Turkey

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Country straddling Southeastern Europe and Western Asia

Turkey

Official name	Republic of Turkey
Common name	Turkey
Motto
Anthem
Flag
Coat of arms	File:Emblem of Turkey.svg
Capital	Ankara
Largest city	Istanbul
Government	Unitary presidential republic
Legislature	Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye ), officially the Republic of Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye Cumhuriyeti ), is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Black Sea to the north. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles (which together form the Turkish Straits) demarcate the boundary between Thrace and Anatolia; they also separate Europe and Asia.

History

The history of Turkey encompasses a rich tapestry of cultures and civilizations. The region has been home to various ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, and Lydians. The area was later conquered by the Persian Empire, followed by the Hellenistic period initiated by Alexander the Great. The Roman Empire and subsequently the Byzantine Empire ruled the region until the rise of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century.

The Ottoman Empire, founded at the end of the 13th century, became a dominant power in the region and lasted until the early 20th century. Following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the Turkish War of Independence led to the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Geography

Turkey's unique geographical position, straddling both Europe and Asia, has given it significant geopolitical importance. The country is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes mountains, plains, and coastal regions. The Anatolian Plateau is the central part of the country, surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Pontic Mountains in the north and the Taurus Mountains in the south.

Politics

Turkey is a unitary state with a presidential system of government. The President of Turkey is both the head of state and the head of government. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey is the unicameral legislative body. Turkey is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, the G20, and the Council of Europe.

Economy

Turkey has a mixed economy with a strong industrial and agricultural base. Key industries include automotive, textiles, electronics, and tourism. The country is also a significant producer of agricultural products such as cotton, tobacco, fruits, and vegetables. The Turkish lira is the official currency.

Culture

Turkey's culture is a blend of various elements from the Ottoman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Islamic culture, as well as influences from the Mediterranean and Central Asia. The country is known for its rich culinary traditions, music, dance, and art. Turkish cuisine is famous for dishes such as kebabs, meze, and baklava.

Demographics

Turkey has a diverse population with various ethnic groups, including Turks, Kurds, and other minorities. The official language is Turkish, and the majority of the population practices Islam, predominantly Sunni.

Related Pages

• Anatolia
• Ottoman Empire
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
• Turkish War of Independence
• Turkish cuisine
• Turkish language
• Grand National Assembly of Turkey
• Turkish lira

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