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Date: Aug 29 - September 2, 2006 Venue International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry will take place at Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC) Address: Harbiye 80230 Istanbul, Turkey www.icec.org Istanbul The strategic setting of Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, has formed its destiny as an imperial capital for 1600 years. From the empires of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, this metropolis with its rich history and natural beauty, offers a friendly welcome and genuine hospitality. Numerous museums, ancient churches, synagogues, basilicas, mosques, mausoleums, palaces, bazaars and baths are standing today as the pride of all civilisations. With more than ten universities and many institutions, Istanbul is the most important centre of Turkish science and culture. Invitation Letter Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the symposium can write to the Organising Secretariat. This procedure is designated to assist participants to obtain a visa or permission to attend the meeting and does not apply to registration fees or other expenses. Banking and Exchange Facilities Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business days (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank. All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are available at many points throughout the city and at the airport. Climate and Clothing The end of August is the. Daytime temperatures are in the range of 25-30 ºC and evening temperatures are 20-22 ºC. We recommend you bring light clothes. Currency The Turkish currency is Turkish Lira. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira as of September 2005 is: TRL 1,37 = 1 USD TRL 1,65 = 1 EURO. Electricity The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts. Language The official language of the symposium is English. Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting. Shopping One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts. Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Turkish carpets, kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as other items of clothing are the best buys. Copper, silver, brassware and jewellery are also choices for buying, along with works of ceramics and the famous Turkish meerschaum. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected. Telephones Pay phones and credit card phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city. Time Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Tipping Although service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated. Travel within Istanbul Public airport shuttle buses (HAVAS) run between the airport and the city center (Taksim Square) from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. every half hour for a fee of € 5.- per person (to be paid on the bus in Turkish Lira). It takes about 30 min from airport to the city centre. Taksim Square is 5-10 min by taxi from the main symposium hotels and in walking distance for some. Transportation within the city centre is by bus or by taxi. All taxis have taximeters, and the rates are reasonable. Visa Requirements Participants are requested to check with the Turkish Consulate in their home country or with their travel agency or at www.mfa.gov.tr for visa requirements. Entry visa to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Atatürk Airport for a number of countries. |