Turkey Map - Infoplease

History of Turkey

Turkey has deep and intricate historical roots as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The Bible explains that its lands were settled by the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and later colonized (c.800 BC) by Greek settlements along the Aegean coast.

It later became an essential part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, as a significant cultural center at the head of an African diocese. In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks rose to prominence. They became a dominant force in the region, followed by the Ottoman Empire, which developed into one of history's longest-reigning multi-ethnic and multi-religious monarchies.

A new Turkish state was established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1918 and a devastating war in 1939–1945. Today, Turkey is a country where antiquity meets modern identity and mirrors its place in world history.

Geography of Turkey

Turkey is located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkans in Southeast Europe. It is one of the largest countries in the region, covering 783,562 km2 (302,535 sq mi). Eight countries border Turkey: Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south.

Four seas surround the country: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Black Sea to the north, and the Sea of Marmara, which connects the European and Asian sides.

Turkey’s landscape is highly diverse. The Anatolian Plateau forms the heartland of the country, which is ringed by a series of mountains: the Pontic Mountains to the north and northeast and the Taurus Mountains to the south. Eastern Turkey’s topography is dominated by 16,854-foot-tall Mount Ararat, whose jagged peaks rise some 5,137 meters above sea level. The Tigris, Euphrates, and Kızılırmak are among the most important rivers in the region with fertile valleys.

The country lies in a seismically active region; there have been devastating earthquakes, including the August and November 1999 Istanbul-area (N Anatolian fault) earthquakes.

The capital is Ankara, a city situated in the centre of the country on the Anatolian Plateau. Other significant towns include Istanbul, the largest city and the country’s commercial and cultural heart; Izmir, which is a key port city on the Aegean coast known for trade and tourism; and Antalya, which attracts visitors with its Mediterranean beaches and resorts.

Major Cities

• Istanbul
• Ankara
• Izmir
• Antalya
• Bursa
• Adana
• Konya
• Gaziantep
• Diyarbakır
• Mersin
• Kayseri
• Eskişehir

Interesting Facts about Turkey

• Transcontinental Country – Turkey spans both Europe and Asia, with the majority of its land in Asia and a small portion in Europe, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
• Home to Ancient Civilizations – Turkey has been inhabited by civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
• Istanbul’s Unique Geography – Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia.
• Mount Ararat – The highest peak in Turkey, rising to 5,137 meters (16,854 feet), is traditionally considered the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
• Cultural Heritage – Turkey has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Göreme National Park, Ephesus, and Hagia Sophia.
• Famous Cuisine – Turkish cuisine is renowned for kebabs, baklava, mezes, and Turkish tea, reflecting a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Central Asian influences and known worldwide.
• Tulip Origins – Tulips, often associated with the Netherlands, originated in Turkey during the Ottoman Empire.
• Unique Coffee Tradition – UNESCO recognizes Turkish coffee for its cultural significance and traditional preparation.
• Strategic Location – Turkey controls key waterways, including the Bosporus and the Dardanelles, which link the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

People also ask…

What is the Official Currency of Turkey?

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It is used nationwide for everyday transactions. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

What is the Cuisine of Turkey?

Turkish cuisine is rich and diverse, blending influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Central Asia. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, baklava, pide, and Turkish tea and coffee, reflecting the country’s long culinary heritage.

What is Turkey Famous for?

Turkey is known for its ancient culture, diverse landscapes, and cultural legacy. Some major highlights are the historic sites in Istanbul, the rock formations of Cappadocia, and Mount Ararat.

Note: Most of Turkey is part of the Asian continent, but a relatively small area (bordering Greece and Bulgaria) is part of the European land mass.

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