September 2010
Turkish Government And Local Municipalities Limit Density Of Construction
September 27, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey is learning from the mistakes of Spain by guaranteeing that its immaculate coastline remains unspoilt.
This is undeniably a crucial step on the way to Turkey becoming a principal destination for overseas buyers.
The Turkish Government has certainly decided that the Spanish construction approach is not their chosen method of development.
The measures that they have taken in restricting and regulating coastal construction will give Turkey a head start in the global market for property investors and holiday-home buyers.
Unlike Spain’s Costa del Sol, obstructed by towering architecture, the Bodrum Peninsula in Southwest Turkey is a protected area; buildings can only be two storeys high and must be whitewashed, giving the region an authentic and picturesque identity. Furthermore, only 20% of the land in Bodrum can be built on, thus ensuring that its exquisite range of wildlife and natural beauty will be protected for generations to come.
Other advantages of the area include the availability of affordable property, advances in tourism, a low cost of living and quality healthcare.
However, what really sets Turkey apart is the security of investment. The Spanish Government permitted the construction of resorts too close to the beach or on land that had not been acquired by the seller. The corruption involved provoked international outrage as people had entrusted their lifetime savings, only to find that some developments had been illegitimately constructed and were under serious threat.
Turkey is often compared to Spain more than 20 years ago; the coastline is intact and the beaches uncontaminated. Tourism is increasing yet building is restricted enough to enable the growth of coastal resorts without damaging the country’s natural beauty.
A White Paper has been issued by the Turkish Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture that sets out guidelines that intend to limit the density of construction and retain the authenticity of major tourist areas covering the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.
Cumberland Properties has been nationally recognised as a green company that operates in the Bodrum area. They own three developments on the Bodrum Peninsula, all of which are excellently located and proud to maintain the area’s nature and wildlife. The unique Woodland Regency development is set in the heart of a tranquil pine forest and the development was constructed around the trees; not a single one was damaged in the process. The exceptionally built villas and apartments are in extremely high demand. The development boasts two large, communal swimming pools, a golf putting area and outdoor playground, an exclusive spa and fitness area and 24 hour security.
The Perfect Investment Environment
September 20, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey is the perfect investment environment with its unique location and proximity to markets in Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia, The Middle East and North Africa. Global investors are joining in Turkey’s economic and social growth.
In Turkey, we are observing an increase in foreign direct investment that has been spurred by the vibrant people, excellent trade networks, strategic location and the start of EU accession talks. Turkey clearly has global aspirations and is an exciting place to do business.
John Chambers, CEO, CISCO
Turkey represents a robust platform for GE Healthcare’s economic expansion in this country, as well as for the entire region. Its highly skilled manpower, geographical location, as well as its existing international partnerships make Turkey an attractive partner of choice, uniquely positioned for the future. Today, from GE Healthcare’s regional headquarters in Istanbul, we cover more than 80 countries and manage 12 direct operations. Our ultimate goal will be to design and develop innovative solutions for Turkey and from Turkey for the rest of the region.
Richard di Benedetto, President & CEO, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Russia
We trust in Turkey’s motivated and qualified labour force and strategic location.
Marco Milani, CEO, Indesit Company
We are running 79 countries from Istanbul and are enjoying the dynamism, diversity and availability of a high-quality work force. These attributes and more, we believe, represent big potential for Turkey, in the way of development through the effective use of technology, as well as becoming a software and services provider to other countries, particularly the EU. Microsoft Turkey will be there to support economic development and capacity building.
Jean-Philippe Courtois, President of Microsoft International, Senior Vice President of Microsoft Corporation
Turkey is ranked as being the 15th most attractive FDI destination for 2008 – 2010 (UNCTAD World Investment Prospects Survey)
Source: www.invest.gov.tr
Turkey Shrugs off Latest Global Downturn
September 15, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
“Thanks to the bayram (holiday), the Turkish market seems to have turned the Dubai bend without a shock” Ali Bahçuvan, president of the Turkish Shareholders Association, or BORYAD, told the Anatolia news agency.
If the United Arab Emirates fails in calming investor sentiment, a “second shock wave” might come, Bahçuvan said, calling Turkey a “reference market” for emerging markets.
“The weight of foreign investors and interest-rate cuts make Turkey an example,” he said. “The economy did not deteriorate despite a non-deal with the International Monetary Fund. All these help pull Turkey’s risk premium down.”
In an interview with Bloomberg in London during October, Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said, “Going forward of course we hope that Turkey will be strong enough not to have to need, to tap into international financial institutions’ resources”.
Turkey has tackled the effects of the global financial crisis without new lending from the IMF.
“We’ve gone through the worst and Turkey has been able to finance its deficit at historically low interest rates,” Simsek said. Spending plans for next year are “realistic” and financing “should not be an investor concern.”
In a note to investors on Tuesday, Timothy Ash, an emerging-markets economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland, said Turkish banks are not “particularly exposed to the $26 billion of Dubai World liabilities.”
Separately, the Financial Times reported that Britain’s banks were Dubai’s biggest foreign creditors. The report said Royal Bank of Scotland had the biggest exposure, of up to $2bn. HSBC, Standard Chartered and Lloyds Banking Group had exposure of about $1bn each, according to the paper.
Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Bülent Erdogan, chief executive of Turkish construction giant Nurol, said three of the company’s ongoing projects had stopped six months ago due to problems with payments.
“We have six more ongoing projects in Abu Dhabi; we have seen no problem there,” he said. “[But] we also do not have any capital investments in Dubai.”
Emin Sazak, chief of the Turkish-Qatari Business Council of the Foreign Economic Relations Board, said “If [Dubai World] says it will postpone payments to creditors, that would also mean delays in payments to constructors,” he said, adding that only a few Turkish companies had planned to invest in Dubai, but pulled back due to the global credit crisis.
Unicredit Group and Yapi Credit Bank partner all Cumberland Properties projects for your peace of mind.
Turkey voted top country
September 8, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Turkey has been chosen by Condé Nast Traveller readers as their favourite country in the destination category at the Condé Nast Traveller 12th Annual Readers’ Travel Awards for the first time.
Turkey‘s popularity also ensures a spot in prestigious The World’s Top 100 list too where it was voted number 2 overall.
Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010 also scored highly; Istanbul was voted in the top 10 in the Overseas Cities category (5th place), with top marks for people / hospitality.
The city is also home to some of the readers’ favourite hotels as the Ciragan Palace Kempinski was voted in 6th place and The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, 13th place in the Category of Overseas Leisure Hotels. The Ritz Carlton Istanbul also secured 8th spot in the Overseas Business Hotels category.
Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK Irfan Onal expressed his delight at winning the award: “We are thrilled that Turkey has won this prestigious award, which is even more meaningful given that it is chosen by the readers themselves. This is the highlight in what has been a very successful year as the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office UK.
Indeed, visitor numbers from the UK continue their spectacular rise, with year-on-year figures up 15.5% for the first 7 months of this year.”
Turkish Ambassador H.E Mr. Unal Cevikoz received the country award. Also attending the award was the Ambassador’s wife Mrs. Emel Cevikoz, Director of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, Mr. Irfan Onal and Deputy Director, Dr. Aysegul Gurgezoglu.
Source: www.ftnnews.com
No Flamingos At The Wetlands In Bodrum
September 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Flamingos failed to flock to the Tuzla wetlands near the resort town of Bodrum this year, marking the latest blow to an ecosystem that faces the risk of disappearing completely. The area was declared a special protection zone five years ago, but industrialization & urbanization in the region is putting the wetlands at risk. Marble plants & carpet washing factories have continued to operate in the area their wastewater reaching the wetlands through the Mazı River.
More than 5,000 summerhouses were also built near the Tuzla wetlands, & all their wastewater is released into the lake. Once home to 120 species of birds & 50 species of fish, the wetlands now struggle to survive.
One of the most important wetlands in the Aegean region is the victim of “a murder of nature & environment”, according to Süha Umar, deputy president of the Foundation for Preserving Wildlife & Game.
Umar said the foundation filed complaints to the prosecutor’s office & the Muğla Governor’s Office against the industrial facilities that are destroying the area.
“The Tuzla wetlands are a unique asset that offers both historical & natural beauties,” he said. “While we are making plans to promote Tuzla & turn this spot into a popular tourist destination, some irresponsible people are turning the heaven into hell. I will do everything possible not to let them.”
Cüneyt Karaoğlu, a member of the Bodrum Volunteers Association, said flamingos did not come to the Tuzla wetlands this year for the first time. Karaoğlu noted that construction in the area has damaged the stability of the wetlands.
“The regulations regarding the protected areas have changed a few times in the last couple of years,” he said. “As a result of our inspections in the Tuzla wetlands, we found out that the number of animals in the area was decreasing, & we sent our reports to officials underlining the reasons for the decrease. ”Karaoğlu said precautions should be taken immediately; otherwise, he said, no animals will be left in the wetlands.
Bahattin Atçı, local governor of Milas, said the factories near Tuzla were warned last year not to release their wastewater into the Mazı River. “I will immediately send teams to the area to check the factories,” said Atçı. “We will severely punish anyone who poisons or damages the wetlands; no one should doubt that.” The local governor added the former salt plant in the area would be converted into a cafeteria & bird watching house.
The deep inlet from the Gulf of Güllük & Mandalya Bay forms Tuzla Lake. Home to a host of ancient ruins, the lake is surrounded by mountains covered with olive groves, pines & tamarisk trees.
Designated an Important Bird Area, or IBA in 2001 Tuzla Lake, dissected by a causeway, is particularly special as a bird sanctuary. Throughout the year, a large variety of rare birds including pelicans, flamingos & white storks can be seen flocking to the wetlands.
The IBA also covers the Güllük Delta, leading up to the Hamza Valley & following the Akyol River into Uyku Vadisi, or Sleepy Valley. Sleepy Valley is a natural preservation area among steep rocks, a forest of rich fauna & the Hamzabey River. It is called this because one feels sleepy as a result of the fresh, clean air in the region. This valley is now an official National Park.
The brackish waters of Tuzla Lake, less than a meter deep, provide vital nourishment for birds “refuelling” on their long journey to & from Russia, Scandinavia, and parts of Europe & Africa. It is rich in fish, algae & tiny creatures & fed by three fresh water streams. The lake attracts flamingos, grey heron, egret & numerous species of duck & goose. Although rare, 45 Dalmatian pelicans have been sighted here, as well as white pelicans, pygmy cormorants, spoonbills, & ospreys.
The varied nature of the lake’s surroundings also makes it an important habitat for birds & other wildlife. Mud flats are alive with waders, including the rare terek sandpiper. The surrounding farmland, forest & hedgerows attract even more rarities such as the booted eagle & the saker & lanner falcons.
The area also benefits from an especially mild microclimate so booted eagle & swallows were spotted there in December when they would usually be in Africa at this time. The Cyprus warbler, rarely seen this far west, is another visitor benefiting from the warmer temperatures.
Apart from the myriad bird life of Tuzla Lake that numbers into the thousands & thousands in winter, permanent inhabitants also include terrapins, snakes, wild boar, badger, fox & porcupine.
For more information visit: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com
Nurol Art Gallery Open In Bodrum
September 1, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Reversing the winter trend of art galleries closing in Bodrum, the Nurol Art Gallery Bodrum opened in the Oasis Shopping Centre. The Oasis Shopping Centre & Nurol Art Gallery in Ankara worked together for the new opening.
The exhibition includes paintings, ceramics & sculpture by the three very talented members of the Eren family, Cemil, Barış & Zeynep. The Erens are well known both in Ankara & in Turkish art circles & have a long association with Bodrum on the Aegean coast.
Cemil Eren was one of the artists who worked on frescoes at Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s Mausoleum & Museum, in the 1950s. He had his first solo exhibition in Ankara in 1957 & first exhibited in Bodrum in the Haluk Elbe Gallery at Bodrum Castle. He has a summerhouse in Gölkoy & over the years has created a whole series of landscapes & studies inspired by Bodrum.
In the new exhibition he has included his earlier paintings of fishermen as well as his most recent studies of birds & fish while using his signature mastery of white & pale blue shades.
His daughter, Zeynep Eren, has turned her artistic talents to ceramics & statues, creating earthy solid figures in the Kybele tradition of strong Anatolian women. She has also included a series of colourful scenes painted on ceramic tiles using the same style of female figures.
Barış Eren now is a full-time director with the Ankara State Theatre & will not be attending the opening because he will be preparing performances in İzmir. His involvement with theatre is evident in his colourful modern figurative canvases, which are created with a mixture of pastels, acrylics & pencils & exude movement & vitality. The artists’ works are represented in private & corporate collections in Turkey & Europe.
