About Turkey
Turkey (Türkiye) is a transcontinental country straddling Europe and Asia, serving as a historic bridge between civilizations, cultures, and religions. Its diverse landscape includes the turquoise Mediterranean coast, the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia, the rugged mountains of the east, and the verdant tea plantations of the Black Sea. Turkey's history is incredibly deep, hosting ruins of Troy, Ephesus, and Göbekli Tepe, often called the world's oldest temple.
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, is the country’s cultural and economic heart. It is the only city in the world located on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Its skyline of domes and minarets—dominated by the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque—tells the story of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The capital, Ankara, represents the modern republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923.
Turkish culture is famous for its hospitality, tea (çay) culture, and rich cuisine featuring kebabs, meze, and baklava. The traditional Turkish bath (hammam) remain a staple of social life. Modern Turkey is a dynamic mix of conservative tradition and secular modernity, a NATO member and regional power that continues to fascinate visitors with its layers of history and vibrant street life.