MEETURKEY NOVEMBER’2010 YEAR:16 NO:62
Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
From the Editor
November’2010 Year:16 NO:62
Tourism and Museums for Eternity Many ephemeral fields and activities have been touched by tourism, but the one subject that has the eternal touch is Museums. Paris is synonymous with the Louvre, Uffizi is the “must see” museum in Florence, New York has The Met and Guggenheim and Moma, Sydney the MCA, London the British Museum; Berlin has so many museums - you can see from this list the scope and importance of museums to tourism. It is not easy for simple tourists to digest their contents; they are the souls of the past, universities of the present, pointing a way to the future. By strolling through the galleries, history, culture, archeology previously studied in books can be captured by the visual imagination. There is the sight, feel, sound (silence is a sound), of the centuries that are the torch of civilization. In this issue, we feauture a unique museum, the first and only in Turkey, IMOGA - the Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts. The founder and owner is Prof. Suleyman Saim Tekcan and what he has done in the area of his museum is remarkable. The district is far from being sophisticated or elegant, it is where the real, often uneducated people of Istanbul live. These people have no idea of the concept or content of museums but, if the cultural injection is made properly, are open to knowledge. That is what IMOGA is doing to the area. In a few years time I am positive that the immediate environs of IMOGA will have more art and culture-oriented buildings that will transform the area. Specialised ,organised, cultural groups that come to Istanbul can visit IMOGA and even enjoy some authentic music and food on the premises. Prof. Tomur Atagok has also contributed a valuable article on the history and management of Turkeyʼs museums. The topics we have in this issue seems to have something attached to being a museum of some sort, Open air, Graphical Arts or in general. Kars, in our Meet a Region section, is an open-air museum with the Ani archeological site. The UNDP (United Nations Development Plan) has a dynamic, well equipped, professional group working for the success of Kars tourism and business development. The award-winning Kuyucak Bird Lake, features in an informative and interesting article by Emrah Coban. During our time in Kars to see and evaluate the works of UNDP and share further views on their efforts of giving Kars its proud identity by creating development plans to suit the character of Kars, we also saw Kuyucak. Snow-skiing, goose-feathers and food, full-fat cheeses, Ani, archeology, history, lakes and birds. These are enough that, if properly used, can give a leverage to the tourism development plan of Kars; so the only thing that can be said is “good luck”. The symbol of Kars should be a goose; the rest will follow. The Mevlevi (Rumi) Culture and Sema Ceremony and the newly reconstructed 16th Century Yenikapi Mevlevihane is also in this issue. A lot of tourism/travel/incentive news from the world along with with the fairs we have attended and will attend is reported in this issue. Live from where its happening and flying to where it will happen. The worldʼs international travel industry is back on its feet and now has even started to run faster, underlining its role as one of the major effects of the global economy. We have to move fast and run to catch the ball of prosperity without losing the characteristic features that make Turkey attractive to the global visitors. There will be more to cover in the January/February 2011 issue with Turkey as seen and felt from Australia.
Sevil Oren
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
PUBLISHER Suat TÖRE suattore@smpublication.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Sevil ÖREN sevil@smpublication.com EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Kaya AKBAŞOĞLU kaya@smpublication.com Ali KIRGIZ ali@smpublication.com Kate CLOW kate@smpublication.com Füsun TÖRE fusun@smpublication.com Deniz TÜFEKÇİ deniz@smpublication.com Cahit ÜREN cahit@smpublication.com INT. RELATIONS Özgür TÖRE ozgur@ftnnews.com PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE Özge TÖRE ozge@smpublication.com PHOTOS MeeTurkey Archive ART DIRECTOR Fatih TAHTALI OFFSET PREPARATION Repronet Reprodüksiyon FILM & PRINTED Özgür Matbaacılık REPRESENTATIVES * ANTALYA : Salih ÇENE salih@salihcene.com Tel: 90.242.248 50 35 -36 Fax: 90.242.248 50 36
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Contents
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40 MICE Fam to Chiang Rai
Turkish Museums 40 24 The questions whether the museums have started in Turkey
Every year in October, just after the IT&CMA exhibitions, there are some MICE fam tours to different destinations in Thailand. This year I preffered to go Chiang Rai, because it is one of main destination in North of Thailand that I have heard and never visited before.
12 Magazine Attracted Attention 12 MeeTurkey at the IT&ME Motivation Show
MeeTurkey Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine, a magazine ofS&M Publication, is distributed at the IT&ME Motivation Show which was held 12-14 October 2010 in Chicago, USA. The Motivation Show is one of the most relevant and visited events for business tourism experts.
as a result of Westernization in the 19th century or they have developed to stop the European nations exporting the cultural heritage of the lands under its control or whether it is a natural development from traditional collecting of nomadic tribes to collecting of a nation with ways of living changing.
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39 The City Of Snow, Goose And Cheese, Kars
Tucked away in Turkey’s far northeastern corner, the small town of Kars has a big problem, which is that it’s on the road to nowhere or at least it has been since 1993 when Turkey’s always tepid relationship with Armenia slipped into deep freeze as a result of its dispute with Azerbaijan
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CONTENTS News Line Turkey Meet at Exhibitions MICE Hotels & News Cover Story News Line World Meet at Culture Meet a Region Meet at Mice fam Destinations D.M. Companies
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Mevlevi Culture and the Sema 32 Mevlâna, Ceremony
Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, is known as Mevlana in the East and known as Rumi in the West. At birth, his family named him Muhammed, though he came to be nicknamed Celaleddin. As for “Mevlana”, it connotes to “our master”, while “Rumi” relates to “the land of Rum” or “Anatolia”, where he lived.
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
November’2010
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News Line Turkey
Antalya Became a Candidate ICCA Congress in 2014
The 49th ICCA Congress, incorporating the ICCA General Assembly, took place 23-27 October in Hyderabad, India. Around 750 ICCA members attended the ICCA event in India. Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) and Antalya Convention Bureau (ACB) attended the 49th ICCA Congress. ACB Director Nurhan Erdem Tanir announced that Antalya became a candidate to host the 53rd ICCA General Congress eight months ago. Tanir said they got good news during the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad. After elimination of some destinations, Antalya is now one of the 3 cities that will host the 2014 event. Tanir added that the host city of 2014 ICCA Congress and General Assembly will be revealed at IMEX-Frankfurt fair which will take place in May 2011. Until that time, ICCA delegation will visit Antalya and make inspections at the city.
Hundreds of Thousands Run at Istanbul Marathon
Future ICCA Congresses
The 50th ICCA Congress - 22 - 26 October 2011 - Leipzig, Germany The 51st ICCA Congress - 20 - 24 October 2012 - San Juan, Puerto Rico The 52nd ICCA Congress - 02 - 06 November 2013 - Shanghai, China-P.R.
Routes Tourism Mediterranean Forum 2011 to Take place in Antalya
The route development forum for tour operators and their suppliers will take place 13-15 February 2011 in Antalya, Turkey. Routes Tourism Mediterranean is a brand new event and will facilitate pre-scheduled, one to one meetings between existing and potential business partners including; tourism authorities, tour operators, airlines, and airports, whilst ensuring that participants are meeting their equivalent counter-parts and decision makers. At this inaugural event, it is expected over 100 senior tour operator product managers will attend to take pre-scheduled, one to one meetings with over 200 supplier representatives from hotels, resorts and inbound agents throughout the region. The event will be held 13-15 February 2011 at Gloria Hotels & Resorts in Antalya, Turkey. n
Hotel Equipment Exhibition 19-22 January 2011 at Antalya
Staged annually in Antalya, Anfaş Hotel Equipment Exhibition - thepremier global event for the travel industry - is going to take place 19-22January 2011 at Antalya Exhibition Center. The event is presenting a diverse range ofdestinations and industry sectors to Turkey and International travelprofessionals. It is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade tomeet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof. 2010 show was one of the best yet with27,657 registered professional trade visitors from 43 countries. Thoseattending the show included hotel managers, decision makers, chief executiveofficers, investors, construction companies and so forth. Anfaş Hotel Equipment Exhibition is ameeting place for interested parties from the Middle East, Mediterranean, theCIS countries and Eurasia. The Anfas Hotel Equipment show offers the idealspace to reach this market and beyond. The exhibition offers highly costeffective stand space and services in 40.000 sqm in 6 halls. By attending Anfaş Hotel EquipmentExhibition, participants efficiently, effectively and productively gainimmediate competitive advantage for their business and stay abreast with thelatest developments in the travel industry. AnfaşHotel Equipment Exhibition Key Figures 27.657 visitors including 523 internationalvisitors from 43 different countries • 40,000 sqm exhibition space • 6 exhibition halls • 17 business sectors 5 main sections: Cook & Serve - Conceive & Design - Clean &Maintain - Welcome & Relax - Manage & Connect 82% satisfaction rate among exhibitors 80% of the exhibitors intend to come back 85% of the exhibitors are satisfied withthe quality of the visit n
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
Hundreds of thousands amateur athletes as well as local and foreign visitors attended the 32th Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon on October 17. This year’s marathon took place on a sunny Sunday afternoon. “Istanbul is Running” - the slogan of this year’s marathon brought together hundreds of thousands of participants. The 32th Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon includes the Marathon, 15 Km, and the 8 Km Public Run. The participation at the “Public Race”, organized as part of the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon was reported to be above the expected figure of 100.000 people. As in the last years’ events, 2010 edition of the marathon is attracted by many celebrities and locals who want to enjoy time on streets especially on the Bosphorus Bridge which is normally closed to pedestrians. Mr. Kadir Topbaş, the mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality also participated in the “Public Race” and he run together around a hundred thousand Istanbulities. Participants of the 8 km “Public Race” which is organized as part of the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon got their t-shirts, medals and certificates of attendance prior to race at the stands in Dolmabahçe. About 8000 local and foreign athletes from 84 countries participated in the 32th Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasian Marathon. Some of the participants competed in the 15 km race. All events started on the Asian side of Istanbul, and ends on the European side, on route passing the most beautiful sights of the city. The finish of the Marathon and the 15 km is in Sultanahmet district, at the Hippodrome, one of the oldest sporting arenas of the world, decorated with many historical monuments including the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius. The Fun Run finishes in Dolmabahçe, between the Besiktas Inonu Stadium and the Dolmabahçe Palace, which served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. A total of one million USD of prize was distributed to the athletes in the marathon. n
News Line Turkey
A Joint Exhibition from Turkey and Australia Opened in Ankara
A joint art exhibition focusing on Atatürk and the Gallipoli Campaign is opened in Ankara. Organised by the Directorate General of Press and Information and the Australian Embassy in Ankara, the ‘Atatürk and Çanakkale’ photograph display and the “Fifth Çanakkale Art Prize”exhibition is opened on Tuesday, 2 November 2010 at 18:30 at the Art Gallery of the Turkish Press and Information in Balgat. The Çanakkale Art Prize is an initiative of the Gallipoli Memorial Club in Sydney and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Two awards are given each year, one to an Australian or New Zealand artist and one to a Turkish artist, for the works which best represent the values and traditions embodied in those who served in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. “Through annual exhibitions in Canakkale, Istanbul, and Ankara the prize reaches a broad Turkish audience and attracts high-level support. The winning painting was unveiled by the Governor-General of Australia during her official visit to Turkey in April this year.” “This is a ten-year project, culminating in the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign in 2015, when all first prize winners will be exhibited in Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. The aim of the project is to strengthen further the strong bonds of friendship that unite our countries,” Ambassador Doyle said in Ankara. Nergis Zengin received the First Prize Award, Sabahat Balta the Governor of Çanakkale’s Prize, Nebi Yavaşca received the Ambassador’s Prize and Mehmet Ali Büyükparmaksız received the Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz MartUniversity’s Prize in this year’s competition. Distinguished jury members include Prof.Dr. Ali Akdemir, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Prof. Rahmi Aksungur, Rector of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University; Prof. Dr. Süleyman Saim Tekcan and Mr Gündüz Gölönü from Faculty of Fine Arts of the Işık University, Mr Bedri Baykam, artist, author and Turkey representative of the International Association of Plastic Arts and Mr Andrew Koç-McDonald, Australian Consul, Çanakkale. The exhibition can beviewed between 9 am and 5 pm until Friday 12 November 2010 excluding Sundays. n
Istanbul to Celebrate Republic Day with Fireworks and Laser show
Sixty thousand Turkish National Flags were hung over streets and squares in Istanbul for the 87th anniversary of the founding of the Republic on October 29. The directorate of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality will celebrate the 87th anniversary of the founding of our Republic with a splendid, unique and unprecedented ceremony. Sound, light, and firework shows will be performed on a platform situated on the Bosphorus. The shows will be broadcasted to the whole world via satellite. * The shows will take place in the area between the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden Tower on the sea. * More than 48,000 fireworks will be released from 16 separate points and 150 skyracer will be used. * The weight of the biggest firework is in excess of 10 kg. It will be shot about 250 meters into the sky. * 42 ignition systems and a 800 meters long fire waterfall will be built on the Bosphorus Bridge.
Setur Received Superbrands Award
Superbrands International celebrated its 15th year with Turkey’s Superbrands in Istanbul. The awards found their owners after selection made by the dedicated Superbrands Council which consists of leading luminaries and respected specialists of Turkey. Turkish tourism’s leading company Setur is once again awarded by independent arbiter of branding company; Superbrands. Setur Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager Gökhan Dedeoğlu received this year’s award. Setur also received
Superbrands award two years ago. After the results of Nielsen market research company’s survey to 1635 consumer in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir and decision of Superbrands Council, 117 brands selected as Superbrands. Selected brands hold their Superbrand status until the next round of selections. n
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* The show’s music of 15-minutes was composed specifically for the organization by Fahir Atakoğlu. *The shows are to be broadcast live on Power FM, and will be able to be watched from the 100 frequency, accompanied by the program’s music. The show was choreographed according to this composition. * A sound system will be established on the Ortaköy and Beşiktaş coast. The citizens of İstanbul will be able to both watch the fireworks show and also listen to the sound activities. n The American Turkish Society and Moon and
News Line Turkey
The 12th New York Turkish Film Festival Opens on December 3 Stars Project present the 12th New York Turkish Film Festival, to be held on December 3-5 and 10-12, 2010 at the School of Visual Arts Theatre in New York City. Now celebrating its twelfth year, the New York Turkish Film Festival has drawn more than 8,000 viewers to date, screening over 300 inspiring, handpicked films including Turkish contemporary, early classic, documentary and short films. This year’s festival will screen a selection of 12 feature films and 9 short films. The 12th New York Turkish Film Festival has been made possible by a generous grant from the Turkish Cultural Foundation and by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties. The festival is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. In addition, the festival has been made possible through the contributions of the following organizations and businesses: The Marmara Manhattan, Paragraf Basim, Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in New York, and Turkish Kitchen as gold sponsors; and MTS Logistics, Ramerica
International, and UPM-Kymmene Kagit Urunleri as silver sponsors. “We rely on the continued generous support of our grantors, sponsors, donors, advertisers, members, and friends as we strive to offer the best of Turkey’s rising national film industry to foreign film enthusiasts in the U.S.,” remarked Selen Ucak, Executive Director of The American Turkish Society. In addition to screenings in New York, The American Turkish Society and Moon and Stars Project, with generous support from the Turkish Cultural Foundation, continue to work with various centers across the United States to make the Turkish cinema available to broader audiences. Madison Association of Turkish Students, Turkish American Association of Milwaukee, Turkish American Cultural Association of Washington State and Turkish Student Association of Cornell University have produced their own Turkish Film Festivals by sharing the 12th New York Turkish Film Festival program. A History of Turkish Cinema, an unprecedented Turkish film retrospective to be presented in collaboration with the Film Society of Lincoln Center in November of next year. n
Limak Holding does not consider the recently renovated Yalova Thermal Hotel as a profit-oriented business, according to the company’s chairman. “But this is our most prestigious investment,” said Chairman Nihat Ozdemir. Speaking to the press at the opening of the boutique hotel in the northwestern province after nearly two years of renovations, Ozdemir said the company saw that Limak group had acquired a prestigious status in Turkey’s tourism sector and thus decided it was time for them to invest in a prestige hotel. “We conducted a research study. We had a desire to ensure this investment had a cultural and historical aspect to it. Then we came upon this building. It had been deserted for 30 years when we found it. If you leave a wooden building to its own fate for 30 years, it loses everything inside it. We wanted to revive this historical building with complete respect to its authenticity.” Limak Tourism General Coordinator Kaan Kavaloglu said the idea was to invest in an unprecedented, unique structure. ”The hotel has three separate wings. It has 48 rooms, and 55 employees are working under its roof,” he said, adding that the total amount the company invested in the restoration project was $20 million. “We are not pricing the rooms for millions or thousands, unlike our competitors, just because we are selling a prestigious product. We want our people and our foreign visitors to come and see this invaluable structure.
Therefore, we have moderate prices, starting at around 300 Turkish liras per person.” He also said that due to their reasonable pricing, during the Şeker Bayram holiday the hotel was full. “We do not expect to make profit here. This is technically impossible. If this was a 300- or 400-bed hotel, then we would have a chance. In order to make a profit, we would have to achieve a 90 percent occupancy rate and should price a room at more than $1,000. Then we could keep up with the tourist facilities. But there is no such pricing in the world; therefore what I say is barely feasible.” The hotel’s renovation and landscape architecture project is a product of two professors’ collaboration. Professors Gediz Urak and Isik Aksulu found that the original building was constructed in 1907 as a hotel open between June and September each year. “Therefore there was only a washbasin in every room and the water closets were shared. There was no heating system either. “We had to make additions to reappropriate the hotel according to contemporary necessities. And of course these had to be done according to the rules of preservation. The buildings were in a pathetic condition. We could not do anything but reconstruct them. But we have given utmost care to ensure that the reconstruction was done with the use of wooden materials. Technically speaking, it was an elaborate application on the whole.” n
Yalova Thermal Hotel Opened
In Brief * Zehra Küçükali has been appointed to Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel Istanbul as Zehra Kucukali
Sales & Marketing Director. * Bulent Tarlan named General Manager of Adana and Mersin HiltonSA. * Ogün Turanli has been appointed Via Hotel Istanbul as Convention
Semih Gonc
Center Manager. Bulent Tarlan
* Yıldız Alptekin has been appointed Via Hotel Istanbul as Sales Manager for Banquet. * Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul announces the arrival of a New General Manager,
Evren Tolgay
Sonja Dive-Dahl. Ogun Turanli
* Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul appointed Murat Deniz as Assistant General Manager. * Selim Geçit has been appointed from Hilton Templepatrick to Hilton ParkSA Istanbul as Hotel
Lalin Sabuncuoglu
Manager. * Lâlin Sabuncuoglu Janssen will be the Vice President - Europe at Swiss World Cargo from
November 1, 2010. Yıldız Alptekin
* Yagmur Evren Gürsoy has been appointed Conrad Istanbul as Food and Beverage Manager. * Tarık Yalçın has been appointed Sales Manager to Maxx Royal Belek Golf & Spa a part of
Selim Gecit
Voyage Hotels which will be open in May 2011 Sonja Dive-Dahl
Yagmur E. Gursoy
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* Semih Gönç, has been appointed Artemis Marin Princess Hotel
General Manager. * Evren Tolgay, named General Manager of Holiday Inn Istanbul City. * Bülent Budak has been appointed General Manager at Legacy Ottoman Hotel located in Eminönü, Istanbul.
November’2010
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
Murat Deniz
Bulent Budak
Exhibition
MeeTurkey Magazine Attracted Attention at the IT&ME Motivation Show MeeTurkey Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine, a magazine ofS&M Publication, is distributed at the IT&ME Motivation Show which was held 12-14 October 2010 in Chicago, USA. The Motivation Show is one of the most relevant and visited events for business tourism experts. It’s the meeting point for many companies and professionals who are searching for new strategies and incentives to be able to motivate their staffs, as well as their best performance employees with incentive travel. As in the past years, Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB)
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promoted Istanbul and Turkey with several stand activities at the 77th edition of IT&ME Motivation Show. Turkey booth, which is organized by ICVB and Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Office in New York, received increased attention compare to last year. Turkey’s leading incentive magazine; MeeTurkey which presents what Turkey offers for meeting professionals in its each issue, was read by thousands of Turkey booth’ visitors. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales and Marketing Director Mrs. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu and Washington Culture and Tourism Attaché of Turkey Mr. Mesut Özbek found MeeTurkey Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine very informative at promoting Turkey’s MICE products and facilities.
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
Exhibition
IT&CMA - CTW – Bangkok IT&CMA and CTW 2010 organized in Bangkok. Focus on Travel News, MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine, and Rus Tourism News are attending the IT&CMA and CTW 2010 which takes place 5-7 October 2010 at Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld. This year’s event is more strong such that it has outsold last year’s, welcoming 780 participating exhibitors from 304 companies across 38 countries, 483 buyers and corporate travel managers from 54 countries, 151 conference delegates from 22 countries,
142 international and local media from 35 countries, as well as hundreds more trade visitors, VIPs and guests. The total count is some 2,340 international delegates. In keeping with this year’s theme, the organisers of IT&CMA and CTW 2010 are “redefining” delegates’ experience while contributing to corporate social responsibility, by rolling out new initiatives to improve Asia’s only Doublebill MICE and Corporate Travel event. The first initiative is a green contribution effort to reduce the use of paper, while the second leverages on technology to help delegates manage their time during the show.
From left: Danuj Bunnag (THAI Airways International), Darren Ng (TTG Asia Media), Akapol Sorasuchart (TCEB) attended opening press conference.
Focus on Travel News and MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine are supporting publications of IT&CMA and CTW 2010.
Suat Tore, representing MeeTurkey Incentive Magazine.
Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President of Thailand Convention and Exhibitors Bureau also attended the press conference
Mrs.Reko Astuty informed newest MICE news for Indonesia.
Mr.Yusuf Duru attended to CTW seminars.
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
… live what others just dream of …
www.eceajans.com
Turkey, a country that has become the center of attraction of the World with its historical and natural beauties. Antalya, the capital of tourism of Turkey. And SUN ZEYNEP HOTEL in Belek that is the most distinguished touristic region of Antalya.
Taşlıburun Mevkii, 07506 Belek / Antalya-TURKEY
|
Tel: 0090 242 725 41 80
|
info@sunzeynep.com | www.sunzeynep.com
Fax: 0090 242 725 42 00
MICE Hotels & News
Name Change Coming for Hotel Sun Zeynep
H
otel Sun Zeynep located in Belek; the most distinguished touristic region of Antalya has undergone massive renovation. The hotel’s 120 rooms completely renovated with new bed and furniture, restaurants, bars, lobby, lobby terrace have undergone a complete renovation. Pool’s ceramic floor has been changed with marble floor and redecorated with teak wood border. Hotel’s garden renewed with a new design and additionally a Japanese garden at the entrance will welcome guests of the hotel. The €4 million renovation includes; Q A new Mini Club with a playground, WC for small children, sleeping rooms, cinema, computer room. Q Guests can enjoy their time at newly built open air theater, at new comfortable seating groups near the beach and drink most exotic cocktails at the bar and dance till morning at the disco. The 300 sqm pier expanded to 650 sqm that will accommodate more guests to enjoy sea and sun. Q The beach volley area is moved to activity area at the garden so that now hotel has almost a professional volleyball field. Q The Spa and Wellness area in and out of the hotel building, Fitness Center and all equipment, hotel’s IT and internet infrastructure are completely renewed. Q The congress center has also completely restored with new audio and video equipment, new carpets and wallpapers. Q Hotel Sun Zeynep is also opened to 2010 summer season with new heating - air condition system, purification system, ventilation system. With all these changes Hotel Sun Zeynep continues to remain committed to the environment. The second phase of renovation/developments will continue in
winter season of 2010-2011. At the second phase, the name will change to “Zeynep Resort”. All carpets at the guest rooms and corridors in main building will restored with new ones. All bathrooms at the guest rooms both in main building and at Bungalows will be changed. A new swimming pool and a snack restaurant will be built at hotel’s left wing; at the area in front of the Bungalows. There will be additions to the current ‘All Inclusive’ concept with new a ‘la carte restaurant, new services at restaurants. After the second phase of renovation/developments the hotel will operate 12 months. Tel: +90.242.725 41 80 - www.sunzeynep.com
Eresin Hotels Acquire All Shares at Eresin Topkapı Hotel
E
resin Hotels Vice Chairman Ms. Müberra Eresin said, “While we are considering other investments, we learn that my uncle Bircan Eresin is willing to sell his all shares at the Eresin Topkapi Hotel. As a result we acquired all shares of Eresin Topkapi Hotel from my uncle’s Caner Turistik Tesisleri Inc.”. ”It is obvious that it was not such a small investment; it’s even more costly than our previous investment project. However, strategically we feel we Muberra Eresin have to prioritize on this. A major investment for us but more importantly it is a good step for the future,” added Ms. Eresin. Ms. Eresin cited that their cooperation with Barceló at Eresin Topkapi Hotel will continue. Ms. Eresin revealed that they have future projects for Istanbul’s Topkapi district. “We have 2 more hotels, which are currently not operating, behind the Eresin Topkapi. We would like to build a better hotel with 3-star
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qualification at the land of these two buildings. As the Eresin Group, we have: 4-star BW Eresin Taxim Hotel, 4-star superior Eresin Taxim Premier, 5-star Eresin Topkapi Hotel, and special licensed deluxe Eresin Crown Hotel in Istanbul. Only we don’t have a 3-star hotel; we will have it soon,” said Ms. Eresin. Tel: +90.212.256 08 03 – www.eresin.com.tr
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
MICE Hotels & News
Ramada Plaza Antalya Plaza Convention Center – where meeting organizations turn into a joy and entertainment
P
laza Convention Center offers you opportunities that can meet any demand with its innovative service concept and wide range of hall capacities
which turn conferences and meetings into joy. Ramada Plaza Antaly can host your organizations with our experienced teammates in 1050 m2 Ramada Ball Room and Foyer that can be divided in three or in 410 m2 Plaza Conference Hall and Foyer that can be divided in two or in 9 different workshops varying between 25 and 125 m2 in area with the necessary technologic equipment and dynamic infrastructure. The exceptional breaks prepared by chefs having international experience in conference and meeting organizations shall address your taste with their creative presentations and menus. Ramada Plaza Antalya also offers you weddings just like fairy tales with its special menu alternatives and customized services according to the dreams and budgets of each couple with different hall and venue alternatives.
Hotel recommends you some of connoisseur designers for customized and unprecedented projects for; Wedding dress and groom suit, Invitation and wedding candies, Decoration and ornamentation, Music concepts, first dance, Cakes from the hands of first class chefs, Photography, car service and hairdresser. Tel:+90.242.249 11 11 - info@ramadaplazaantalya.com www.ramadaplazaantalya.com
The Ritz- Carlton, Istanbul Launches New Mediterranean Sunday Brunch
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ll the ingredients are in place for a perfect Sunday meal with friends and family. So what’s your recipe for a perfect Sunday brunch? Good company, comfortable surroundings, delicious food and perhaps a little entertainment for the children? The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is offering all this and more with the launch of a special autumn brunch at the hotel’s Çintemani Restaurant this month. “We have designed our brunch to be a wonderful way to enjoy the weekend with family or friends,” says the hotel’s food and beverage manager Yayuz Koc. “The ambience is second to none and the food truly exceptional.” Chef de Cuisine Ali Ronay was inspired to create the menu using the very best of Mediterranean ingredients. “Mediterranean food is perfect for the end of autumn and the start of winter,” he says. “Warming soups, delicious pastas, crisp fresh vegetables and succulent meats are a perfect way to celebrate a relaxed Sunday with family and friends watching the boats on the Bosporus slip by.” In addition to a stunning range of delicious food, brunch diners can enjoy live music by a pianist and take advantage of a supervised children’s play area where cartoons are screened. The brunch is available every Sunday from 11.30am to 2.30pm at Çintemani Restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul. Prices are TL109 per adult and TL54.5 for children aged between six and 12.
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About The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul overlooking the Bosporus Strait is located at one of the most exciting cultural crossroads in the world in a city that bridges the continents of Asia and Europe. The hotel—voted Best Overseas Business Hotel by readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK in 2009 and Central Eastern Europe’s Best Employer for two consecutive years by Hewitt Associates—has recently undergone a multi-million refurbishment. Tel: +90.212. 334 41 88 - www.ritzcarlton.com/istanbul
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Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Voted World’s Leading City Hotel 2010
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orld Travel Awards, one of the hospitality industry’s most prestigious awards events, selected the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul as “World’s Leading City Hotel” in 2010 on the basis of independent voting by industry experts. The award was presented on November 7, 2010 in London at the 17th Annual Grand Final Gala Ceremony to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts President & CEO Jean Gabriel Pérès, Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul General Manager and Regional Manager Turkey, Frank Reichenbach and Makyol Tourism Group President Göktug Özdemir by World Travel Awards Global Sales & Marketing Director James Khan. “It is a privilege and pleasure to receive this award which reconfirms the exceptional service and experience the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul offers guests also conclusively proves that our unique combination of Swiss attention to details complemented by the warm and friendly Turkish hospitality appeals to the most demanding travellers and discerning guests” explains Jean Gabriel Pérès. “One of our stated expansion objectives are to be represented in other cities in Turkey in the foreseeable future. “The opening of the Mövenpick Hotel Ankara in spring 2011 completes our strategically important triangle between Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara.” Frank Reichenbach summed up the hotel’s philosophy saying, “Urban sophistication and business acumen” is what I like to call the recipe for success that has made us winners in the World Travel Awards for the past four consecutive years. It expresses our commitment to transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary as part of a relentless pursuit of the quintessential “Wow” to surprise and delight our guests, as well as the stunning destination, Istanbul.
This award joins many others in what is becoming a crowded trophy case that is testimony to the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul’s commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction. In addition to winning World Travel Awards in the “Europe’s Leading City Hotel” in 2010, “Europe’s Leading Business Hotel” in 2009, the Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul also won “Turkey’s Leading Business Hotel” category in 2008 and 2007. www.moevenpickistanbul.com
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Divan Hotels, A Half-Century of Excellence
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stablished in 1956, Divan Hotels helped to pioneer the tourism, hotel and food & beverage industries in Turkey, earning a reputation for excellence and quality that is based on superior products and services, reliability, and professionalism. In recognition of this proven record of excellence, Divan Hotels was the first hotel chain in Turkey to receive ISO 9001 Quality Certification. By maintaining exceptionally high standards, the company has built a half-century tradition of outstanding service, innovative products and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Divan Group is the first chain hotel in Turkey to become a member of “Preferred Hotel Group” with all its seven hotels and Divan Istanbul, the first 5 star hotel of Turkey due to reopen in first quarter of 2011.
Divan Istanbul
The Divan Hotels’ heritage of hospitality and excellence blends seamlessly with Istanbul’s millennia-old cultural heritage, finding its ultimate expression in the Ottoman-inspired contemporary lines of our new flagship property; Divan Istanbul, will reopen in first quarter of 2011 as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. In a prime position on top of one of Istanbul’s seven hills, Divan Istanbul is conveniently located in Taksim Square, opposite a beautiful, tranquil park and near the major cultural, business and famous shopping areas.
Divan Istanbul City
Centrally located in the heart of Istanbul’s modern business district, the Divan Istanbul City has been specifically designed with the needs of the executive traveler in mind and provides guests with an optimal combination of convenience, comfort and superior facilities. Bringing together a clean, modern style with a functionally elegant approach to accommodation, the Hotel offers business and leisure travelers warm, friendly, efficient service and comfort. Divan Istanbul City is a member of Sterling Hotels, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group.
Divan Istanbul Asia
Divan Istanbul Asia is the largest and the most business-friendly 5 star hotel on the rapidly developing Asian side of the city. Providing the easiest access to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Divan Istanbul Asia also is in close proximity to major corporate headquarters, organized industrial zones and other key business locations. The Hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
Divan Ankara
finger on the pulse of the Turkish capital, designed to combine sophistication with a contemporary feel and superior functionality. Divan Ankara is an exclusive business address within walking distance of key ministries, embassies and corporate headquarters.
Divan Ankara Çukurhan
Divan Cukurhan Hotel, a typical Anatolian Caravanserai, was originally built in the 14th century. In 1950, Cukurhan was damaged due to a major fire and went through an extensive restoration between 2007 and 2010 to preserve the original state of the building. With 19 specially designed and elegantly decorated guestrooms, this unique Botique Hotel opened its doors in November 2010 with the prestigious Preferred Botique vertificaton.
Divan Antalya
With a 35-year old tradition of excellence, Divan Antalya offers the best of everything, whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, or looking to combine both. Located on a high bluff that commands panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Antalya and the Toros Mountains, Divan Antalya is perfect for relaxing with its own private beach. A member of Summit Hotels & Resorts, the Hotel is only a walking distance away from the historical old town of Antalya, Inner Castle.
Divan Bodrum
Divan Bodrum, “the Most Excellent Charming Hotel of Europe and the Mediterranean” by Condé Nast, is an oasis of casual luxury and serious serenity. Located in one of the most exclusive corners of paradise Divan Bodrum is honored with the Preferred Boutique membership. These exceptional distinctions reflect the hotel’s uniquely personal approach to guest comfort and satisfaction and its flawless combination of luxury and simplicity that allow guests to get away from it all and have it all. Composite
Divan Corlu
Conveniently located in the heart of Turkey’s fastest developing region, Divan Corlu offers the ultimate comfort combined with functionality and elegant luxury for today’s business travelers. Bringing together Divan’s excellent service quality with 120 guestrooms and meeting facilities, Divan Corlu is a selected member of Sterling Hotels.
Divan Ankara is a strikingly designed boutique business hotel with its
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Your Business Address in Istanbul
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OW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center is at the service of the First smart hotel rooms of Turkey business life with 4-star WOW Airport Hotel, 5-star WOW Istanbul WOW Airport Hotel and WOW Istanbul Hotel that have the Hotel and the congress center WOW Convention Center within the biggest accommodation capacity in Istanbul attract attention same compound... with the technology used as well as the quality of service and comfort. Illumination and heating system of the whole room can WOW Convention Center be controlled with the digital panels on the bed heads in the rooms WOW Convention Center that considers all needs of business life of both hotels. Free fast internet connection utilized in the whole from international congresses to small meeting groups offers complex provides great ease for the guests staying at the hotel. service with its 3108 m2 astylar main hall and 6 meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. Divisibility of the main hall WOW Airport Hotel into 11 different size, 5 simultaneous translation booths, business WOW Airport Hotel that has 360 rooms decorated tastefully center facility, rich menus special for persons and invitations, free attracts attention with its leisure facilities and service diversity. internet connection, direct pass from convention center foyer to 4 WOW Airport Hotel with its Health Club that includes sauna, and 5-star hotels are only few of the services offered... Turkish bath, fitness center and massage rooms; Coffee Shop 5 minutes from Ataturk Airport, located in Istanbul World Trade Restaurant where different tastes are served and lobby bar offers Center; WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center is within all comfort of 4 stars to its guests. Artemis meeting hall inside the walking distance from metro and this enables not to be faced with hotel that allows meetings up to 195 pax in theater order hosts any traffic problem in transportation; besides it provides many different organizations. advantages such as high service standards and being constructed with the latest technology infrastructure.
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WOW Istanbul Hotel WOW Istanbul Hotel has all the luxury of 5 stars with its 36 executive, 3 suite and 236 standard rooms. Restaurant Mezzanine where the most exclusive examples of Turkish and world kitchens are served creates difference with its stylish atmosphere and skillful kitchen team. It is possible to get out of the stress of the day at Lobby Bar with its rich menu accompanied. Everything required for a healthy life is considered with the swimming pool in the attic of the hotel with glass covered ceiling, fitness center, Turkish bath, sauna, massage room and vitamin bar. Executive Lounge that has rich service varieties with the areas that provide opportunity for special invitations and special food-drink catering buffets has been specially designed for the guests who would like to receive special service. Besides, there is a Zeus meeting room with 235 pax capacity in WOW Istanbul Hotel. WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center offers free airport and city center transfer service for its guests. Telephone: +90 212 468 50 00 info@wowhotelsistanbul.com www.wowhotelsistanbul.com
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November’2010
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Cover Story
TURKISH MUSEUMS By Prof. Tomur Atagok,
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Yıldız Technical University
he questions whether the museums have started in Turkey as a result of Westernization in the 19th century or they have developed to stop the European nations exporting the cultural heritage of the lands under its control or whether it is a natural development from traditional collecting of nomadic tribes to collecting of a nation with ways of living changing. I feel answers to all of those three questions have validity and should be considered altogether in Turkish cultural history. We may consider museums in 4 basic periods.
The first period is “Beginnings” between 1846 and 1881. Although the first Ottoman Sultan interested in art was Mehmet the Conqueror, who invited Bellini to Istanbul to have his portrait painted, and collected the columns and other artifacts from Byzantine times in the garden of Topkapi Palace, collecting had started much earlier. Collecting small and valuable items along with necessities goes back among the Turkish Tribes to the 12th Century. However, the move towards opening a museum was made upon the orders of Sultan Abdulmecid, who assembled weapons and artifacts from conquered lands in the Saint Irene Church in the middle of 19th Century. In 1846, their exhibition as a museum was started by Ahmet Fethi Pasha, who had been assigned to found new institutions for the State after his appointment to Moscow, Paris, Vienna and London.
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Tomur Atagok
Information about a museum with three different collections of archeological material, arms and military outfits was written by the French writer Gautier in 1852; a catalog of the historical artifacts was made by Albert Dumont in 1862; the description of the objects was made by the German Anton Dethier. The information we get from Dumont, Goold (Director in 1869-72) and Dr. Dethier (Director in 1872-1881) makes us think that, in the exhibition in Saint Irene, the arms and military memorabilia were more important than the historical artifacts. The Yenicheri Maniquins were removed and exhibited elsewhere by Sultan Ahmet Mosque between 1852 and 1868 They were returned to the Church, which in 1869 was made into the Sultanate Museum, but converted to an arms deoot in 1877-78. After repairs to the Ceramic Kiosk, the Museum was moved there from Saint Irene in 1874.
archeological materials which came from the excavations. It was completed in 1891 with two extensions opened in 1893 and 1897. Osman Hamdi started the Academy of Fine Arts, with a vision of opening an art museum and money was allocated for the copies of famous art works for its beginning collection, but a school for museum personnel was planned but not implemented. After his death, his brother continued his mission as the director of the museum.
Before going into the third period, I would like to stop and emphasize two issues during the Ottoman Empire, one of collecting and preserving, the other, legal developments to explain my first sentences. The Ottomans, who can be placed between the object and concept centered society collected only small, valuable objects as such as books, jewellery, textiles and miniatures along with necessary items such as weapons. As the militarily strong administration The second period is the Osman Hamdi continuously moved, even after they made period of 1881-1920. Osman Hamdi, son of the grand Vizier, became the director of Constantinople the capital, to conquer more lands in Asia, Africa and Europe, colthe State Museum after his return from lecting did not go beyond items mentioned France where he was educated both as above and memorabilia of conquests, inan artist and lawyer. He had a vision of protecting the cultural heritage of the land cluding very few objects with only spiritual and aesthetic value. the Western powers were after. Osman Hamdi worked on the Protection Statute that had been already written in 1874 until in 1884, and also on excavations, having a museum specifically built for the
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The fourth stage is the period between 1960 and the present. The ICOM standards seem to be accepted and meetings on education in the museums are realized with a book for each. More museums have been added. The Ministry of Culture has been established with a Directorate for Museums and Monuments. The Ministry was changed to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism under recent0 administrations. The Statute for Private museums was made in 1980, allowing some museums opening up such as Sadberk Hanim Museum, Rahmi Koc Industrial Museum, Sabanci Museum and Istanbul Modern.
Tomur Atagok
The social and political lives of the Ottomans started to change in the 18th and the 19th Century with closer relationships with Europe. Problems arose with ethnic communities and nations under Ottoman control as a result of allowing the people to live under a governor representing the Sultanate with set rules and taxes and not making efforts to assimilate them. The period of the Ottoman change from a nomadic community to a settled nation saw new beginnings. However the visits of some Sultans to the West, where they saw museums including the materials of different cultures under Ottoman rule made them aware of their monuments and archeological materials. These objects were neither valued nor destroyed or moved from their sites by the Ottomans until they realized the Western powers’ interest. As each nation started to search for their roots and find evidence of what was written in the holy books, the importance of the sites and objects came into attention. The search for the truth and the association with the Greek, Hellenistic and Roman cultures with modern nations caused many excavations to take place, often executed with the permission of the Ottoman Administration and sometimes without permission when the Ottoman Authorities were late in responding. This became a normal routine later on when European powers were occupying the lands under the Ottomans. The Europeans often thought that the lack of documentation of these sites in Ottoman lands was an indication of disrespect of the Ottomans for the cultures of the conquered lands. Of course the differences in religion and beliefs was another main reason for European opinion.
The first move towards the Law on the Protection of Historical Artifacts was initiated in 1869 with a statement to prevent the transportation of cultural heritage to other countries, but did not go beyond giving permissions for excavations. A more serious step was taken to develop the first Law of Protection of Historical Artifacts in 1874 with it dividing artifacts into two groups and stating 2/3 of the excavated materials to be given to the State, 1/3 to be kept by the owner of the land, allowing no artifacts to be taken out of the Ottoman lands. The 1884 Law of Protection set the basis of Turkish Law 2863. The need for the protection of cultural heritage and Westernization in education contributed to the Turkish people being aware of the need to keep collecting for better understanding of history.
Today the Ministry of Culture and Tourism carries the responsibility for the preservation of historical and natural environment for the State according to the Turkish Constitution. This means the Ministry operates and controls about 200 museums under 99 museum Directories besides controlling about 100 museums owned and operated by the State Institutions other than the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, such as Municipalities, private parties and foundations.
The third period is the years between 1920 and 1960. After the war ended, while the Turkish Republic was being founded in 1920, Ataturk had the vision of unifying the people through culture and education. He talked of the need of institutions at the opening of the first Parliament. Even before that date, he had set the Directorate of Museums under the Ministry of Education, as in France. The need for renewal of the Law of the Protection of Artifacts, setting up museums including the Topkapi Palace Museum (1924), Saint Sophia Museum (1934) and school museums as well as other museums one after another went along with the cultural mission. 1950 is the date Turkey became a member of ICOM. Serious developments took place following this international cooperation.
Avni Arbas
Turhan Selcuk
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
November’2010
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Cover Story
Perspectives in The Museums Since the museums are evolving, it is hard to talk about definite perspectives. If we want to evaluate the situation of the Turkish museums, we have to look at the system with its vision, mission and strategies, collections, budget, staff, the three main functions, preservation, research and communication in the contemporary museum world and legal issues. System with its Vision, Mission and Strategies: Since the State is in control of the cultural and the natural heritage there is no individual vision or mission for each museum. While the overall vision is to preserve cultural heritage, the activities are objectoriented, not audience-oriented. Their strategies are focused on field research, collecting, documenting and preservation, while interpretation, education and communication with the audience are secondary issues. Private museums founded by leading business families have the income and the support (friendly relations with other businessmen) to create their own museum audience by exhibitions
from abroad or exhibitions from the State Museums along with educational activities for schools and the social activities for a general audience. As their collections are limited, and in need of development, they are more concerned with the audience. Collections: Most of the collections in the State Museums under the Ministry are archeological collections with usually a small collection of ethnographic objects donated by the local people and institutions. As a result of not having a collection policy, and not enough space for incoming objects from excavations, the museums offer aesthetic but sometimes crowded displays with little information for the audience. Other types of museums are usually run by other state institutions. There were two art museums under the Ministry, while the most important art museum is the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University museum, founded by the orders of Ataturk in 1937. In the last 7-8 years, universities, private foundations have been making collections and opening them as museums, again with no specific vision and mission for development or use of the collection. Each museum is often housed in an historical building, usually unfit for the preservation of the collection owned. There may be insufficient technical equipment to provide the necessary conditions for the preservation of the collection. Budget: The budget of the Ministry is very limited with % .05-.07 of the general budget of the Turkish Republic. The budget of the Ministry covers the expenses of the museums under it while the socalled private museums of other state institutions B.Rahmi and municipalities draw
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
Cihat Burak
B.Dogancay
income and personnel from their own establishments. There are no special state funds for any museums. The income of the Ministry’s Museums, including the entrance fees, goes to a central Ministry budget called the circulating capital budget. These funds are used when any of its museums is in need of special services that the general Ministry budget does not cover.
The State Museums used to have Museum Associations to help with the services including café services and gift shops, bringing some further funds to the museums. Unfortunately, in 2004 a law limiting the relationship of the public offices with associations and foundations has put an end to this international practice of museums.
such as restoration people, educators, designers and public relations people. The result is that all the work performed by specialists of the collections cannot meet standards of professionalism. Our call for graduates to be accepted in the museums has not been effective, as the suggestions of the 1998 National Audit Department Report on Turkish Museums under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has been overlooked. The overworked staff is underpaid, and the present laws do not improve standards of professionalism or advancement on the job.
is only realized with artifacts, mostly archeological, taken into museums where the conditions for life-long preservation are not available. I may say that preservation, the second museum function, is not fully realized. The first basic function of museums, research, is accomplished mainly as a result of excavations being carried out in the field, and later on artifacts brought into the museums, in the limited time before possible exhibition.
The third and the most important function of Functions: Although the main the present concept, communication is weaker than vision of the State Museums the two other functions. First, seems to be preservation, they do not have conservation- there is not a strong tradition in Turkey of people visiting restoration labs in each individual museum; therefore museums. As a developing country, with economic they have no conservation growth as the most important specialists or restoration specialists on the staff. Hence strategy of the State, the emphasis on cultural the prime act of preservation B.Ugur
The private museums’ budget depends on their approach to the museum and collection managements as a result of finances and staff. The State Museums still have the vision to collect and preserve with strategies emphasizing preservation, but not interpretation. Privately-funded museums, mainly founded by the leading business families, have the vision, income and the support to attract a museum audience with exhibitions from abroad and social services for their clientele. Since their staff are experienced in public relations, they are audienceoriented and therefore more successful.
But the need for a museum studies MA program was not felt before 1989, when we opened our program in Yildiz Technical University. The old idea that one can become museum specialist only by working at the museums, in a manner of the masterapprentice tradition and that museum professionalism was a matter of practice, not study at a school, is still persistent. The training for a new assistant usually starts by assisting a specialist of the collection. However it is promising that universities have now started new Heritage Management and Museum Studies Programs.
The understaffed museums under the Turkish Ministry have problems with the heavy Staff: Generally there are no work load both in and outside set of standards for museum the institutions. They have professionals. Usually the assignments controlling and graduates of archeology and working in excavations during art history are accepted to the the summer months, inspecting museums as assistants after a State exam of general knowledge construction sites, assisting the customs, the police force and and language. It is obvious the military to protect cultural that a BA course in museology, artifacts, or controlling registered which usually covers research collectors, besides the regular in excavations and study of documentation, is not enough to museum work. Another problem is that there are no specialists be a specialist in the museums.
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Bedri Rahmi
November’2010
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Cover Story strategies that were built in the beginning of the Republic is currently being overlooked. Working people do not spend their recreational time in educational/ intellectual environments. Also, the museums’ attitude that their institutions are mostly for educated and interested people and specialists, not for the public, does not contribute to the museumaudience relationship. The museum vision in Turkey, based on preservation and research, ignores strengthening the ties with the public; the lack of museum education departments or public relations personnel prevent museums developing relationships with the people. And yet students, educators, elderly people, large groups and soldiers can visit museums free of charge. A positive change is including museum visits in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools, making younger people accustomed to visit museums. Among the Ministry’s museums, two important institutions are taking the lead in having educational programs. Istanbul Archeological Museums and YTU Museum Studies have been working with three important volunteer groups to set a model for the other museums. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara again works with specialists. In contrast, in all the private museums there is a serious interest in the head count, with an emphasis in education and social activities. We look forward to the days when State Museums, in addition to private museums, may say there is a rise in the museum attendance as a result of their public relations, when museums such as Topkapi, or Ephesus or other world-acknowledged museums will be as attractive to the Turkish public as they are to the tourists. Legal Issues: The State is going through some changes in the attitude and therefore making changes in the laws and statutes for more involvement of the public. The first legal statement of 36 articles put forth in 1884 is basis of the present Law of 2863 of 1983, The Law of Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. A new Law, 5226, dated 14.07.2004 and Statute no. 2599 have been initiated to share responsibilities with other State Agencies and Municipalities. According to the Law and the Statute, 19 museums were declared National Museums with the rest of the museums to be transferred to the Municipalities and to the administration of the City Governorships. The Ministry is already questioning the new law. As one can easily see, decision-making among the three different authorities is not easy. It will certainly be a problem
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for the new authorities with untrained personnel, to check the inventories in the act of transition. Some newly-assigned museum presidents or directors who are from the state administrative positions have already resigned their posts in the museums. Another issue is income. The leading museums with large visitor numbers will be under the Ministry, bringing in the money, while the smaller museums with limited number of visitors and many problems will be gotten rid off to other State Agencies. Another law that passed in 2004, cutting off the relationship between the associations and the foundations with public institutions such as universities, schools and museums, has caused problems with their incomes and services. Changes in the statute of the private museums will also cause problems in the continuity of these institutions, as the law does not now require them to be in building with a title. The 5225 Law that passed in July 2004 to support the cultural initiatives is encouraging, but the question is who will get the support of the Ministry, and how much? Nurullah Berk
Semih Balcioglu
We believe it is necessary to change the authoritative attitude of the State to allow others such as NGOs to share responsibilities. However changing laws is not a solution unless museum professionalism is improved. And it can be done only by . Developing more Museum Studies Programs for new personnel, . Developing regular training sessions for the museum personnel with ICOM assistance, . Setting up a system where the museum
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Turhan Selcuk
professionals can progress in their jobs to higher salaries. . Assigning staff with different specialties, such as designers, architects, conservators, restorers, registrars, public relation specialists and educators0 to the museums. Thank you very much. Prof. Tomur Atagok, Yıldız Technical University
IMOGA
Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts,
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y the late 1930’s, Leopold Levy, a Parisian appointed as the Head of the Painting Department, in the first school of fine arts, ‘Mektep-i Sanayi-i Nefise’ and established the first printmaking studio, where he raised numerous significant artists in the field. In the second half of the 20th century, printmaking gained more recognition and acquired wider application in Turkey. Universities and artists played a major role in this development. There was an increase in the population of artists/educators who focused on promoting the art, working to ensure its recognition and development, introducing printmaking to a broader audience. Another highlight not only for printmaking, but for arts in Turkey and across the world has been the establishment of then a modest art studio in 1974, which, over three decades, reached world standards and finally transformed into a museum: Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts Süleyman Saim Tekcan who started off as a young and idealist educator, fascinated with the potentials of printmaking not only played a role in the establishment of printmaking studios in universities, but also founded the first professional private printmaking studio in 1974. He provided an important example for printmaking in Turkey, by building his own print machines with the help of the drawings he brought back from Germany. The studio which he
initially intended for his own use soon became a center for many other artists. This not only enabled varied ranges and sizes of artworks to open up to the demand of a broader audience, but also made possible for other artists to learn and execute printmaking. In 1984, the studio was relocated to Çamlıca with increased facilities, gaining its internationally recognized name: Artess Çamlıca Art Gallery Printmaking Studios… The artists, instead of paying a fee in return for using the facilities of the studio, left a portion of their prints to the studio, a system common in print foundations in the U.S. Tekcan’s devotion to printmaking was based not only on the joy he had from the process, but also on his commitment to help develop his country economically, politically and practically. The artists, instead of paying a fee in return for using the facilities of the studio, left a portion of their prints to the studio, a system common in print foundations in the U.S. Tekcan’s devotion to printmaking was based not only on the joy he had from the process, but also on his commitment to help develop his country economically, politically and practically. His studio soon evolved into a center in which artists came to exchange and discuss ideas, as well as to produce. Since 2004, Artess Printmaking Studio now has a new home: Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts
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Prof.Suleyman Saim Tekcan
Suleyman Saim Tekcan
November’2010
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IMOGA, located on the Asian side of Istanbul at Ünalan, covers a six-storey, 2000 sqm building designed to serve various activities and purposes. The ground and lower two floors have an 1100 sqm potential area for exhibition, where the works in the museum’s permanent collection are displayed in an alternating fashion. On the first floor, continuing its production is Artess, Süleyman Saim Tekcan Studio. Ali Teoman Germaner’s Sculpture Studio is located on the second floor. The top floor is a multi-purpose area intended for art events and activities. IMOGA offers opportunity for the production of not only Visual Arts, but other branches of art as well. The Museum has a world class archive system. The whole inventory is documented in digital format and can be reached from www.imoga.org. IMOGA additionally features, a framing and photography studio. The administrative offices, conference room and graphic design office are located on the top floor. Each floor has a studio flat, built to accommodate foreign artists who come to work in the art studios. The world wide recognition of the artworks produced and the fact that the studio has opened its facilities to international artists make IMOGA a global foundation. At Artess Çamlıca Art Gallery Printmaking Studios , while Turkish and foreign artists are offered the chance to produce in various techniques such as etching, silk screen, linoleum and lithography, they also have the opportunity to benefit from the studio’s international knowledge and experience.
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Artess’ mentality of printmaking is not perceived as a technique of reproduction, but as a tool enabling a potential of various techniques to create an original work of art. The quality and authenticity of the prints are under the guarantee of Artess. Reliability and ethical values are of utmost importance to Artess and IMOGA, with regard to the printmaking procedures by the artist and to the buyers of the prints. Because of IMOGA’s firmly established principles, production and sales are carried out with great care and control, protecting the rights of both the artist and the buyer. IMOGA owns one of the world’s rare collection of prints, with more than 1000 prints made by over 50 Turkish and foreign artists and with another 200 prints which were either donated or bought and included in the collection. By means of its vast collection and its impressive system, IMOGA has proven to be one of Turkey’s leading art foundations and has acquired an important place in the art world. Süleyman Saim Tekcan’s
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contribution to printmaking is as universal as his contribution to modern and cultural life in Turkey. IMOGA owns one of the world’s rare collection of prints, with more than 1000 prints made by over 50 Turkish and foreign artists and with another 200 prints which were either donated or bought and included in the collection. By means of its vast collection and its impressive system, IMOGA has proven to be one of Turkey’s leading art foundations and has acquired an important place in the art world. Süleyman Saim Tekcan’s contribution to printmaking is as universal as his contribution to modern and cultural life in Turkey.
News Line World
PURE Life 15th - 18th November- Marrakech PURE Life Experiences is the world’s leading networking platform and market place for the Experiential Travel economy. Each year the carefully selected members of PURE meet behind closed doors in the magical city of Marrakech to conduct business at the highest level, network and exchange the latest ideas and trends in the fast booming Experiential Travel market. They are also offered the opportunity to join the PURE Private network, a web based and trade only social network allowing them to stay in touch throughout the year and to enhance their sales and marketing reach towards
this very exclusive community. The annual event, which will take place this year from 15th - 18th November 2010, adopts a technologically advanced, sophisticated and exclusive exhibition format. Throughout it’s duration, members will benefit from a relaxed three day event consisting of 42 pre-scheduled meetings, free networking sessions and glamorous evening functions. After a very successful first year edition in 2009, PURE has created new standards in the high end travel trade meeting place and intends to use its current momentum to build the most exclusive and effective sales and marketing platform for the Experiential Travel economy. n
IT&CM China 2011 Receives Strong Support from Exhibitors Early indications signal a healthy outlook for China’s 2011 MICE market. Chinese and International MICE suppliers confident of surging market demand have committed to exhibiting at IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China 2011, China’s leading international MICE trade event, as early as one year in advance. According to the show organisers, China continues to gain momentum as a global MICE destination hotspot, especially after the staging of this year’s World Expo in Shanghai. The international and domestic buzz has spilled over to IT&CM China 2011, adding to strong support drawn from industry players. Last year’s IT&CM China 2010 was attended by some 2,000 participants including 230 exhibiting companies, 300 buyers from 37 countries, and some 100 international and local media.
Commented Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, “Compared to the same time last year, IT&CM China 2011 has secured 4 times more booth space bookings. We are positive that the 2011 event will prove to be an even bigger sellout success. Thanks to our strong buyers hosting programme, we have also attracted considerable new and loyal buyer registrations from across the world, even at this early stage.” The show organisers will be selecting 300 key Chinese and international MICE buyers for business discussions with exhibitors. Besides the many business meetings and social events, participants can look forward to attending the IT&CM China 2011 keynote address, educational seminars on a wide range of topics. IT&CM China 2011 will be held from April 13 to 15 next year at Shanghai Mart Expo. The 2011 theme is “Leading China’s Next MICE Wave”. n
Indulge Your Senses in ILTM’s New Healing Lounge
‘Healing Body, Mind and Soul, Healing Beauty’ will be the theme of the new Healing Lounge sponsored by Healing Hotels of the World at this year’s International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), 6-9 December in Cannes. Debbie Joslin, Exhibition Director at ILTM comments: “We are aware of the enormous popularity of spas as well as high end wellbeing and medical
tourism within the luxury tourism industry. ILTM’s Healing Lounge represents the crème de la crème of the world’s spas and therefore a high-point for those luxury travel specialists seeking the ultimate in rejuvenation for their elite clients.” Now in its ninth year, ILTM is an exclusive ‘by invitation only’ event where selected definitive international luxury travel experiences and prestigious luxury travel products are invited to meet with the top buyers of elite travel from across the globe. ILTM Asia is the leading annual business-to-business event for the Asia Pacific luxury travel community: 13-16 June 2011 in Shanghai. n
IAPCO & IPCAA Announce Meetings Masterclass Event The new educational initiative from IAPCO in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association (IPCAA) is proving to fill a gap in the meetings training market. Designed for those with a minimum of 6 years’ decision-making experience within the industry, the inaugural event will take place at IAPCO’s educational “home” of Wolfsberg, Ermatingen,
Switzerland from 17-20 January 2011 in parallel with IAPCO’s Annual Seminar. The theme of the Masterclass is “Change Management - Managing Change” with the hard-hitting programme covering such topics as Understanding Procurement, The Shift from Marketing to R&D, Sustainability, Virtual & Digital Meetings. With attendance limited to 36, this brings the ratio of faculty to participants to 1:3 ensuring that every participant receives personal attention and the opportunity to have individual questions answered in the ever increasing thirst for knowledge. n
Arnaldo Nardone Elected as New ICCA President During the ICCA General Assembly, currently taking place in conjunction with the 49th ICCA Congress in Hyderabad, India, Mr. Arnaldo Nardone has been elected as the new ICCA President for a 2 year term.
For the first time in 8 years, two candidates were running for the ICCA Presidency. The presidential elections were the highlight of ICCA General Assembly, after an impressive election campaign by presidential candidates Arnaldo Nardone (Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel) and Jurriaen Sleijster of MCI (Incon Group). n
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Meet at Culture
Mevlâna, Mevlevi Culture and the Sema Ceremony
M
evlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, is known as Mevlana in the East and known as Rumi in the West. At birth, his family named him Muhammed, though he came to be nicknamed Celaleddin. As for “Mevlana”, it connotes to “our master”, while “Rumi” relates to “the land of Rum” or “Anatolia”, where he lived. In his lifetime, he was also referred to as “Hudavendigar”, meaning “distinguished leader”, whereas his present internationally renowned title “Mevlana” was very seldom used. The name “Rumi” was added to the end, rather later on.
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Mevlana was born on September 30, 1207 in the city of Belh, Horasan, which at the time was inhabited by Turkish tribes; (Belh, today, remains within the boundaries of Afghanistan). His mother Mümine was the daughter of Rükneddin, the “emir” (sovereign ruler) of Belh and his father, Bahaeddin Veled, was “Sultanu-l ulema”(chief scholar). Their clash of opinion with Fahreddin-i Razi, one of his contemporary philosophers, along with the probability of a Mongol invasion urged him to desert his hometown accompanied by his entire family. Their migration, via
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Baghdad, Mecca, Medina, Damascus, Malatya, Erzincan, and Karaman, ended up, on May 3, 1228, in Konya upon the invitation of Alaeddin Keykubad, the Seljuk Emperor. Following his marriage to Gevher Banu in Karaman, Konya, Mevlana had two sons whom he named Bahaeddin (Sultan Veled) and Alaeddin. Years later, during his time in Konya, and after Gevher Banu passed away, Mevlana married Kerra Hatun by whom he had two more children; another son, Muzafferreddin Emir Alim and a daughter Melike.
In 2010, the project named “Mevlevi Culture and the Sema Ceremony”, prepared jointly by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, as been approved and received support by the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency. The project will commence in June and run until the end of 2010.
Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi
As Mevlana begins attending his father’s lessons at a very early age, he pursues the divine truth and secrets. He acquires Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and common Greek as well as Classical Greek. He studies the other religions along with Islam. From history to medicine, he receives his initial education from his father and then from Seyyid Burhaneddin Tirmizi and other top scholars of the time. Later on in return he teaches hundreds of students in Medrese (theological universities). Meanwhile, Sems-i Tebrizi, not fulfilled by the ultimate spiritual rank he has
attained, is in search of another fellow acquaintance to match his own scholarly wisdom and to enjoy his company. Sems and Mevlana, who had their first encounter in Damascus, meet again in 1244, in Konya. These two God loving velis (guardians), focus intensely on divine discussions and together they attain heavenly wisdom. With most of his time spent in endless talks, poetry recitals, and whirling rituals with his spiritual soul mate, jealousy becomes aroused among Mevlana’s students. Unjust rumours are spread against Sems-i Tebrizi, who is
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offended and flees Konya for Damascus. Mevlana, in his deep grief, secludes himself from all friends and writes many of his verses which we read in Divan-i Kebir. The instigators of this unfavorable situation express remorse and a group led by Mevlana’s son Sultan Veled goes to Damascus and brings back Sems-i Tebrizi. Nevertheless, jealousy arises once again and Sems, this time, suddenly disappears altogether. Even though his tomb is assumed to be in Konya, whether he deserted the city or was murdered still remains a mystery. November’2010
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Meet at Culture His Works In addition to his best-known book of verse, Masnawi, the first eighteen lines of which were written down personally and the rest dictated to his student, Chalabi Husameddin, he also wrote Divan-i Kebir; Fih-i Ma-Fi, Mecalis- i Seb’a and Mektubat. Masnawi: It contains 26 thousand couplets in six volumes, consisting of stories inspired by the Quran’s teachings about all that is created, as well as Mohammad’s words and their morals. Divan-i Kebir: Preceding Masnawi, it is a collection of poems recited by Mevlana over a wide span of time. It contains approximately 40 thousand couplets within twenty-one moderatesize divans, as well as one “Divan-i Rubai”. Fih-i Ma-Fih: It connotes “What’s within is within” and contains Mevlana’s lectures.
Mecalis-i Seb’a: As the meaning of the title “Seven Sermons” implies, it contains Mevlana’s seven lectures. Mektubat: It consists of the 147 letters Mevlana wrote to relatives, including his son Sultan Veled, and to friends, rulers, and officials of the State. The daily language of the time was Turkish, the scientific language was Arabic, while Persian was the language of literature. For this reason Hz Mevlana’s books are all in Persian. They were all translated into Turkish at a later time. In his books, Mevlana talks about how to be a wholesome human being: one who has inner peace and harmony, one who is both aware of and appreciates God’s blessings, one who takes a stand in the face of life’s hardships, one who is tolerant and loving. I would like to give some examples of Mevlana’s advice to his son, Bahaddin
His advice Veled, to indicate his spiritual and worldy viewpoints: “Bahaeddin! Should you wish to be in Heaven forever, be a friend to everyone. Cherish not grudge in your heart, Demand not extra nor be extra Be like ointment and candle, not a needle. Should you wish no evil from anyone, Speak not of evil, Nor preach of evil, Nor think evil! Should you speak of a man in goodwill, you
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will always rejoice, And that joy is Heaven itself. Should you speak of a man in hostility, you will always despair. And this is Hell itself . As soon as you ponder friends, flowers will bloom in your heart’s garden, filling it with roses and basil. As soon as you ponder foes, your heart’s garden will be filled with thorns and serpents.
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Your heart will grow tired and you will lie idle. All prophets and saints did likewise, reflecting their character outwards. Fellow human beings, overwhelmed by their beautiful demeanor, voluntarily and happily followed their path.” (Ahmed Eflaki, Ariflerin Menkibeleri II, 213, 214)
Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi The Yenikapı Mevlevihane was constructed in 1597-1598 by the janissary scribe Malkoç Mehmet Efendi as Istanbul’s second mevlevihane, in today’s Mevlânakapı district. The Mevlevihane’s first sheikh was Kemâl Ahmed Dede. The initial construction of the tekke consisted of only eighteen dervish cells, a semahane (ritual quarters) and a matbah (kitchen). The Yenikapı Mevlevihanesi, one of Turkey’s most important cultural landmarks, has seen nineteen sheikh posts until 1925, when a law was imposed dictating the closure of all tekkes and dervish lodges within Turkey’s borders. This closure included the Mevlihane, of which the last sheikh was Abdülbaki Baykara. The Yenikapı Mevlevihane, one of the most important landmarks of our literary and musical world, has been host to esteemed personalities of Turkey’s cultural history; charismatic sheikhs such as Ebubekir Dede, Ali Nutkî Dede, Abdülbâki Nasır Dede, Osman Selâhaddin Dede, Sheikh Galip, Mustafa Itrî and Hammamizâde Ismail Dede.
History of the International Mevlana Foundation The International Mevlana Foundation was established on 14 March 1996 under the spiritual leadership of Celâleddin Bâkir Çelebi with the aim of further researching the works of the scholar and poet Mevlâna Celâleddin-i Rûmi, as well as passing them on to future generations and contributing to relating activities carried out domestically and internationally. The foundation, established in order to make Mevlana’s ideas and teachings accessible to the whole world, is managed under the leadership of chairman Faruk Hemdem Çelebi and vice chairperson Esin Çelebi Bayru.
Sema and Mevlevi Music The International Mevlana Foundation aims to add to our national and spiritual values by creating projects featuring Mevlana and his teachings. The first project within this framework is a cooperation between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and has been approved by UNESCO. This comprises the preservation of “Sema and Mevlevi Music”, an endeavour achieved by the efforts of esteemed masters and followers of Mevlana who are highly specialised in this field. As a result, the “Sema and Mevlevi Music” project has been added by UNESCO to the list of “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.
Three generations of the Mevlana(Rumi) family
2007, The year of Mevlâna Celâleddin-i Rûmi A second project, also approved by UNESCO, had been the declaration in Turkey and globally of 2007 as the year of Mevlâna Celâleddin-i Rûmi, owing to the 800th anniversary of Mevlana’s birth. This was celebrated with many events and activities throughout 2007, highlighting Mevlana and his teachings. Following the above mentioned projects, our foundation applied to UNESCO in 2009 for accreditation and was approved.
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Meet a Region
Lake Kuyucuk
W
hat is the UN Joint Programme? Alliances for Culture Tourism in Eastern Anatolia is a United Nations Joint Programme (UN Joint Programme) that aims at developing and enhancing cultural tourism in Kars Province. UN Joint Programme is being implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and United Nations agencies UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). Being located at the North Eastern part of Turkey and serving as a gateway to the Caucasus region, Kars is a place that as a gateway to the Caucasus region, appeals to the both national and the international tourists with its peerless natural glory and cultural richness.
What are the Justifications of the UN Joint Programme? Kars has been a cradle of various
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By Emrah Coban civilizations, which makes it a unique place that is imbued with very precious and memorable cultural treasures. The province is home to 250 species of birds; out of 400 species in all over Turkey; furthermore, Kars is one of the 15 “brand cities”** in Turkey. Therefore Kars has a significant potential for cultural, winter and nature tourism. Tourism has a potential to increase the employment opportunities which would contribute to the overall prosperity of the province.
assets in a way that they contribute to sustainable local development, while at the same time caring for them to maintain their timeless tradition and culture. This strategy of economic growth and cultural preservation is important for all areas of Turkey in its increasing and continuing cultural tourism development.
What are the expected results of the UN Joint Programme?
increase capacities of communities and enterprises for income generation and How will the UN Joint job creation in the culture based tourism Programme do it? sector. Develop a cultural tourism strategy and action plan agreed by national Contribution and support to the ongoing authorities within the context of the efforts of the local authorities and the “Brand City” program and the Tourism community for the development of Kars province is essential for the success of the Strategy 2023. Increasing and strengthening the Programme. Furthermore ownership on national and local level will ensure that the initiatives in Eastern Anatolia both in civil society and government in order to reduce intended results of the Joint Programme the poverty on a local level. will be achieved in an efficient and Encouraging women’s entry into sustainable manner. Developing cultural tourism sector in Kars entrepreneurship. Development of will also provide a critical model for Turkey. technical and managerial skills at the The aim in Kars is to strategically manage national level to safeguard and enhance cultural and natural sites. the tangible and intangible cultural
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Mapping of tangible and intangible heritage assets in Kars and environs; promoting the implementation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage concept according to the UNESCO Convention. Bring children’s perspective to the project and contribute to the overall objective with children. The UN Joint Programme is funded by the MDG Achievement Fund entrusted to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by the Government of Spain, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and United Nations Organisations UNDP, UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization), UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) and UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). ** Brand Cities Strategy aims at branding the cities that have significant cultural and natural assets and turn them into attraction points for culture tourism.
Conservation Victories
Turkish conservation history and was constructed in a record two months, with Our biggest conservation success of 2009 the unprecedented support of the former was Lake Kuyucuk becoming Turkey’s Kars governor Mehmet Ufuk Erden. On June 13th, and Eastern Anatolia’s first Ramsar 5, World Environment Day, we honored him wetland, a culmination of our ongoing work as the “Environmentalist of the Year”. since 2004. The formal announcement The Whitley Fund for Nature chose (www.ramsar.org) of Lake Kuyucuk as Dr. Sekercioglu as its first “Whitley a Ramsar wetland by the International Ambassador”, to publicize and promote the Ramsar Secretariat also initiated the WFN’s conservation agenda internationally. government process to prepare the Lake WFN highlighted the Lake Kuyucuk Ramsar Kuyucuk management plan: designation in their winter newsletter, www.tarim.com.tr/haber/haberdetay and featured the Kuyucuk project in a The Lake Kuyucuk restoration project, led special two-page announcement. The by assistant professor Dr. Sean Anderson Christensen Fund honored us further by of California State University Channel featuring KuzeyDoga’s community-based Islands, culminated in the construction of conservation and education work in their Turkey’s first bird nesting island, which annual review. makes this the country’s largest wetland restoration project. The dirt road that bisected Lake Kuyucuk was converted to a 200-m-long island on which birds can roost and breed safely. The island made
Ecological Research And Biodiversity Monitoring Our research findings in 2009 raised the total number of bird species recorded at Lake Kuyucuk to 212 and to 321 in the Kars-Igdır-Ardahan region, 46% and 69% of Turkey’s bird species, respectively. These data confirm the region’s global importance as a stopover and breeding area on the Africa-Eurasia bird migration flyway and underline the importance of our conservation efforts. In 2009, Sedat Inak, our chief field officer and biologist, received his ringing license, becoming the eighth licensed Turkish ringer. He and Yakup Sasmaz, also a KuzeyDoga biologist and station supervisor, oversaw the day-to-day management of our ringing program, conducted in collaboration with assistant professor Dr. Mehmet Ali Kirpik of Kafkas University Biology Department, Turkey Directorate of Nature Protection and National Parks (DKMP), and Igdır and Kars Directorates of Environment and Forestry. During
228 days of field work, we ringed 7816 birds of 146 species at Aras and Kuyucuk stations with the help of 61 volunteers. Walking a 102 km transect, Emrah Çoban conducted the first study of the raptors of the Arpaçay Canyon that forms the Turkey-Armenia border. He identified 76 bird species and confirmed that endangered Egyptian vultures breed in the canyon. The data indicate that the Arpaçay Canyon meets the requirements of a globally Important Bird Area and a Key Biodiversity Area. Our mammal conservation, ecology, and ecotourism work in the Kars Sarıkamıs National Park received vital support in the form of small grants from the Born Free Foundation and the Whitley Fund, as well as a cooperation agreement with the DKMP. On December 25, 2009, we signed an agreement with the DKMP to study and conserve eastern Turkey’s wildlife, and to help develop wildlife tourism in the
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region. This agreement also covers the first vulture restaurant of Turkey, which we initiated in the Igdır City Green Zone Forest in cooperation with the DKMP and Igdır Environment and Forestry Directorate. The vulture restaurant will be an important, chemical-free food resource for the vultures threatened with of extinction and attract nature tourists who want to witness all of Turkey’s four vulture species feeding on carcasses. Ümit Durdu, biologist, former volunteer, and current Kafkas University graduate student who joined the KuzeyDoga team in 2009, successfully completed Turkey’s first butterfly identification course and with impressive zeal, rapidly became an expert in local butterflies. She co-led a butterfly tour in northeastern Turkey and prepared preliminary lists of the butterflies of Kars, Igdır, and Ardahan provinces. Ümit is also interested in studying the region’s dragonflies. November’2010
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Meet a Region Community Outreach And Environmental Education Over 900 local people, students, decision-makers, Turkish and international visitors, and journalists participated in KuzeyDoga’s celebrations of important environmental days such as the 2009 World Environment Day, Wetlands Day, Biodiversity Day, Migratory Bird Day, Vulture Awareness Day, and Birdwatching Day. With Kafkas University, we organized the 11th Turkish Birding Conference in Kars between 16 and 19 May 2009, the first time the conference took place in eastern Turkey. Over 120 students and academics attended and gave presentations. 419 people from 8 different countries participated in the second Kars–Igdır-Ardahan Nature Festival, during which 22,011 birds of 91 species were observed. During the festival, professional paraglider Alim Yıldırım became the first person to fly over Lake Kuyucuk, with the sponsorship of Fuat Uluman’s Eren Mandıra. Alim flawlessly achieved the goal of obtaining the first aerial footage and photos of Lake Kuyucuk, Karasu, and other regional wetlands. In 2009, KuzeyDoga expanded its collaborations with various Building Capacity In Biodiversity Art, national and international organizations focused on promoting environmental education, community-based conservation and Science, And Conservation ecotourism in Turkey and neighboring countries. KuzeyDoga was the Every year, KuzeyDoga provides field and classroom experience in international partner of the Batumi Raptor Count Project in 2009. applied conservation, habitat restoration, scientific illustration, This project is supported by the European Commission Youth Action ornithology, ecology, and biodiversity research for dozens of Programme. We were also the local partner of the International students from Turkey and abroad. In 2009, we provided internship Nature School in Kars. Organized by the Turkish Nature Society, and volunteer opportunities to 46 students from 14 Turkish the courses brought together students from Azerbaijan, Armenia, universities and 16 volunteers from 9 different countries. For most Georgia, and Turkey to Kars, to increase the capacity to conserve the Turkish students, this was their first field research experience. environment of the Anatolian and Caucasian biodiversity hotspots. The majority enjoy it greatly, often staying longer than they had We expanded our collaboration with the Eastern Anatolia Region planned, with some deciding to do graduate studies. Cultural Alliances Project supported by the MDG Achievement In 2009, we conducted our sixth plant illustration course. Thanks Fund. For their study tour to Spain, the project invited Emrah Çoban, our science coordinator, who promoted Kars’ nature tourism to our biological illustration instructors Gülnur Eksi, Isık Güner opportunities in Spain. and Hülya Korkmaz, the only ones in Turkey, we succeeded in training 51 people from 11 different Turkish universities in plant Community-Based Ecotourism And illustration. Since 2006, the participants of our courses have illustrated 158 plants of 146 species including common, rare, and Sustainable Livelihoods endemic species of the region. Our Kars exhibits have been visited KuzeyDoga Society expanded its efforts to promote locally-based by thousands of people. bio-cultural tourism in the region, greatly increasing the national 2009 was also a critical year for building capacity in wildlife and international awareness of the Kars-Igdır-Ardahan region as a rehabilitation. In cooperation with DKMP and the Second world-class destination. After KuzeyDoga’s application with Lake Chance Society, and with the support of the BTC Environmental Kuyucuk, Kars was chosen Turkey’s 2009 European Destination of Investment Program, KuzeyDoga initiated the establishment Excellence (EDEN), becoming a European distinguished tourism of Turkey’s first wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, training, and destination that is now promoted throughout Europe: http:// education center, which is expected to start its activities in 2010. ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/eden/index_en.htm The center will be directed by Ahmet Kütükçü, Turkey’s first KuzeyDoga Society was chosen as the first attendee from Turkey of wildlife vet, who joined us this year. the British Bird Fair in August, world’s biggest gathering to promote bird-watching tourism. Hosting the first Turkish stand ever among 350 stands from 61 different countries, our projects coordinator Önder Cırık introduced the bird life, natural and cultural riches of Turkey to over 23,000 visitors of the fair. Altogether, more than 1100 people from at least 17 countries visited Lake Kuyucuk during our events and celebrations in 2009, with dozens of visitors contributing to the local economy by enjoying the traditional cuisine. We also increased our efforts to promote ecotourism in Kars’ Sarıkamıs National Park and Igdır and Ardahan provinces, also visited during our celebrations.
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T
The City Of Snow, Goose And Cheese
KARS By Tijen Suveren - Adelphia Tours
T
ucked away in Turkey’s far northeastern corner, the small town of Kars has a big problem, which is that it’s on the road to nowhere -- or at least it has been since 1993 when Turkey’s always tepid relationship with Armenia slipped into deep freeze as a result of its dispute with Azerbaijan. Although as a travel agency doing cultural tours I planned some itineraries to Kars for my customers I have never been there myself. Or at least not until I was invited by Sevil Oren with a group of travel agencies, travel writers and some young people from ministry of tourism by United Nation’s Development fund to explore the potentials of Kars and its premises and to develop some ideas how to market Kars in a more effective way. After spending two and a half days very intensively in Kars, we all had big plans, because Kars with its may offerings on natural beauty, history and cuisine had given us many ideas.
Sad past with a snow white future …. Sarikamis Our first stop was in Sarikamis, maybe the most well known district of Kars Province because of its great skiing slopes and its sad history of the Battle of Sarikamis between Russia and Ottoman Empire during World War I which ended up in favor of the Russians and a loss of more then 50,000 soldiers for the Ottoman Empire. Since it was June, we did not see any snow but we still reached the peak of the mountain, only to be taken with its great beauty surrounded by intense pine growth and its fauna and flora . Though short by Alpine standards, slopes at Sarikamis are among the longest in Turkey and famous for its quality of powder snow. The Katerina’s Hunting Lodge is another of Sarikamis historic treasures which dates back to Russo -Turkish war which assumes to be build in 1902 and it exhibit’s the characteristic lines of the Baltic architecture.
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Meet at Mice fam
MICE Fam to Chiang Rai
E
very year in October, just after the IT&CMA exhibitions, there are some MICE fam tours to different destinations in Thailand. This year I preffered to go Chiang Rai, because it is one of main destination in North of Thailand that I have heard and never visited before. This fam was one of the promoting campaign named ‘’ Beleive in Thailand ‘’ and organized by CDM- Creative Destination Management company www.cdmthailand.com and TCEB – Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau.Chiang Rai is located at northeast of Thailand and border city of Myanmar and Laos.
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You can reach the Chiang Rai, Mae Fah Luang International Airport only 1 hour 20 mns flying from Bangkok. After the arriving we visited to Chiang Saen which was part of the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th century, situated on the bank of the Mekhong River. We also visited some sites and ruins in the quaint town. Then we boarded a local boat along Ruak River with Myanmar on the starboard side to the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand convene. En route a stop was made at Koh Lao for a brief visit. This island delta was in ‘no man’s land’ with makeshift market stalls selling souvenirs from Laos.
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Then we had a lunch in Anantara Resort Golden Triangle and also had an inspectionin this hotel. I was shocked when I visited Hall of Opium, constructed on 40 acres of land at a site near the Golden Triangle. It was a very modern Museum and complex same as USA and European museums. The museum uses dramatic state-of-the-art multimedia innovation incorporating audio-visual presentations and interactive displays, and in addition has an information centre for research and education on opium, opiates and other narcotics. We learn about the 5,000-year history of opium. It wass a fascinating and illuminating visit in Chiang Rai.
Baan Dum and Doy Din Daeng Pottery
Chiang Saen which was part of the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th century, situated on the bank of the Mekhong River. We also visited some sites and ruins in the quaint town. Then we boarded a local boat along Ruak River with Myanmar on the starboard side to the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand convene.
You can buy souvenirs, handcrafts and local gifts at open air markets After this wonderful museum visit, we arrived to Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai for overnight and inspection. We had a nice dinner at The Peak Restaurant with live music. Then we all visited Chiang Rai Night Bazaar for shopping some souvenirs, handcrafts and local gifts. Second day we check-out and departed for the Cottage Industries Centre, Doi Tung Development Project, initiated by the late Princess Mother to promote sustainable living, provide work/income among
the villages of the areas through introduction of crop substitution programs, thus ending their dependence on opium cultivation. Produces were saa paper (mulberry tree bark paper) of unique designs, cotton& silk spinning and weaving as well as ready to wear products, ceramic products and a coffee roasting facility. All products sold contribute to the achievement of a drug free world by 2008 as agreed by all Nations of the world in 1998. At the center some of people
Riverside hotels and casinos in Laos
All our groub members enjoyed this 1 hour elephant trekking.
We saw local people dances and musics.
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Meet at Mice fam
Beautiful landscape
of the groub tried a hand at making a ceramic piece or making saa paper. Proceed to Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden, a year round blooming beautifully landscaped garden of a variety of sub gardens such as the cool water garden, palm garden, decorative bloom garden, rock garden, etc. We also visited the Royal Villa where the late Princess Mother resided before passing away in 1995. After the Lunch at Krua Tamnak Restaurant we transfered to Karen Ruammit Village on the bank of Mae Kok river. Karens constitute the largest highland tribal group in Thailand. One of their special talents is raising elephants. The ‘’Highlight of the day’’ was an up-close experience with Karen, Akha, Lahu hill tribes and the elephants. All our groub members enjoyed this 1 hour elephant trekking. It was fun and another type of adventure for us. After that fun we saw local people dances and musics just before a long tail boat for an upriver cruise along Mae Kok
River, 130 km long running through the city of Chiang Rai, to the The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa for overnight. As usual had a hotel inspection, followed by Lanna Night farewell dinner in Kad Mua & Kantoke Theme. After dinner we visited Chiang Rai Night Bazaar again and bought local souvenirs, handicrafts and knick-knacks. Before sleeping we had a chance to get a Chiang Rai style Thai massage with very reasonable prices. Last day of our fam we departed for Art & Individuality program featuring Wat Rong Khun, Baan Dum and Doy Din Daeng Pottery - all owned by artists of distinctive personalities. Then visited to Baan Dum is a true privilege as master artist Thawan Duchanee is world renowned especially in Europe and his work fetches 7-8 digit figures. Before returning to Bangkok we had a lunch at Le Méridien Chiang Rai, and arrived to Bangkok by Thai Airways.
Cobra snakes market in Laos
Master artist of Baan Dum Village, Thawan Duchanee
Hosted Hotels Anantara Resort Golden Triangle www.anantara.com - goldentriangle@anantara.com Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai www.dusitislandresortchiangrai.dusit.com - chutamas.dp@dusit.com The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa www.thelegend-chiangrai.com - info@TheLegend-ChiangRai.com Le Méridien Chiang Rai www.lemeridien.com - lemeridien.chiangrai@lemeridien.com
Royal Villa Entrance
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
MICE MICE Destinations Destinations
ANTALYA
In the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls. Since its founding in the second century B.C., Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The region, bathed In sunshine 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sun-bathing, swimming and sports activities like windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and hunting. If you come to Antalya in March or April, in the mornings you can ski the slopes and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites await your discovery amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves, and palm, avocado and banana plantations. The Turquoise Coast is the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of accommodations, about 35 000 delegates, sunny climate, variety of excursions and activities, and its warm hospitality make it a sought-after venue for meetings and conferences. The Antalya Covention Bureau, ACB, is an independant, non-profit making organisation. Founded in 1995 as an off-shoot of the Antalya Promotion Foundation (ATAV) which has became a member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT)in1997. More information; A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaalti Quarter. The Congress hall itself is in a glass pyramid. City At a Glance Population: 1.132.211 Traffic Code: 07 Telephone Code: 0242 How to go Antalya airport is 10km east of the city centre, and has direct flights from Europe. It is well connected to other parts of Turkey, and daily direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara. What to do With its palm-lined boulevard, internationally-acclaimed marina, and old castle with traditional architecture, all set amidst a modern city, Antalya is a major tourist centre in Turkey. In addition to the wide selection of hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops, the city also plays host to a number of sporting events throughout the year, like International Beach Volleyball, triathlon, golf tournaments, archery, tennis and canoeing competitions. The Cultural Centre, which opened in 1995, hosts cultural and art events in the fields of music, theatre, and creative arts. The main area of interest in the city is central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as Kaleici, and there are many good museums. What to see • Archaeological Museum • Truncated and fluted minarets • Hadrian’s Gate Old Harbour • Perge, Side, Aspendos • Düden and Kursunlu Waterfalls • Antalya Castle
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Convention & Exhibition Centers of Antalya Name Number Total of Halls sqm Adora Hotel Antalya Culture Center Antalya Expo Center Cornelia Deluxe Resort Cornelia Diamond Crystal Hotels Dedeman Antalya Divan Antalya C.Center Gloria Hotels Kemer Resort Hotel Limak Atlantis Hotel Limak Limra Limak Lara Lares Hotel Limra Hotel Miracle Hotel Mirada Hotel Mirage Park Hotel Maritim Pine Beach Porto Bello Hotel Rixos Sungate Silence Beach Resort Sabanci Congress Center Sheraton Antalya Vouge Hotel
10 2 16 10
1.681 1.100 65.000 -
Largest HallCapacity (Theatre) 1.350 1.000 6.000 1.000
9 9 13 1
-
1.400 2.156 700 1.000
16 8 14 7 8 6 6 10 15 6 15 7 17 8 4
2.871 2.812 1.452 1.930 2.145 4.168 2.353 2.812 4.500
1.200 1.150 1.200 1.300 1.100 1.300 1.200 1.200 1.000 1.500 2.575 1.250 2.000 1.250 2.400
12 3
685
650 650
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ISTANBUL
The former capital of three successive empires-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman-the city is a fascinating mixture of past and present, old and new, modern and traditional. The museums, churches, palaces, mosques and bazaars, and the sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site. In addition to its unique historical and cultural background and innumerable attractions, modern hotels, exclusive restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets, bazaars and shops make Istanbul a superb site for meetings, conferences and conventions. Istanbul is fast becoming one of the most popular international congress and exhibition destinations. The opening of the Lütfi Kirdar Istanbul international Conference Center (I ICC) doubled the capacity of congress facilities in Istanbul. The I ICC is ideally located in the modern district of Harbiye, at the center of the city’s business, cultural and commercial life, surrounded by some of Europe’s top quality hotels. Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) has all the contacts and information for your meetings in Istanbul. More information; City At a Glance Population: 14.000.000 Traffic Code: 34 Telephone Code: 0212 (European side) - 0216 (Asian side) How to go Istanbul city has modern and new international airport, which is well connected by regular flights, with most important destinations in Europe, Middle East, ana North America with. Besides, vast networks of flights fly between Istanbul and various other cities of Turkey. Ataturk International Airport is 20 km from city centre. Helicopter service is also available between the cities. What to do While in Istanbul there is so much to do and look forward to. The museums, castles, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. Being a cultural and historical centre, exploring the grand heritage of the city should be the top most priority. Shopping which can be a pleasure in the markets of Istanbul should form another important part of your itinerary. More than anything else a walk down the lanes and by lanes of the many bazaars in Istanbul can be a great experience, if interested in feeling the culture and lifestyles of the people of this amazing land. What to see • Dolmabahçe Palace • Küçüksu Pavillion • St. İrene • Blue Mosque • Topkapi Palace • Mosaic Museum • Covered Bazaar • St. Sophia • Kariye Museum • Beylerbeyi Palace • Yerebatan Cîstern • Miniaturk
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MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
Convention & Exhibition Centers of Istanbul Name Number of Halls
Total sqm
Largest HallCapacity (Theatre) 10.500
Abdi Ipekçi Sport Center
1
-
Atatürk Culture Center
4
1.062
Ceylan Intercontinental
2
2.200
Feshane Fair Center
3
5.500
Grand Cevahir Hotel
22
Istanbul Hilton Exh. Cn.
9
Lütfi Kırdar ICEC
21
3.000
4.980
Military Museum Culture Cn.
5
2.462
1.000 4.000
Open Air Theater
2.824
1
-
3.738
840
3
16.000
World Trade Center
2
52.000
WOW Convention Center
7
-
Swissotel The Bosphorus TÜYAP Fair & Congress Hall
400 2.750 1.500
1.000 4.000
DM companies
Ertugrul Arturo Karaoglu President&Ceo
Company Overview
Services
INTRA TOURS-DMC was established in 1980 in Istanbul to provide a range of incoming travel and incentive services. It is the flagship of the Intra Group, which is made up of 4 companies, involved in different branches of tourism in Turkey. INTRA TOURS-DMC is organised in departments according to the regions from which incoming tourists originate; these regional departments are supplemented by a dedicated incentives department. Intra’s headquarters are in Istanbul, and the company has branch and operational offices located in the key coastal resort towns of Antalya, Bodrum and Kusadasi. In the Istanbul head office alone a team of 50 dedicated professionals work year round, handling all kinds of operation from individuals to large groups. INTRA TOURS-DMC has welcomed hundreds of thousands of tourists to Turkey from all over the world. Its initial success was predominantly in Mediterranean Europe. For the last 15 years Intra has started working also with North America, North & East Europe and the Middle East Markets and looking forward to expanding to Asia and Russia. Intra is a member of the Turkish Travel Agents Association (TURSAB) with rankings in the top 20 in terms of annual revenue. Intra aims to place itself amongst the top 5 incoming tour operators in Turkey by securing its position as the leading incoming operator from Italy and Spain whilst establishing a major presence in its newer markets.
• Incentive, Congresses & Conventions – a completely independent department catering for the incentive and meeting industry • Groups, Special interest & study tours • FIT programmes & seat in coach tours • B2B online reservation service for the travel trade • Operations in seaside resorts • Pilgrimage programmes & tours • Cruise charter & cabin rental • Flight charter operations • Tailor-made holidays • Luxury travel
Affiliations
Headquarters
Intra is a member of the following organizations:
Ergenekon Cad.62/603 Bomonti Sisli 34380 Istanbul TURKEY Phone: (90-212) 234 12 00 , 44INTRA - Fax : (90-212) 241 08 85 e-mail: mail@intraturkey.com - www.intraturkey.com
ASTA - SKAL - SITE - FIYTO and TURSAB
Executive Officers President and CEO Assistant GM & Director Italy Department Assistant GM & Director for Spain & Latin America MICE coordinator Director, Group & FIT Operations Director, Resort offices
Mr. Ertugrul “Arturo” Karaoglu Mr. Birhan Bilen Mr. Nuri Bulutoglu Ms. Pinar Gündogdu Mr. Kasim Basak Mr.Fethi Ocel
Birgul Ozden VICE PRESIDENT
Company Overview and Services Mep Destination Management is a leading and award winning Destination Management Company in Istanbul, Turkey specialized in meetings, incentives and conferences. Mep DMC is also an events organiser and venue finder and organizes team building and motivation activities as well as luxury travel and corporate travel. We at MEP bring a different perspective to a journey to Turkey, for we don’t believe that our
guests measure their enjoyment simply on how many entrance tickets we provide. We craft a potpourri of experiences that are carefully woven together like a spider’s web to create a memory that endures a lifetime. We offer each guest our unique MEP TOUCH that shares our history, our culture, our combined passion for life and our country, all mixed into a genuine and traditional desire to welcome you as a guest and a friend to our country that is Turkey.
An experience you won't forget by way of MEP TOUCH! Travelers who journey to this country for a memorable experience return home fully satisfied. Memories linger of a country that is both modern and prosperous yet deeply influenced by its Byzantium – Ottoman cultural heritage... an exotic experience in a western country... wonderful excursions to ancient cities where Christianity was born... a country with something for everyone.
Turkey and MEP combined have so much to offer. Quality; excitement; entertainment; variety. But maybe the most important of all, a genuine warm welcome to our guests who soon become our friends. MEP offers a real opportunity, a perfect combination for a successful meeting or memorable incentive.
OUR friends return home with spirits renewed. Contact Person
Birgul Ozden – Vice President
Affiliations Meptur is a member of the following organizations :
TURSAB, SITE, EVENTIA, GMIC Head Office
Worldwide Offices
Meptur Buyukdere Cad. 26/3 34394 Mecidiyekoy Istanbul Turkey Tel: +90 212 275 02 50 Fax: + 90 212 275 40 09 E-Mail: meptur@meptur.com.tr
Belgium Dmc-Connection Contact: Ria Moojaart Tel: +32 4 768 800 811 E-Mail: ria@dmc-connection.com Germany, Austuria, and Switzerland Dmc -Connection Contact: René E.Van Der Zeen Tel: +49 172 254 57 28 E-Mail: rene@dmc-connection.com
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France Contact: Rita De Toledo Tel: +33 6 10 25 24 57 Email: ritadetoledo@yahoo.fr Netherlands Dmc -Connection Contact: Leon Toker Tel: +31 6 516 91 900 Email: leon@dmc-connection.com
MEETURKEY Alternative Tourism & Incentive Magazine
North America Travel Trade Marketing (USA) Inc Contact: David Spain PO Box 739 Frisco 75034 USA Tel: +1 972.569.9898 Mobile: +1 972.670.2403 E-Mail: david@ttmusa.com www.ttmusa.com
UK Harry Fine Associates Contact: Harry Fine The Willows, 29 Cookes Meadow Edlesborough Beds LU6 2RP United Kingdom Tel: +44 1525 221 690 Fax: 44 1525 229 405 E-Mail: harry.fine@btinternet.com www.harryfine.
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FOR CHINA-BASED EXHIBITORS, BUYERS AND MEDIA 中国展商、买家和媒体，请您联系 MP International (Shanghai) Pte Ltd 中新会展（上海）有限公司
Tel 电话 : (65) 6395 7575 Fax 传真: (65) 6536 0896 Email 电子邮箱: itcmchina@ttgasia.com
Tel 电话: (86) 021 6295 9990 Fax 传真: (86) 021 6270 6030 Email 电子邮箱: sales-sh@mpinetwork.com
Supported by
DM companies
Ziya Dal Mice Dept.Manager
Company Overview
Services
Established in the midst of 1964 and covering all kinds of activities in the field of tourism, Setur Turizm is the first and leading tourism company of Turkey with its worldwide achievements. Rendering services to A and A+ customer segments, Setur, following the Super Brand title acquired in 2005 has been elected as “The Most Successful Tour Operator” for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 as the result of the survey organized by Capital magazine by leaving important competitors behind. It has received the “The Best Foreign Tours” award in the internet voting organized by Skal International, the long-established and biggest tourism association of the world, for the years 2006 and 2007 and “The Best Tour Operator” for 2008. Services rendered by Setur in the field of tourism are operating local and international tours, airplane ticket sales, organization of congresses and seminars and local services. Furthermore, Setur maintains business partnerships with many international companies. Being the representative of Cruise Line in Turkey, one of the leading companies of the world, Setur is also the representative of Costa Cruises in Turkey which operates in the same sector and is one of the biggest shipping companies in Europe. Setur has also been the Turkey representative of Orient Express and Cruises Company since 1997. Abercrombie & Kent, the number one brand operating in luxury travel sector, has entered
the Turkish market with Setur beginning from 2007. Setur also acts as the Turkey representative of BCD Travel, one of the three biggest companies in the global corporate market. By incorporating the biggest on-line tourism portal of Turkey, bookinturkey.com, in 2003 the company started to expand in the internet sector as well. The headquarters of the company has moved to a modern building located in Altunizade, Istanbul at the end of 1996. Setur feels proud of its contributions to the national tourism and economy with its travel agencies rendering diversified tourism services from various locations in Turkey, almost 100 authorized and virtual dealers, duty free shops and over 350 experienced employees. Having put its signature under many national and international organizations for many years SETUR Congress and Seminar Department has a significant place in the sector with its experienced staff. Available at all times for an excellent service in all organizations throughout Turkey covering ten to ten thousand people. Setur offers the following services with respect to congress organizations; tracking of participant records and booking procedures (hotel, flight, car rental etc.)/pre- and post meeting city tours, shopping tours or expeditions for entertainment-culture purposes/transfers between airport-hotel-congress/fair venue during arrival and departure/procurement of technical services/preparation and following up of printed materials/procurement of temporary staff.
• 14th ANNUAL NIBS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE • ARÇELIK Strategic Foresight Meeting • AYGAZ EPDK / TLPGD Meeting • CEN TC 19th Regional Meeting • BEKO BLOMBERG Built-in Launching • Republic of Turkey Undersecretariat of Treasury 9th IMF Debt Managers Meeting • KOÇ HOLDING Anatolian Meetings • 3rd BEKO International Authorized Dealers Meeting • OTOKAR Wheeled Tactical Vehicles Project Signature Ceremony • THE WORLD COLLECTIONS PROGRAMME – MUSEUM LEARNING AND INTERPRETATION SEMINAR • International PROVAT Conference in Ankara • TURKSAT Exploiting Egnos Galielo Services in Media Meeting • Sarp Border Gate Opening Ceremony • CEM FOUNDATION–Shiism from Past to Present Symposium • International ASPEN ATLANTIC GROUP Meeting • Turkish Literature with International Translators and Publishers Symposium
Affiliations
Headquarters
Setur is a member of the following organizations :
Setur Headquarters Building Baglarbasi Kisikli Caddesi No:26 Altunizade ISTANBUL/TURKEY Phone: +90 216 554 37 00 - Fax: +90 216 474 94 29 E-mail: info@setur.com.tr - Web-site: www.setur.com.tr
TURSAB, IAPCO, ICCA, ICVB, SITE
Feyhan Kaprali General Manager
Company Overview TekSer Tourism & Travel was founded in 1979 in order to answer the travel related needs of the business community. During the ensuing two decades, Tekser has become a major international operator, offering a wide range of travel options with highly competitive quotations for discerning customers. Accustomed to being the leader in its field, TekSer’ s multilingual staff of 35 supported by a carefully recruited team of English speaking tour directors, guides, transfer assistants and drivers run its four operational departments. The TekSer difference in attitude and performance is reflected in our motto personalized service at its best – Two decades dedicated to excellence in customer satisfaction and the experience gained preparing the ideal custom made programs
Services for such diverse guests as executives of major multinationals , conference delegates and/or religious study groups has taught us how to respond to our clients’ requirements efficiently, to be scrupulous in choosing what we offer and meticulous in the way we deliver them. TekSer Incentives & Meetings Department, our standard bearer, has concluded quite a few international events, many involving globally known companies. For us, a successful incentive lets your guests carry back home that sense of uniqueness, which comes from just having lived a “once in a lifetime experience”. Our job is to suggest, design and deliver the particular program to create that special effect.
• Organization of incentives, conventions,seminars, congresses • Organization of meetings for any purpose in uniquelocations - in historical settings, among natural attractions, exciting places, on traditional wooden yachts or cruise vessels… • Cultural, historical, religious, archeological and other special interest tours • Museum and art tours, alumni group meetings • Summer or winter holiday arrangements, • Yacht cruises and charters, special itinerary odysseys by yacht and explorations including visits to Greek Islands. • Skiing, hot air ballooning, adventure travel • Airline ticketing (IATA) • Hotel bookings and car rental
Affiliations
Headquarters
TekSer is a member of the following organizations:
Meşrutiyet Mahallesi, Halaskargazi Caddesi, Gazi Ethem Pasa Sitesi, No:112 Kat:4 Osmanbey - İstanbul - TURKEY Phone: +90 212 231 6800 - Fax: +90 212 288 2624 e-mail:incentive@tekser.com - www.tekser.com
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