History of Turkey

Turkey is a unique and varied country in terms of history and culture since it is at the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Turkey's past stretches many thousands of years; people have inhabited the ground as far back as 1.2 million years ago.

The Ottoman Empire

It lasted more than 600 years. The Ottoman Empire is hence among the most important periods in Turkish history. Founded in the late 13th century, the Ottoman Empire developed it into a three-continent empire. The Ottoman Empire had military might, cultural successes, and economic riches under Mehmed II and Suleiman the Magnificent.

19th and early 20th centuries

Turkey saw several political and social reforms in the 19th and early 20th century.  Among these were secularising policies, a new legal system, the demise of the conventional Islamic caliphate, and women's right to vote.

Etymology 

Turkey is a country with a fascinating past. Thought to have been named after the Anatolian city of Troy, whose Greek name was "Trokia." European Crusaders across the Middle Ages are said to have another view that it starts with the Turkish word "Türk," which means strong.

The Seljuk Empire

Originally from Central Asia in the eleventh century CE, the Turkic tribe known as the Seljuks migrated to Anatolia and established an empire by war and conquest. They subdued the race and claimed it for their own throughout a great swath of contemporary Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and some of the Middle East. Having studied Turkish civilisation, the Seljuks are well-known for their architectural, artistic, and scientific successes.

Early classical antiquity 

In parts of Anatolia, the earliest colonists arrived in early classical antiquity, when the ancient Greeks and Persians began to appear. The two civilisations thus engaged in trade and cultural interaction that transformed the language, architecture, and religion of the region. Significant Greek city-states in ancient Turkey include Halicarnassus, Ephesus, and Troy.

Influence of Islam

Big changes in Turkish society resulted from Trebizond, which first arose in the Turkish territory in the 11th century CE and underwent conversion to Islam by the Seljuk Empire. Turkish culture and Islamic traditions and practices were deeply entwined; every small detail, including music and architecture, was inspired by them. Although Turkey is a secular state with a majority Muslim population nowadays, its art, food, and daily life clearly show the impact of Islam.

Rome and the Byzantine Empire 

The Roman Empire dominated the area for centuries, leaving traces. Constantinople (now Istanbul) evolved from a little haven of half a million people during the Byzantine Empire to one of the hubs of trade, culture, and religion worldwide. Further significant to Turkish history is the Ottomans' conquest of the city following its collapse in 1453 and its designation as their capital.

Anatolian beyliks 

When the Seljuk Empire collapsed, Anatolia saw the emergence of lesser Turkish states, referred to in Turkish as beyliks. Local leaders in these states had a big impact on trade and politics in their domains. These beyliks finally descended to the Ottomans, who combined them into one nation.

Sultanate of Rum

Emerging in the eleventh century from the Seljuk Turks came the powerful Muslim Sultanate of Rum. It was in the eleventh and twelfth centuries that these events transpired. Rising with the Seljuk triumph in the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, the Sultanate of Rum started to be somewhat active in the area. Its capital was Nicaea, present-day İznik; later, it relocated to Konya as the centre of art, education, and creativity. Being a sultanate, we mixed Byzantine, Persian, and Turkish influences to help shape Anatolia's political and cultural scene. However, internal conflict and Mongol invasions had split the sultanate of Rum apart by the late 13th century. Many Anatolian beyliks replaced them; by the start of the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire had already absorbed them.

Republic of Türkiye 

Early 20th-century Turkey transformed under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's reforms into a modern nation-state, so wiping out its past as the echo of a once-great Empire. October 29, 1923, saw the founding of the Republic of Turkey; Atatürk immediately bestowed upon the people political, social, and cultural gains. These developments were supposed to modernise and demystify the nation and ensure that everyone would gain from equality and progress. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has implemented meaningful reforms in Turkey in the last few years. Even after winning the second term in the presidential elections of June 2018, the country still moves ahead with its more affecting ambitions and hopes. Turkey is embracing its past while looking ahead—an endlessly intriguing and varied nation of possibility that never ceases to surprise and astound me—with its head held high. 

Modern Turkey 

A pivotal point in Turkish history, the fall of the Ottoman Empire came at the end of World War I. Visionary military man, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, launched modern Turkey. He led the Turkish War of Independence and started the Republican Turkish, becoming the first president of the latter in 1923.

Administrative divisions

There are 81 provinces within the Republic of Turkey, each with a governor and administrative structure. These provinces split up even more into districts, sub-districts, and towns. Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are Turkey's three biggest cities, together with important industrial hubs.

Government and politics

The head of government of Turkey is a parliamentary representative democratic republic headed by a prime minister and a president as chief of state. The country had a multi-party political system, thus the Justice and Development Party (AKP) now held present power.  Active in practically all regional and worldwide politics, the Turkish government regularly advocates Middle East peace and stability. The national legislative body of Turkey is the Grand National Assembly, in charge of legislation and government activity monitoring. Six hundred members of it are chosen under a proportional representation system. Every year, the assembly convenes in Ankara between October and June.

Parties and elections

Turkey has conducted several elections for parliament and municipal administration members since it became a republic. The numerous political parties in the nation are a reflection of the diverse range of political views and interests that exist there. Recent elections have shown smooth handovers of power and high voter turnout. Presented in office right now is Turkey's President of Choice, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, since 2014. Under a coalition administration featuring the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the AKP has the most seats in the Grand National Assembly following its triumph in the last general election, held in 2018. The next general election ought to happen in 2023.

Law 

Like most of Europe, Turkey's civil law system is shaped partly by European law. The nation's written constitution guarantees its people basic liberties and rights. The Constitutional Court reviews the constitutional legality of laws. Courts are arranged at several independent levels.

Culture 

Turkey's geography reflects the variety of its culture. Rich and distinctive, it reflects elements from many civilisations and cultures. Essential aspects of modern Turkish society include transportation, music, dancing, literature, food, and more conventional cultural expressions. Apart from this, Turkey's artistic scene is vivid and includes galleries and world-class institutions displaying both modern and old works.

Tourism 

During the last few years, Turkey's travel industry has grown quickly. From its historic sites, like Ephesus and Cappadocia, to its breathtaking beaches, the nation presents a mixed picture that can attract to everyone. Istanbul is a historic city with modern amenities that are most certainly visible.

Foreign relations 

Turkey is deliberately positioned as a nation connecting Asia with Europe. To satisfy a wide audience, including Israel or generally "the West," the nation had to abandon its Middle Eastern fascination with following the "Islamic states" and notably its over-engagement with a government such as the Iranian so-called "Islamic Republic." Turkey also belongs to other organisations, including NATO and the United Nations.

Military 

Originally founded in 1923, the Turkish Armed Forces have supported the front-line defence of their country. Apart from defence, the armed forces have engaged in humanitarian relief and peacekeeping.

Geography

Turkey presents a diversified topography from mountains to valleys, plains to coastal locations at the junction of Europe and Asia. Two of the many rivers and lakes people are proud of in the country are the Tigris and the Euphrates.

Biodiversity 

Turkey's unique topography produces a spectrum of flora and fauna. Along with around 80,000 plants and animals, birds, wolves, and bears flourish in this country among other species.

Economy 

Over the past few years, Turkey's economy has boomed; among all the economies, it boasts the fastest present growth worldwide. Among the major industries of the nation are manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and services in the highest order. The financial centre of Turkey, Istanbul, also attracts a lot of foreign companies.

Education

Knowledge is especially valued in Turkish society. The nation has a literacy rate; students aged 6 to 14 must complete elementary school by law. It is also rich in various esteemed colleges, which draw students worldwide.

Climate

Turkey boasts a quite varied climate; the east coast can be as hot as a desert and reach -25°C in winter, while the west coast is a classic Mediterranean one. Although much of the country suffers cold winters, some may have heavy snowfall; the nation also gets hot and dry summers.

Transport in Turkey

Turkey claims a strong transportation system, including road, rail, and air networks. The biggest airport in the country, Atatürk foreign Airport, hosts most foreign flights.

Science and technology 

Turkey has been funding science and technology, and more research facilities and colleges than ever before have concentrated on innovation. The nation is also strongly encouraging entrepreneurship, which helps startups drive the IT industry.

Demographics

There are practically 80 million individuals living in Turkey. Apart from substantial Kurdish and other minority groups, the most of the residents are Turkish. Turkey has a secular government, even if most of its people embrace Islam.

Languages 

About 90% of people in Turkey speak Turkish, the national language. Still, the constitution not only honours and safeguards minority languages such as Armenian, Arabic, Laz, and Kurdish.

Religion 

In Turkey, a historically Muslim nation, Sunnis account for the highest proportion of Muslims among all Muslims. Still, the country boasts small Jewish and Christian communities as well. Though Turkey has a secular government, everyone exercises their freedom of belief.

Cuisine 

Renowned for its savoury cuisine influenced by Ottoman, Mediterranean, Chinese, Eastern, and Central Asian foods, Turkish dinner is heaven for modern foodies. The most often consumed dishes are kebabs, mezes (as an opener), baklava (dessert), and Turkish coffee.

Immigration 

Turkey boasts a sizeable immigrant population made up of refugees and migrants who flee nearby nations. Several government policies have allowed these groups to be involved in Turkish society.

Health 

Turkey boasts a universal health system through which its people benefit from reasonably priced, quality medical treatment. The nation is also well-known for its thermal springs and spas, which, as is believed, offer medicinal qualities.

Literature 

Turkey has a rich literary legacy, even if the most well-known names are probably Yunus Emre, Orhan Pamuk, and Nazım Hikmet. Only a small portion of Turkish literature consists of classic folk stories and contemporary novels.

Media 

Turkey boasts a varied yet closely regulated media under government direction. Though warnings on press freedom and censorship have become somewhat regular lately, the nation's media business is nevertheless vibrant.

Architecture 

Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern forms have shaped Turkey's architecture across an extensive and varied history. Constructions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul have replaced Turkey's architectural diversity.

Theatre and visual arts

Turkey's theatrical and visual arts industry is thriving; locals and guests value contemporary productions as well as classic shadow puppets. Many museums and art galleries also have items from both domestic and international artists.

Society

This is nice for visitors, family-oriented, and in line with neighbours. Turkish culture's friendly and courteous nature is rather well-known all around. While certain regions still have conventional gender norms, the nation strives to achieve gender equality.

Music and dance 

Turkish music and dance customs reflect their country, are old, and combine numerous civilisations. Modern times have also seen its performance at celebrations and festivities.

Sports

Among the classic sports, the well-known ones are popular camel and oil wrestling. Football (soccer) is the most played sport in the nation, and Turkey has produced strong teams on both national and international fronts. Two other rather popular sports are wrestling, volleyball, and basketball.