What's on 2010

Whats “Hot” and “Whats Not”…

As the main summer season starts to draw to an end the fun filled calendar of events in the local coastal areas will be sure to stillkeep everyone occupied. Whether you are just visiting or a resident, make sure to “experience” some of the places and events mentioned below not just in the main tourist season but throughout the year.

Bodrum

Although Bodrum doesn't have the grand festivals that are generally seen in Ankara or Istanbul, it does have one or two notable events of its own. The Muslim events of Ramadan and Eid ul-Adha are the most revered in Bodrum, for fasting and feasting respectively.

Leading events that tourists can get in on in Bodrum are New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the somewhat gruesome Kurban Bayrami in February, and the fun Bicycle Festival in May.

Popular nearby things to do include the Traditional Mesir Festival in Manisa each April, and the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival in Antalya in June.

The D-Marin Turgutreis International Classical Music Festival is staged every year since 2005 at the D-Marin in Bodrum Turgutreis mid July.

Bodrum International Ballet Festival is held annually from mid August – early September.

19 - 24 Oct 2010 (annualy)

The Bodrum Cup is an end of season annual yacht regatta organised by ERA Bodrum Yacht Club. While there is a competitive side to the regatta its principle aim is to promote interest in sailing around the region.
The regatta is open to privately owned yachts, both Turkish and foreign and passengers are allowed aboard the competing boats to get an up-close view of the action. There is a festival atmosphere about proceedings with as much excitement in the evenings as the crews come on shore to exchange battle stories and party through the night

Altinkum/Didim

Didim has reason to celebrate with the award of Blue Flags to 11 of its beaches. It is awarded to coastal destinations which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

A new high speed boat shuttle begins 1st August 2010 taking only 40 minutes from Didim Marina to Bodrum Yalikavak Marina.

Everyone as usual is already debating the outcome of the 2010/2011 football season and will see various football pundits discussing the outcome across a cool beer or two in Altinkum.

Kuşadasi

The Selcuk Camel Wrestling Festival is held annually either ın December or in January usually the Sunday around the 15th. The festival coincides with the Camels breeding season (the reason they compete for females) and thus is not seen at any other time of the year. It is held in a special field near Pamucak Beach which is about 9km distance from Kuşadasi centre. There are abundant buses from Selcuk Bus station every ½ hour.

Dilek National park is one of the best national parks in Turkey, located 28km from Kusadasi. The visitors of the Dilek peninsular (Kalamaki) national park can find water sport possibilities, as well as trekking, cliff climbing, mountain biking, photo safari, motorbike safari, horse safari, cultural walks, botanic tours, and bird watching opportunities during their visit to the national park. Due to it’s clean environment, Dilek peninsulae national park is also ideal for picnics, as all necessary facilities ie, water, lavatory, benches and tables are available for public use. While walking around, besides the picturesque views, you will notice the rich flora and fauna of the park. Here in the park you may see some rare animals including Anatolian cheetah, wild horses and wild pigs. The park is a wildlife preserve and a secluded heaven for many species of animals.

Approximately 25km from Kuşadasi ıs Ephesus. Stroll through history in the archaeological site of Ephesus, the western Turkey home to the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater and Church of the Virgin Mary. The city remnants highlight its former position as a top Mediterranean trading center: streets paved in marble, mosaic-covered sidewalks, private hill homes. Between Ephesus and the town of Selcuk, a convenient base camp for touring, sits a single remaining column from the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Çeşme

Cesme Marina opened August 2010, located at the western end of the Izmir peninsula,it provides a whole host of facilities to create the perfect yachting destination on the Aegean. Built to the highest standards in order to meet the requirements of local and international yachtsmen, the marina offers superior shoreside facilities and amenities. Cesme Marina also provides immediate and easy, all weather access to some of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds 24 hours a day and is only a 45 minute drive from the international airport in Izmir.

Set in a natural harbour, Cesme Marina provides 400 berths up to 60m in length. The architectural plans have paid great attention to the historical and cultural inheritance of the Cesme area in the design of the marina buildings. The capitainerie, finished in a cool, light blue with pillars and Juliette balconies exudes the feeling of quality and luxury continued through the marina.

Ayvalik

The most significant scenic views in Ayvalik you can see when you climb up the Table of the Devil (in Turkish Seytan Sofrasi). It’s a very spectacular place with a nice view of Ayvalik and most of the islands around Badavut plajý (Beach).

Dalaman

Dalaman's annual Kas Lycia Festival is one of the biggest in the area, showcasing international and local folk dancing troupes. Held at the end of June, annually, the three-day festival is a fascinating cultural day out for locals and visitors alike.

Lycian ancient site Caunos is 35km from Dalaman. Caunos, dating back to 3000B.C. became an important city of Lykia around 1000 B.C., which then became one of the biggest cities of Caria around 400 B.C. With it’s rock tombs, the city and the medieval walls on the acropolis, Roman fountain, Theatre, Roman baths, Byzantine basilica; Caunos hosts the ruins of several civilizations.

Fethiye, Çalış, Ovacık & Hisarönü

A new course from Turkey will be added to ultra-marathons that have many followers around the world and that measure human endurance. The event supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will be held on the Lycian Way between Oct. 9 and 17.

Ultra-marathons are organized regularly in various countries around the world such as Greece, China, Morocco and Australia. Now, for the first time, an ultra-marathon will be held on the Aegean coast, the cradle of many civilizations. Ultra-marathons could be regarded as endurance races exceeding the normal marathon distance of 42 kilometers. Also, the races are performed on challenging racetracks such as trails, mountains, deserts and glaciers.

The race consultant for the Lycian Way Marathon is Professor Taner Damcı from the Metabolism Department in the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, who himself has participated in ultra-marathons in various countries.

Every year, almost 70,000 licensed and unlicensed racers participate in these events. Both racers and volunteer personnel come from various countries around the world to take part in these races. Besides professional racers from five continents; also dedicated participants such as artists, businessmen, academics and ambitious amateurs from different professions come together in ultra-marathons. Some of these people take part in ultra-marathons to make some changes in their lives, contribute to social life and support non-governmental organizations rather than to win, become popular or earn awards. The main sponsor of Turkey’s first ultra-marathon is Novo Nordisk.

The Lycian Way Marathon will draw attention with its challenging racetracks for marathon runners who mainly focus on testing the limits of their strength. The specified route has rises and falls between sea level and 800 meters in the high mountainous regions. The marathon will be held amid the historic and natural beauties of the Aegean, but surface conditions will vary greatly along the course. For instance, there are beaches, dirt roads, rocky trails and forestlands that become slippery because of needle leaves and steep slopes. The Lycian Way Marathon has a high level of difficulty. The racetrack on which the Lycian Way Marathon will be run is regarded as among the world’s top 10 long-distance walking routes.

Racers will register Saturday Oct 9th and the marathon will begin Oct 11th. Participants need to carry their own food in their backpacks during the 240-kilometer racecourse. The organization will provide water and tents. Although the duration of race legs varies on each day, racers will try to reach the next target point without exceeding the time limit for each leg. Moreover, checkpoints will be established every 10 kilometers to provide racers with water and medical aid if necessary.

The Lycian Way

The roots of the ancient Lycian Way go back to the time the Lycian civilization that dwelled in the area during the 4th century B.C. The walking trail is 509 kilometers long and consists of 23 legs, starting from Fethiye and ending in Antalya.

Historic ruins, ancient cities, castles and amphitheaters located on the track are just some of the several hotspots. The trail continues along the Patara Beach, which is the third-longest beach in the world. Moreover, participants have the opportunity to camp near ruins such as the Patara ancient city. Besides its challenging conditions, the Lycian Way track is expected to attract many participants from all around the world to Turkey due to its historic surroundings and challenging track.

Marking the end of the summer season, the annual Oludeniz Air Games runs from 13th – 17th October 2010 and will feature a range of adrenalin pumping attractions high in the sky. Previous years have included base jumping, sky-diving, acrobatic paragliding and live music. The main attraction has been the jaw-dropping Turkish Stars fighter jet team performing acrobatic maneouvers to delight viewers.

Çalış Carnival brings together thousands of residents in this Mediterranean resort 'hand in hand' to raise money for local projects and creates a week of fun and harmony along the way and is held annually the last week of May.

Marmaris and Icmeler

The 21st Marmaris International Race Week (MIRW) will be held betwen 23 - 29 October 2010. Notice of Race will be published end of June 2010.

Number of entries are limited with 140 boats as last year.

One of the most exciting days out has got to be the jeep safari to see The Blue Fish. The best way to see these timid creatures is on the jeep safaris from Icmeler. Most trips do the waterfall and the carpet factory along with all the obligatory water fights but these jeep safaris gives you the chance to try and catch a rare view of these freaks of nature indiginouse to the Bozburun Penninsular.

Their habitat is among the deeper water near the river banks were the trees give some shade and cover.

Göcek

With a phenomenal nature and glorious coastal waters to boot, Göcek is considered one of the Mediterranean’s top Riviera. The touristic season begins in April and lasts until November.
Göcek was once a Lycian town, located between Telmessos (Fethiye) and Caunos (Dalyan). Various ancient ruins from the Lycians can be explored around Göcek; even on the islands that lie at an arm’s reach. WDue to its geographical positioning, Göcek is a calm and safe harbour, with several islands and small coves. It hosts six international marinas, each offering modern yachting facilities; it’s also an extremely popular mooring spot for boats plying along the idyllic Blue Voyage. For yacht lovers, Göcek is not only a marina but also an important spot for entertainment, technical support, health services, and catering. Other than yachting and Blue Voyage cruises, you can always find daily tours to take you to Göcek’s islands.

Kalkan

Not only is Kalkan beautiful, but unlike other Turkish coastal resort towns Kalkan's main economy is tourism and therefore its citizens put much pride and effort into the town's historic preservation. Because of this, Kalkan has retained the texture of its history by protecting its distinctive Ottoman Greek architecture (it was once an Ottoman Greek and Turkish fishing village). Very strict building codes keep the town small and architecturally blended with the historic heart of the town known as "Old Kalkan".

Besides the famous "Kalkan Style" historic architecture, the many excellent restaurants of Kalkan contribute to the special atmosphere within Kalkan. Good dining has always been the way of life in Kalkan and continues today. In fact, Kalkan is said to have the highest number of restaurants and bars per inhabitant or square meter on the Turkish coast (over 100 of them!). Additionally, Kalkan is especially renowned in Turkey for its numerous roof terrace restaurants and bars which offer a wonderful view of the town, sea and stars. It's also nice to sit at one of the many fine harbour-side restaurants and watch the pleasure boats and fishermen leave early in the morning as you eat your breakfast, or see the fishing boats return with the day's catch in the evening.

There is lots to do during the day and nightlife is fun, but laid-back. You won't find noisy, wild nightlife here, like in some other coastal resorts.

Kalkan has many fine qualities, but without a doubt, it is the people of Kalkan who make the town extra special.

The people of Kalkan warmly welcome you, and you may at first be surprised by the universal friendliness within the town. This, along with warm Turkish hospitality is the basis of life here and the people of Kalkan sincerely enjoy getting to know their guests. So don't hesitate to accept one of the many tulip-shaped glasses of çay (tea) you will be offered while you amble along Kalkan's winding streets. You won't be hassled while you are a guest of Kalkan - the town is hassle-free and is proud to be so. You will find a mixed population here, consisting of locals, some Istanbul Turks and Turks from other cities who have made Kalkan their home and own small businesses, as well as a small number of well-educated foreigners who have settled in the town.

Kaş

Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayrami) on October 29th is one of the biggest festivals on the Turkish calender and celebrates modern Turkey as it is today. Mustafa Kemel Ataturk was the founding father of the country.

Kaş has a unique way of celebrating where all the restaurants lay out their tables in the main square. It is a party lasting until the early hours of the morning, with Turkish dancing, folkloric shows and finishes off with a fireworks display. This event is guaranteed unforgettable and not to be missed!

Elmali, Turkey , located about 70 km from Kaş, in the mountain region north, hosts Kirkpinar, a grease wrestling or yağli güreş tournament every year where the wrestlers douse themselves with olive oil. This was the 658th year of oil wrestling and the dates are normally first the first week in August. There will be celebrations in Elmali all the week before.

The event takes place in the large stadium. Wrestlers come from all over Turkey, to engage in this highly competitive sport made popular long ago in Ottoman times. The contest lasts for three days and over 100 wrestlers participate.

Kemer

Yoruk Park is located in a beautiful place, between Moonlight Beach and the harbor in the center of Kemer. If you want to learn about Turkish culture and history, you should definitely visit the open air museum. For a very modest amount (1 Euro) you will be welcomed and shown around if required, and you can see how the formerly nomadic people lived in this region. Furthermore, you are treated to spectacular views and you can get a drink or a bite to eat on the Turkish terrace. It's not big, but very beautiful... and instructive.

Antalya & Belek

Held annually in October at the Antalya Cultural Center since 1963, the Golden Orange Film & Art Festival is Turkey's oldest film festival. Turkish films, short films, documentaries and international feature films, totaling 150 productions, compete for the Golden Orange Award.

Antalya's TAT Golf Belek International Golf Club hosts the Turkish International Salsa Festival ın May 2011, displaying gracious and skilful moves by a number of performers. Theme nights ranging from the sensual Ultra Hot & Sexy to the retro Stayin' Alive ensure diversity.

After-parties, beach parties, sports tournaments and free gold lessons complete the programme.

If you are planning a summer holiday to this beautiful province in Turkey, you might want to consider an early booking of your flights to Antalya in order to attend the annual Honey festival which usually takes place on the 15th of August in Gundogmus.

However, as simple as it may sound, this traditional festival is an event which brings many people, particularly the health-conscious and business-oriented, to Antalya every year.

Antalya Honey festival provides an opportunity for people to gather together to taste, buy and learn about the art of honey production and its business. You will also be fascinated by the amount of products that could be derived from it. This festival will not only appeal to your sweet tooth but will also satisfy your intellectual appetite.

During this festival, a lot of producers come together to display different kinds of natural honey and assortments made from this sweet gift of nature. It is a good opportunity to mingle with the warm and friendly locals while you sample some delicious honey-baked bread and cakes, helvas (a popular sweet in Turkey), syrup, candy and many of some colourful Turkish delights. Other products you could find at the festival include honey-scented candles and honey-based soaps which can be perfect souvenirs to take back home.

Side

A fantastic place to visit ıs The Aspendos theatre, which was built in 167 A.D. by architect Zeno, son of Theodorius. It contains 40 rows of marble banks built against a hilltop and used to accommodate 15,000 people in its heydays. This Hellenistic theatre was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and was dedicated to the Gods. It was built by two brothers, as a gift to the city, and till date it is extremely well preserved and very much in use.

Aspendos also has a 225m long historical bridge that was built by an Anatolian emperor in the 13th century. This bridge has been recently restored and houses souvenir shops. Apart from these, Aspendos is endowed with the remnants of a Basilica, Agora and one of the largest aqueducts (100 A.D.) in Anatolia.

Alanya

The harbor of Alanya is a jovial place with little boats and many restaurants. You can take boat trips to the famous Fosforlu Magarasi (Phosphorescent Cave), Apiklar Madarasi (Lovers` cave) and Korsanlar Madarasi (Pirates` Cave). Apart from the Alanya Museum which house representations from the various cultures of ancient Turkey, the Seljuk ruins are just 5 km away.

After a busy day sunbathing a must to try is the Alanya kebab it is a kebab consisting of beef, pieces of bread, and tomatoes that are topped with a spicy chilli sauce. The dish possibly originated in Germany and was named after Alanya, a popular destination then for German people, and quickly spread to other parts of Europe. Such kebab is completely unknown in Turkey. The dish is very popular in Scandinavia, where it is the fifth most-eaten fast food behind hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza and Doner kebabs.

Aytap, Syedra and Alanya Incekum are other places of interest close to Alanya. You can travel to these spots to enjoy ancient historic ruins, the inns of Serapsu and Alara, the fortress and many other remnants of erstwhile civilizations. The Dim River valley is also a spot of exquisite natural beauty.

Istanbul

Affordable domestic flights are always available from Bodrum, Alanya, Dalaman and Izmir to İstanbul for anyone wishing to explore the fantastic bustling city. Pegasus (www.flypgs.com) and Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com.tr) have prices starting from as little as 35tl and accomodation in Istanbul can be found for approximately 20tl per night.

Why not visit the Auto Show 29 Oct - 7 Nov 2010 (biennial)
Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini are just some of the exhibitors contributing to the Auto Show's growing success. A showcase for shiny new models, the biennial show draws the press, trade and general public in their thousands to Istanbul's CNR Expo.

Istanbul Arts Fair held at Tüyap Centre, E5 Hwy (Karayolu), Gürpınar Jcn, Kavşağı, Beylikdüzü - Oct/Nov

Recently relocated from its city centre home to the less accessible Tüyap Centre near the airport, this vast, week-long sales fair has retained its massive appeal. Some 50 Istanbul galleries plus a handful of international art dealers come to offload paintings, sculpture and ceramics on an increasingly receptive local market. Don't let the remote location put you off: free shuttle services depart from AKM on Taksim Square, Atatürk airport, the Bakırköy ferry stop and the Esenler bus terminal.

Shop at Dört Mevsim/Simple Life where you will find the best non-commercial, creative and tasteful gifts to take back home from Turkey. Here you will also find the best selection of towels and peştemal (can you used as a waistcloth or towel). Just because towels aren’t fluffy, doesn’t mean they are not absorbent – try the ones at Dört Mevsim and you will understand what we mean. There home accessories and jewellery are very unique too.

Ahirkapı Park is the venue anually in May for Ahirkapı Hidrellez and is Istanbul's traditional spring festival. Celebrations kick-off with a number of gypsy bands parading from Hagia Sophia to the Ahirkapi Park, where centuries-old rituals continue to entertain residents and visitors alike until the wee hours.

One of such rituals is the Nahils, a grand ceremony involving a symbolic "wish-tree" where people stick on their wishes written on a piece of paper in the belief that they will come true.