Turkey
Capital
Ankara
Population
~85.0 million
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Quick Facts
- Languages
- Turkish
- Religion
- Predominantly Sunni Islam, significant Alevi minority, historically Christian/Jewish presence
- Climate
- Diverse; Mediterranean coast, oceanic Black Sea coast, continental interior
Culture & History
Known for: the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, its strategic location bridging Europe and Asia (Istanbul), and Turkish delight candy
Also famous for: Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia (fairy chimneys), Ephesus ruins, kebabs, Turkish coffee, founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Food: Kebab varieties, Meze, Baklava, Börek
Brief History
Hittite/Greek/Roman presence, Byzantine Empire, Seljuk Turks, Ottoman Empire, Republic founded 1923 by Atatürk