Turkey

urkey's Mediterranean shore, called the Turquoise Coast, is nearly 1600 km (994 miles) long, scattered with fine-sand beaches and sprinkled abundantly with classical cities turned to picturesque ruins.

The Turquoise Coast is the first place to think of when you're considering a seaside vacation in Turkey. It has more and better beaches and resorts than does the Aegean coast, and warmer, saltier water than the Black Sea coast.

The Taurus Mountains form a dramatic backdrop along much of the coast, often dropping steeply right into the sea, but in some places rivers have washed down enough sediment over the ages to form beaches backed by fertile alluvial plains good for growing cotton, vegetables, and even tropical fruits like bananas.

The royal academy of Arts in  London is hosting a highly important, splendid exhibition which sets forth the artistic and cultural riches of the Turkish speaking peoples: "The Turks: A Journey of a Thousand Years, 600-1600." Featuring more than 350 objects, by far the majority of which were selected from the Topkapi Palace Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. For detailed information on this exhibition, which will be open until April 12, please consult to www.turks.org.tr (Tel: +44 20) 7300 8000