GENERAL INFORMATION Ankara The history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti civilization of the Bronze Age. Two thousand years before the time of Jesus, the Hittites become the dominant power of the region, and were then followed by the Phyrgians, Lydians and Persians. In the 3rd Century BC, a Celtic race known as the Galatians made Ankara their capital city. The name Ankara comes from the word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor.' Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistance which followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence freed Turkey from foreign occupation. Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anitkabir, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure, which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes, and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture. The oldest parts of the city surround the Castle. The Alaaddin Mosque found inside its walls is still one of the best examples of Selcuk art and wood craftsmanship, in spite of the fact that it was restored by the Ottomans. The area has experienced a rejuvenation with the restoration of many interesting old Turkish houses, and the opening a several art galleries and fine restaurants which feature examples of traditional Turkish cuisine. Near the gate of the castle is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is a beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations. Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous. HOTELS Patalya Lakeside Hotel Telephone, TV, cable and Satellite Channels; Mini bar; 24- Hours Concierge; Spectacular lake view; Indoor, outdoor pools, whirlpool, sauna, Finnish sauna; Squash court, lighted Tennis Courts, fitness center, table tennis, kindergarten, facilities for beach volley and football, billiards. Patalya Thermal Resort Patalya Thermal Resort is located near the town of Kızılcahamam, which is a 1-hour bus ride from Ankara. Each room is equipped with a telephone, TV, security box, mini bar, thermal bathtub, and hair dryer. Other amenities include indoor, outdoor thermal pools, a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, beauty parlor, fitness center, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a small zoo. Also available on site are currency exchange facilities, a post office, a business center for photocopying, Internet, and faxing, and parking facilities. Transfers from hotel to the congress venue will be provided by congress organizers. TRANSPORTATION Transfers from the Ankara Esenboğa Airport to the hotel and to the Başkent University Bağlıca Campus will be provided by congress organizers. For congress delegates and accompanying guests who travel in their own vehicles or by other means, the addresses for the meeting are as follows: Başkent University Bağlıca Campus, Eskişehir Road, 20th km, Ankara Shuttle bus arrivals/departures: Başkent University Ankara Hospital, Fevzi Çakmak Caddesi, 10. Sokak, No: 45, Bahçelievler, Ankara REGISTRATION The Registration Desk will be located at Patalya Lakeside Hotel and at Bağlıca Campus. The hours for registration are 1300 to 1900 hours on June 14, 2005 at the hotel, and 0800 to 1800 hours on the following days at the campus. CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE A Certificate of Attendance will be issued to every participant. LANGUAGE The official language of the congress is English. TIME ZONE Local time in Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). WEATHER It is usually warm in June (15-20ºC at night, 25-30ºC in the day). Rain is rare at this time of the year, but there are occasional showers so you may want to bring an umbrella just in case. PASSPORT AND VISA A valid passport is required, and visitors from some countries may need a visa in order to enter Turkey. Please obtain the relevant information from the Turkish Consulate in your country. LOCAL CURRENCY The local currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL). ELECTRICITY The electrical current in Turkey is 220 V– 50 Hz AC. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS Emergency - dial 112; Police - dial 155; Fire brigade - dial 110 INSURANCE The congress organizers cannot accept liability for any personal injuries sustained, or any loss or damage of property belonging to congress delegates and/or accompanying persons, either during or as a result of the congress. Please ensure your personal insurance policy coverage is adequate.