Turkey

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country mainly located in Anatolia in West Asia, with a smaller part called East Thrace in Southeast Europe. It has many neighbors, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Greece, and Bulgaria. Turkey is home to over 86 million people, most of whom are ethnic Turks, with Kurds being the largest ethnic minority. The country is officially a secular state but has a Muslim-majority population.

Ankara is the capital, while Istanbul is the largest city and a major economic center. Other important cities include İzmir, Bursa, and Antalya. Throughout history, the land now known as Turkey has been home to many ancient peoples and empires, such as the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk after a long struggle for independence.

Today, Turkey is an upper-middle-income and emerging country with a strong economy. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, including coastal plains and mountain ranges, and for its rich culture. Turkey is famous for its delicious food, many UNESCO World Heritage sites, and is one of the most visited countries in the world. The nation plays an important role in global politics and economics, being a member of groups like NATO, the OECD, and the G20.

Etymology

Main articles: Name of Turkey and Turkic peoples § Etymology

The name "Turkey" comes from old words meaning "the land of the Turks". People started using this name for a place called Anatolia in the 1100s. In Turkish, the word "Turk" can mean strong or full of energy.

Long ago, other countries used different names for groups of people who spoke Turkish. Over time, the name "Turkey" became common in English, especially after the year 1719. Recently, in 2022, leaders asked the world to start using the name "Türkiye" instead.

History

Main article: History of Turkey

See also: History of Anatolia, History of Thrace, and Ancient regions of Anatolia

Prehistory and ancient history

Present-day Turkey has been home to people since very old times and has some of the world's earliest settlements. Important places from these times include sites that are thousands of years old. Early farmers in this area were different from those in nearby lands.

Records of Anatolia’s past begin with writings from around 2000 BC. These writings tell us about the languages and peoples who lived there, including groups like the Hittites. The Hittite kingdom was a large and important state in central Anatolia.

Early classical antiquity

Around 750 BC, new groups such as the Phrygians appeared in Anatolia. Later, Greek settlers arrived on the west coast, establishing important cities. The area was later ruled by empires such as the Achaemenids and Alexander the Great’s successors.

Rome and Byzantine Empire

Rome became a major power in Anatolia, eventually ruling much of the area. Christianity grew strongly here, with early leaders like St. Paul working in these lands. The Byzantine Empire, continuing the Roman tradition, ruled Anatolia for many centuries.

Seljuks and Anatolian beyliks

Turkic groups, the Seljuks, arrived in Anatolia in the 11th century, beginning a process that changed the region’s culture and population over time.

Ottoman Empire

The Ottoman Empire began in the early 14th century and grew to become a powerful state, ruling much of Anatolia and beyond. It saw periods of great strength and later decline.

Republic of Türkiye

After World War I and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, leaders like Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923. The new nation introduced many changes to create a modern, secular state. Turkey joined international organizations and experienced periods of political change and development.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Turkey

See also: List of national parks of Turkey

Turkey is a large country that covers an area of 783,562 square kilometres (302,535 square miles). It is located between Western Asia and Southeastern Europe, with most of its land in Asia and a smaller part in Europe. The country is surrounded by seas on three sides: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Turkey shares borders with several countries, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Greece, and Bulgaria.

Turkey is divided into seven major regions: Marmara, Aegean, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia, and the Mediterranean. The landscape includes mountain ranges such as the Köroğlu and Pontic mountains in the north and the Taurus Mountains in the south. The Lakes Region has some of the largest lakes in the country.

Turkey has rich biodiversity and includes three important areas for wildlife out of the 36 in the world. The country is home to many species of plants and animals, including around 197 mammals, 420 birds, 820 fish, 130 reptiles, and over 10,000 plants. Some of these species are in danger.

Turkey's climate changes depending on the region. The northern coasts have warm summers and cool to cold winters with rain throughout the year. The western and southern coasts have hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Inland areas have colder winters, bigger temperature changes, and less rain.

Main articles: Wildlife of Turkey, Fauna of Turkey, and Flora and vegetation of Turkey

See also: Environmental issues in Turkey

Main article: Climate of Turkey

See also: Climate change in Turkey

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of Turkey and Constitution of Turkey

Turkey is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The current constitution was approved by referendum in 1982 and explains how the government works and what rights people have.

In Turkey, there are three levels of government: national, provincial, and local. The national government has three parts:

• Legislative: The Parliament makes laws, approves budgets, and can remove leaders from office.
• Executive: The president leads the country, appoints leaders, and can approve or block new laws.
• Judicial: Courts like the Court of Cassation make sure laws are followed fairly.

Turkey is divided into 81 provinces, each with its own local government. Elections happen regularly so people can choose their leaders.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Turkey

See also: Tourism in Turkey

Turkey is a country with a growing economy, ranking among the largest in the world. Its economy is mix of different sectors, with services making up the biggest part, followed by industry and then farming. The country is good at making many things, like cars, electronics, and clothes, and it grows a lot of food too. Tourism is also very important, with many people visiting beautiful places each year.

Turkey’s services, especially tourism, bring in a lot of money. Many tourists enjoy visiting its beaches and historic sites. The country has made progress in reducing poverty and improving lives for many people. However, there are still challenges, like making sure everyone has good jobs and fair pay.

Infrastructure

Main articles: Energy in Turkey, Renewable energy in Turkey, and Transport in Turkey

See also: Communications in Turkey and Water supply and sanitation in Turkey

Turkey produces a lot of electricity, using many renewable sources like wind and sun power. It is also working on new ways to get energy, including from under the ground. The country has many roads, bridges, and tunnels that help people travel. Trains and buses connect different parts of Turkey, and there are many airports with busy air travel.

Turkey is improving its science and technology. It spends more money on research and has made progress in areas like computers, robots, and space technology. The country is working hard to create new inventions and become a leader in these fields.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Turkey

See also: Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

Turkey is working hard to improve its science and technology. It has increased the money it spends on research and development. The country is focusing on new technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, and space exploration. In recent years, Turkey has launched its first quantum computer and built its own communication satellites, showing its progress in these areas.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Turkey

See also: Turkish people

Turkey has a big population of over 85 million people. Most people live in towns and cities, and about 68% are between 15 and 64 years old. Only about 10% are older than 65. The country’s population grew quickly from 1950 to 2020 but is now growing very slowly.

Ethnicity and language

See also: Turkish people, Minorities in Turkey, Languages of Turkey, and Turkish language

Most people in Turkey are ethnic Turks, but there are also many Kurds and other groups. Turkish is the official language and is spoken by most people, but Kurdish and other languages are also spoken.

Immigration

Main article: Immigration to Turkey

Turkey has many people from other countries, especially from Syria. There are also people from other places who have moved to Turkey for different reasons.

Religion

Main article: Religion in Turkey

Turkey is a country where people can practice any religion freely. Most people follow Islam, but there are also small groups of people who follow other religions.

Education

Main article: Education in Turkey

Turkey has made big improvements in education in the last 20 years. Children go to school for 12 years, and there are many universities where people can study.

Health

Main article: Health in Turkey

See also: Health care in Turkey

Turkey has a public health system that helps everyone. People in Turkey live about 78 years on average, but there are health problems like obesity and air pollution.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Turkey

See also: Arts in Turkey, Turkish folklore, and Festivals in Turkey

Turkey's culture has been shaped by many influences over time. After the founding of the Turkish Republic, efforts were made to highlight Turkish culture and modernise society. Today, Turkey has many local cultures, with music, dance, and food helping to identify different areas. The country also has a national culture, including sports teams, music groups, film stars, and fashion trends. Turkey is home to important historical sites and cultural traditions recognised by the world.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of Turkey

See also: Ottoman architecture

Turkey has many beautiful buildings from different time periods. The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne is a famous example of classical Ottoman architecture. Traditional Turkish houses can still be found in places like the Odunpazarı district in Eskişehir. The country also has ancient structures from Neolithic settlements like Çatalhöyük, as well as remains from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times. Ottoman architecture developed its own style, mixing local traditions with influences from other regions.

Literature, theatre, and visual arts

Main articles: Turkish literature, Theatre of Turkey, and Turkish art

Turkish literature has a long history, with many stories and poems written over the centuries. Famous works include Tales of Dede Korkut and poems by Yunus Emre. In more recent times, Turkish writers such as Yaşar Kemal and Orhan Pamuk have gained international recognition. Turkey also has many traditions in theatre, from folk performances to modern plays. The country's visual arts include painting, sculpture, and many other forms, with artists gaining attention around the world.

Music and dance

Main articles: Music of Turkey and Turkish folk dance

Turkish music includes folk music, art music, and popular styles like pop and rock. The country has produced many famous musicians and singers who are loved both at home and abroad. Traditional Turkish dances are still performed today, adding to the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

Media and cinema

Main articles: Media in Turkey and Cinema of Turkey

Turkey has many television channels, radio stations, and newspapers. The country also has a thriving film industry, with directors and actors who have won awards around the world. Turkish television dramas have become very popular in many countries, making them an important part of the country's culture and economy.

Cuisine

Main article: Turkish cuisine

See also: Ottoman cuisine

Turkish cuisine is rich and varied, with influences from many different cultures. Common foods include bread, yogurt, and various types of kebabs. Meals often feature vegetables, grains, and meats, with special dishes for sweet treats. Traditional foods like baklava and Turkish delight are enjoyed by people all over the world.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Turkey

See also: Football in Turkey

Football is the most popular sport in Turkey, with many successful teams and players. Other popular sports include basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. The country has produced many champions in these sports, both men and women, who have achieved great success in international competitions. Traditional wrestling, known as yağlı güreş, has been a part of Turkish culture for centuries and continues to be celebrated today.