Turkey

Republic of Türkiye (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti)

Positioned uniquely across two continents, Turkey bridges Europe and Asia across the Bosporus Strait. Home to rich Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, and Hittite archaeological wonders, Turkey features the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Mediterranean coasts, and bustling bazaars.

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Quick Facts

Capital: Ankara
Population: 85,300,000
Area: 783,562 km²
Currency: TRY (₺)
Languages: Turkish
Continent: Europe
Calling Code: +90
Driving Side: Right-hand
Internet TLD: .tr
Timezone(s): TRT (UTC+3)
Highest Point: Mount Ararat (5,137 m)
Coastline: 7,200 km

Administrative Divisions

Marmara

Geographical Region · Istanbul

Central Anatolia

Geographical Region · Ankara

Aegean

Geographical Region · Izmir

Mediterranean

Geographical Region · Antalya

Major Cities

Istanbul

Population: 15,655,000

Transcontinental metropolis formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople

Ankara

Population: 5,750,000

National administrative capital founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Izmir

Population: 4,425,000

Major Aegean seaport and cultural metropolis

Hot air balloons flying over Cappadocia fairy chimneys in Turkey — Sunrise over the surreal volcanic landscape of Cappadocia, Central Anatolia.Photo by Mar Cerdeira via Unsplash (Free License)

Geography

Roughly 97% of Turkey lies in Asia (Anatolia) and 3% in southeastern Europe (East Thrace), separated by the Turkish Straits (Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles). Bordered by the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

Climate

Mediterranean climate along the southern and western coasts; temperate oceanic along the Black Sea; continental and arid in the central Anatolian plateau.

Famous Landmarks

Hagia Sophia

Istanbul

Masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, built in 537 AD as an imperial cathedral

Cappadocia

Central Anatolia

Surreal volcanic landscape of fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and hot air balloons

Pamukkale

Denizli

Terraced white travertine pools formed by calcium-rich mineral thermal waters

Interesting Facts

Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world located across two continents simultaneously.
Tulips were originally cultivated in the Ottoman Empire and later introduced to the Netherlands.
Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey is traditionally identified as the resting place of Noah's Ark.

Geography Facts

Istanbul, Turkey is the only metropolis located on two continents.

Straddling the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul occupies both Southeastern Europe (Thrace) and Western Asia (Anatolia). Suspension bridges and an undersea railway tunnel connect the European commercial center with Asian residential quarters.

Capital FactsLearn more Source: TurkStat