Overview
Turkey is a country that is both European and Asian, and it lies between these two continents. It is a country rich in history and culture and strategically located. It has a population of more than 85 million people, and its capital is Ankara, but Istanbul is its greatest and most symbolic city. Turkey is rich in history, having has the Hittites, Greeks, and Roman inhabit it in the past, followed by the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Contemporary Turkey, established in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is a secular republic with a thriving economy. It has breathtaking scenery, ranging from the Mediterranean beaches to the distinctive rock formations of Cappadocia. Major sites include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Ephesus. Turkish food, renowned for kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea, is a testament to its diverse cultural heritage. Being a bridge between the East and West, Turkey is geopolitically, economically, and touristically of significant importance.