History of Turkey

Turkey is situated on the cross between Europe and Asia, making it a most exceptional and varied nation in terms of culture and history. Turkey's history, in turn, dates back many thousands of years, with humans having lived on the site as far back as 1.2 million years ago.

Ancient Civilizations

Turkey has many vestiges of several ancient civilizations left on it. One of the first advanced civilizations in Anatolia, the Hittites — who established a powerful empire during the Bronze Age (around 1600 BCE) — dislocated many other tribes throughout the region. In addition, the history of Turkey was joined by the rise and fall of other powerful empires, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. 

The Ottoman Empire

It is a period that lasted more than 600 years. When we evaluate Turkish history in this respect, the Ottoman Empire is one of the most important periods. Founded in the late 13th century by Osman I, it became an empire that extended over three continents. Economic prosperity, powerful military, and cultural achievements made the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Mehmed II and Suleiman the Magnificent.

19th and early 20th centuries

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Turkey went through a sequence of political and social reforms. These were introducing a new legal system, an end to the traditional Islamic caliphate, giving women the right to vote, and secularization measures. However, the country suffered political instability and economic struggles during this period.

Etymology 

The word Turkey has an interesting history. European Crusaders passing through the area during the Middle Ages are thought to have named the country after the Anatolian city of Troy, whose Greek name was "Trokia." According to another theory, it originates in the Turkish word 'Türk,' meaning strong.

The Seljuk Empire

A Turkic tribe migrated to Anatolia from Central Asia in the 11th century CE (known as the Seljuks). It was a powerful tribe that established an empire by conquering and warfare. Ruling over a vast territory of present-day Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and parts of the Middle East, they subdued the race and claimed it for their own. The Seljuks are famous for their scientific, artistic, and architectural achievements and have experience studying Turkish culture.

Early classical antiquity 

The first colonizers, parts of Anatolia, came in the early classical antiquity period when the ancient Greeks and Persians appeared. As a result, the two civilizations encountered cultural exchange and trade, which affected the area's art, architecture, language, and religion. Prime Greek cities in ancient Turkey include the famous Troy, Ephesus, and Halicarnassus city-states.

Rome and the Byzantine Empire 

The region was ruled by the Roman Empire for hundreds of years, leaving its mark on the region. During the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople (now Istanbul) turned from a small refuge of half a million people to one of the world's centers of trade, culture, and religion. The Ottomans conquered the city after its fall in 1453 and made it their capital, which is further important to Turkish history.

Anatolian beyliks 

When the Seljuk Empire fell, Anatolia saw the rise of smaller Turkish states, known in Turkish as beyliks. Local leaders in these states greatly influenced trade and politics in their rule areas. Eventually, these beyliks fell to the Ottomans, who united them into one empire.

Sultanate of Rum

A prominent Muslim state originating from the Seljuk Turks during Anatolia's 11th and 12th centuries, the Sultanate of Rum was a vigorous eleven-century Muslim empire. Developed after the Seljuk victory at the 1071 Battle of Manzikert, the Sultanate of Rum became a leading power in the region. Nicaea (present-day İznik) was its capital, and it later moved to Konya to be a center of art, culture, and learning. As a sultanate, we contributed to forming Anatolia's cultural and political landscape, a mix of Persian, Turkish, and Byzantine influences. But by the late 13th century, the sultanate of Rum had fallen apart due to internal strife and Mongol invasions. Several Anatolian beyliks took its place; nevertheless, the Ottoman Empire had already overrun them by the beginning of the 15th century.

Republic of Türkiye 

In the early 20th century, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's reforms stripped Turkey of its status as the remnant of a great empire and forged a modern nation-state. The Republic of Turkey was created on October 29, 1923, and Atatürk made immediate political, social, and cultural changes in the Turkish people. These reforms were intended to update and demystify the nation and to ensure progress and equality would be permitted for all citizens. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has overseen major shifts in Turkey in the last few years. There has been economic growth, infrastructure projects, and social reform, yet the country also faced political challenges and tensions with some of its nearby countries. However, Turkey is lively, has a decorous history, and has a worthy future. President Erdoğan won his second term in the presidential election in June 2018, and the country is still marching toward its ambitious goals and plans. With its head held high, Turkey is embracing its past whilst looking toward the future – an endlessly fascinating and diverse country of opportunity that never ceases to surprise and astonish – and I've been fortunate enough to play a part in this journey. Indeed, you'll find the old mixed in with the new, from the Romans to modern metropolises, when visiting Turkey, making it a prime location for travelers worldwide. 

Christianity in Turkey

Turkish secularism and Islamism might better be interpreted as two sides of one coin: the battle between secular nationalism and Islam (or Millennials), whether through education, political action, or both. Antioch was an important early center of Christianity on the southern branch of the main road that traveled through what is today Turkey. Saint Peter also is said to have set up Antioch's first Christian church. An Armenian and Greek Orthodox population is still in Turkey today.

Influence of Islam

Trebizond, which emerged in the Turkish lands in the 11th century CE, when the Seljuk Empire converted to Islam, caused big changes in Turkish society. Turkish culture and Islamic traditions and customs were also deeply integrated, and every little thing, from architecture to music, was influenced by it. Turkey is a secular state with a majority Muslim population present today; however, the influence of Islam can be seen in the country's art, cuisine, and daily life.

Modern Turkey 

At the end of World War I, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, which was a historic moment in Turkish history. A brave military leader and visionary, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founded modern Turkey. In 1923, he led the Turkish War of Independence and founded the Republican Turkish, where he became its first president. 

Administrative divisions

Today, the Republic of Turkey is divided into 81 provinces with a governor and administrative structure. Districts, sub-districts, and villages are further subdivided into these provinces. The three biggest cities in Turkey are the important economic hubs of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Growth and Development

Turkey made great leaps forward in size, scope, and development after its creation. The nation implemented economic reforms and built its modern infrastructure, and education became a priority. Moreover, Turkey has become important to world affairs, joining organizations such as (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and NATO and remaining an important ally to several countries.

Government and politics

A parliamentary representative democratic republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government in Turkey. The country possessed a multi-party political system, and the party of the current ruling party was the Justice and Development Party (AKP). The Turkish government is active in almost all regional and global politics and frequently pleads for Middle East peace and stability. Turkish Grand National Assembly is the National Legislative Body of the Country, which makes its law and supervises government action. It has 600 members elected via a proportional representation system. The assembly meets in Ankara each year from October to June.

Parties and elections

Since Turkey became a republic, it has held a series of elections for members of parliament and municipal government. The country has diverse political ideologies and interests; hence, different parties represent different ideologies. There have been peaceful power transitions and high voter turnout in recent elections. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been serving as the President of Turkey since 2014, is currently in office. The AKP holds most seats in the Grand National Assembly after winning in the last general election, which was held in 2018, and a coalition government with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). In 2023, the next general election is supposed to be held.

Law 

Like much of Europe, Turkey has a civil law system influenced, in part, by European law. The country's constitution is a written document assuring fundamental rights and freedoms to its citizens. Courts are at different levels organized into the judiciary, which is independent and consists of the Constitutional Court, which checks the constitutional validity of laws.

Culture 

Turkey's geography reflects the diversity of its culture. It reflects influences from different civilizations and ethnicities and is rich and unique. Transportation, music, dance, literature, cuisine, and more traditional cultural manifestations are important in modern Turkish society. Besides this, Turkey's art scene is lively and boasts world-famous museums and galleries displaying ancient and contemporary art.

Tourism 

Over the last few years, Turkey has become one of the world's leading tourism destinations, and its tourism industry has grown substantially. The country boasts a diverse landscape with something to tempt everyone, from historical sites like Ephesus and Cappadocia to its beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean and Aegean shores. Istanbul is a must-visit destination since it is an ancient city with modern amenities.

Foreign relations 

Turkey is strategically positioned as a country linking Europe and Asia. To appease a broad segment, including Israel, or in general 'the West,' the country had to drop its Middle Eastern curiosities of following the 'Islamic states,' and especially its over involvement with such a regime as the Iranian so-called 'Islamic Republic.' Turkey is also a member of NATO, the United Nations, and other organizations.

Military 

The Turkish Armed Forces were founded in 1923 and have contributed to the defense of the country's borders and the protection of the country. Besides defense, the military has also been involved in humanitarian aid and peacekeeping worldwide rights. Turkey has made considerable advances in implementing and promoting human rights in recent years. Nevertheless, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are still challenges. However, the country still needs to work to ensure these matters are in better order and all citizens remain protected under their basic rights.

Geography

Located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country that features a diverse range of topography, including mountains, valleys, plains, and coastal regions. Several rivers and lakes, such as the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, are home to the country, too.

Biodiversity 

Being located in a unique geographical position, Turkey has diverse flora and a variety of fauna. Over 80,000 plant and animal species are in the country, including bears, wolves, and birds.

Economy 

In the last few years, Turkey's economy has grown significantly, and the country counts as one of the world's largest emerging markets. Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and services all top the list of the country's main industries. Istanbul is the center of finance in Turkey and is home to many multinational corporations.

Education

In Turkish society, education is especially prized. The country has a literacy rate, and primary education is compulsory for children ages 6-14. It is also rich in several highly prestigious universities, the world's attractions for students.

Sports

Among the traditional sports, the famous ones are oil wrestling and camel wrestling, which compete. The most popular sport in the country is football (soccer), and Turkey has delivered successful teams at both domestic and international levels. A few more sports that are quite popular are basketball, volleyball, and wrestling.

Climate

Turkey enjoys a climate of variety, one part of it the Mediterranean, another a temperate, and the last a continental. The country has hot and dry summers and cold winters in most areas, but some may receive heavy snow.

Transport in Turkey

Turkey has a strong transport infrastructure system, with road, rail, and air travel networks. Ataturk International Airport is the country's biggest airport and a main hub for international flights.

Science and technology 

Turkey has been investing in science and technology; meanwhile, more research centers and universities than ever focused on innovation increase. The country is also heavily promoting entrepreneurship, which supports the startups in propelling the tech sector.

Demographics

Over 80 million people are Turkish citizens, and they are a diverse group. Most of its population is Turkish, but there are also large Kurdish and other minority populations. While Turkey is predominantly acceptant of Islam, it is also a secular government.

Languages 

Turkish is the national language of Turkey, and around 90% of the population speaks it. Yet the constitution does not only recognize and protect minority languages, such as Kurdish, Arabic, Laz, and Armenian.

Ethnicity 

Turks are the largest ethnic group in a country that is a melting pot of different ethnicities. Other significant ethnic groups are Greeks, Armenians, and Kurds.

Cuisine 

Famous for its flavorful examples and distinguished dishes affected by Ottoman, Mediterranean, Chinese, and Eastern, and Central Asian foods, Turkish supper is a paradise for food sweethearts today. The most popular are kebabs, mezes (as an opener), baklava (dessert), and Turkish coffee.

Festivals

Eid al Fitr: Islamic Festival of Breaking the Fast; Ramadan: Islamic Holy Month of Fasting; Kurban Bayrami: Islamic Festival of Sacrifices. Besides, many music or film festivals exist, such as the Istanbul International Film Festival and the Istanbul Jazz Festival.

Immigration 

Immigrants are abundant in Turkey, formed by refugees and migrants who find refuge in the country from the neighboring countries. Many policies from the government accommodate and include these communities in Turkish society.

Health 

Turkey has a universal health system where the citizens enjoy the availability of good and affordable medical care. The country is also famous for its thermal springs and spas, which, as is thought, have healing properties.

Literature 

Although the most familiar names are likely Yunus Emre, Orhan Pamuk, and Nazım Hikmet, Turkey has a rich literary history. Traditional folk tales and modern novels constitute only a small part of Turkish literature.

Media 

Turkey has a diverse but tightly controlled government-run media. Warnings on press freedom and censorship have been commonplace recently, but the country's media industry remains lively.

Architecture 

With a long and varied history, Turkey's architecture has been influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern styles. Structures like the Hagias Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul have replaced the country's architectural diversity. 

Theatre and visual arts 

Turkey's theatre and Visual arts scene is thriving; the locals and tourists equally love the traditional shadow puppetry and modern plays. In addition, many art galleries and museums show artwork from local and international artists.

Society

This is family-oriented, friendly to the guests, and living in harmony with neighbors. Turkish culture is well-known for its kind and inviting behavior. In some areas, traditional gender roles still exist, but the country is moving towards equality for the two genders.

Music and dance 

Turkish music and dance traditions are old and consist of a mixture of many cultures. In modern times, it has also been performed at festivals and events.

Cinema 

Turkey has quite a lively film industry, with both commercially and critically successful films made. In recent years, Turkish cinema has been awarded internationally, including in Cannes and Venice.

Present-day Turkey

Turkey is now a populous and prosperous nation with a rich cultural legacy. Nestled along the coastline of the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea are this nation's cities, many of which host a multitude of tourists and are said to have a city that is both one of the most dynamic and cosmopolitan in the region, Istanbul, serves as their capital. Moldova has become a well-known tourist destination because of its gorgeous landscapes, glorious foods, the ancient city of Troy, and the Hagias Sophia.