Turkey is home to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. It has been a center of trade for centuries and continues to draw millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or geography, Turkey has a lot to explore. About Turkey Turkey is a country with Anatolia (West Asia) on one side and East Thrace (Southeast continental Europe) on the other. The nation borders the Black Sea Coast (north); Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran (east); Iraq, Syria and the Mediterranean Sea (south); and the Aegean Sea, Greece and Bulgaria (west). The country now known as the Republic of Turkey was part of the Ottoman Empire until the empire broke up in the aftermath of World War I. The Turkish War of Independence followed and then in 1923 came the Republic with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the first Turkish President. Category Details Founded 1299 Republic Proclaimed 29 October 1923 after Turkish War of Independence Capital City Ankara Largest City Istanbul Official Language Turkish European Union Status Associate Member Major Cities İzmir, Bursa, Antalya Population Over 85 million Currency Turkish Lira Majority Ethnic Group Turks Largest Minority Kurds Highest Mountain Mount Ararat UNESCO World Heritage Sites 21 (2024 data) Here are 8 facts about Turkey that you might find interesting. 8 Fun Facts About Turkey Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest peak and a biblical landmark The world’s oldest temple is in southern Turkey and changed how we understand the world Tulips traveled from Turkey to Europe, spawning their own craze The Tünel in Istanbul is the world’s second-oldest underground railway Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banned fezzes in Turkey because they were seen as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire Two archaeological sites known as ancient wonders of the world are in Turkey Turks eat two iconic desserts that reflect their cuisine: tavukgöğsü and Turkish delight Camel wrestling and oil wrestling are traditional sports in Turkey 1. Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest peak and a biblical landmark Beautiful view of Mount Ararat Mount Ararat is Turkey’s highest mountain, standing at 5,165 meters (16,945 feet). Biblical tradition identifies it as the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood. 2. The world’s oldest temple in southern Turkey changed how we understand the world Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill) is an ancient site in southeastern Turkey and the world’s oldest known temple, dating back to 9600 BCE. The site was discovered in the 1960s but deeper excavation in 1994 changed our understanding of human history. Scientists and historians previously believed agriculture led to architecture; this discovery suggested it was the desire for spiritual commune that may have done so.
3. Tulips traveled from Turkey to Europe, spawning their own craze Tulips bring us joy in spring symbolizing renewal, regrowth and fresh beginnings Tulips were introduced to Europe by merchants, traders and diplomats from the Ottoman Empire. A Dutch ambassador in the 16th-century court of Süleyman the Magnificent of Turkey returned to Holland with an armful of tulip bulbs and started a craze. >> Also See: Fun Facts About Easter 4. The Tünel in Istanbul is the world’s second-oldest underground railway The historic red Tünel is a landmark of Istanbul. Turkey’s Tünel funicular in Istanbul opened in 1875 as the world’s second underground railway after the London Underground. It is the oldest operating underground railway in continental Europe. The line connects two stations: Karaköy and Beyoğlu, carrying passengers up or down a steep incline for a 90 second ride. >> Learn more: Fun Facts About Istanbul 5. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banned fezzes in Turkey because they were seen as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey, initiated reforms in the early 20th century and helped modernize the nation. One of his modernizations was getting rid of the signature Ottoman headgear. Year Ataturk’s Reform 1922 Abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate. 1923 Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey. 1924 Abolition of the Caliphate; centralization of education; abolition of sharia courts. 1925 Adoption of the Gregorian calendar; introduction of the Hat Law. 1926 Adoption of the civil code based on Switzerland and criminal code based on Italy, legal equality for women. 1927 Establishment of Turkish State Railways. 1928 Adoption of the new Turkish alphabet. 1931 Establishment of the Turkish Historical Society. 1932 Establishment of the Turkish Language Association. 1934 Full political rights for Turkish women (voting and election eligibility); Surname Law. 1937 Secularism (laïcité) in the Turkish constitution. 6. Two archaeological sites known as ancient wonders of the world are in Turkey Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are in Turkey: Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Explore Wonders of the Ancient World in Greece 7. Turks eat two desserts that reflect their cuisine: tavukgöğsü and Turkish delight Lokum, aka Turkish delight, is worldwide favorite Tavukgöğsü or chicken breast pudding, is a typical Ottoman dessert made from milk, sugar and finely shredded boiled chicken breast. It’s known for its creamy texture and subtle flavor. Equally celebrated is Turkish delight or lokum, a confection that originated in the royal courts of the Ottoman Empire. Its flavors—ranging from rosewater to pistachio and lemon—offer a luxurious taste and texture that have enchanted palates for centuries. Lokum is made from sugar and starch. >> Also See: 50+ Best Korean Snacks 8. Camel wrestling and oil wrestling are traditional sports in Turkey Camel wrestling is a sport where two male camels compete by pushing and unbalancing their opponents. This tradition is popular in Turkey’s Aegean region. Oil wrestling is a traditional Turkish sport dating back to the Thracians, where two human participants wrestle while covered in oil, aiming to achieve a decisive hold of the opponents kisbet, loose-fitting leather pants worn by the wrestlers. There’s an annual competition every July, if you want to participate. References: UNESCO World Heritage Centre: UNESCO Sites in Turkey Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Cultural Heritage of Turkey Smithsonian Magazine: Göbekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple WWF-Turkey: Biodiversity in Turkey Grand National Assembly of Turkey: Parliamentary History Atatürk Research Center: Atatürk’s Reforms Biblical Archaeology Society: Noah’s Ark and Mount Ararat