In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 20 in 2013, we present this story on Turkey, a nation rising above all its historical invations to become a modern day marvel.
As one of the top 10 tourist destinations in the world, Turkey attracted more than 31 million visitors in 2012, which together with a thriving economy, affirms the country’s position as one of the most attractive places to visit and do business in the world today. During this joyous Eid ul-Fitr season — a time when the various races in Malaysia unite to celebrate — Convergence explores the multi-faceted and multi-cultural mix that is Turkey, and the factors that make it an ideal location for business and pleasure.
The population of 74 million is remarkably heterogeneous, with large numbers of Muslim Slavs, Kurds, Greeks, Albanians, Abkhazians and Circassians contributing to its diversity. Invaded and settled from every direction since earliest times, the country represents a blend of historical cultures and contradictions. Mosques stand alongside churches, Roman theatres and temples contrast with ancient Hittite cities, while dervish ceremonies or gypsy festivals are as much a part of the social landscape as classical music concerts or avidly attended football matches.
Diverse-Cities
Turkey is bounded by three different seas, and its shores laced with beaches, bays, coves, and ports. Its majestic mountains and deep valleys, clear offshore lakes, turbulent rivers, gushing waterfalls and hidden grottoes are perfect for all-season tourism and one can ski, climb, trek, hike or hunt – creating a range of new and memorable experiences just waiting to be enjoyed.
Istanbul, in the western part of the country is the most economically developed city and also the most visited. Straddling the straits that link the Black and Marmara seas, it is touted as Turkish mystique par excellence, and understandably so – it would take weeks to even scratch the surface of this old imperial capital.
In contrast, the layout of Turkey’s capital, Ankara, has a Western feel that reflects the priorities of the Turkish Republic. It is also the location of the outstanding Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Highlights of surrounding North Central Anatolia include the isolated temple of Aezani, the Ottoman museum-town of Safranbolu, exquisitely decorated early Turkish monuments in Divriği, and remarkable Hittite sites at Hattuşa and Alacahöyük. It is also the location of the Middle East Technical University (METU), rated one of the top 60 universities in the world and the country’s higher-education hub.
Thanks to its storied history, a huge part of Turkey’s appeal lies in its archaeological sites – from grand classical cities to hilltop fortresses and remote churches. A large number of graceful monuments dating from the eleventh century onwards are still standing and quaint city bazaars continue to thrive despite the influx of modern chain stores and shopping malls. There are almost limitless avenues waiting to be explored.
Architectural Marvels
A jewel in Turkey’s archaeological crown is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’ because of the blue tiles adorning its interior. Construction took place in the period from 1609 to 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, and the building contains a tomb of the founder, a religious education centre and a hospice.
Inset: A view of the ceiling of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque also known as ‘Blue Mosque’ because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles on the roof interior. The tiles are patterned in more than 50 different tulip designs.
Dating back to the third century, the Roman Baths of Ankara were built by the Roman Emperor Caracalla to honour Asclepios, the God of Health. The baths are constructed in brick and stone with 3 principal rooms – for the hot bath (caldarium), warm bath (tepidarium) and cold bath (frigidarium).
The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is held annually each June and July. The festival is ranked among the world’s most famous, and is held in the two thousand year-old Roman Theatre of Aspendos – located in the Province of Antalya – one of the best preserved of the Roman world. Situated about 15km from the Mediterranean coast, the history of Antalya is estimated to go as far back as 1000 BC.
The Acropolis of Pergamon is certainly dramatic, perched atop a high, steep-sided hill to the northeast of Pergamon’s modern central area and visible from all parts of the city. Also not to be missed are the over 150 rock-hewn Byzantine frescoes, mostly from the 10th and 11th centuries in the historic city of Cappadocia.
Avenue of Opportunity
The elegant Istiklal Avenue in the heart of Beyoglu – located on the European side of Turkey – is lined with boutiques, music stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theatres, libraries, cafés, pubs, night clubs with live music, chocolateries and restaurants – an ideal quarter in which to sit and sip Turkish coffee and close a business deal. The cosmopolitan avenue is surrounded by an array of historical and politically significant structures, such as the Tünel – the 2nd oldest subway in the world – and is visited by up to three million people on weekends.
Away from the buzz of the cities, Mugla Province is regarded as Turkey’s most famous holiday destination in the South West of the country, with up to 84 beaches and 7 marinas. The popular tourist towns of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye have the most luxurious hotels to keep visitors comfortable and pampered throughout their stay.
Thriving Businesses
Turkey is rapidly emerging as a high-growth market for many businesses. As Europe’s sixth and the world’s seventeenth largest economy, its recent economic growth record, talented, young workforce and its geographical location as a prime hub for regional market access, make Turkey a hugely attractive destination.
Already sizeable, the Turkish economy is expected to be the second fastest growing economy in the world by 2018 and will out-strip those of Italy and Spain in the next decade. The Turkish economy reflects this development as it expanded by 9.2% in 2010, and a further 8.5% in 2011, standing out as the fastest growing economy in Europe.
As a nation, Turkey is rich in diversity and also resources, and the country is ranked 10th in global diverse mineral production with around 60 different minerals extracted, the richest deposits being boron salts. Turkey is also ranked 4th in the world in shipbuilding. Agricultural products abound and the country is one of the largest exporters in the world, with textiles, construction materials, consumer electronics and home appliances sent to far corners of the world.
Turkey is one of the largest automobile producers in Europe with several major global car companies located in the country such as Honda, Toyota, Fiat, Hyundai, Renault and Ford. The Turkish automobile sector is an integral part of the global network of automobile manufacturers, exporting both vehicles and components.
The country is also a recognised location for international events, seminars and conferences such as the Innovations in Energy, Power and Electrical Machines event to be held in September 2013, and the Turkey/MENA Renewable Energy Congress also in September 2013.
As an added fillip to the country’s vibrant tourism industry, the Turkish government has plans to develop the world’s largest airport in Istanbul with the first part of a four-phase plan expected to be completed in 2017. It is also bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics in Istanbul. If successful, Turkey will be the 24th nation to host the Olympic Games.
Influential Affluence
According to Forbes, as of March 2013, Turkey is now home to 43 billionaires and 14 public companies which are listed in the Forbes Global 2000 and with a flourishing economy, the list keeps growing.
On the list of the richest people in the world, Ferit Faik Sahenk – worth US$3.4 billion – is Turkey’s top earner. Chairman of his family-owned Dogus Holding, his involvement is mainly in the co-owned Garanti Bank – Turkey’s second largest private lender – but he also has interests in media, tourism, with construction companies and 18 local household brands including Kichenette, Gina and Da Mario.
Another notable Turk on the list is Semahat Sevim Arsel, a member of the Board of Directors of Koc Holding – the nation’s biggest industrial conglomerate who runs the group’s investments in the tourism sector, including Setur Tourism and Divan Hotels. She is also the president of Semahat Arsel Nursing Education and Research Centre which she founded in 1992, vice president of the Florence Nightingale Fund and founder of the Koc University Nursing Academy.
Travelling around Turkey is easy, with linked domestic flights services to all the major centres. The country’s advantageous geographical position enables the national carrier, Turkish Airlines – voted as Europe’s Best Airline for 3 consecutive years now by Skytrax – to bridge the globe through its extensive network.
Turkey and Malaysia have long enjoyed strong partnerships and bilateral agreements encompassing all sectors of the economy. Malaysia is also Turkey’s third largest trade partner in Southeast Asia. Every year, the Turkish Government allocates 12 scholarships to the Malaysian Government for Turkish language courses, and undergraduate, graduate and PhD programmes. Besides this, in May 2008, Malaysia Airports and its consortium partners, Limak Group, Turkey (LIMAK) and GMR Infrastructure Limited, India (GMR) began managing the operation of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISGIA) – a concession tenure that will last for 22 years. Meanwhile, the Turkish Airlines added KL International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia to its routemap on the 25th of April 2013.
Every year over US$2 billion is invested in the Turkish tourism sector, which offers a wonderful range of options from a business trip to a full vacation, with the choice of participating in various sports, soaking up the culture, indulging in exquisite cuisine or taking advantage of the wealth of business opportunities. Whatever road you choose, you are sure to enjoy Turkish hospitality and way of life and want to return – again and again.
