Türkiye

President Ilham Aliyev holds meeting with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Foreign policy Photo

President Ilham Aliyev holds meeting with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan

  • 16 March, 2023
  • 05:03
President Ilham Aliyev arrives in Türkiye for visit
Foreign policy Photo

President Ilham Aliyev arrives in Türkiye for visit

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 16:30
Ankara to host OTS Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers tomorrow 
Region

Ankara to host OTS Meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers tomorrow 

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 16:14
Michael Doran: 'When you start to think about bringing Central Asian energy resources to Europe you realize the importance of Azerbaijan'
Foreign policy

Michael Doran: 'When you start to think about bringing Central Asian energy resources to Europe you realize the importance of Azerbaijan'

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 15:33
Death toll from floods in Türkiye's quake zone climbs to 13
Region

Death toll from floods in Türkiye's quake zone climbs to 13

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 14:04
Türkiye floods kill 10 people
Region

Türkiye floods kill 10 people

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 13:02
Ankara, Washington discuss US drone downed over Black Sea
Region

Ankara, Washington discuss US drone downed over Black Sea

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 12:35
Azerbaijanis reduce home purchases in Türkiye by over 24%
Business

Azerbaijanis reduce home purchases in Türkiye by over 24%

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 12:28
Turkish Defense Ministry in talks to extend grain deal for 120 days
Region

Turkish Defense Ministry in talks to extend grain deal for 120 days

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 11:23
Cavusoglu: Türkiye to continue fighting all types of hate crimes
Region

Cavusoglu: Türkiye to continue fighting all types of hate crimes

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 11:00
Türkiye may okay Finland's NATO membership bid before elections
Region

Türkiye may okay Finland's NATO membership bid before elections

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 10:05
Azerbaijan resumes coffee imports from 8 countries 
Business

Azerbaijan resumes coffee imports from 8 countries 

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 09:45
Finnish president to visit Türkiye on March 16-17
Region

Finnish president to visit Türkiye on March 16-17

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 09:37
Kalin: Türkiye may increase throughput capacity for Azerbaijani gas
Energy

Kalin: Türkiye may increase throughput capacity for Azerbaijani gas

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 06:52
Another earthquake hits Türkiye
Region

Another earthquake hits Türkiye

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 05:28
Ibrahim Kalin discusses Azerbaijan-Armenia relations in Washington
Region

Ibrahim Kalin discusses Azerbaijan-Armenia relations in Washington

  • 15 March, 2023
  • 05:05
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Türkiye: History, Geography, Economy, and Culture

Türkiye (officially the Republic of Türkiye, tur. Türkiye Cumhuriyeti) is a transcontinental country located predominantly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion (Thrace) in Southeast Europe. Bounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west, it shares land borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south. Spanning over 783,562 square kilometers, Türkiye is a democratic presidential republic with its capital in Ankara and its largest metropolitan and financial hub in Istanbul. Positioned at the historical and geopolitical crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the nation plays a vital bridge-building role in international affairs.

1. Historical Background and Statehood

Ancient Civilizations: Anatolia is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited regions, serving as the cradle of numerous ancient civilizations, empires, and cultures, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Greeks, Persians, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire.

Ottoman Empire: Following the conquests of the Seljuk Turks and the subsequent rise of the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) became the seat of a vast transcontinental superpower that spanned three continents for over six centuries.

Modern Republic: Following the aftermath of World War I and the Turkish War of Independence, the modern secular Republic of Türkiye was founded on October 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who implemented sweeping structural, political, and cultural reforms.

2. Geopolitics and International Relations

Strategic Crossroads: Controlling the Turkish Straits (the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles)—the vital maritime chokepoints connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean—Türkiye commands critical geopolitical leverage in Eurasian security and global trade.

Alliances: As a long-standing member of NATO, a candidate for European Union membership, and an active participant in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the G20, and the OECD, Türkiye acts as an influential diplomatic mediator and regional power.

3. Economy and Infrastructure

Diversified Industrial Hub: Türkiye boasts a robust, diversified emerging market economy driven by advanced manufacturing (automotive, textiles, home appliances, and defense technology), a massive construction sector, and globally competitive steel and petrochemical industries.

Tourism Powerhouse: Ranking among the most visited destinations in the world, the country thrives on vibrant international tourism, drawing millions to landmarks like the historic sites of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ruins of Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coastline.

Energy Corridors: The nation serves as an indispensable energy transit corridor, channeling oil and natural gas from Central Asia, the Caspian basin, and the Middle East toward European markets.

4. Culture, Gastronomy, and Heritage

Cultural Tapestry: Turkish culture brilliantly fuses Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and European influences, reflected in its breathtaking architecture (such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), classical arts, and rich literary tradition.

World-Renowned Cuisine: Turkish culinary arts are celebrated globally for their exquisite balance of flavors, featuring signature dishes like kebabs, mezes, baklava, and traditional Turkish coffee and tea culture.