Welcome to Turkey
Turkish liraCurrency in Turkey
Today’s Weather
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08:44 AM
Wednesday
Basic Country Profile
Location: Between south-east Europe and Asia
Capital: Ankara
Population: 80 million
Major language: Turkish
Major religion: Islam
Currency: Turkish lira
Climate: Mediterranean with hot,dry summers and mild to cool winters
Terrain: mostly mountainous
Dial code: +90
Time zone: GMT+3
Disability Population: 6.9% (census)
Emergency numbers:
Medical/ambulance: 112
Fire – 110
Police – 155
Coastguard – 158
Disability Legislations and Policies
Turkey ratified UNCRPD in Sep 2009. In Turkey, people with disabilities experience difficulties both in the labour market and in daily life due to weakened perceptions of their potential.
In Turkey, the rights of people with disabilities are legally protected: the government guarantees equal educational and employment opportunities, and four percent of civil servants have to be people with a disability.
The main law addressing disability inclusion in Turkey is the law on “Disabled People and on Making Amendments in Some Laws and Decrees,” or the Turkish Disability Act of 2005. This law provides a definition of disability and regulates policies to help people with disabilities gain better access to education, cares services, rehabilitation and employment.
Travel Related Information
Persons with disabilities generally find that Turkish airports and metro stations are easily accessible, but other public transportation, such as buses or taxis are not. There are reserved seats for disabled, pregnant, or elderly people in public buses, but neither the roads nor the buses are designed for easy access for persons with disabilities.
In a few big cities, some traffic lights have sound systems for people with vision disabilities, but these are uncommon. The pedestrian crossing rules and their enforcement are different than in the United States. Cars rarely stop when they see a pedestrian, and may not stop when the traffic light is red or at a pedestrian crosswalk.
Sidewalks and footpaths are at times high and uneven. Overpasses and underpasses are generally not designed for persons with disabilities. Roads and footpaths are frequently under construction and may contain extensive obstructions. In addition, vehicles may park on footpaths or otherwise obstruct access to footpaths. While some accessible hotels and restaurants exist in tourist destinations, in general, accessibility for people with disabilities in Turkey is poor.
The Turkish constitution prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of state services, employment, education, and access to health care, and the government generally enforces the law effectively. However, the law does not mandate access to buildings and public transportation for persons with disabilities, and access in most cities is quite limited.
Transport
Airports
The Istanbul Ataturk Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport are accessible for passengers with disabilities. It facilitates access to toilets, lifts and other. Passengers who need a wheelchair or any kind of assistance should contact the airline or the travel agency in advance, prior to flight.
Turkey Airport Accessibility:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport – www.istairport.com
Sabiha Gokcen Airport – www.sabihagokcen.aero
Accessible Transport
www.turkeyaccessibletravel.com
Go to the Turkish Airlines website to read about the assisted travel services & information.
Useful Links
Accessible Holiday in Turkey
www.goturkeytourism.com
Sea Elevator Rainbow Beach Alanya
www.accessibletourism.org