KTLN brings you news about a couple of pass cards that may be of interest to anyone visiting Turkey this year.

In this article we tell you about the Istanbul Museum Card (Istanbul Müze Kart) and the Beach Card (Plaj Kart).

But first of all, a brief mention of the standard Museum Card (Müze Kart).

Museum Card -  Müze Kart
This is a special pass that is available to Turkish citizens, which gives them access to hundreds of historic sites and museums, for an annual fee of 20TL.

Unfortunately, it is not available to foreigners - even those who have got residency.  You must be a Turkish citizen.

However, KTLN has been talking to officers from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and it is on their agenda to introduce regional passes for foreigners, so that they will be encouraged to visit more places of interest. 

The first of these special discount passes, available in Istanbul, is described below.

Istanbul Museum Card (Istanbul Müze Kart)
This new pass will be available at the end of June 2011, and will allow anyone (including foreigners), to enter any Ministry of Culture and Tourism owned museums in Istanbul.

A pass will cost 72 TL, and permits a single entrance to the museums for a maximum of 72 hours (3 days).

There are 6 museums that you can visit in Istanbul: Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace Museum (except Harem Apartments), Chora Museum, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, and Istanbul Mosaic Museum.

We are informed that by the end of July, you should be able to obtain your pass online.  We provide a link to the website below.

Beach Card (Plaj Kart)
Closer to home, in nearby Patara, you can now buy a special pass to visit Patara Beach.  You can buy them at the entry point, by the barrier, which is run by the government TURSAB agency.

There are two Plaj Karts to choose from. For 25 entries, you pay 15TL, or for just 10 entries, you pay 7.50TL.  The card will be activated at your first entry. Both cards are valid for 10 days and only give you permission to access Patara beach. 

The cards are not specific to one person, so groups of people can use them.  For example, if you have a group of 5 people, you can buy a Plaj Kart giving 10 entries, which would mean the whole group can visit the beach twice, at a total cost of just 7.50TL.

If you wish to visit the ancient ruins you must pay 5TL for a ticket.  We are sure that no KTLN readers would ever think of cheating, by buying a Plaj Kart with the intention of visiting the ruins 'on the cheap'. 

Anyone thinking of doing so should be aware that TURSAB officers do walk round the ruins, and may ask to see your ticket.  If you only have a Plaj Kart, technically you have broken the law, and will be dealt with accordingly.

Incidentally, if you buy a ticket to see the ruins, that also gives you permission to go on Patara beach.

Turkish Museums website
Here is a link to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Museum website, where you can find out more information.  Culture & Tourism Website

One of the great things about Turkey is its rich history.  It is all around you.  We recommend soaking up some of that history, as well as the sun, whilst you are here.

Kalkan Turkish Local News - right up your sokak.