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