Turkey
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Western Asia
- Capital
- Ankara
- Population
- 85.5 million (2024)
- Area
- 783,562 km²
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +90
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Before you go
Overview
The Republic of Turkey is a transcontinental country located on the Anatolian Peninsula of Western Asia and the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe.
Turkey recorded a population of 82 million in 2019 and covers an area of 783,356 km2.
Its capital city is Ankara and it is home to Anitkabir and Kemal Ataturk.
The largest city is Istanbul which spans across Europe and Asia.
The Castle of St. Peter at Bodrum
History
Turkey expanded to Asia and Africa between the 15th and 16th centuries through the Ottoman rule.
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, Turkey got into a war of independence against the foreign settlement and the Sultan rule.
It became a republic in 1923.
It joined NATO in 1952.
Food & culture
Its culture is mainly influenced by that of West Asia, Central Asia and East Europe.
The crops grown in the country include sugar beets, olives, grapes, tomatoes, cereals especially wheat, and apples.
The popular dishes are Iskender kebab, Turkish Ravioli, Mezze, Baklava, Shish Kebab and Karniyarik.
Wildlife
Common wildlife animals include wild boars, lynx, water buffaloes, brown bears, deer, chamois, otters, leopards, wolves and mountain goats.
Festivals & events
The major celebrated events include the Republic Day on 29th October, Mesir Paste Festival, Camel Wrestling Festival, Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival, Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival and Ahirkapi Hidirellez Festival.
Things to see
There is the Hagia Sophia Museum, is a former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, which was later used as an Ottoman imperial mosque and is a museum in the present day.
People also visit the Blue Mosque, which is a historical mosque in Istanbul Turkey built between 1609 and 1616.
You could also visit the Pamukkale town, which is known for its thermal waters rich in minerals, which flow down white travertine.
Other must-see sites are Topkapi palace museum, Grand Bazaar, Bosporus and Sumela monastery.
Interesting facts
Santa Claus origin is in Patara Turkey.
The official language is Turkish.
The major religion is Islam.
