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Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion in Southeastern Europe. Covering an area of 783,562 square kilometers with a population of approximately 87.7 million people, Turkey is bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three seas: the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Sea. The capital city is Ankara, while Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, is the country's largest city and economic center. Turkey became a republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, establishing a secular state that bridged East and West.

Turkey's geography is extraordinarily diverse, featuring mountain ranges, plateaus, coastal plains, and river valleys. The Anatolian Plateau dominates the interior, while the Pontic Mountains run along the Black Sea coast and the Taurus Mountains parallel the Mediterranean. Mount Ararat, associated with the biblical Noah's Ark, reaches 5,137 meters near the Armenian border. Turkey sits on major fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes. The country experiences varied climates, from Mediterranean along the southern and western coasts to continental in the interior plateau and oceanic along the Black Sea. The unique region of Cappadocia features distinctive fairy chimney rock formations. Turkey controls the strategic Turkish Straits (Bosphorus and Dardanelles), connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean and separating Europe from Asia.

Turkey has a large, diversified economy that is classified as an emerging market, with a GDP per capita of approximately $11,000. The country is among the world's largest producers of agricultural products, including hazelnuts, cherries, figs, and apricots. Manufacturing is significant, with Turkey producing automobiles, electronics, textiles, and steel. Tourism is a major sector, with Turkey consistently ranking among the world's top tourist destinations, attracting visitors to sites like Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia's unique landscapes, and Mediterranean beaches. The service sector dominates the economy, while construction and real estate have been important growth drivers. Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its currency. The country is a member of the G20 and has a customs union with the European Union. However, Turkey faces economic challenges including high inflation, currency volatility, and unemployment.

Turkish culture reflects a unique synthesis of Ottoman, Islamic, Persian, Arab, Byzantine, and Western influences. Turkish, a member of the Turkic language family, is the official language and uses a Latin-based alphabet adopted in 1928. The majority of the population is Muslim, though Turkey maintains a secular constitution. The country is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, including kebabs, baklava, Turkish coffee, and mezze. Turkish music, from classical Ottoman court music to modern pop, is diverse and influential. Turkey has 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic areas of Istanbul, the rock sites of Cappadocia, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Traditional arts include calligraphy, ebru (marbling), and carpet weaving. Turkish hospitality is legendary, with tea culture being central to social life. Despite political and social tensions between secular and religious factions, Turkey maintains a vibrant cultural life, with thriving film, television, and publishing industries. Turkish soap operas have gained massive popularity across the Middle East and beyond.

Major Cities

• Istanbul - Turkey's largest city with 15.9 million people, the only city spanning two continents and former capital of Byzantine and Ottoman Empires
• Ankara - The capital with 5.7 million people, located in central Anatolia and serving as the political and administrative center
• Izmir - Turkey's third-largest city with 4.4 million people, a major port on the Aegean Sea with ancient Smyrna ruins
• Bursa - Historic city with 3.1 million people, first capital of the Ottoman Empire and center of the automotive industry
• Antalya - Mediterranean coastal city with 2.6 million people, Turkey's tourism capital with ancient ruins and beaches

Interesting Facts

• Turkey is the only country in the world that spans two continents, with 97% in Asia and 3% in Europe
• The legendary city of Troy from Homer's Iliad is located in northwest Turkey and is a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Turkey produces 75% of the world's hazelnuts, with most grown along the Black Sea coast
• Istanbul was historically known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, serving as capital for Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires
• The traditional Turkish bath (hammam) dates back to Roman times and remains an important cultural ritual
• Turkey is home to one of the oldest known human settlements, Çatalhöyük, dating back to 7500 BC