Republic of Turkey
A bridge between two worlds, where history and modernity meet at every turn – from ancient ruins and the legacy of the Ottoman Empire to bustling metropolises and breathtaking Mediterranean beaches.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – Father of Modern Turkey
No story about Turkey is complete without Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the War of Independence, this visionary statesman founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. His goal was to create a Western, secular, and modern nation-state.
Atatürk's reforms were radical and far-reaching: he separated religion from the state, replaced the Arabic script with the Latin alphabet, granted women the right to vote, and made education free and compulsory. His legacy is visible everywhere in Turkey.
State, Politics, and Religion
Turkey is a democratic, secular, and unitary republic. Although 99% of the population is Muslim, the state is secular by constitution. This means that religious matters are separate from state affairs, although religion still plays a very important role in culture and daily life.
Current Political Situation
Since 2014, the President of Turkey is Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. His ruling party is the AKP (Justice and Development Party). A 2017 referendum changed the country's parliamentary system to a presidential one, giving the president broader powers. The largest opposition party is the CHP (Republican People's Party), founded by Atatürk himself.
Economy
Turkey is a member of the G20 and one of the world's key emerging economies. The country's economy is diverse, relying on both industry and the service sector. The main economic sectors include tourism, textiles and apparel, automotive, construction, and agriculture. Due to its strategic location, Turkey is an important transit and trade hub between Europe and Asia.
Cultural Heritage and Tourism
Turkey has been home to countless civilizations, and this is reflected in the country's exceptionally rich cultural heritage. The country hosts 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Göbekli Tepe, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and the historical areas of Istanbul. In addition to historical sights, Turkey is known for its world-class cuisine, hospitality (misafirperverlik), and beautiful Mediterranean and Aegean resorts.
Military and NATO
The Turkish Armed Forces are the second-largest army in NATO after the USA. Due to its geographical location, Turkey is a strategically crucial ally, controlling the straits between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. In addition to NATO, Turkey is a founding member or member of several other important international organizations, including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OECD, and the G20.
Administrative Division and National Symbols
Turkey is divided into 81 provinces (il). Although the capital is Ankara, the country's economic and cultural heart is undoubtedly Istanbul.
The main symbols of the Republic of Turkey are its flag – a white crescent and star on a red background – and its national anthem, "İstiklal Marşı" (The Independence March), which symbolizes the nation's fight for freedom and independence.
National Anthem: İstiklal Marşı
In Turkish
Korkma, sönmez bu şafaklarda yüzen al sancak; Sönmeden yurdumun üstünde tüten en son ocak. O benim milletimin yıldızıdır, parlayacak; O benimdir, o benim milletimindir ancak. Çatma, kurban olayım, çehreni ey nazlı hilâl! Kahraman ırkıma bir gül! Ne bu şiddet, bu celâl? Sana olmaz dökülen kanlarımız sonra helâl... Hakkıdır, Hakk'a tapan, milletimin istiklâl!
In English (approximate translation)
Fear not! The scarlet flag rippling at dawns shall not wither While my country’s last smoking hearth is yet aflicker. She is the star of my nation: she is meant to blaze and shine; She belongs to none but my nation alone, she is mine. Do not frown, I beseech you, oh coy crescent! But smile at my valiant race… Why this angry, why violent? Lest our blood spilt for you be unblessed and worthless. For my nation, who worships God, has the right to independence!