International

It’s a small world out there…

Although we are an autonomous local organisation we are part of a global organisation called Junior Chamber International. This has over 200,000 members in 100 different countries and nations worldwide, including all over the UK and Ireland.

The UK is covered by 3 national organisations. JCI Scotland for Scotland, JCI Ireland for the Republic of Ireland and JCI UK for England, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands

Members can attend JCI conferences all over the world. Conferences are a combination of training and social events and a great way of seeing new places. Recent conferences have included Maastricht, Antalya, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Tallinn (Estonia), Fukuoka (Japan), Galway, Vienna, Las Vegas – and Aberdeen.

Every year there is a European conference. In 2007 it was Maastricht, for 2008 it is in Turku Finland.

These are always full of training, networking, socialising and a general all round feel good factor. These are always well attended and you can meet people there that will be friends for a lifetime. There is then always the chance of visiting them in their own backyard.

We always recommend that our members go on these conferences as this gives you a flavour of what JCI is all about. Here is some details about Turku 2008 – We’ll see you there.

TURKU 2008

JCI Turku hosted the European Conference in 1974 and now it is time to show our hospitality again. Not only the COC, JCI Turku and Southwestern Finland jaycees are working with this European Conference. Also the rest of JCI Finland's members joins us to provide you all, with an interesting and informative program - both day- and night time!

Make sure to spend a little extra time in our beautiful country. Only 20 minutes from the Turku urban pulse you can find your own little paradise since our archipelago has over 20 000 islands, islets and outcroppings rising out of the sea. The peacefulness and freshness that can be found will by all means inspire all senses

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LENA STROMBERG
CONFERENCE DIRECTOR

 

General Info

CONFERENCE DATE
4-8 June 2008

CONFERENCE VENUE
Turku Fair and Congress Center
Turku, Finland

http://en.turunmessukeskus.fi/

Tel: + 358 2 337 111
Fax: + 358 2 240 1440

E-mail info@turunmessukeskus.fi

LANGUAGE

Official language of the conference is English.

OPENING HOURS

Shops and are normally open weekdays from 07.00 - 09.00 to 20.00 - 21.00, on Saturdays from 09.00 to 15.00 - 18.00 and closed all day on Sunday.

CLIMATE

Finland has four seasons, Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. In Summer from June to August Finland is at its magical best, with long light-filled days. The towns and cities thrive in summer, in spite of the fact that this is when many Finns head for their lake- or seaside summer homes or cruise the coastal archipelagos in their boats. A particular exodus to the country takes place at Midsummer, celebrated on the weekend closest to the actual solstice. The best weather normally follows the Midsummer period, with temperatures well up in the 20s and even 30s possible in July and August. Visitors might find it hard to sleep in the summer months, especially in the north, when the sun stays above the horizon for several weeks.

CURRENCY

The Finnish currency unit is the euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents.

All banks are open from Monday to Friday 09.00 - 16.30 (office hours may vary regionally), closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Finns use less physical cash in their transactions than any other nation, but ATMs for cash withdrawal are fairly widespread and marked by the sign OTTO. Most major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard and EuroCard can be used for payment in most shops and restaurants.

TIME ZONE

Finnish Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)

ELECTRICITY

The electric current in Finland is 220 V (230 V), 50 Hz. A two-pin plug system, familiar throughout Europe, is used. Adapters are available in airport shops.

POST SERVICES

Post Offices are open 09.00 - 18.00 from Monday to Friday. There are also franchised post offices, managed by groceries and petrol service stations, for instance, open until 20.00 or 21.00. Yellow mail boxes are for daily collections.

TAX FREE SHOPPING AND VAT

Anyone permanently resident outside the EU and Norway can shop tax free in Finland, thus saving about 12 (max. 16) per cent on purchases of over 40 euros. Stores with TAX FREE SHOPPING signs will provide customers with a cheque covering the VAT refund; this can be cashed on leaving the last EU country visited. The cheque, together with the goods purchased, should be presented at the point of departure. The refund will be paid in cash. Tax-free purchases must be taken out of Finland or the EU in unused condition.

Value added tax (VAT) is added to invoices and normally included in the displayed total price for goods and products in Finnish shops and restaurants. The standard rate for VAT, the initials for which are ALV in Finnish, is 22 per cent, with a rate of 17 per cent for food and animal feed and 8 per cent for transport.

DRINKING WATER

Eighty per cent of the water in Finland is classed as being exceptionally clean. Improved water protection has resulted in an improvement in the quality of the water emitted by both industry and municipalities. The clearest indications of eutrophication can be found in the Gulf of Finland and in the archipelago.

Bottled mineral water is available in shops and restaurants, but Finnish tap water is of the highest quality and can be consumed freely throughout the country.

PASSPORT AND VISA

Passport: Citizens of Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway) do not need a passport for entering Finland. EU-nationals, and citizens of Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and Schengen Agreement countries (Austria, Belgium,Denmark,France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherland, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) can enter Finland with a valid passport or a valid identity card. All other nationalities require a valid passport.

Visa: Countries whose citizens do not require a visa for entry into Finland : Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, Vatican and Venezuela. Holders of a Laissez Passer of the United Nations and the EC require no visa.

NOTE: Travellers planning a trip across the border to Russia must have a visa. It is advisable to get it at the Embassy of Russia in the traveller's country of origin, because it takes at least eight weekdays to obtain a visa in Helsinki.

OFFICIAL LETTER OF INVITATION

An official letter of invitation designed to help overcome administrative difficulties in certain countries will be sent upon request. It must be clearly understood that such letters do not cover any fees or other financial support. If you require an official invitation please send an e-mail to mailto:administration@jciec2008.fi

 

Antalya 2007

The world JCI conference was held in this beautiful resort on the Turkish coast.
This was held from the 5th –12th November.

2007 JCI WORLD CONGRESS AT ANTALYA

05 November 2007

The Congress will be held in a very small and a new country called “The JCI Land”. There is only one neighbor of The JCI Land which is Turkey. Turkey is at the cross-roads of three continents where Asia, Africa and Europe converge for one of the charming places in the World. There is not only history, natural beauties and leisure but also it is one of the 10 big emerging markets, the 17th largest and the 4th fastest growing economy in the world.

“The JCI Land” is located within the borders of Antalya City which is the biggest tourism resort in Turkey on the Mediterranean Coast. There are sun, sea, nature and the ancient historical sites and some combination of activities, such as, safari runs, paragliding, parasailing, diving, white water rafting, trekking, hiking. But you should also reserve some time for Antalya's world famous shopping facilities and fabulous night life.

Now you know all but “The JCI Land”. It is the time for revealing the secret.

It's the newest country in the world which is waiting for its citizens.

It's the most friendly country where you feel like a SULTAN by the Turkish Hospitality

It's the land of parties around the clock.

It's the smallest country in the world so no need for transportation

Don't forget you are the Sultan in the JCI Land And Sultans do not need MONEY.

Dear JCI fellows, this is an open invitation from the deep inside of our hearts to Antalya for the “World of Wonders Congress”…


ABOUT ANTALYA

Capital city of the Antalya Province, located on the Gulf of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The population of the city is 603,190 (2000 census) but reaches up to 2 million in summers at the height of the tourist season. Situated on a steep cliff, Antalya is a picturesque city surrounded by mountains, forests, mediterranean sea and many ancient ruins; with one notable archaeological museum. With its airport it is a gateway for Turkey's coastal resorts which took the name Turkish riviera because of the natural and historical beauties of it.

Combining history and culture it deserves the title of "the capital of Turkish tourism". Today the city of Antalya is reliving a golden age. It has been transformed into a cultural and touristic hub with thematic hotels. Kaleici, the rustic old town where historic Turkish and Greek houses are under protection, is the most popular center in Antalya. It is situated between the yacht harbour and the main city. Old houses that are separated by narrow, cobble-stone roads are now hotels and tourism-related shops. Traces of Lycian, Byzantine, Roman and Seljuks architecture and culture can still be seen. Also Antalya museums house the finds belonging to historic ages of Anatolia.

Inside the city Yivli Minare and Kulliye, Karaalioglu park are places where Ottoman architecture can be seen. Konyaalti and Lara coasts are well known with their crystal clear waters. The prominent sites accessible by daily tours are Side, Perga, Manavgat and Alanya. Ancient cities like Phaselis, Olympos, Adrasan and Kekova can be reached from the sea by Blue voyagers.

History

Evidence of human habitation dating back over 200 000 years has been discovered in the Carain caves 30 km to the north of Antalya city. Other finds dating back to Neolithic times and more recent periods show that the area has been populated by various ancient civilisations throughout the ages.

Records from the Hittite period refer to the area as part of the "Lukka Lands" (from which "Lycia" is derived) and document the lively interaction going on between provinces in the second millennium BC. Like their descendents, the Lukkans were known for their seamanship (especially their piracy) and demonstrated a fiery independent spirit. Neither the Hittites, nor the kingdom of Arzawa on the west coast, could ever keep them at peace for long.

Historical records document how cities developed independently, how the area as a whole came to be called Pamphylia and how in Classical times a federation of cities was set up in the province. There are also tales of the migration of the Akha clan to the area after the Trojan war.

Antalya had entered the sovereignty of Lycian Kingdom from 7th century BC. The reign of the kingdom of Lycia in west Anatolia came to an end in 560 BC after it was defeated by the Persians during the battle of Sardis in 546 BC. The Macedonian commander Alexander the Great stoped the Persian rule and in around 334 BC Alexander the Great conquered the cities of the area one by one - except for Termessos and Sillyon which managed to repulse his armies in 333 BC. Antalya itself was founded later. With the death of Alexander in 323 BC, a long battle erupted between his commanders that lasted until 188 BC.

With the defeat of the Seleucid army at Apamaea began the reign of the kingdon of Pergamom. In 150 BC Attalos II, king of Pergamom, founded the city of Attalia to base his powerful naval fleet. When Attalos III, the last king of Pergamom, died in 133 BC he left his kingdom to the Romans. After that an era starts in the region that the pirates and small cities belonging to pirates play a major role. Christianity started to be spread in the region after 2nd century. During the Byzantine sovereignty, it is known that Antalya had a big development era until 5th and 6th centuries. In these centuries, Antalya had reached beyond the city walls. Starting from 7th century, the Muslim Arabs had started to be dominant in the region. The army of Louis VII. sailed thence for Syria in 1148, and the fleet of Richard of England rallied there before the conquest of Cyprus. Between the years 1120-1206, Antalya had agained passed under the sovereignty of Byzantines. Antalya played a considerable part in the medieval history of the Levant. Kilij Arslan had a palace there.

Conquered by the Seljuk Turks of Konia in 1207 A.D. and then Alanya in 1220 A.D. ending the Byzantine rule for the last time, and made the capital of the province of Tekke, it passed after their fall through many hands, including those of the Venetians and Genoese, before its final occupation by the Ottoman Turks under Murad II. (1432).

The Arabic traveller Ibn Battuta who came to the city in between 1335-1340 noted:

"The people of the city are living in separate neighborhoods according to their ethinicity and religion. The Christian merchants are living in a neighborhood called Mina. The neighborhood is surrounded by a wall and the gates of the walls are closed on Friday nights. The Greeks live in a different neighborhood and it is also surrounded by a wall. The Jews also have their own neighborhood surrounded by walls. The Muslims are living in the largest part. This part includes a small mosque and madrasah with a lot of hamams, rich, organized and large bazaars. The city is surrounded with a large wall that includes all of the neighborhoods that we mentioned above.

In the 18th century, in common with most of Anatolia, its actual lord was a Dere Bey. The family of Tekke Oglu, domiciled near Perga, though reduced to submission in 1812 by Mahmud II., continued to be a rival power to the Ottoman governor till within the present generation, surviving by many years the fall of the other great Beys of Anatolia. The records of the Levant (Turkey) Company, which maintained an important agency here till 1825, contain curious information as to the local Dere Beys. The population as of 1911 of Antalya, which included many Christians and Jews, then living, as in the middle ages, in separate quarters, the former round the walled mina or port, was about 25,000. The port was served by coasting steamers of the local companies only. Antalya(then Adalia) was an extremely picturesque, but ill-built and backward place. The chief thing to see was the city wall, outside which runs a good and clean promenade and which survives to this day. The government offices and the houses of the better class were all outside the walls.

The brief occupation of the area by the Italians came to an abrupt end after the First World War with the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The area is now registered as a province of the Republic of Turkey.

A notable historical figure who visited Antalya was Paul of Tarsus, as recorded in the biblical book, the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 14:25-26), wherein Antalya is referred to as Attalia. St. Paul and St. Barnabas went to Antalya and sailed from there to Antioch after preaching in the Pisidia and Pamphylia regions.

Climate

The climate in Antalya bears the Mediterranean climate features. The mild weather conditions offer holiday possibilities in all seasons. Sometimes you can experience four seasons in one day in Kemer. 300 days of the year are sunny. This causes Antalya to be one of the few cities in Turkey to use solar systems for energy needs of buildings.

In summer time it is rainless and hot. In winter time it is rainy and mild. No snow falls to the coastline of the district. The mountains in the north and the mild wind from the south are reasons why it usually goes never below 10 °C in this region. With the exception of a few weeks of rainy days, the seawater, which goes even in winter not below 15 °C allows you to benefit from the sea all year long.

Tourist Attractions

Sites of Interest in the city


The Yivli Minare, the symbol of the city

Kaleici: It is the historical center of the city which embraced many civilizations during time. It is now restored and has became a most attractive touristic centre with its hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping. Kaleici retains all the original ancient Turkish archaeological characteristics. The port's marina has been completely restored. The restoration activities in Kaleici won the Golden Apple Prize, the Oscar of tourism.

The City Walls: The memorial Hadrian Arch and The Clock Tower are remarkable and date back to Hellenistic era.

Antalya Museum: A prize winning museum and one of the most notable archaeology museums, of the world. It is also the only museum in Turkey with a children's department exhibiting ancient monuments appealing to children.

Kaleiçi Museum: Opened by the Mediterranean Civilizations Research Center (Akdeniz Medeniyetleri Arastirma Merkezi) it is newly opened and already has a very rich collection.

Hadrian's Gate: This ornamental marble arch was constructed in 2nd century BC by the Romans in honour of the Emperor Hadrian.

Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret): Once a Byzantine Panaglia church, later converted into a mosque.

Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret): This fluted minaret of 13th century was built by the Seljuks. Decorated with dark blue and turquouise tiles, the minaret eventually became the symbol of the city.

Karatay Medresesi, Hidirlik Tower, Ahi Yusuf Mescidi, Iskele Mosque, Murat Pasa Mosque, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Balibey Mosque, Musellim Mosque, Seyh Sinan Efendi Mosque and Osman Efendi Mosque are other important places in the city.

"Han"s are Seljuk or Ottoman inns which have architectural significance. Some of them are the Evdir Han, Klrkoz Han, Alara Han and Castle and Sarapsu (Serapsu) Han.

  • Lara Beach Park
  • Demre mineral springs
  • Karpuzkaldiran
  • Konyaalti Beach Park
  • Duden Falls
  • Kursunlu Falls
  • Köprülü Kanyon
  • Düzler pine forest
  • Saklikent Ski Center
  • Kalkan
  • Tünek Tepe

Historic sites and Ruins around the city

Aspendos: One of the most important Pamphilian cities. It is situated on the point where the Kopru River meets the sea. Once an important port and a commercal centre, it has a reputation for raising the best horses on earth. The odeon, basilica, galleria and fountains are worth seeing.

Termessos: It is a Pisidyan city with remnants of an agora, theatre and an odion. It has a reputation of being the most magnificent necropolis on the Mediterranean, 35 km northwest of Antalya.

Ariassos: At a distance of 48 Km. along the Antalya Burdur highway and before arriving at the village Dag, turn left and Ariassos is reached 1 Km. further on. A city of antiquity, Ariassos was built in a valley and could survey its surroundings. The gate, the baths, the rock tombs and the mausoleum are almost intact.

Olympos National Park: Olympos is an ancient Lycian city 90 km southwest of Antalya city near the Town of Kemer.

Perge: 18 km northeast of Antalya. The ruins are spread on two hills, the theatre on one and the acropolis on the other. According to the legend the city was built by three heroes from Troy.

Phaselis: A Lycian city 54 km southwest of Antalya.

Sillyon: 34 km from Antalya on the Alanya direction. It is situated between Aspendos and Perge and dates back to 4th.century BC.

Sagalassos: An ancient pisidian town 100 km north of Antalya.