[robocup-humanoid] RoboCup 2011 Istanbul Newsletter #1

[H. Levent AKIN]

*RoboCup 2011 Newsletter* 	*November 4, 2010 / Issue #1*
**

***Greetings from Istanbul!*

RoboCup 2011 will be in Istanbul which as the only city that resides on 
two continents is the ideal place for such an event. We welcome 
everybody to share the enthusiasm of advanced intelligent robotics 
research in a beautiful city with many cultures and has been the capital 
of many civilizations.

	**

***In this issue:*

• Greetings from Istanbul!
• Date Change
• About Istanbul
• Event Venue
• Accomodation
• Shipping Robots and Equipment
• Visa Requirements
• Contact Details

**

***Date Change*

RoboCup 2011 dates have been changed to *July 5-11, 2011*. The schedule 
will be as follows:

For RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue & RoboCup at Home:

Team setup: 5-6 Jul 2011
Competitions: 7-9 Jul 2011
Finals: 10 Jul 2011
Symposium: 11 Jul 2011

For RoboCupJunior:

Team setup: 6 Jul 2011
Competitions: 7-9 Jul 2011
Finals: 10 Jul 2011

You can find the detailed schedule here 
<http://www.robocup2011.org/en/content.asp?PID=%7B66A6DF2E-2749-4A4A-A212-A61356E27731%7D>. 


	**

***About Istanbul - Let's Meet Where the Continents Meet!*

With its history dating back to 658 B.C., Istanbul has enjoyed an 
uninterrupted existence forming the cross-roads of creative exchange 
between Europe and Asia. This spectacular city with its diverse 
identities has given rise to many legends and inspired countless works 
of art.

Two Empires - Two Capitals:

Istanbul has been the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, 
leaving behind a multicultural sediment of civilizations and faiths in 
the form of aqueducts, cisterns, palaces, churches, synagogues, mosques 
and above all, cultural tolerance and harmony.

Modern Touristic Establishments and Conference Facilities:

Istanbul today is the focal point of industry, commerce and cultural 
life in Turkey. It has many internationally acclaimed hotels, congress 
centres and offers state-of-the-art meeting facilities. The city is 
connected to the world by two international airports, international 
harbours, railways and theTrans-European-Motorway.

Shopping and Entertainment:

Being one of the cheapest cities of Europe, it is a shopping paradise. 
Ranging from the oriental style of the Grand Bazaar to outstanding 
shopping malls, Istanbul offers a wide variety of choices.

The Bosphorus is not merely a strait dividing two continents. It also a 
crown that adds a Mediterranean flavour to this breathtaking city with 
its seaside cafes and fish restaurants. Istanbul also offers a vibrant 
night-life.

July in Istanbul:

July is one of the best seasons in Istanbul with warm temperatures of 
approximately 25 - 28 degrees Celsius during the day.

**

***Event Venue*

RoboCup 2011 will be held at the *Istanbul Expo Center*. Conveniently 
placed in a great location, the Istanbul Expo Center is an excellent 
podium for conducting numerous prestigious events. More... 
<http://www.robocup2011.org/en/content.asp?PID=%7B707167DF-C58B-4926-9474-F898979926CB%7D&PageFn=Venue>

	**

***Accomodation*

There are several hotels of each categories located in close vicinity of 
the venue. Headquarters hotel - WOW Hotel Istanbul is in 3 minutes 
walking distance to the venue. Other hotels are easy to reach by public 
transport.

On-line accommodation page will be available soon.

More information on accommodations will be available here 
<http://www.robocup2011.org/en/content.asp?PID=%7B50A2B475-60E4-4400-8468-60917C2CA0EA%7D&PageFn=Accommodation> 
soon.


**

***Shipping Robots and Equipment*

In order to preclude the possible delays and customs issues, please 
check here 
<http://www.robocup2011.org/en/content.asp?PID=%7B2A21F536-3E67-4958-8E63-8A354845BACD%7D&PageFn=Cargo%20Shippinga> 
for detailed information about shipment rules custom procedure of Turkey.

	**

***Visa Requirements*

Most countries do not require visa to enter Turkey or visa can be issued 
at the border gates. However, please check the website Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs of Turkey for your visa status: 
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
**Contact Details

Please contact the RoboCup 2011 Office for enquiries at:
Tel: +90 (212) 347 63 00
Fax: +90 (212) 347 63 63
E-mail: info at robocup2011.org
Website: www.robocup2011.org <http://www.robocup2011.org>

<http://www.robocup.org> <http://www.boun.edu.tr> 
<http://www.dekon.com.tr/>
Copyright © RoboCup 2011

-- 
===================================================================
H.Levent Akin                         []  To acquire knowledge and
Dean                                  []  communicate it to others
Faculty of Engineering                []  has been the ambition,
Bogazici University                   []  pleasure, and business of
34342 Bebek-Istanbul                  []  my life.
TURKEY                                []  -William Harvey
                                       []
Phone: +90 (212) 359 6401             []
Fax:   +90 (212) 265 8488             []
E-Mail:akin at boun.edu.tr               []
URL:http://www.cmpe.boun.edu.tr/~akin []