Türkiye

Age of Turkic World conference being held in Ankara
Photo
Foreign policy
Age of Turkic World conference being held in Ankara
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 13:32
Floods kill eight in Türkiye
Region
Floods kill eight in Türkiye
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 13:20
Wildfire breaks out in Türkiye's Canakkale
Region
Wildfire breaks out in Türkiye's Canakkale
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 13:07
President Ilham Aliyev receives ministers of Turkic states participating in events held in Baku - UPDATED
Photo
Foreign policy
President Ilham Aliyev receives ministers of Turkic states participating in events held in Baku - UPDATED
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 11:45
Turkish Grand National Assembly Chairman: For 30 years, world community turned blind eye to Armenian occupation
Foreign policy
Turkish Grand National Assembly Chairman: For 30 years, world community turned blind eye to Armenian occupation
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 11:20
Hikmat Hajiyev: Azerbaijan suggests trilateral format of cooperation with Israel and Türkiye
Foreign policy
Hikmat Hajiyev: Azerbaijan suggests trilateral format of cooperation with Israel and Türkiye
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 09:59
Péter Szijjártó: Central Europe wants to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan, Qatar and Türkiye
Energy
Péter Szijjártó: Central Europe wants to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan, Qatar and Türkiye
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 09:44
SOCAR starts exporting gas to Bulgaria
Energy
SOCAR starts exporting gas to Bulgaria
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 09:27
NATO secretary-general thanks Türkiye
Other countries
NATO secretary-general thanks Türkiye
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 08:43
Baku hosts 2nd meeting of Ministers on Disaster and Emergency Management of OTS countries
Photo
Foreign policy
Baku hosts 2nd meeting of Ministers on Disaster and Emergency Management of OTS countries
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 07:54
Turkish intelligence conducts operation in Syria, senior PKK terrorist killed
Region
Turkish intelligence conducts operation in Syria, senior PKK terrorist killed
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 07:40
Türkiye will never forget OTS member states' help in difficult days - Ali Yerlikaya
Foreign policy
Türkiye will never forget OTS member states' help in difficult days - Ali Yerlikaya
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 07:29
General: NATO, US intend to open front against Russia in Caucasus
Foreign policy
General: NATO, US intend to open front against Russia in Caucasus
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 06:35
Armed fight at nigh tclub in Türkiye: 1 died, 3 injured
Region
Armed fight at nigh tclub in Türkiye: 1 died, 3 injured
  • 07 September, 2023
  • 05:31
Speaker of Slovak Parliament visits Aghdam, gets acquainted with “Smart village” project
Photo
Foreign policy
Speaker of Slovak Parliament visits Aghdam, gets acquainted with “Smart village” project
  • 06 September, 2023
  • 16:45
Türkiye's inflation expected at 8.5% in 2026, vice president says
Finance
Türkiye's inflation expected at 8.5% in 2026, vice president says
  • 06 September, 2023
  • 13:25
1 ... 575 576 577 578 579 ... 697

Türkiye: History, Geography, Economy, and Culture

Türkiye (officially the Republic of Türkiye, tur. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti) is a transcontinental country located predominantly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion (Thrace) in Southeast Europe. Bounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west, it shares land borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south. Spanning over 783,562 square kilometers, Türkiye is a democratic presidential republic with its capital in Ankara and its largest metropolitan and financial hub in Istanbul. Positioned at the historical and geopolitical crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the nation plays a vital bridge-building role in international affairs.

1. Historical Background and Statehood

Ancient Civilizations: Anatolia is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited regions, serving as the cradle of numerous ancient civilizations, empires, and cultures, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Greeks, Persians, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire.

Ottoman Empire: Following the conquests of the Seljuk Turks and the subsequent rise of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) became the seat of a vast transcontinental superpower that spanned three continents for over six centuries.

Modern Republic: Following the aftermath of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, the modern secular Republic of Türkiye was founded on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who implemented sweeping structural, political, and cultural reforms.

2. Geopolitics and International Relations

Strategic Crossroads: Controlling the Turkish Straits (the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles)—the vital maritime chokepoints connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean—Türkiye commands critical geopolitical leverage in Eurasian security and global trade.

Alliances: As a long-standing member of NATO, a candidate for European Union membership, and an active participant in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the G20, and the OECD, Türkiye acts as an influential diplomatic mediator and regional power.

3. Economy and Infrastructure

Diversified Industrial Hub: Türkiye boasts a robust, diversified emerging market economy driven by advanced manufacturing (automotive, textiles, home appliances, and defense technology), a massive construction sector, and globally competitive steel and petrochemical industries.

Tourism Powerhouse: Ranking among the most visited destinations in the world, the country thrives on vibrant international tourism, drawing millions to landmarks like the historic sites of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ruins of Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coastline.

Energy Corridors: The nation serves as an indispensable energy transit corridor, channeling oil and natural gas from Central Asia, the Caspian basin, and the Middle East toward European markets.

4. Culture, Gastronomy, and Heritage

Cultural Tapestry: Turkish culture brilliantly fuses Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European influences, reflected in its breathtaking architecture (such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), classical arts, and rich literary tradition.

World-Renowned Cuisine: Turkish culinary arts are celebrated globally for their exquisite balance of flavors, featuring signature dishes like kebabs, mezes, baklava, and traditional Turkish coffee and tea culture.