General Information
Congress Name: ISSX
Congress Date: 4-8 September 2010
Congress Venue: Istanbul Congress and Exhibition Centre
PCO: TOPKON Congress Services
Istanbul
The strategic setting of Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, has formed its destiny as an imperial capital for 1600 years. From the empires of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, this metropolis with its rich history and natural beauty, offers a friendly welcome and genuine hospitality. Numerous museums, ancient churches, synagogues, basilicas, mosques, mausoleums, palaces, bazaars and baths are standing today as the pride of all civilisations. With more than ten universities and many institutions, Istanbul is the most important centre of Turkish science and culture.Banking and Exchange Facilities
Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business days (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.Climate and Clothing
Daytime temperatures are in the range of 22-30 oC and evening temperatures are 18-22 oC. We recommend you bring light clothes.Currency
The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira as of November 2009 is:TRL 1,46 = 1 USD
TRL 2, 2 = 1 EURO
Electricity
The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts.Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.Shopping
One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Turkish carpets, kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as other items of clothing are the best buys. Copper, silver, brassware and jewellery are also choices for buying, along with works of ceramics and the famous Turkish meerschaum. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected.