8 Fun Facts About Turkey

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre: UNESCO Sites in Turkey
2. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Cultural Heritage of Turkey
3. Smithsonian Magazine: Göbekli Tepe: The World’s First Temple
4. WWF-Turkey: Biodiversity in Turkey
5. Grand National Assembly of Turkey: Parliamentary History
6. Atatürk Research Center: Atatürk’s Reforms
7. Biblical Archaeology Society: Noah’s Ark and Mount Ararat