500

Buyuk Anadolu Hotel

13

1.800

2.000

B.Surmeli Hotel

7

1.900

900

BW.Hotel 2000

3

-

700

Crowne Plaza Ankara

12

-

750

Hotel Bilkent Ankara

7

1.650

760

Hotel Dedeman

6

-

500

Rixos Grand Ankara

14

-

1.000

Sheraton Ankara

7

1.650

700

Swissotel Ankara

9

-

1.200

MICE Destinations

ANTALYA

I

n the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C., Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The region, bathed In sunshine 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sun-bathing, swimming and sports activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and hunting. If you come to Antalya in March or April, in the mornings you can ski the slopes and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites await your discovery amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves, and palm, avocado and banana plantations. The Turquoise

Coast is the tourism capital of Turkey.

Its full range of accommodations, about 35 000 delegates, sunny climate, variety of excursions and activities, and its warm hospitality make it a sought-after venue for meetings and conferences. The Antalya Covention Bureau, ACB, is an independant, nonprofit making organisation. Founded in 1995 as an off-shoot of the Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV) which has became a member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT) in1997. More information; A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti Quarter. The Congress hall itself is in a glass pyramid.

City At a Glance Population: 1.132.211 Traffic Code: 07 Telephone Code: 0242 How to go Antalya airport is 10km east of the city centre, and has direct flights from Europe. It is well connected to other parts of Turkey, and daily direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara.

What to do With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural Centre, which opened in 1995, hosts cultural and art events in the fields of music, theatre, and creative arts. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good museums.

What to see • Truncated and fluted minarets • Archaeological Museum • Hadrian’s Gate Old Harbour • Perge, Side, Aspendos • Düden and Kursunlu Waterfalls • Antalya Castle

Convent�on & Exh�b�t�on Centers of Antalya Name

Nmbr Total of Sqm Halls

Largest Hall Name Capacity Theater

Nmbr Total of Sqm Halls

Largest Hall Capacity Theater

Adora Hotel

12

1000

1100

Miraje Park Hotel

11

930

1500

Antalya Culture Center

2

1100

817

Porto Bello

8

1150

1000

Cornelia Delux

-

1000m2

-

Rixos Sungate

16

-

2800

Cornelia Diamond

-

1475m2

-

Silence Beach Hotel

11

1100m2

1100

Crystal Hotels

-

1925m2

2200

Rixos Downtown

15

-

750 1350

Dedeman Hotel

12

480m2

700

Mardan Palace

9

-

Divan Talya

13

-

1000

Wow Kremlin Palace

4

-

1050

Kemer Resort Hotel

10

-

1000

AKKA Antedon Hotel

2

-

1074

Limak Atlantis

-

-

1000

Queen Elizabeth

10

-

1500

Rixos Lares

13

1041m2

1350

Amara Dolce Vita

6

-

1382

Miracle Resort Hotel

10

1200m2

1100

Xanadu Resort Hotel

13

-

1135

Mirada del mar

-

-

800

Maxx Royal

11

1956m2 1914

MICE Destinations

ISTANBUL

T

he former capital of three successive empires-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman-the city is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional.

The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable

attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions. Istanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The opening of the Lütfi Kirdar Istanbul international Conference Center (I ICC) doubled the capacity of congress facilities in Istanbul. The I ICC is ideally located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the center of the city’s business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe’s top quality hotels. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) has all the contacts and information for your meetings in Istanbul. More information;

City At a Glance Population: 14.000.000 Traffic Code: 34 Telephone Code: 0212 (European side) 0216 (Asian side) How to go Istanbul city has modern and new international airport, which is well connected by regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East, ana North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights fly between Istanbul and various other cities of Turkey. Ataturk International Airport is 20 km from city centre. Helicopter service is also available between the cities.

What to do While in Istanbul there is so much to do and look forward to. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible.

Being a cultural and historical centre, exploring the grand heritage of the city should be the top most priority. Shopping which can be a pleasure in the markets of Istanbul should form another important part of your itinerary. More than anything else a walk down the lanes and by lanes of the many bazaars in Istanbul can be a great experience, if interested in feeling the culture and lifestyles of the people of this amazing land.

What to see • Dolmabahçe Palace • Küçüksu Pavillion • St. Irene • Blue Mosque • Topkapi Palace • Mosaic Museum • Covered Bazaar • St. Sophia • Kariye Museum • Beylerbeyi Palace • Yerebatan Cîstern • Miniaturk

Convent�on & Exh�b�t�on Centers of Istanbul Name

Number of Halls

Total sqm

Largest Hall Capac�ty (Theatre)

Abd� Ipekç� Sport Center

1

-

10.500

Adile Sultan Palace

15

5.625

500

Feshane Fair Center

3

5.500

Grand Cevah�r Hotel

22

-

2.750

Haliç Congress Center

20

86.000

3008

Istanbul Hilton Exh. Cn.

9

2.824

1.500

Lutf� Kırdar ICEC

21

3.000

4.980

Military Museum Culture Cn.

5

2.462

1.000

Open Air Theater

1

-

4.000

TUYAP Fair & Congress Hall

3

16.000

1.000

World Trade Center

2

52.000

WOW Convention Center

7

-

4.000

MICE Destinations

IZMIR

I

zmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country’s largest port after Istanbul.

It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. It is the capital of Izmir Province. Izmir is the inheritor of almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly up to that much more in terms of advanced human settlement patterns. It is Turkey’s first port for exports and its free zone, a Turkish-U.S. joint-venture established in 1990, is the leader among the twenty that Turkey counts. Its workforce, and particularly its rising class of young professionals, concentrated either in the city or in its immediate vicinity (such as in Manisa), and under either larger companies

or SME’s, affirm their name in an increasingly wider global scale and intensity. Izmir is widely regarded as one of the most liberal Turkish cities in terms of values, ideology, lifestyle, dynamism and gender roles.

The Izmir Convention & Visitors Bureau (Izmir CVB) was founded in 2007 by Izmir Tourism Promotion Foundation (IZTAV), as a non-profitable, independent of any marketing structure information exchange bureau. Izmir CVB’s mission is to promote the city’s rich cultural and natural assets and it’s great potential on a national and international level and is seeking guidelines and best practice to develop the city’s congress tourism.

City At a Glance Population: 3,627,098 Traffic Code: 35 Telephone Code: 0232 How to go Adnan Menderes Airport, 16km south of the city centre, has several daily flights to Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya. There are also regular flights from many European cities.

What to do While in Izmir see the sights, the Arkeoloji Müzesi (Archaeological Museum), near Konak Square, houses a superb collection of antiques including the statues of Poseidon, and Demeter which, in ancient times, stood in the agora. Neighboring the Archaeological Museum, the collection of the Etnografya Müzesi (Etnographical Museum) contains folkloric artifacts among which are fine collections of Bergama and Gördes carpets, traditional costumers and camel bridles. Situated on Atatürk Caddesi is an old Izmir house used by the founder of the Turkish Republic, the Atatürk Müzesi (Atatürk Museum) exhibits photographs of the leader as well as some of his personnel effects. The SelcukYasar Müzesi (SelcukYasar Art Museum) is a private museum on Cumhuriyet Bulvari with a collection of 20th century Turkish art. And wander in the bazaar, sip drinks and dine at the pleasant waterfront restaurants.

What to see • Agora • Clock Tower • Kadifekale • Ephesus – Selcuk- Virgin Mary • Seferhisar

• Pergamum – Bergama - Milet - Dydima • Kemeralti • Asansor • Alacati • Cesme

Convent�on & Exh�b�t�on Centers of Izm�r Name Aegean Un�vers�ty Hall

Number of Halls

Total sqm

Largest Hall Capac�ty (Theatre)

6

-

1.000

Alt�nyunus Hol�day Resort

9

-

650

Adnan Saygun Culture & Art Cen.

6

29.500

1.225

Ataturk Culture Center

7

-

800

H�lton Izm�r

16

-

700

Izfas

5

-

1.000

Sabanc� Culture Palace

6

6.000

538

Kaya Izm�r Convent�on Centre

26

5.500

1.500

Sheraton Cesme

22

-

-

Sw�ssotel Izm�r

22

7.299

1.550

Tepekule Congress & Ex. Cen.

14

-

1.100

DM companies

INTRA TOURS Incoming services in Turkey since 1980 Company Overview Intra Tours-DMC is a market leader in incoming tourism to Turkey from Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece and is also very active in the USA, UK and South American markets. Its brand, INAIR Aviation provides important air transport services to both the incoming and outgoing sectors. As well as operating incoming services throughout Turkey, Intra Tours-DMC, through her dedicated M.I.C.E department, also organizes congresses, symposia, seminars, meetings, motivational programs, international exhibitions and incentive programs for international and domestic markets.

Ertugrul Arturo Karaoglu President&Ceo

Services Intra Tours - DMC have also received many awards for the quality of our excellent services. Intra was honored award with SKALITE ‘09 “Quality in Tourism” and SKALITE ‘10 “Quality in Tourism” second year in a row, under the category of incoming sector and also Tour Expi ‘10 awarded us as the “Best Incoming Agent”.

As a whole, Intra Tourism has been an important brand in Turkish tourism since 1980 and welcomes yearly 50.000 tourists from various international markets.

M.I.C.E Meetings ❍ Incentives ❍ Congresses ❍ Events n Luxury Travel n Platinum Service n F.I.T. Services Private arrangements for individuals and small parties Tailor Made Holidays n Hotels & Resorts ❍ Seaside Operations ❍ Hotel Contracts and Handling n Groups, Special Interest, Cultural and Study Tours n Blue Cruise Yacht Charter & Cabin Rental n Guaranteed Departure Tours on Seat in Coach basis ❍ English ❍ Italian ❍ Spanish ❍ Portugese ❍ French n Online Booking Faciliy -B2B ❍ Hotels ❍ Transfers ❍ Excursions n Aviation & Brokerage Full or seat basis spot or chain charter operations n

❍

Affiliations

Headquarters, Istanbul

Intra is a member of the following organizations:

Ergenekon Cad.62/603 Bomonti Sisli 34380 Istanbul TURKEY Phone: (90-212) 234 12 00 , 44INTRA - Fax : (90-212) 241 08 85 e-mail: mail@intraturkey.com - www.intraturkey.com Branch Offices : Antalya, Kuşadası, Bodrum

ASTA - SKAL - SITE - TURSAB

ORION TOUR

ERSAN ATSÜR President

Company Overview

Services

ORION TOUR was established in 1969 in order to meet the fast growing demand for FIT and GIT land tours throughout Turkey. Since then, the company has become one of the top leading tour operators in the country with energetic and well-experienced staff, necessary to run an efficient and smooth operation. Through Orion’s computerized systems and worldwide connections, you are assured of reliable and professional services.

ORION TOUR DMC has successfully arranged many meetings and symposiums and is, therefore, armed with a lot of knowledge and experience. ORION TOUR successfully organized the International Symposium on St. Nicholas (Santa Claus, Father Christmas) for years. This International Symposium was solely organized and managed by us and scholars from various European countries, U.S.A and Canada participated in this International Symposium for over a decade. Only few years ago, the annual meeting of the World Council of

Wear TV – 125 pax Lux – 120 pax Citibank – 135 pax Nutrimetrics - 700 pax Shaklee - 1200 pax Shell - 850 pax Hoechst - 350 pax Ciba-Geigy - 250 pax Panasonic - 350 pax Eagle-Star - 225 pax Hoover - 195 pax Bridgestone - 450 pax NATO-Conference on Education and Training on Operational Research - 1300 pax AIA - American International Assurance Company - 225 pax Telcom South Africa - 150 pax Thira Parma Phillipinnes - 325 pax Sony Singapore - 125 pax InnKeeper Australia - 175 pax

Churches in Turkey was also planned, organised and successfully managed by Orion Tour.

Furthermore, annual meetings and congresses for Wear TV, Lux, Citibank, Nutrimetrics, Shaklee, Shell, Hoechst, Ciba-Geigy, Panasonic, Eagle-Star, Hoover, Bridgestone, NATO-Conference on Education and Training on Operational Research, AIA - American International Assurance Company, Telcom South Africa, Thira Parma Phillipinnes, Sony Singapore and InnKeeper Australia were all carried out by our company.

ORION TOUR has and offers a whole range of well-experienced and reputable guides to meet and cope with the demand and interest of and to provide the comfort and care for our guests.

Most of these professional guides are multilingual and we provide a whole range of foreign languages; from the common and well-spoken languages of English, French, German and Arabic to the relatively less frequently requested languages like Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin).

Affiliations Orion - tour is a member of the following organizations:

ASTA - JATA - PATA - SITE - TURSAB - UFTAA 48

November’2012

ORION TOUR - Tourism Organisation & Travel Agency Address: Halaskargazi Cad. No:166/3 Sisli 34360 Istanbul/TURKEY Tel: +90(212)2326300 - 2319570 Fax: +90(212)2412808 - 2414953 www.oriontour.com e-mail: orion@oriontour.com.tr

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

DM companies

prontoDMC

Thomas Paternoster Director

Company Overview

Services

prontoDMC is a strategic business unit of Prontotour Group, Turkey’s leading travel corporation established in Istanbul in 1993. Since then, Prontotour Group with its 105 professional team members has become a benchmark of success in the industry with a high market share. prontoDMC specializes both in the MICE and the Leisure segments with two distinctive departments and dedicated staff for each single activity. We offer a wide range of products and comprehensive solutions, from FIT and luxury programs, group travel, strategic solutions related to weekly charter operations,

to incentive trips, client entertainment, event management and conference travel projects.

Our reputation is not only built on experience but also on flair and imagination, flexibility and innovation, exceptional standards, pride in our work, solid working partnerships with our clients and our unique ability to exceed expectations. prontoDMC is committed to being the “Supplier of Choice” through product and service excellence. Our emphasis is on being a responsible, innovative business partner providing value-added services for our customers. We always have quality in mind - the loyalty of our customers is our reward.

■ Incentives ■ Meeting Planning & Special Events ■ Conventions & Conferences ■ Team Building ■ Leisure Incoming Services ■ Handling Services For Tour Operators ■ Fit Arrangements ■ Group Travels ■ Cultural Tours ■ Charter Flight Services

Memberships

Headquarters, Istanbul

prontoDMC is a member of following organizations:

Büyükdere caddesi 16/5 34360 Sisli - Istanbul / Turkey Phone: +90 212 373 91 92 – Fax: +90 212 224 41 69 e-mail: contact@prontodmc.com – www.prontodmc.com Branch Offices: Antalya, Bodrum, North Cyprus

IATA - TURSAB

SETUR TRAVEL AGENCY Company Overview

Setur is a part of Koç Group of Companies.

Setur carries all its activities with corporate management, customer satisfaction, social responsibility and environmental protection principles in international standards.

Setur is involved in every activity in the field of tourism and also possesses a significant portion of Duty Free Market in Turkey with its stores at airports, border gates and ports.

Besides, Setair, an aviation unit of Setur, has a fleet of 2 jet planes, 2 helicopters and one seaplane.

Furthermore, “Setur Marinas” performs the only marina chain of Turkey with its eight marinas along the Turkish coasts.Setur owns Turkey’s biggest on-line tourism portal bookinturkey.com which presents flight ticket alternatives, transfer services and online booking options to international and domestic.Setur officially registered its quality

Oktay Temeller MICE & Business Dev.Mng.

References

with ISO 9000-2001 standards in 2002.

Setur M.I.C.E. department ,with its 30 years of experience in congress industry, has succeeded many important organizations including the OSCE Summit in 1999 and NATO Istanbul Summit in 2004. Setur provides a complete solution partnership and prepares all kinds of organizations such as national and international congresses, dealer and training meetings, incentive visits, ceremonies, product launches, corporate meetings. Setur M.I.C.E. designs the most appropriate solutions for your brand and provides single handed services to give the most suitable message at the right time, in the right place, and with the right content.

In every step of the way, the team acts as a part of your team and shares their extensive information, knowhow and experience with you.

LEVI’S Dealer meeting KOÇ HOLDING Executive meeting KOC HOLDING Anatolia meetings FORD Ecoboost launch TÜPRAŞ 5th year celebration event FORD 51st Annual dealers meeting BEKO Annual dealers meeting FIAT 2011 dealers meeting FORD Focus launch KOÇTAŞ İzmir branch 15.year celebration event OTOKOÇ branch managers meeting RMK MARINE Coast Guard boat delivery ARÇELİK Research and Development reward event FORD Dealers Event AYGAZ 50.year celebration event FIAT 500C launch DIVAN ELMADAG opening event TÜPRAŞ Annual internal meeting AYGAZ Dealers Meeting GRUNDIG Dealers Meeting

Memberships

Headquarters

Setur is a member of the following organizations :

SETUR TRAVEL AGENCY Bağlarbaşı Kısıklı Cad. No: 24 34662 Altunizade Phone: (+90 216) 554 37 00 Fax: (+90 216) 474 94 29 E-mail: info@setur.com.tr Web: www.setur.com.tr

IAPCO, ICCA, ASTA, ICVB

MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine

November’2012

49

CELEBRATING

The Global Meetings & Events Exhibition 27 – 29 November, 2012 Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain

Five star business opportunities for the Global Meetings, Events & Business Travel industry.

Enter a world of unique business opportunities and join over 15,200 industry professionals at EIBTM 2012.

www.eibtm.com/meeTurkey

Scan the QR code to watch the EIBTM show video and be inspired. Or view via this link www.eibtm.com/eibtmvideo

Find us on: EIBTM is part of Reed Travel Exhibitions’ Global IBTM Portfolio: Organised By

yeni yapıtlar, yeni ufuklar new works, new horizons KURUCU FOUNDER

İLETİŞİM VE TEKNOLOJİ SPONSORU COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR

EĞİTİM SPONSORU EDUCATION SPONSOR

ANTALYA PROUD TO HOST 53RD ICCA CONGRESS IN 2014

www.antalyaconvention.org antalya@antalyaconvention.org

‘‘The content of this publication which was prepared in the scope of Financial Support Program of West Mediterranean Development Agency’s Evaluation of Tourism Potential for year 2011 doesn’t reflect the view of West Mediterranean Development Agency and/or Development Ministery, the responsibility for content is belong only to Antalya Promotion Foundation-Antalya Convention Bureau’’