Insight Guide Turkey (Insight Guides) (Paperback)

~ Melissa Shales (Author) "The classical Romans called it Asia Minor - that landmass protruding from Asia into the eastern Mediterranean, defined by the Black Sea to the north,..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

One of over 400 titles in the Insight series,

Insight Guide Turkey. This 438-page book includes a section detailing Turkey's history, 6 features covering aspects of the country's life and culture, ranging from the amazingly varied cuisine to the stupendous Bosphorus skyline, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus many lovely photographs and 21 maps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 436 pages
• Publisher: Langenscheidt Publishers; 5 Updated edition (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887291805
• ISBN-13: 978-0887291807
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,142,526 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cross cultural lifeline., August 2, 2000

By	Sailoil (Dublin Ireland) - See all my reviews

Insight guides offer a rich history, political analysis and cultural insight to the countries they cover. By using locally based writers they get the insiders view of what the various camps believe in. For a discerning traveller who wants to know about the country, the people, geography, food, industry etc and for those who wish to travel independently, this is the book to read. It is not tourist guide which says stay here, eat this menu, see this statue. All that is left to the standard tourist guide writers. If you never travel to a country, you can know it through the insight guide. Because Muslim and Turkish cultures are so different from ours (and Turkish is different to Arabic Muslim) it is important to be aware of the behaviours that are considered polite and those that are considered to be rude. This book equips you to deal courteously with salesmen who would be considered pushy by western standards. Did you know for instance that it is rude to kiss your partner in the street in Turkey (or any muslim country) even if it is only a peck on the cheek -whereas it is polite for men to kiss each other in public. Why were Turks feared by all of Europe for seven hundred years? Why do the Greeks still hate them with such passion (if you want to insult a Greek just call him a Turk and see the reaction). For depth of analysis on culture, history and geography, to understand what makes the people tick, you should read this book. Then if you travel to Turkey you may, like me, find the Turks to be the friendliest people you have ever met. You may also understand why such friendly people are capable of being represented in quite a different way in Movies like Midnight Express. Vive la difference!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Guide!!, July 31, 2001

By A Customer

The Insight Guide to Turkey has breathtaking photos, and exceptionally well-written essays about the country, its history, geography, politics and peoples.

I read this book in preparing to host a Turk at my house. I was seeking an appreciation of the country and its culture. What I got was a fascinating read (I couldn't put it down) and a very balanced view, in addition to a great history lesson. I am left with a desire to see this country and meet its people!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone with Turkish friends., July 2, 2004

By	Ranjini P Sriragavan (now working in Kozhikode, India) - See all my reviews

This book is unmistakably useful as a guide for tourists visiting Turkey, but it will be of value also to all of us with Turkish friends. Turks are Middle Easterners, but not like most of their neighbours. This book sweeps away suppositions and errors and presents the Turks' history, culture, beliefs and ways in a clear and readable manner.