Due to its central location, Turkey was a region from which ancient Asian culture moved into Europe, and at the same time acted as a window through which Western culture opened to the East.

Turkey is surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Seas which connect the country to the rest of the world. Thanks to these long coastal borders and her position as a bridge between Asia & Europe, Turkey has been the centre of major commercial and migration routes.

Turkey houses historical treasures from 13 civilizations, and has been home to the Hittites, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Seljuk and Ottoman Turks. Modern-day Turkey, a secular and democratic republic, is a fusion of cultures, a vast and varied land full of splendid cultural achievements as a bridge from east to west.

ISTANBUL - LETS MEET WHERE THE TWO CONTINENTS MEET

“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.”
 - Alphonse de Lamartine

ISTANBUL, once known as the capital of capital cities, has many unique features. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. It has been the capital of three empires (Roman, Byzantine & Ottoman) with extraordinary monuments that cover two millennia. Istanbul still remains the commercial, historical and cultural centre of Turkey, and its beauty lies in its ability to embrace its contradictions. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, Asia and Europe, mystical and earthly all co-exist here. Istanbul's variety is one of its greatest attractions: The ancient mosques, churches, palaces, museums and bazaars reflect its diverse history. The thriving shopping area of Taksim buzzes with life and entertainment. And the serene beauty of the Bosphorus, Princes' Islands and parks bring a touch of peace to the otherwise chaotic metropolis. 

HOW TO TRAVEL TO ISTANBUL
Istanbul is served by more than 50 airlines from all over the world. Travel time to Istanbul from all major cities of Europe is between 2 - 3 hours. The national carrier of Turkey, Turkish Airlines (THY), has branches in almost all European countries. For detailed information and online booking please visit their web-site at www.turkishairlines.com  

AIRPORT TRANSFER SERVICE
Valor Congress Organizations will provide private transfer for participants who make the request on their accommodation form. Airport shuttle service by Havaş (public transportation service) and taxis are also available.

WEATHER
Istanbul is generally quite warm in June (15-20°C at night, 28-32°C in the day). It seldom rains at this time of the year, but there are occasional showers so you may wish to bring an umbrella just in case.

INSURANCE
The congress organizers cannot accept liability for any personal injuries sustained, or any loss or damage of property belonging to congress delegates and/or accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the congress. Please ensure that you have full coverage in you personal insurance policy.

CURRENCY
The Turkish currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Cash may be exchanged at banks and Exchange offices during office hours. Major hotels will also exchange foreign currency and travelers cheques. The official exchange rate is listed daily at all banks and exchange offices, and in the newspapers.
Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. Restaurant and shops generally display signs indicating which cards are accepted. ATM’s are located throughout the city; logos displayed on the ATM’s indicate which cards are accepted.

TIME
Local time in Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in Turkey is 220 V, 50hz. Socket type is standard European two-pin.
Most hotels have wall sockets with 110 volts.

COMMUNICATIONS
Turkey's GSM operators have a wide range of roaming agreements with foreign operators. It is possible to use most cellular phones with international operators in Turkey.

Public telephones are generally operated with cards, although token operated phones can still be found throughout the city. Both tokens and cards are sold in post offices and most tobacconists. For international calls it is advisable to purchase cards.