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Main Topics
Draft Programme
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ISTANBUL'S HISTORY AND INTRODUCING

    İstanbul has been a cultural hub and the capital of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Emperor Constantine made it the Roman Empire's capital in 330 AD due to its strategic location, renaming it Constantinople. During Byzantine rule, the city expanded with new walls and iconic structures like Hagia Sophia. Despite challenges, such as the Crusaders’ plunder and the Latin rule, it regained prominence before the Ottoman conquest in 1453 by Mehmet the Conqueror.

    Under Ottoman rule, Istanbul flourished as a center of culture, science, and art, with domes and minarets reshaping its skyline. The city endured events like the 1509 earthquake and entered the 16th century as one of the world's largest cities. It became a global capital during Suleiman the Magnificent's reign and the center of the Islamic world under the Ottomans.

    The Tulip Era (1718–1730) marked modernization efforts, and constitutional reforms brought administrative changes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Occupied after World War I, Istanbul was liberated in 1923 but lost its capital status when the Republic of Turkey was founded with Ankara as the capital. Despite this, Istanbul remains historically and culturally significant as a city that bridged civilizations and eras.
Currency and Exchange The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign money can be exchanged at banks on business days (09.00 - 17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as in hotels, at the airport and in bureaux de change. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport Electricity In Turkey the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Turkey, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V - 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Turkey. Language The official language of the congress is English, English-Turkish-English simultaneous translation will be provided. Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are numerous quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting. Shopping One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as modern malls. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected Time Turkey is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+3 hrs GMT ). Tipping Although service charge (%10) is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one’s own discretion is appreciated Visa Participants are requested to check with the Turkish Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency or at www.mfa.gov.tr for visa requirements. Entry visa to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Ataturk Airport for a vast number of countries.