INFORMATION ABOUT ANKARA

The city of was founded in ancient times by the Phrygian ruler King Midas. In the time of the Hittites, it was used as a garrison. During the centuries that followed, Ankara was a major defensive center for the Lydian, Persian, Macedonian (with Alexander the Great), Roman, and Byzantine Empires. In 1073 A.D., the city was conquered by the Seljuk people, and in 1304 A.D. it became part of the Otoman Empire.

Ankara was an importent governmental center durin the War of Independence (1919 to 1923). On October 13, 1923, the city was designated the capital of the Turkish Republic. Today, Ankara is one of Turkey’ s most modern centers. It is the seat of Turkish government and boasts several large universities, an international airport, modern public transit, a vibrant industrial sector, museums and artistic venues, and interesting downtown shopping areas, both old and new.

The city is located in central Anatolia, and lies 830-850 m above sea level. Ankara is Turkey’ s second biggest metropolis next to İstanbul, and with its 24 districts is home to an estimated 4 million people.

VENUE

Patalya Thermal Resort, Kızılcıhamam, Ankara

1st Congress of the Society of Innate Immunity will be held at the Hotel and at the Patalya Thermal Resort. Patalya Thermal Resort is located near the town of Kızılcıhamam, which is a 1-hour bus ride from Ankara. The hotel was built in 1996, and has 156 rooms and 6 bungalows. Each room is equipped with a telephone, TV, security box, mini bar, thermal bathtub, and hair dryer. Beautiful open-air and indoor thermal pools can be accessed from directly withinthe main building. Other amenities include a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, beauty parlor, fitness center, tenis courts, soccer fields, and a small zoo. Guest can arrange for special massages and baths. Within the hotel are two inviting restaurants and two bars, one with a large wood-burning fireplace. Also available on site are currency Exchange facilities, a post office, a business center for photocopying, Internet, and faxing, and parking facilities.

ARRIVALS

Transfers from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to the congress hotel will be provided by Valör Congress Organizations.

For congress delegates and accompanying guests who travel in their own vehicles or by other means, the address for the meeting is as follows:

Patalya Thermal Resort, Soğuksu Milli Parkı, Kızılcıhamam, ANKARA