Turkey, the land of diversity and heritage
The country
The Eurasian country of Turkey is located around Anatolian peninsula in Southwestern Asia and Balkan region of Southeastern Europe.
From the earliest ages of human civilization, Turkey has witnessed numerous metamorphosis of human lifestyle. The spectacular nature
of Turkey helped in the development of wide cultural heritage. The strategic position of Turkey has immensely influenced the culture
and etiquettes of the nation. Republic of Turkey has a population of around 73.3 Million and life expectancy of Turkey is around 68
to 73 years on an average. The capital city Ankara is not the largest one, but Istanbul is the country’s largest and most happening
city. The country witnessed more than 20 civilizations. Beside its rich history, culture, arts and incredible diversity, philosophy
is an important feature of Turkey. Turkey has accepted Islam as the major religion to be practiced. After many political turmoil and
national difficulties, present Turkey has significantly improved by following the recovery program which has been devised by
International Monetary Fund. The fact has been praiseworthy that Turkey’s military system has safeguarded the country’s secular
system over the years. Turkey has considerably progressed a lot in women education, culture and broadcasting. The country is more or
less peaceful but few clashes in the south east prevail. Turkey has been an Associate member of European Union since 1964 and also
has been an active member of Regional political organizations like NATO, OSCE etc. The country has been sandwiched between Europe
and Asia and as a result, it has been part of both the cultures. The pages of history highlight the capability of the nation to
rebuild its heritage and culture after several conflicts and fights.
Regions of Turkey
Turkey offers diversity in nature, many mountains and seas attracts the tourists and travelers. The people of Turkey also enjoy the
beauty of different natural scenarios. Each region of Turkey has its own heritage, history, personality, landscape and cuisine. The
nation is surrounded by four seas; the sunny strips of sea shores are really attractive. Beaches of Turkey are often considered as
Beach Paradises. After long discussion, during 1941 Geographical Congress, Turkey was divided into seven regions. The separations of
the regions were made as per human habitat, climatic conditions and the distribution of flora and fauna. At the final situation, the
three inner regions and four external regions were named in accordance with the adjacent seas. The seven states are Eastern
Anatolian, Central,Blacksea,Mediterranean,Aegean,Marmara and Southeastern Antolia. In the south of the wonderful Toro Mountains,
there remains the beautiful Mediterranean coast. The sandy beaches and the picturesque sceneries are worth seeing. The sea coasts
touch the mountains which are mostly covered with green forests, valleys and plains. There are plenty of fields which are used for
producing hazelnut, tobacco, corn and tea. Many of such fields are parallel to the coasts and moreover the presences of small
villages have made these places more beautiful. The East and Southeast Anatolia widely portrays the Turkish architectural samples.
The region comprises of valleys, lakes streams and ranges. Here the rivers are simply beautiful. Southeast Anatolian regions are
famous for its beautiful panoramic views. The Aegean coast is famous for its mildest climate. These lined up golden beaches remain
one after the other in the Aegean coast. Over the centuries, the Central Anatolian regions have witnessed transition of several
civilizations; this region is located at the central of Turkey. Presently the region is the political center.Murmara is famous for
Vineyards and Sunflowers, most of the Europeans start their journey from this particular region. This province is famous for most
authentic works of Ottoman architecture.
In the year1983, Turkey has signed the World Heritage Convention as the country’s nine locations were selected for preserving
cultural and social heritage. These places were Istanbul, Safranbolu, Bogazkoy-Hattushash, Mt Nemrut remains, Xanthoslethoon,
Divrigi Great Mosque and hospital, Troy, whale Pamukkale and Goramme-Cappadocia.The natural resources significantly contributed in
the growth of cultural heritage of Turkey. The heritage, clubbed with contemporary modern features attracts a massive number of
tourists and visitors across the globe. The 37th largest country of the world is now progressing through fast reforms. Turkey is sad
to be the bridge between Europe and Asia, so the country’s culture throughout the ages attracted both Europeans and the
Asians. The growing economy of Turkey and economic alliances with Germany, France, Italy and Spain, made the nation steadier.
Istanbul, as a business destination attracts a large number of entrepreneurs. Like India and China, economy of Turkey has a
sustainable growth. This has been possible only due to continued implementation of reforms and tight fiscal policy. Basing upon the
rich cultural and geographical heritage, Turkey plays a key role in world heritage activities. Friendly people and rich cultural
heritage helped the nation to be an ideal tourist destination. Delicacies of Turkey are highly popular almost in all countries.
How to reach Turkey
The airports of Turkey are modern and well equipped. All international airlines along with Turkish Airlines conduct non stop flights
from the major cities of the world. Most of the American Airlines travel to Turkey with a stopover in Europe. From almost all the
airports of Europe, flights are available to travel to Turkey.Interpole described Turkey as the safest tourist destination among all
the European nations. The Turkish government treats air safety with high priority and caution. The central business districts and
downtowns are easily reachable from the Airports. There are arrangements for car reservation from the airports; beside this several
buses also travel to the cities from the airports. A traveler can arrange his travel with agencies, all the car bookings and sight
seeing are arranged by the tour operators. Nowadays, hotel guides and traveling arrangements can be easily made with few clicks of
mouse. Leading travel agents of Turkey offers web portals through which hotel bookings can be made. The local travel agents are
indeed helpful and they cordially serve the foreign and international tourists. The driver mini tours arranged by the local tour
operators are truly alluring and facilitate the tourists to see famous places like Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia and
Antalya.Travellers usually follow their pre defined routine of exploring the heritages of Turkey, but often the diverse nature and
historical beauty overwhelms them and induces them to increase their period of stay. Docks of Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi,
Marmaris and Antalya are place to aboard cruise ships, these cruises float to major American and European ports. Many travelers
prefer these cruises for its comfort and fascinating hospitality. Ferry connections from various Greek ports and mainland Turkey are
another convenient way to reach Turkey, ferry transportation is mainly available between Marmaris - Rhodes, Bodrum - Samos, Cesme –
Chios, Cos, Kusadasi and Ayvalik – Lesbos etc.Between the months of April and October, the schedules remain same but this further
varies during winter. Turkey shares many border crossings with the neighboring countries; Varan Bus Company operates regular bus
services from Istanbul to Athens and Vienna. Istanbul is also connected with the major European cities by rail; the extensive
Turkish Railway network is helps to reach different corners of the country.
Turkish language
Turkish is the main language of Turkey, beside 70 other languages and dialects many people speak Arabic, Latin, American and Greek.
Different regions of Turkey speak different languages. Since from the inception of Turkey, language of Turkey has allowed infusion
of Middle Persian language within the main Turkish language. Acceptance of Arabic and Islam gets prominence in the Turkish language.
On the 19th Century modern Turkic written languages have emerged as Turkish of Turkey. Today around 200 Million people speak Turkey.
Again; Prussian language has few commonalities with Turkish. After foundation of Republic, during 1923 and 1928, people began to
draw attention about the alphabetical problem of Turkey. The founder of the Republic proposed the adaptation of Western culture for
country’s betterment. As a result, Latin alphabets were introduced and with advancement of time- Arabic lost its wide
acceptance.
Shopping and what to buy in Turkey
Handicrafts of Turkey are very much popular and accepted by all the cultures. In respect of quality and durability Turkish rags and
Kilmis are incomparable. Turkish leather products and rugs are modern and well designed. The grand bazaar of Istanbul and the
adjacent spice market attracts the large number of buyers. The Anatolian designs bear the touch of heritage and tradition. Several
latest designs are fusions of ancient and modern designs and these are also in high demand. Plenty of fashion shops and design
boutiques are available in the cities like Istanbul, Karum and Atakule in Ankara.Turkish leather products are available in the
modern shopping malls.The Grand bazaar is extermely popular for Ottoman engravings, silverware, needlework, illuminations,
ceramics & tiles, paintings and modern art. Iznik, Istanbul & Kutahya are places for hand painted ceramiucs and porcelain.Gift items
made up of laces, kanavice (canvas embroidery) Yemeni (colour print cotton scarves), copperware, brass and marble are sold in
markets of Turkey. Among the shopping malls and galleries, Galleria Atakoy, Akmerkez and Capitol in Istanbul, Karum and Atakule in
Ankara, Oasis in Bodrum are some of the popular galleries.
Turkey is a land of fun, frolic, festival and entertainment
Camel wrestling festival of Selcuk takes place in January; this is a very traditional event of Turkey. Folklore and Music festival
of Turkey is the event which portrays the authentic Turkish music and dance. July of Istanbul is famous for Jazz festival and it is
worth to visit Istanbul during the time. Over the centuries, belly –dancing has been an integral part of Turkey’s rich culture.
Belly dancing, though started from Turkey, today it accepted in countries like US, Japan, Europe and Australia. Turkey .Modern
lively ambience along with traditional resemblances of turkey has made the place exceptionally attractive to the entire world.
Links to Turkey sites
Icmeler in turkey
Alanya in Turkey
Turkiet - Marmaris
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