Destination: Istanbul, Turkey

DESTINATION:

Istanbul | Turkey A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE 2015 JCI EUROPEAN CONFERENCE Dear 2015 JCI European Conference Honored Guests, Greetings from JCI World Headquarters!

It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to Istanbul, Turkey this June for the 2015 JCI European Conference. The upcoming conference is guaranteed to be an amazing event as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the JCI Movement. The Conference Organizing Committee and JCI World Headquarters have developed an exciting program for all delegates to enjoy.

All attending participants will receive valuable training to develop their skills and partnerships and will also have the opportunity to business network, allowing greater collaboration for positive change. I encourage you to make the most of your time at the JCI European Conference taking place in Istanbul, which is the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and therefore will provide you with an amazing cultural experience. The development opportunities you will encounter will make this trip a truly memorable experience.

We hope that this guide will assist you while preparing for your upcoming trip and are delighted for all the experiences that await you. The Conference Organizing Committee, JCI World Headquarters team and I will be happy to help you in any way throughout the event.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you from June 3–6 in Istanbul!

Sincerely,

Steven Wilson 2015 JCI Executive Vice President

Conference Information Accommodations

Explore Istanbul

Headquarters Hotel:

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

Tel: +90-212-225-82-50 Fax: +90-212-232-42-52 Email: konak@hotelkonak.com

Built in 537, the Hagia Sophia was once a house of worship that served various religions for several centuries. It first served as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica, then as a Roman Catholic church for nearly six decades and soon transformed into a mosque from 1453 to 1931. In 1935, the Hagia Sophia reopened as a museum to showcase its eclectic history of Istanbul. At one time, it was the largest cathedral in the world and served as the inspiration for other mosques, as it was considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It is famous for its Christian mosaics alongside brilliant Islamic calligraphy.

Grand Bazaar The Grand Bazaar is the ultimate shopping destination for those looking for authentic Turkish souvenirs. With more than a quarter-million visitors a day, the Grand Bazaars 5000 shops make it one of the largest and popular indoor marketplaces in the world. The bazaar features items such as jewelry, carpets, spices, antiques and hand-painted ceramics. Dating back to 1461, the bazaar is home to two mosques, four fountains, two steam baths and the Cevhir Bedesten or Jewel Bedesten, the oldest part of the bazaar that houses jewels, gold, and other precious items within its wellguarded area.

Dolmabahce Palace Located on the European shore of the Bosphorus, the Dolmabahce Palace is a magnificent example of the traditional decadence of the 19th-century Ottoman Empire while also blending European styles of Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo. Home to six sultans from 1856 to 1924, this glamorous palace also contains 285 rooms, 43 large salons, 14 tons of gold leaf and the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria.

Konak Hotel Cumhuriyet Cad. No: 75 34437, Elmadag Taksim, Istanbul

For booking and general information visit: www.jci.cc/ourevents/istanbul2015/accommodations

Venues The majority of daytime activities of the conference will be held at the Istanbul Congress Center (ICC). The ICC is a multi-level complex with a large main foyer and several large meeting halls. The ICC is located in the center of Istanbul and within walking distance from a variety of hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities.

Registration Delegates are strongly encouraged to register online before arriving to Istanbul. Upon arrival, registered delegates should pick up their Conference name badges from the Headquarters Hotel.

Only delegates who have registered will be allowed to participate in Conference events. Admission will be restricted to delegates wearing Conference name badges and holding event entry tickets, when necessary.

Travel Visa All participants are required to show a valid passport after arriving in Turkey. Citizens of some countries are required to obtain a travel visa prior to traveling from the Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Some may obtain e-Visas via www.evisa.gov.tr prior to arrival. Visitors can also obtain landing visas at the airport, however there may be long wait times. Current visa information can be obtained from the website of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For further information, please contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to check the travel visa regulations and requirements.

Airport Istanbul has always been a meeting place, a cross point and a destination. Istanbul has an international airport called Ataturk Istanbul International Airport. With a capacity to receive more than 25 million

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2015 JCI European Conference: ISTANBUL, TURKEY • JUNE 3 – 6

travelers per year, Istanbul is extremely accessible and is less than a three-hour flight from most European cities.

Located at the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul offers easy air connections and is served by more than 50 major airlines to hundreds of cities around the world.

In addition to Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul has a second airport located on the Asian side of the city, Sabiha Gökcen International Airport serving as an important arrival point, especially for charter and cargo flights and special events.

Transportation

By Water The city is accessible via ship from Italy, Greece and other Mediterranean countries and in addition is a major port for cruise lines and chartered yachts.

By Land Several rail lines and bus lines connect Turkey to neighboring countries, which easily and affordably connect Istanbul to other cities across Turkey, Europe and the Middle East. Highways represent another viable alternative to getting in and out of Istanbul.

About Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul is a city of unparalleled social and cultural richness. It is as fascinating and historical as it is dynamic and modern. It also served as the capital of two mighty empires for sixteen centuries. Eastern Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman set squarely between two continents, Istanbul has cultures and traditions that blend East with West and Mediterranean with Anatolian. Each civilization that has made Istanbul its home has left its mark in inspiring and splendid ways and has resulted in a city that gives one the feeling of universal history at every step.

Language Turkish is the official language of Turkey. However, English is widely spoken in Istanbul as well. Other commonly spoken languages in Turkey include French, Spanish and German.

Currency

By Taxi All taxis are yellow in Istanbul and they all have taximeters.

Please make sure that the taxi driver turns on the taximeter.

The opening charge is 3,20 TL and charge 2.-TL per kilometer. There is not a price difference between day and night charges; it is a flat rate all 24 hours. There are no central taxi numbers in Istanbul.

In Turkey, the local currency is the Turkish Lira (TL). Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport as well as at private exchange offices, which can be found throughout the city and are open from 08:30 to 20:00. In addition, Traveler’s Cheques and Eurocheques can be cashed at the local banks, which are open between 08:30 and 17:00. The major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most Turkish restaurants and shops.

Conference Attire

Health

National dress, dark business suits or tuxedos, cocktail or evening dresses are appropriate for:

Make sure you are up-to-date on regular vaccines before your trip. It is recommended that visitors to Turkey also be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. These recommendations are due to the possibility of visitors consuming contaminated food or water during their visit.

• JCI Awards Ceremony • Farewell Ball and JCI 100th Anniversary Celebration

Business suits or national dress are appropriate for:

• General Assemblies • Other business sessions • Regional Partnership Summit

Business casual dress is appropriate for:

Internet Access Most hotels, airports and restaurants in Turkey offer Wi-Fi. Some locations however may charge a small access fee.

• JCI Official Courses and seminars

Casual dress (unless otherwise indicated) is appropriate for:

Time Zone

Turkey is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

• Opening Ceremony • National parties

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Weather

Explore Istanbul Galata Tower

Istanbul’s climate offers a combination of a Mediterranean climate, humid subtropical climate and oceanic climate.

This is due to the fact that Istanbul is located in a transitional climatic zone.

Electricity

Known as the Tower of Christ, the 67 meters high Galata Tower expands over the Istanbul skyline. Offering stunning views of the old city and its surroundings, the medieval stone tower was once the tallest building when it was first built in 1348. Once used as an observation tower to spot fires, the tower today hosts a café, restaurant and a nightclub all of which can be reached using an elevator in the nine-story building.

Plug Type C

Plug Type F

Topkapi Palace The Topkapi Palace is a must-see attraction in Istanbul combining the rich history of the Ottoman Empire with the stunning scenery and landscapes. Dating back to the 15th century, the Topkapi Palace is surrounded by five kilometers of stone wall with 27 towers and it sits on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. At one time, the palace was an official royal residence of Ottoman Empire sultans and the seat of the Turkish government, however it now is a museum in which visitors can get a glimpse of the harem’s quarters, old weapons used by the sultans and collections of porcelain, jewels and clocks.

Istanbul Archaeological Museum Founded in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum was the first Turkish museum and was located on the Topkapi Palace grounds and is one of the most well known museums in Turkey. The museum is made up of three separate sections: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum, which dates back to 1472. When combined, the three parts contain more than 1 million objects from a variety of civilizations around the world and contains thousands of precious artifacts including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

The electric current is 220V AC with a frequency of 50 Hertz. European standard plugs with two round pins are used. Determine which adaptor or power strip is best for you at www.iec.ch/worldplugs.

Tourism Resources With a wide range of activities, entertainment, shopping and historical tours, there is something special for everyone in Istanbul. To decide how to schedule your perfect post-conference plans, visit the following sites for more information: • www.viator.com/istanbul • www.ctcturkey.com • www.tripadvisor.com

Attire in Istanbul Turkish society is modern, therefore European dress styles are common. For most places, stylish casual dress is appropriate. Although most of Istanbul isn’t very conservative, local dress is influenced by Islamic tradition.

When visiting mosques, clean and modest clothing is appreciated and often required. Also, it is important for women to remember to bring a scarf to wear and for all to wear socks, as you will have to remove your shoes. Do not wear revealing clothing that shows thighs, shoulders or tops of upper arms when visiting these places of worship.

Cultural Notes Istanbul is both a historic and modern city and is most apparent in the city’s architecture and people. Istanbul has a multicultural feel and a vibrant atmosphere rooted deep in the past while looking toward the future; it is truly as much a crossroads of ideas and cultures today as ever. It is a city that

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2015 JCI European Conference: ISTANBUL, TURKEY • JUNE 3 – 6

is home to age old churches, mosques and synagogues all of which are in close proximity showing us the ability for a community to form from different cultures that live in a state of peace and tolerance stemming from a shared human past and belief in the future.

Conference Key Events Opening Ceremony Kicking off the 2015 JCI European Conference, Chief Delegates and JCI National Presidents will come together at the Opening Ceremony to greet the delegates, represent their countries and model their traditional dress.

Come cheer for your National Organization, enjoy great entertainment and connect with JCI’s vibrant community of young active citizens.

Wednesday 3 June 18:00 – 19:30 Harbiye Auditorium · Istanbul Congress Center

Impact Forums and Sessions Discover how young people and JCI partners around Europe are creating a better world with their actions! Join the various sessions focusing on an exciting topic each conference day.

First Timers Orientation Wednesday 3 June 16:30 – 17:30 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center JCI Morning Show Thursday 4 June 09:00 – 10:00 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center JCI Peace, Prosperity and Sustainability Active Citizen FrameWorkshop Friday 5 June 10:00 – 12:00 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center JCI International Events Session Friday 5 June 14:00 – 15:30 Taksim 1 · Istanbul Congress Center

National Presidents Meeting and General Assemblies See the major decisions your National Representatives will make this year to create impact across Europe.

National Presidents Meeting Wednesday 3 June 09:00 – 12:30 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center General Assembly I Thursday 4 June 14:00 – 18:00 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center General Assembly II Friday 5 June 14:00 – 16:00 Uskudar 1–2 · Istanbul Congress Center

JCI Programs JCI members are challenged to show their impact at the international level. Don’t miss the most exciting competitions and sharing of best practices at the Conference!

JCI World Public Speaking Preliminary Championship Thursday 4 June 16:00 – 18:00 Uskudar 3 · Istanbul Congress Center JCI World Debating Championship Friday 5 June Istanbul Congress Center

English: 14:00 – 17:00 · Uskudar 3

French: 15:00 – 17:00 · Yildiz 3 JCI Twinning Ceremony Friday 5 June 10:00 – 11:00 Taksim 1 · Istanbul Congress Center JCI Awards Ceremony Saturday 6 June 19:00 – 20:00 B5 Floor · Istanbul Congress Center

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Regional Partnership Summit on Youth Unemployment Engage the Istanbul community in understanding the challenge of youth unemployment in 21st-century Europe at the European Partnership Summit. Connect with active citizens and leaders from the local community and across the region to explore how the coordinated efforts of all sectors of society can economically empower youth. Learn from experts how stakeholders from all sectors of the European region can combine their knowledge, resources and skills to enable local communities to activate the employment of youth and achieve sustainable impact.

Thursday 4 June 10:30 – 13:30 Uskudar 3 · Istanbul Congress Center

Contact Information

National Nights and Parties

Conference Organizing Committee

JCI members work hard all day to improve themselves and the world around them, but there’s no reason we can’t party too. The 2015 JCI European Conference will provide you with many moments to remember. Bring your Conference name badge to get inside, where you will find friends from all over the world enjoying native food and drink of the host JCI National Organization.

Welcome Party Wednesday 3 June 20:00 – 02:00 Terrace · Istanbul Congress Center Farewell Ball and JCI 100th Anniversary Celebration Saturday 6 June 20:00 – 02:00 B5 Floor · Istanbul Congress Center

Conference Executive Director Contact Person: Gulboy Guryel Email: gulboy.guryel@jciturkey.cc

Emergency In case of an emergency, the general public number is: 112

Organized Events & Activities In conjunction with the Conference programming, a variety of other exciting events have been developed for delegates to discover the spirit of Istanbul. These events have limited capacity—make sure to sign up one day in advance at the Trade Show / Members Lounge to participate in these various activities including company visits, soccer and basketball tournaments, old city treasure hunts, Grand Bazaar apprentice programs and more.