Turkey - World Travel Guide!

Turkey

Location: Turkey is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a small portion of its territory in southeastern Europe (Thrace) and the majority in southwestern Asia (Anatolia).

turkey-map

Population: Turkey is home to over 83 million people.

Capital City: The capital city of Turkey is Ankara.

Official Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish.

Government: Turkey is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system. It has a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Literacy: Turkey has made significant progress in improving literacy rates, with approximately 95% of the population being able to read and write.

National Symbols:

    turkey-flag
  • National Flag: The flag of Turkey consists of a red background with a white star and crescent in the center.
  • National Anthem: The national anthem of Turkey is called "İstiklâl Marşı" (Independence March).
  • turkey-animal
  • National Animal: The gray wolf is a national symbol of Turkey.
  • National Color: Red and white are the colors associated with Turkey, as they are featured on the national flag.

Religion: The majority of the population in Turkey is Muslim, with Islam being the dominant religion. However, Turkey is a secular state with freedom of religion, and there are also small communities of Christians, Jews, and other religious groups.

Currency: The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).

turkey-place

Geography:

  • Turkey has diverse geography, including mountains, plateaus, and coastal plains.
  • It is bordered by eight countries and It is surrounded by seas on three sides: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea to the north.
  • Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with the majority of its territory located in Anatolia (Asia Minor) and a smaller portion in the Balkans (Southeast Europe).

Wildlife:

  • Turkey is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, wolves, foxes, and birds like eagles and flamingos.
  • The country has several national parks and protected areas to preserve its natural habitats.
  • Turkey has diverse wildlife due to its varied landscapes, including forests, mountains, and coastal areas.
  • Some notable wildlife species include brown bears, wild boars, wolves, and various bird species such as eagles and falcons.

Climate:

  • Turkey has a diverse climate, with regions experiencing Mediterranean, temperate, continental, and semi-arid climates.
  • Summers are generally hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the interior and mountainous regions.

History:

  • Ancient Civilization: Turkey has a long history dating back to ancient times, with civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.
  • Ottoman Empire: Turkey was the center of the Ottoman Empire, a powerful Muslim state that ruled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for over six centuries.
  • Turkey has a rich and ancient history, with significant contributions from civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.
  • It was later conquered by the Ottoman Empire, which ruled for over 600 years until its dissolution after World War I.
  • Modern Turkey emerged with the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Culture:

  • Turkish culture is rich and diverse, with influences from various civilizations and traditions.
  • turkey-food
  • Food: Turkish cuisine is famous for its kebabs, baklava, börek, and Turkish delight.
  • Turkish culture is a blend of various influences from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • It is known for its rich heritage of architecture, art, literature, music, and cuisine.

National Park: Turkey has several national parks and protected areas, including Göreme National Park, Mount Nemrut National Park, and Olympos Beydağları National Park, which are known for their natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor recreational activities.

National Games: Traditional Turkish sports include oil wrestling (yağlı güreş), camel wrestling (deve güreşi), and Turkish archery (okçuluk). Modern sports such as football (soccer), basketball, and volleyball are also popular.

turkey-festival

Festivals: Turkey celebrates various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, including Ramadan (Ramazan Bayramı), Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı), and Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı). These festivals are marked by family gatherings, feasting, and cultural performances.

Transportation: Turkey has a well-developed transportation network, including highways, railways, airports, and ports. Istanbul, the largest city, has an extensive public transit system consisting of buses, trams, metro, and ferries.

Multiculturalism: Turkey is a diverse and multicultural country with a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and religions. It is home to various ethnic groups, including Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and Armenians, among others. Despite challenges, Turkey embraces multiculturalism and strives to maintain social cohesion.

Inventions: Turkey has made contributions to various fields throughout history, including mathematics, astronomy, and architecture during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Modern Turkish inventions include the Turkish bath (hammam), Turkish coffee, and the Turkish carpet (kilim). Additionally, Turkey has developed advancements in industries such as textiles, automotive manufacturing, and electronics.

© 2023 World Travel