History

Turkey has been called “the cradle of civilization” and by travelling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The World’s first known settlement, a Neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the president, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization.

Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each civilization’s unique distinction.

Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire , a young man named Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier and great visionary, took the defeat of World War 1 and turned it into a shining victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying forces.

Through decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts growing success, living by Ataturk’s motto of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.”

Population

Turkey’s population is about 64 million, 40% of whom live in the countryside. The major cities are Istanbul, Ankara (The Capital), Izmir, Adana, Antalya and Bursa.

Language

The Turkish language belongs to the Ural-Altaic group and has an affinity with the Finno-Hungarian languages. Turkish is written in the Latin alphabet and is spoken by at least 150 million people around the world.