HOW BIG IS TURKEY? - COUNTRY PROFILE

For an unforgettable holiday that is both different and special, Turkey is a favorite in any tourists travel itinerary. Surrounded by sea on three sides the five thousand mile coastline delivers on the promise of a sun soaked holiday a far cry from the stress and strain of the daily grind. Beautiful throughout the year, the months from April to October however are the best time for a visit to Turkey.

If one can pull oneself away from the endless joys of frolicking in the sun drenched waves a gastronomical spread of delicious Turkish cuisine awaits the most discerning palate. After enjoying the meze-a meal of many tiny offerings of local dishes, followed by the unique red or white Turkish wine the sumptuous meal is usually concluded with the irresistible naturally flavored deserts that follow.

Turkey however is much more than a hospitable naturalist's haven, as it also offers knowledge hungry tourists a taste of a bygone era. Steeped in history, tourism in Turkey has much to offer on the historical front too. Spanning ten thousand years with the traces of thirteen successive civilizations makes it an intriguing mix of both European modernity and Middle eastern mystique.

Holiday makers in Turkey find to their delight a city of contrasts ranging from modern skyscrapers to minarets of ancient mosques.

Luxurious malls alongside bazaars selling locally grown exotic produce has a visitor to Turkey enjoying the best of the western world co-existing effortlessly with the past. A stroll through legendary landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia or the crusader castles in the southern coastal towns of Bodrum and Alanya are a history buffs delight.

The tourist who thinks that Turkey is known for its largely Moslem history is in for a surprise if a journey along the footsteps of Saint Paul is also taken. This early Christian saint born in Tarsus, reveals the travails of spreading the Christian gospel in areas which make up the history of modern Turkey.

Tourists who feel their visit in Turkey is complete once they have had their memorable walk down history, often wish to return as they sense that there is so much left to learn of this land, which had countless battles fought to get a piece of the rich culture it still retains.

The straddling of two continents has meant that Turkey has always offered the world a unique mixture of both Western and Eastern culture. The country has a powerful cultural, economic, and historical presence, in its region of the world. And, currently often serves as a gateway between the western European Union, eastern Central Asia, northern Russia, and southern Middle East.
 

History:
The region of Asia Minor, which comprises most of today's modern Turkey, is one of the world's oldest and continually inhabited geographic regions of the world, as demonstrated by some of the earliest human settlements discovered in the area. As an example, the historical settlement of Troy, and the associated location of the Trojan War, was located in Turkey. Today, Turkey is a democratic country, with an increasingly liberalized economy.

Geographical Regions:
Turkey is comprised of seven geographical regions. These include: the Aegean; the Black Sea; Central Anatolia; East Anatolia; Southeast Anatolia; Marmara; and the Mediterranean region.

The Aegean region of Turkey, reaches from the Aegean sea to the inner sections of western Anatolia. The lands of the Black Sea region form a lengthy and narrow belt, along the terrain of the north of Turkey. The Central Anatolia region is located in the exact middle of the country, and relatively flat, whereas Eastern Anatolia is the largest and extremely mountainous. In comparison, the Southeast Anatolia region is fairly uniform in geography. The Marmara region circles the Sea of Marmara and includes the European section of Turkey. And, lastly, the Mediterranean region is comprised of the southern part of the country, and features both the Taurus and Amanos mountains.

Geographical Profile:
As mentioned, Turkey has a unique location of being a transcontinental Eurasian country. This distinction has divided the country into two sections - Asian Turkey and European Turkey. Asian Turkey makes up 97 percent of the more than 300,000 square miles of the country, while European Turkey is only 3 percent of the area. Surrounded by seas on three of its sides, and hosting the Sea of Marmara as well as its highest peak, Mt. Ararat, Turkey is the 37th largest country in the world.

Coastlines:
Three seas bound the country of Turkey, including: the Black Sea, to the north; the Aegean Sea, to the west; and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. This has resulted in thousands of miles of coastline, for the country.

Rivers:
Turkey features a variety of rivers that often flow into one of the three seas that border Turkey. Three of the longest rivers in Turkey, the Yesilirmak, Kizilirmak, and Sakarya all lead into the Black Sea. Whereas The Kucuk Menderes, Gediz, Meric, Buyuk Menderes all flow into the Aegean. The Ceyhan, Seyhan and the Goksu pour into the Mediterranean. And, The Biga, Gonen, and Susurluk all flow into the internal Sea of Marmara. The exception to this rule is the Dicle (Tigris) and the Firat (Euphrates), which come together in Iraq, before then flowing into the Persian Gulf.

Places to see:
When visiting Turkey, there are so many places to see, you may find yourself already planning your next trip while you're still there! The ruins of Ephesus and the city of Bodrum, which was the site of King Mausolous' Tomb, on the Seven Wonders of the World, are must sees in the Aegean region. Sinop, in the Black Sea region, is one the country's most beautiful sea harbors, and features a fascinating Archaeological Museum. If you find yourself in Eastern Anatolia, seeing the tallest peak in Turkey, Mt. Ararat is a must, and perhaps you'll be the one who finally discovers the location of Noah's Ark!

Climate:
Because of Turkey's diverse geography, the climate is equally varied. The coastal regions are mostly temperate; however, interior regions of the country range from hot and sunny in the summer to cool, and in the more mountainous regions cold, in the winter.

Economy:
Agriculture is Turkey's traditional economic base. However, industrial good have become increasingly important with globalization, and tourism has developed rapidly over the last decade.

Turkey Currency:
The currency in Turkey is New Turkish Lira(Yeni Turk Lirasi). Most of the sellers accept foreign curreny especially in the coastal resorts. Master and Visa credit cards widely acceptable. You can withdraw local currency from the ATM machines everywhere. You can check currency rates from the Central bank of Turkey.

Population & People:
There are more than 66 million people in Turkey, with 99 percent of the Turkish population Muslim. The reforms instituted by Ataturk has modernized much of the country, but there are still cultural distinctions between Turkey and the West. The people of Turkey, in general, are very hospitable and and are bound by honor to be the best host possible.

Education:
There is only eight years of compulsory primary and middle school for children. Post middle school education, in the is available, including universities and private colleges.

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