Türkiye

Turkic cultural figures receive First Turkology Congress medal
Photo
Cultural policy
Turkic cultural figures receive First Turkology Congress medal
  • 29 June, 2026
  • 16:59
Wadephul, Rubio to hold talks in Washington ahead of NATO meeting in Ankara
Other countries
Wadephul, Rubio to hold talks in Washington ahead of NATO meeting in Ankara
  • 29 June, 2026
  • 16:08
Heads of OTS bodies responsible for religious affairs visit Alley of Honor in Baku
Photo
Religion
Heads of OTS bodies responsible for religious affairs visit Alley of Honor in Baku
  • 29 June, 2026
  • 12:43
BTC oil transportation via Türkiye exceeded 80M tons in 5 months
Energy
BTC oil transportation via Türkiye exceeded 80M tons in 5 months
  • 29 June, 2026
  • 10:12
Türkiye criticizes Israel over bill to recognize 'Armenian Genocide'
Region
Türkiye criticizes Israel over bill to recognize 'Armenian Genocide'
  • 29 June, 2026
  • 08:52
Türkiye detains 409 suspects in cybercrime operations
Video
Region
Türkiye detains 409 suspects in cybercrime operations
  • 28 June, 2026
  • 14:13
Türkiye sends rescue team, humanitarian aid to Venezuela
Other countries
Türkiye sends rescue team, humanitarian aid to Venezuela
  • 28 June, 2026
  • 09:09
Two killed, 10 injured in minibus crash in Türkiye
Region
Two killed, 10 injured in minibus crash in Türkiye
  • 27 June, 2026
  • 22:29
Farman Hasanov wins final preliminary bout at UFC Fight Night Baku - UPDATED
Photo
Individual sports
Farman Hasanov wins final preliminary bout at UFC Fight Night Baku - UPDATED
  • 27 June, 2026
  • 20:30
Jeyhun Bayramov, Hakan Fidan discuss regional security
Foreign policy
Jeyhun Bayramov, Hakan Fidan discuss regional security
  • 27 June, 2026
  • 19:12
Azerbaijani oil price falls
Energy
Azerbaijani oil price falls
  • 27 June, 2026
  • 11:08
UN: More than 50,000 missing after Venezuela earthquake
Other countries
UN: More than 50,000 missing after Venezuela earthquake
  • 27 June, 2026
  • 00:04
Azerbaijani and Turkish military orchestras perform festive concert in Baku
Photo
Military
Azerbaijani and Turkish military orchestras perform festive concert in Baku
  • 26 June, 2026
  • 23:11
Fidan: Türkiye to continue supporting US-Iran talks
Region
Fidan: Türkiye to continue supporting US-Iran talks
  • 26 June, 2026
  • 21:24
Türkiye calls for swift resumption of Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Region
Türkiye calls for swift resumption of Russia-Ukraine peace talks
  • 26 June, 2026
  • 20:50
Türkiye says its vessels have safely exited Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf
Region
Türkiye says its vessels have safely exited Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf
  • 26 June, 2026
  • 20:33
1 ... 66 67 68 69 70 ... 696

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.