Travel and History: Ten Facts About the Republic of Turkey

When you travel, it is good to know historical facts.  Modern-day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage. The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire. Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. 

Its historical, religious, political, and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized. The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.

♦ Here are TEN FACTS About the Republic of Turkey:

1. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is revered as the founder of the Republic of Turkey and is also called the “Father of the Turks”.
2. The founder of the Republic of Turkey was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1934.
3. The current capital city of Turkey is Ankara.
4. Istanbul was once the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
5. Istanbul was once historically known by the name Constantinople.
6. “Turkey entered World War II in 1945 on the side of the Allies, who secured an agreement that Turkey would become a democracy.”
7. Even though Britain or the UK has voted to exit the EU (“Brexit”), Turkey wishes to be accepted as a member state of the European Union (EU).
8. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance between European and North American countries and Turkey is a member state.
9. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Galata Tower are all famous buildings in Turkey; must-see places for any traveler or visitor. The Topkapi Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
10. The Independent published a list of Turkey’s 7 most popular cities that attract tourists. Even though Cappadocia is located in Central Turkey and is mentioned in the Bible, this city was NOT on their list.

Content previously published at Virily.com

Related Links:

What is the Capital of Turkey?

Accession of Turkey to the European Union

Top 10 most famous places to visit in Turkey

* * *FOR YOUR READING LIST (if you enjoy a good mystery):

• Istanbul Passage

• The Iznik Enigma

*

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque aka Blue Mosque, built in the 1600s during the rule of Ahmed I. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/dUP2rbfYRe

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018

Hagia Sophia was first a cathedral, later a mosque and now a museum. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/P2WiuF20jO

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018

Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower built in 1348. During the #ByzantineEmpire it was called the ‘Christea Turris,’ or the Tower of Christ. #FamousBuildings in #RepublicOfTurkey #travel #vacation #touristattractions #travelplanner #Turkey pic.twitter.com/rstsHEz3F7

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) December 29, 2018