About Turkey
WELCOME TO TURKEY — a fascinating bridge between Europe and Asia, where ancient civilizations and vibrant cultures have met for over 10,000 years. From the early Mesopotamian, Hittite, and Urartian kingdoms to the Ionian and Roman civilizations of western Anatolia, Turkey offers a unique journey through history, culture, and timeless beauty.
Turkey is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest open-air museums, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich natural beauty, and an extraordinary wealth of historical, archaeological, and cultural treasures shaped by thousands of years of civilization.
Istanbul proudly served as the capital of two great empires — first the Byzantine and later the Ottoman Empire. Throughout history, Anatolia has been a vibrant crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and faiths, where Christianity flourished and Islam reached its cultural and architectural heights under the Seljuks and Ottomans.
A visit to Turkey is not only about discovering remarkable landmarks and ancient monuments, but also about enjoying leisure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. The country offers an extraordinary diversity: majestic mountains for hiking, climbing, and skiing; over 8,000 km of coastline dotted with stunning bays and coves; serene lakes; regions with year-round sunshine alongside snow-covered landscapes; a well-developed tourism infrastructure; one of the world’s healthiest and most flavorful cuisines; and, above all, warm and welcoming hospitality.
A trip to Turkey is an enchanting experience and an unforgettable adventure!
Did You Know?
Turkey is located on two continents.
About 3% of the country lies in Europe, while 97% is in Asia.
Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that spans two continents.
Europe and Asia meet across the Bosphorus Strait.
Göbekli Tepe is one of the world’s oldest known temple sites.
It dates back to around 9600 BC, long before farming and writing began.
Anatolia has been home to many ancient civilizations.
Including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas) was born in Turkey.
He was born in Patara and later became the bishop of Myra (Demre).
Turkish cuisine is among the richest in the world.
Shaped by Ottoman heritage and diverse regional traditions.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets worldwide.
It has over 4,000 shops and more than 500 years of history.
Tulips were introduced to Europe through the Ottoman Empire.
Today, they are a national symbol of the Netherlands.
Turkey has over 8,000 kilometers of coastline.
Offering countless bays, beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Turkey has been a member of NATO since 1952.
This shows that Turkey is an important part of European and international security cooperation.
