28 31 january 2019, istanbul turkey national societies...
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28 – 31 January 2019, Istanbul – Turkey
NATIONAL SOCIETIES NETWORK IN THE OIC REGION
4TH CONSULTATIVE MEETING BETWEEN ICIC AND NATIONAL SOCIETIES
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW FORUM OF ICIC
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS
W E L C O M E
Türk Kızılay is pleased to welcome you to the National Societies Network in the OIC Region, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey from 28 to 31 January 2019. For further detail on the conference, please follow this link: http://www.oicred.org/ and http://www.oicred.net/ Please make sure to read all the practical information below. If you still have questions, kindly contact: [email protected] or [email protected] / +90 539 855 2878, Mr. Melih OZLER. We hope that you will find the following practical information helpful for your visit. V I S A A R R A N G E M E N T S
We would like to kindly inform you about the visa procedures for attending this conference. Below, you
will find three options for obtaining a visa to enter Turkey:
Obtaining a visa at the Airport: o For participants residing in countries which do not have a Turkish Embassy, it is not
necessary to travel to another country with a Turkish Embassy in order to obtain a visa. The participant may obtain her/his visa at the airport in Turkey if they hold a valid passport and the official invitation conference letter signed by Türk Kızılay and Islamic Committee of the International Crescent. We kindly ask you to contact us and send your valid passport details to help us inform the relevant Turkish authorities and ensure you do not face any difficulties at the border.
Obtaining a visa at a Turkish Embassy: o For participants wishing to apply for a visa at the Embassy Turkey in their country of
residence, we kindly ask you to contact us and send your valid passport details. We will inform the relevant Turkish authorities and ensure you do not face any difficulties at the Embassy. Please note that prior to your visit to the Turkish Embassy, you are required to make an online appointment and fill out the relevant online visa application form at https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/Visa/Index.
Obtaining an Online E-visa: o For participants wishing to obtain an E-visa, you are required to fill out the online visa
application form at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Please note that it is not possible to waive online visa fees. Refunds will be provided at the conference venue upon presentation of the receipt.
Please make sure that your passport is valid for more than 6 months at the time of your application. If your passport is not valid for more than 6 months, we kindly ask you to obtain a new passport.
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Please note that your arrival airport destination is Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ICAO airport code: IST)
Due to limited timing, we kindly ask you to immediately contact us if you face any issues regarding your visa application.
Should you have any queries, please contact Ms. Büşra Kara at [email protected] or call+90 312
203 4700/Ext.4936. Please be sure to apply for a visa at least 1 week before the expected date of entry
into Turkey.
Visa fees for participants will be refunded during the meetings.
R E G I S T R A T I O N O F T H E P A R T I C I P A N T S
You are kindly asked to confirm your participation to the “National Societies Network in the OIC Region”, “4th Consultative Meeting between ICIC and National Societies”, “International Humanitarian
Law Seminar of ICIC” and “33rd Official Committee Meeting of ICIC” to [email protected] by latest 14
of January.
Please pay special attention to visa, flight ticket and accommodation sections and provide necessary
information as applicable. You are kindly requested to keep us informed on any changes to your
registration.
T R A N S F E R S
Türk Kızılay will set up welcome desks at the Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) and you will be
welcomed at the arrival terminal by the Red Crescent staff and hostess who will assist you. Also
participants who will be arrived to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport will be welcomed with signboard
by Türk Kızılay staff and hostess.
There will be a free shuttle service available from the airports to the hotel and from hotel to the airports
depending on the travel information provided by the participating National Society. The shuttle service
will be free of charge.
Please note that there may be group transfers if flights arrive at similar times. The estimated travel time
from airport to the hotel is around 45 to 60 minutes.
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Before your departure please confirm your transfer request to the airport at the Registration Desk in
Swissotel, 7th floor Neuchatel Foyer.
Should you have any questions on the airport transfer, please contact Mr. Halil İbrahim Gümüş at
[email protected] and +90 533 342 8728 or call+90 532 636 90 46, Mr. Fazlı Evrensel.
A C C O M M O D A T I O N A N D V E N U E O F T H E M E E T I N G S
Booking for the participants of the conference will be completed according to the feedback provided by
the National Societies at Swissôtel the Bosphorus. The meetings will take place at the same hotel. For
any matter about accommodation, you can contact Ms. Meryem Duran at [email protected]
and Ms. Esma Sayın [email protected] or +90 534 616 4617.
ADDRESS: VİSNEZADE MAH. ACİSU SOK. NO. 19 MACKA, BESİKTAS İSTANBUL, TURKEY
Telephone: +90 212 326 1100; E-mail: [email protected]
LOCATION
The hotel located in the heart of Istanbul, Swissôtel the Bosphorus offers panoramic views of this
modern yet ancient city. Nestled on the European Banks of the Bosphorus, you can truly unwind in the
tranquillity of our 65 acres of historical gardens and enjoy cityscapes from our rooftop infinity pool.
Perfectly located for business and leisure, take time to explore the cultural capital of Turkey or indulge
in some retail therapy. Our Swiss-contemporary elegance and welcoming Turkish service will make it a
stay to remember.
RESTAURANS & BARS
Seven on site eateries satisfy any appetite and offer everything from fine dining through to light bites.
Embrace the sounds and sights of Istanbul in our exclusive Gaja Roof Restaurant and Sky Bar. With
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stunning views by day and night, you can meet, celebrate or simply pass the time with our cocktail and
world cuisine menu. Relax and unwind in our Les Ambassadeurs Bar, Istanbul’s renowned jazz bar or
the Lobby Lounge. Those seeking an Alpine experience should visit our Chalet Restaurant. For a more
relaxed dining experience head to Café Swiss; where you have tastes from Turkish and World Cuisine.
Your daily escape for coffee and snacks Swiss Gourmet will be the correct spot.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Centrally located 5-star hotel
566 contemporary rooms, suites, apartments and loft-living
30 minute drive from Ataturk International airport
Airport transfers using our hotel’s exclusive limousine service
7 in-house restaurants and bars offering finest world-cuisine
Professional conference, meeting and event facilities spanning a total of 5,900 square metres
Wireless internet
Pürovel Spa & Sport centre, indoor and outdoor pool
24-hour in room dining
24-hour concierge service
Car park with 285 parking lots
Information desks will be set up at the hotel throughout the conference.
M E E T I N G S R E G I S T R A T I O N
All participants are required to complete their registration and receive their badges at the hotel upon
arrival.
Registration Desk for the meetings is located at Swissôtel 7th floor Neuchatel Foyer on 26, January 2019
until 01, February 2019 at 24 hours basis.
Please bring your passport or a National ID card for your identification during the registration. Note that
below are the types of registrations to be completed:
1. Event Registration
2. Workshop Registration
3. Social Activities
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S O C I A L E V E N T S
Gala Dinner – CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Terrace Lounge – 28th January 2019 Gala Dinner will be held at CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel, with a unique view of Istanbul. Transfers to the Gala Dinner venue will be provided from the hotel.
Topkapı Museum Tour - 29th January 2019
A cultural tour at the heart of the Imperial Palace of Ottoman Empire. Transfers to the Museum Tour will be provided from the hotel.
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Bosphorus Cruise Tour - 31th January 2019
A remarkable opportunity to see European and Asian sides of Istanbul on a 2.5-hour boat cruise of the Bosphorus Strait.
S E C U R I T Y
Although Istanbul is a safe city, there are precautions you should consider prior to your travel: watch for
thieves in crowded places, don’t carry or show lots of money on the street and be careful when
exchanging money. It is highly advised that you carry as few valuables as possible and keep them close
to you at all times. You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in your
country.
Do not take photographs near military or official installations. Ask for permission before photographing
people. Due to security procedures, the police may stop passers-by in Istanbul and conducting ID
checks. You should ensure that you carry some form of identification on you at all times, to prevent any
trouble or issues arising. Make sure you carry your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa or your
residence permit with you at all times.
Never accept gifts from strangers. Find a registered yellow taxi and make a note of the registration
number before getting in.
E M E R G E N C Y S E R V I C E S I N I S T A N B U L
Police emergency: 155
Medical emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 110
Fire emergency: 177 (Woodland/Forest fire service)
Maritime emergency (Coastguard): 158
Missing child/Women's helpline: 183
Tourist Police: 0212 5274503 (Istanbul only)
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Emergency Focal Point for the Conference
Mr. Melih OZLER - [email protected] / +90 539 855 2878
H E A L T H
Participants must hold a valid travel insurance (including health) for Turkey for the duration of
their stay. First aid services will be available at the hotels. If necessary, patients will be referred to
medical facilities.
Pharmacists will also be able to offer advice and prescribe basic medicine, which can prevent you
having to pay excess medical fees. Most neighbourhoods in the city will have a 24/7 pharmacy, with
many pharmacists being able to communicate in English.
Contact details of clinics situated in the vicinity of the meeting venue:
İntermed Nişantası – Policlinic:
+90 212 368 16 00
Add. Harbiye Mahallesi, Teşvikiye Cad. Bayer Apt. D: 63, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul
Medica – Medical Center:
+ 90 212 236 45 45
Add. Harbiye Mahallesi, Hüsrev Gerede Cd. No: 75, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul
Bliss Macka – Policlinic:
+90 533 658 96 87
Add. Harbiye Mah. Maçka Cad. Tuncer Apt. No: 29/9, Nişantaşı, 34467
G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
Republic of Turkey
Turkey is located in South-eastern Europe and South-western Asia. European Turkey is relatively small
compared to the Asian part - the Anatolian Plateau, which is a large peninsula. Turkey’s land area,
including lakes and occupies is 783,562 sq. km. According to the Address-Based Population Recording
System of Turkey, the country's population was 81,619,392 million people in 2014. Ankara (4.194
million inhabitants) is capital but Istanbul is the country’s largest city.
Landscape: The Asian part of the country - Anatolia is a high hilly plateau with narrow coastal plains. Its
northern part is covered by the the Pontic and Köroğlu mountain ranges, the southern by Taurus
Mountains. Eastern Turkey has a more mountainous landscape. The rivers Euphrates, Tigris and Aras
spring there. Anatolia is surrounded by the Black Sea to the north, Aegean Sea to the West and the
Mediterranean sea to the south. The European part is covered by parts of Eastern Thrace plane and
Strandzha Mountain. It is separated by Anatolia (Asia Minor) by Black sea, Bosphorus, Marmara,
Dardanelles and Aegean Sea. The biggest town in Turkey is Istanbul, which steps on the both continents.
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State Government: republican parliamentary democracy. Turkey is the only country with a Muslim
majority population (99.8%) that operates under a secular constitution and a democratic government.
Religions: Islam is the largest religion of Turkey with 99.8 % of the population being registered as
Muslim (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews).
Time Difference: Turkey is in the Eastern European Time Zone. Eastern European Standard Time(EET) is
2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
Istanbul The city of Istanbul, 5461 square kilometers, is the largest city in Turkey and one of the largest in
Europe. Capital of two empires is also one of the four cities in the world and certainly the most
spectacular, that stands over two continents: Europe and Asia, limited by the Bosphorus Strait, the only
maritime route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black sea, across the Sea of Marmara.
Istanbul has an enviable and strategic geographical location, inserted in the famous Silk Road and the
main railway networks in Europe and the Middle East, besides having Bosphorus and the Golden Horn
(estuary that penetrates the city and has become an important way of transportation, commerce,
navigation and tourism). Although no longer the capital of the country (moved to Ankara with the
establishment of the Republic in 1923), Istanbul is the main protagonist of the life and spirit of Turkey.
With a population of over 17 million people, according to official figures popularly believed as much
lower than the actual population, Istanbul is one of the largest conurbations in Europe and the world in
general. Its population is mostly Muslim, although there are Christian and Jewish minorities and
functions as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Church.
For its amazing contrasts and intercontinental character, Istanbul is one of the world's most fascinating
cities: ancient and modern, European and Asian, demure and liberal, a city of mystery and magic,
incredible history and rich culture, a city that that have inspired countless works of art and one of the
world's top tourist destinations.
C L I M A T E
The climate in Istanbul is generally similar to Marmara region; summer months are warm and humid
with very little rain especially between July-August, winter months can be cold and wet with some snow
but not that much extreme as some other areas of Turkey.
During the summer months, air temperature can go up to 30 degrees Celsius, highest recorded
temperature in Istanbul was 45 degrees. During winter months, the temperature is around 10 degrees
with much colder nights, lowest recorded temperature was -15 degrees. Istanbul occasionally gets some
snow but it is not more than 10-12 days in a total winter period. Average rainfall is 787 millimetres a
year. 35% of the rainfall occurs in winter, 23% in spring, 14% in summer, and 28% in autumn.
Generally, north-eastern winds prevail in Istanbul, with a long term average of 3.2 meters/second.
Strongest wind speed recorded until today is 424 m/sec.
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Istanbul
27 January – 1 February 2019
P U B L I C T R A N S P O R T A T I O N
Public transportation in the city is cheap and plentiful, helping you to reach all your necessary destinations. Available methods include: trams, metros and buses. Fares for all three can either be paid for by purchasing a token from a sales booth or vending machine, or through using an Istanbul Card, which gives you discounts on journeys. If you plan to use public transportation a lot during your stay, it is advised you invest in an Istanbul Card. If you are travelling with children younger than 6, they do not have to pay. Roads are frequently congested and barely move between 7 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. and after 4 P.M. It is highly advised that you use public transport or walk during these times, as waiting times can be excessive. Taxis in Istanbul begin with 34 T – anything other than this claiming to be a taxi is fake and you should avoid using. Be careful of taxi drivers trying to rip you off, if they know you are a tourist. Do not let them drop you in an alternative place and take the same amount of cash. Stay firm with them if they try and ask for money before the journey.
L A N G U A G E
Turkish is the official language in the country. English is not commonly spoken among the local
community however very frequently spoken at touristic locations and the hotels.
C U R R E N C Y
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. The currency rankings show that the most popular Turkey
Lira exchange rate is the USD to TRY rate. The currency code for Lira is TRY, and the currency
symbol is . Participants may exchange money at any licensed exchange office. There are exchange
offices working around the clock in the city and at the Airport. The exchange rate depends on the
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currency market and may change daily. Below, you will find Turkish Lira rates and a currency
converter.
Exchange rate (approximate):
USD 1 = TRY 5.50
EUR 1 = TRY 6.31
Cash point machines (ATM) are available in most areas, which accept major credit and debit cards and
give instructions in English. It may be a good idea to inform your bank in advance that you are travelling
to Turkey as some will automatically put a stop on cards after the first usage in an attempt to combat
fraud.
E L E C T R I C I T Y
Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall
sockets /points.
This is the most common plug type used.