Turkey
Turkey Country Guide
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is mainly situated on the Anatolian Peninsula in West Asia, with a smaller portion called East Thrace on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. The country is bordered by eight countries and is surrounded by seas on three sides: the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. Turkey's diverse geography includes a large peninsula known as Asia Minor or Anatolia, mountainous regions, and coastal plains.
Turkey has a rich history, with human settlement dating back to the late Paleolithic period. It has been home to various ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Greeks, and Romans. The modern Turkish Republic was founded in 1923 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and it is a nationalist, secular, parliamentary democracy. Turkey is also a member of the G20 and NATO.
Moreover, Turkey is known for its warm climate, beautiful coastal areas, historic sites, and colorful cities. The majority of the population is ethnic Turkish, and the official language is Turkish. The country is known for its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and a wide range of cultural and historical attractions.
Capital of Turkey
Turkey's capital is Ankara. It is located in the central part of Anatolia and has a population of 5.1 million in its urban center and 5.8 million in Ankara Province, making it Turkey's second-largest city after Istanbul. Ankara became the new Turkish capital upon the establishment of the Republic on 29 October 1923, succeeding Istanbul following the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey Flag
The flag of Turkey, also known as the Turkish flag, features a red field with a white star and crescent slightly left-of-center. The flag has a width-to-length ratio of 2:3 and is often called "the red flag" or "the red banner" in the Turkish national anthem. The design of the flag is said to represent the moon and a star reflected in a pool of blood during the Battle of Kosovo.
Turkey Location
Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with the majority of its landmass situated in Asia. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Iraq and Syria to the south, and the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas to the west.
The Asian part of Turkey, known as Anatolia, is a large peninsula, while the European part, known as East Thrace, is relatively small compared to Anatolia. The country's diverse geography includes mountainous regions, coastal plains, and significant seismic activity, as Turkey is one of the most earthquake-prone areas on Earth.
What Continent is Turkey in?
Turkey is located in both Asia and Europe. The larger portion of the country, including its capital, Ankara, is situated in Asia, while a smaller part, known as East Thrace, is located in the southeastern part of Europe.
Time in Turkey
Turkey is in the Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) time zone, which is UTC/GMT +3 hours. All areas in Turkey observe the same time zone, and the country does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST) since 2016.
What Language is Spoken in Turkey?
The official language spoken in Turkey is Turkish, which is the country's official language. It is spoken by 85-90% of the population as their mother tongue and is used in government, schools, media, and daily life. In addition to Turkish, Turkey is also home to more than 30 minority, immigrant, and foreign languages. The most spoken languages after Turkish are Kurdish, Zazaki, Arabic, and English. Other languages and dialects spoken in Turkey include Greek, Armenian, Ladino, and Caucasian languages.
What Currency Does Turkey Use?
The official Turkey currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). The lira is the national currency of Turkey and is not used anywhere else in the world. It is divided into subunits called kuruş, where 1 lira is equal to 100 kuruş. The currency is available in the form of banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200, and coins (kuruş) are 5, 10, 25, and 50. While some tourist areas may accept US dollars or Euros, it is recommended to have some cash Turkish lira for transactions during your stay or visit.
Is Turkey Expensive?
Both the cost of living and visiting Turkey can depend on the location and lifestyle. The cost of living in Turkey is generally lower than in many European countries and the United States. However, the cost of living can be higher in major commercial areas and cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The cost of food, transportation, and rent are generally lower in Turkey than in many developed countries in Europe.
When it comes to visiting, the activities you do and the hotel you are staying will play a big role. But still, knowing that the exchange rates are good when it comes to dollars and euros, you will find everything quite affordable.
Turkey Population
According to the latest estimates from Countrymeters and Worldometer, the population of Turkey in 2024 is approximately 86 million people of which 16 million are in Istanbul. The population of Turkey has been steadily increasing over the years, with a growth rate of 1.09% in 2022.
Turkey Safety
So, is Turkey safe? Some areas in eastern and southeastern Turkey are considered high-risk, and travelers are advised to reconsider travel to these areas and avoid areas near the Syrian or Iraqi borders. Other than that, popular tourist cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Mugla, and Ankara, or cities in Aegean and Marmara are safe. The more you go to the eastern part of Turkey, the more safety concerns arise.
Strange Laws in Turkey
Turkey has some interesting and peculiar laws that may surprise foreigners:
- It is illegal to insult Kemal Atatürk or the Turkish flag, and disrespecting the Turkish lira is also illegal and punishable by imprisonment.
- Being on municipal public beaches without a bathing suit is prohibited by law.
- Drinking alcohol is prohibited in some areas such as public parks.
- It is illegal to take photographs of military or official places without permission.
Turkey Religion
The majority of the population in Turkey is Muslim, with Sunni Islam being the most widely practiced branch. According to the Turkish government, 99.8% of the population is initially registered as Muslim, but this figure is misleading as many people follow other religions or do not adhere to any religion but are officially classified as “Muslim”. There are also significant populations of Alevis, who practice a form of Islam that incorporates elements of Shia Islam and Turkish folk beliefs, as well as Christians, Jews, and other religious minorities. Turkey is a secular state, and the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and conscience to all citizens. The government also recognizes the rights of non-Muslim religious groups to own property and establish places of worship
Turkey Attractions
Thanks to its geographical location and the many civilizations that lived through history within the borders of today’s Turkey, there are so many attractions you can see in the country. With its rich culture and landmarks, Turkey attractions know how to leave a person amazed for sure. If you are planning to give a visit, here are the best top Turkey attractions you should see:
- Bosphorus: An only natural wonder that connects Europe and Asia with amazing scenery.
- Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque: A historic site in Istanbul, known for its stunning architecture and rich history.
- Ephesus: An ancient city with well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
- Cappadocia: A shelter created by nature itself with tuff, cave churches, and hot air balloon rides.
- Topkapı Palace: A former residence of Ottoman sultans, now a museum showcasing Ottoman artifacts and architecture.
- Pamukkale: Known for its white terraces and mineral-rich thermal waters.
- Antalya: A coastal city with beautiful beaches and historic sites.
- Troy: An ancient city with archaeological significance and legendary history.
- Mount Nemrut: Home to ancient statues and stunning sunrise views.
- Ölüdeniz: A picturesque beach known for its turquoise waters and paragliding opportunities.
- Aspendos: Famous for its well-preserved Roman theater.
Best Cities in Turkey
Here are 10 of the best cities to visit in Turkey:
Best Hotels in Turkey
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