Turkey

About Turkey

Turkey is home to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul — one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. For centuries, it has been a center of trade and continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or geography, Turkey offers countless places to explore.

Geography and Location

Turkey is a unique country that bridges two continents: Anatolia (in Western Asia) and East Thrace (in Southeastern Europe).
It borders:

• The Black Sea to the north

• Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east

• Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south

• The Aegean Sea, Greece, and Bulgaria to the west

Historical Background

The land now known as the Republic of Turkey was once part of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted from 1299 until it collapsed after World War I.
Following the Turkish War of Independence, the Republic of Turkey was officially proclaimed on 29 October 1923, with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as its first president.

Country Facts

8 Fun Facts About Turkey

1. Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest peak and is considered a biblical landmark.

2. The world’s oldest temple, Göbeklitepe, is located in southern Turkey and has transformed our understanding of early civilization.

3. Tulips were first cultivated in Turkey and later brought to Europe, sparking a tulip craze there.

4. The Tünel in Istanbul is the world’s second-oldest underground railway, after London’s Underground.

5. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banned the fez because it was seen as a symbol of the Ottoman past.

6. Two of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, were located in Turkey.

7. Turks enjoy two iconic desserts: tavukgöğsü (a milk pudding made with chicken breast) and Turkish delight (lokum).

8. Traditional sports in Turkey include camel wrestling and oil wrestling, both of which are still practiced today.