Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Ankara is the nation’s capital, while Istanbul is the largest city and financial center.
History
Turkey’s history is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Table: Key Historical Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1923 | Foundation of the Republic of Turkey by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk |
| 1938 | Death of Atatürk and succession by İsmet İnönü |
| 1952 | Turkey joins NATO |
| 1960, 1971, 1980, 2016 | Military coups or coup attempts |
| 1987 | Turkey submits a membership application to the European Economic Community (EEC) |
| 1999 | Turkey gains candidate status for EU membership |
| 2016 | Failed coup attempt, leading to large scale purges in the military and civil services |
Government and Politics
Turkey is a unitary parliamentary republic with a diverse political landscape. It has a president who is the head of state and a prime minister who is the head of government.
Government Structure
| Branch | Function | Key Individuals/Organs |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Enforces laws | President, Vice Presidents, Council of Ministers |
| Legislative | Makes laws | Grand National Assembly |
| Judicial | Interprets laws | Constitutional Court, High Courts |
Geography
Turkey is bordered by eight countries and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land Area | Approximately 783,356 square kilometers |
| Major Cities | Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Adana |
| Climate | Varies from Mediterranean in the south and west, temperate in the west, and oceanic in the northeast |
| Natural Hazards | Earthquakes, particularly in the northern regions |
Economy
Turkey has a diversified economy encompassing agriculture, industry, and services. It is noted for its automotive, textile, and electronics industries, as well as for being a global tourist destination.
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| GDP (PPP) | $3.613 trillion |
| GDP (nominal) | $1.154 trillion |
| Per Capita GDP (Nominal) | $13,383 |
| Unemployment Rate | Approximately 12% (2023) |
| Main Exports | Machinery, vehicles, consumer goods, textiles |
Military
Turkey has the second-largest standing military force in NATO, with a significant commitment to defense spending.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Active Personnel | Over 355,000 |
| Defense Budget | Approximately $19 billion (3% of GDP) |
| Mandatory Service | Yes, for all male citizens |
| Main Branches | Land Forces, Air Force, Navy, Gendarmerie, Coast Guard |
Demographics
The Turkish population is a mix of ethnic Turks, Kurds, and other minority groups. It’s known for its young demographic, with a median age of around 30 years.
Table: Demographic Profile
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Population | Over 84 million |
| Median Age | Approximately 30.9 years |
| Ethnic Groups | Turks (70-75%), Kurds (19%), Others (7-11%) |
| Languages | Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic, others |
| Religions | Islam (majority), Christianity, Judaism, others |
FAQs around Turkey
What is the Capital of Turkey?
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey.
What is the Largest City in Turkey?
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
What Language is Spoken in Turkey?
The official language of Turkey is Turkish.
What Currency is Used in Turkey?
The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
What is Turkey Known for?
Turkey is known for its unique cultural heritage, blending elements from the Ottoman, Roman, Byzantine, and Persian empires. It’s also famous for landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Cappadocia’s landscapes, and its cuisine.
Is Turkey Part of Europe or Asia?
Geographically, Turkey is located in both Europe and Asia. The majority of its landmass is in Asia, while a small portion lies in Southeastern Europe.
What is the Climate Like in Turkey?
Turkey’s climate varies by region. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, while the interior has a more extreme continental climate with snowy winters and hot summers.
What are the Popular Foods in Turkey?
Turkish cuisine is diverse. Some popular dishes include kebabs, baklava, Turkish delight, meze, and traditional Turkish tea and coffee.
What are the Main Tourist Attractions in Turkey?
Major attractions include Istanbul’s historical sites, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and the beaches of the Turkish Riviera.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Turkey?
Visa requirements for Turkey vary by country. Many visitors can get an e-Visa online, while others may need to apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate.
Note: The information presented in this page is based on data available as of early 2023 and is subject to change.
