GENERAL INFORMATION

Venue

The Askeri Müze is located just north of Taksim, easily walkable. The military museum is an enormous 2 story building that houses countless military artifacts from Turkey's Byzantine and Ottoman past, as well as from the Republic. The top floor is a monument to the splendor of the Ottoman army. There are rooms full of armour, guns, swords, cavalry equipment, and a Turco-German friendship corner that commemorates the cooperation between the two during WWI. On the top floor there is also a room dedicated to Atatürk, as well as his old military school classroom. Also on the top floor is another of one of the most impressive sites, the giant chain that the Byzantines used to block off the Golden Horn during the Ottoman seige of Istanbul. The bottom floor contains an amazing display of captured flags from Italy, Britian, Byzantium, as well as others. There are also some of the imperial pavillions, as well as a giant wall in which are carved all the major battle of Turkish history, everything from Manzikiert, to the Seiges of Vienna, to Gallipoli. One of the main reasons to come to the military museum is to see a performance by the "mehter" who were the Ottoman military band, and supposedly the first military band in history.

Congress Language
The official language of the Congress will be English.

Certificate of Attendance
Attendance certificates will be distributed

Group Reservations
There will be a priority given for the group reservations. A native group language speaker guiding services, transportation facilities and discount in post-congress tours will be provided.

Badges
You will receive a personalized badge when collecting your registration documents. During the congress, this badge must be clearly visible at all the times and grants access to the Scientific Sessions and the Commercial Exhibition.

Letter of Invitation
On request, the PRES Congress Office will be pleased to send letters of invitation to individual scientists. This letter, however, does not constitute any commitment by the Congress Organizers to cover registration fees, accommodation, travel expenses or other costs connected to the participation in the Meeting. PRES CONGRESS OFFICE will not be held responsible for visas not granted.

General Information

Place

Istanbul, a unique city where the East and West meet, is a natural and cultural bridge between Europe and Asia; it's a thriving universal metropolis with more than 10 million inhabitants. Over the course of millennia, Istanbul has been the seat of three great empires, namely the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and a site of convergence for people of many cultures and beliefs, who came together and enjoyed life in peace and harmony. Modern amenities, the splendors of the Ottoman past and the honored traditions of Turkish hospitality combine to make Istanbul a perfect meeting point, one that will leave treasured and lasting memories.

Dates

The Congress will take place from the morning of September 5 until September 9 2007.

Early Registration deadline               : 1 May 2007
Abstract submission                           : 1 February 2007
Abstract deadline                              : 1 April 2007

Internet Access

An internet access for wireless notebook users will be available at the congress venue.

Transportation

Istanbul Atatürk International Airport is an important destination and transfer point for many international flights from all over the world.


Visas

All participants will require a valid passport to enter Turkey. Please contact your nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to check the visa regulations.

Security

Based on data provided by well known statistical institutes worldwide, Istanbul, among other metropolises, is regarded as one of the few cities with a low rate of crime. In the Askeri Museum, security staff are on duty using the newest technological security systems.

Climate and Clothing

In September the weather in Istanbul is generally mild to hot. Light coat, light sweaters and jackets are recommended for outdoor activities at night.

Local Time

The time in Turkey is 2 hours ahead of G.M.T.

Currency Exchange

The currency unit is the Turkish Lira (TL). Convertible foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks and exchange bureaus at the current exchange rates. The rates are announced in the daily newspapers. International credit cards are widely accepted.

Banks

Working hours for most of the banks are from Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 16:30. They are closed at weekends and on public holidays.

Electric Current

Electric current is 220 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two-pin round plugs are used.

First Aid and Hospital Services

A doctor and a nurse will be available in the first-aid room of the Askeri Museum during the congress. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. At the time you register for the Congress and book your travel you may take an insurance policy of your choice. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Driving License

International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Turkey. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Taxi

Taxis have a taximeter system with rates varying during the day and the night.

Restaurants

For gourmets, this will be an outstanding opportunity to taste various examples of Turkish, European, Asian and international cuisine in Istanbul.

Shopping

Most shops in Istanbul are generally open from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday. Big shopping centers are open every day of the week, usually from 10:00 to 22:00. In all shopping centers major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible. You will also have the chance to do shopping in the historical Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, which are located in the Old City district.