Turkey

Turkey, The Crossroad of Civilizations

Republic of Turkey is the only country occupying lands both in Asia and European continents. Istanbul and Canakkale are the two cities founded on the two sides of two straits (Bosphorus and Dardanelles) seperating Marmara Sea and two continents. The lands in European continent is called Trakya (Thrace) and the lands in Asian continent called Anatolia (Asia Minor). Turkey is a large country by having 738,562 kilometers square land surface and 82 million population. Turkey is a democratic and secular country as a successor state of Ottoman Empire since its foundation by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, since 1923. Ataturk, as being one of the most important figures in the history of the world, he is the most important symbol of modernism in Turkey and he is beloved by a great percentage of Turkish population. The country consists of 7 geographical regions and 81 provinces. The capital is Ankara (4.5 million population) and Istanbul is the biggest city of Turkey and Europe with 14 million population. Other biggest cities are İzmir, Bursa, Adana, Mersin, Antalya and Konya. Turkey has a history dating back to 12.000 years ago. Göbeklitepe, in the east of the country is considered the be first human settlement in the world. Starting from 6.000 years ago the lands of Anatolia was home to so many various civilizations; Luwians (Troians, Lydians, Lycians and Carians), Sumerians, Hattis and Hittites, Assyrians, Phrygians, Galatians, Urartians, Persians, Ionians, Romans, Byzantines, Mongolians, Seljuks and Ottomans. Turkey, being on a very strategic geographical position has borders with many countries with different characteristics. The longest borderline of Turkey is with Syria (877 km). The other neighboring countries are Irak, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Greece. Throughout its history Anatolia has acted as both a barrier and a bridge between the two continents and still in the modern times the country is experiencing a lot of conflicts because of this very unique geographical position; like political conflicts with Russia and USA, being a candidate to European Union since 1963 and having 4 million immigrants in a few months. Apart from 10 neighbors Turkey is surrounded 3 big seas and 1 inner sea; Black Sea in the north, Aegean in the west, Mediterranean in the south and Marmara Sea between the two continents.

Tourism In Turkey

Every year around 10 million Turkish people travel abroad for their holidays. The main destinations for Turkish people are Greece, Italy, Spain and Germany. On the other hand Turkey itself is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the world. In the year 2019 Turkey is the 6th most visited country in the world with more than 40 million tourist. In Turkey there are many touristic destinations which each of them offering diffrent experiences;

Most Popular Destinations In Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul is popular for its rich history, museums, monuments, the beauty of Bosphorus and colorful social life.

Antalya

The city of Antalya and surroundings are popular for its rich history, natural beauties, 5 star all inclusive hotels, fine sand beaches, turquaz blue sea, perfect service and affordable prices.

Cappadocia

This area is in the middle of Anatolia. It is famous for its unusual geographic formations, mysterious underground cities and baloon ride.

Aegean Coasts

West coasts of Turkey has full of well preserved ancient cities like Troya, Ephesus, Pergamon, Milet, Myra Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and world-wide famous holiday towns like Bozcaada, Cesme, Alacati, Bodrum, Fethiye, Datca and Marmaris. If you are a Christian you can visit House of Mary in Selcuk as for pilgrimage, as well.

Important Tourist Attractions In Turkey

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul Haghia Sophia, Istanbul Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Basilic Cistern, Istanbul Bosphorus, Istanbul Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Galata Tower, Istanbul Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul Archeological Musuem, Istanbul Archeological Site of Troya, Çanakkale Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Anitkabir, Ankara Gobeklitepe, Sanliurfa Ephesus Ancient City, Selcuk Zeugma Mosaic Museum, Gaziantep Nemrut Mountain, Adiyaman Divrigi Ulucamii, Sivas Goreme National Park, Nevsehir Hattuşa (Capital of Hittites), Çorum Pamukkale and Hierapolis, Denizli Town of Safranbolu, Karabük Selimiye Mosque, Edirne Çatalköyük Neolitic Site, Konya Cumalikizik Village, Bursa Ancient Site of Pergamon, İzmir Archeological Museum, Antalya Aspendos Ancient Theatre, Antalya Ancient Site of Aphrodisias, Aydın