Basilica of Hagia Sophia
The Basilica of Hagia Sophia was constructed by Roman Emperor Justinian in 537 AD. It was the largest church in the Christian world for a thousand years. Its immense dome rises nearly 200 feet above the ground, and its diameter spans more than 100 feet. The mosaics covering the walls are among the most important works of art of the Byzantine era to have survived.

Large round buildings had been successfully covered by domes before, but Hagia Sophia represented the first attempt in history to cover a large rectangular structure with a huge central dome. The dome collapsed and was repaired many times.

The Ottomans converted the basilica to a mosque in the 15th century after the conquest of Istanbul. Recognizing its historic and universal importance, the Turkish government turned it into a museum in 1935.

Sultanahmet Mosque
Sultanahmet Mosque is the most famous monument in both the Turkish and Islamic worlds. It was built in the classic Turkish architectural style between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet. The building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior paneling, comprised of more than 20,000 blue and white Iznik tiles.

Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is without a doubt the most important in Istanbul. It is the most frequently visited museum in Turkey, and one of the most frequently visited museums in all of Europe. The Palace served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. Its principal parts were finished in 1478, then altered and enlarged by new additions during the reign of each succeeding sultan. The Palace was abandoned in 1855 when Sultan Abdülmecit I, 31st  Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, moved to the new Palace of Dolmabahçe. In 1924, Atatürk declared that it would be turned into a museum.
The Palace is a complex of buildings spread out over one of the seven hills of Istanbul. It consists of courtyards, each serving a different purpose, separated from one another by monumental gates. Pavilions surround the courtyards. The total area of the Palace is twice the area of the Vatican and half that of Monaco.

Troy
The ancient city of Troy is located 30 km southwest of Çanakkale province in the Marmara Region of Turkey. This is one of the most important historical cities of Anatolia. Archeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlement at this site, including ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple, and a theater. The earliest settlement dates from five thousand years ago, and the last coincided with the late Roman period. The famous Trojan War, depicted in Homer’s epic Iliad took place here circa 1200 BC. A symbolic wooden horse placed at the site commemorates the legendary war.

Visit the Archeology: Wonders of Turkey section at www.kultur.gov.tr to see photographs of some important relics.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was born in 1881 in the Kocakisim District of Salonika.  His father, Ali Riza Efendi, married his mother, Zübeyde Hanim, in 1871.  They had six children, but only Mustafa Kemal and his sister Makbule Atadan survived childhood.  He began his primary education at the local school but soon transferred to Semsi Efendi School.  In 1888, his father died and Mustafa Kemal moved to Rapla to live on his uncle’s farm.  A few years later he returned to Salonika to complete his primary education.  In 1893, he enrolled in military junior high school.  It was during this time that a math teacher added Kemal, meaning “perfection”, to Mustafa’s name in recognition of his academic achievement.  He graduated from Military College in 1902 with the rank of Lieutenant and continued his education at the Military Academy.  He completed the Academy in 1905 as a Captain.

Upon graduation, Mustafa Kemal was immediately assigned to a post with the army and began his distinguished career.  In the years leading up to World War I he quickly moved up in rank while serving throughout the Ottoman Empire.  However it was his service during World War I that elevated him to the status of national hero.  In key battles of Anafartalar, Kirectepe and Canakkale, Mustafa Kemal led Turkish troops in defending the Empire from invading British and French troops in the Dardanelles.  This struggle culminated with the martyrdom of 253,000 Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli who had been motivated to defend the honor of the Turkish nation by Mustafa Kemal’s famous order:  “I do not order you to attack, I order you to die.”

Mustafa Kemal continued his military service for the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I when Ottoman troops were demobilized and occupation of the country began.  In the year that followed, Mustafa Kemal emerged as a leader in the movement for Turkish independence.  On June 22, 1919, he issued the Amasya Circular, calling for a national Congress to convene and determine the future freedom of the nation.  On April 23, 1920, the Turkish Grand National Assembly met for the first time to plan for the success of the Independence War.  Mustafa Kemal was appointed Speaker of the House and head of government.  Mustafa Kemal again proved his military prowess and during the Independence War was given the title of Gazi the Victorious Fighter.

On October 29, 1923, the Turkish Grand National Assembly officially made the declaration of Republic and unanimously voted Mustafa Kemal as its first President.  As President, Mustafa Kemal quickly began to make sweeping political, economic, and social reforms.  Dedicated to his duty, he kept in close contact with local authorities and received respected foreign officials.  In 1934, the Turkish Grand National Assembly granted Mustafa Kemal the surname Atatürk, meaning “father of the Turks”, in accordance with the new surname law.

Privately, Atatürk led a very modest life.  He was a great lover of children, but was married only briefly, so he adopted several daughters.  He spent a great deal of time outdoors riding his horse, Sakarya, and swimming.  He also enjoyed dancing, reading, backgammon and billiards. 

On November 10, 1938, near the end of his fourth term as President of the Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk died of liver disease.

Ataturk undertook numerous reforms to elevate the political, social and economic life in Turkey to the level of contemporary civilizations. The major reforms undertaken during Ataturk’s era are as follows:

1. Political Reforms

• Abolishment of the Sultanate (1 November 1922)
• Declaration of the Republic (29 October 1923)
• Abolishment of Caliphate (3 March 1924)

2. Social Reforms

• Women were given equal rights with men (1926-1934)
• The Reform of Headgear and Outfit (25 November 1925)
• Closing of dervish lodges and shrines (30 November 1925)
• The surname law (21 June 1934)
• Abolishment of nicknames, pious and royal titles (26 November 1934)
• Adoption of the International calendar, time and measurements (1925-1931)

3. Juridical Reforms

• Abolishment of the Canon Law (1924-1937)
• Instating the new Turkish Civil Code and other legislation to suit secular order (1924 - 1937)
• Abolishment of the Canon Law (1924-1937)

4. Educational and Cultural Reforms

• Integration of education (3 March 1924)
• Adoption of the new Turkish alphabet (1 November 1928)
• Establishment of the Turkish Language and Historical Societies (1931-1932)
• Organization of the university education (31 May 1933)
• Introduction of modern fine arts

5. Economical Reforms

• Abolishment of old taxation laws
• Encouragement of the farmers
• Establishment of model farms
• Legislation of the Encouragement of the Industry Law and establishment of Industrial Corporations
• Implementing First and Second Development Plans (1933-1937), construction of new highways to reach every corner of the country
  

  Did You Know That...?

• A country of sun and history, Turkey straddles the point where Europe and Asia meet. It is located where the three continents making up the old world, Asia, Africa and Europe, are closest to one another.

• Because of its geographical location, the mainland, Anatolia, has witnessed the mass migration of diverse peoples shaping the course of history. Home to countless civilizations, Anatolia has developed a unique blend of cultures—each with its own distinct identity, each linked to its predecessors through history.

  As an ancient land and modern nation, Turkey today holds and protects the common past of all people.

  Fascinating Facts Illustrating Turkey’s Rich Heritage

  • Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents - Europe and Asia. During its 25,000-year history, it has been the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
  • Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World stood in Turkey - the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Bodrum.
  • St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus today, was born and lived in Demre (Myra) on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The village contains the famous Church of St. Nicholas, which contains the sarcophagus believed to be his tomb.
  • The first man ever to fly was Turkish. Using two wings, Hezarfen Ahmet Celebi flew from the Galata Tower over the Bosphorus to land in Usküdar in the 17th century.
  • Many archeologists and biblical scholars believe Noah's Ark landed on Agri Dagi (Mount Ararat) in eastern Turkey. 
  • The famous Trojan War took place in western Turkey, around the site where a wooden statue of the Trojan Horse rests today.
  • Turks introduced coffee to Europe.
  • According to Turkish tradition, a stranger at one's doorstep is considered "a guest from God," and should be accommodated accordingly.
  • Julius Caesar issued his celebrated proclamation, Veni, Vidi, Vici (“I came, I saw, I conquered”), in Turkey upon defeating the Pontus, a formidable kingdom in the Black Sea region of Turkey.
  • Alexander the Great conquered a large territory in what is now Turkey, and also cut the Gordion Knot in the Phrygian capital (Gordium), not far from Turkey's present-day capital (Ankara).
  • Aesop - famous all over the world for his fables and parables - was born in Anatolia.
  • Homer was born in Izmir on the west coast of Turkey.  He depicted Troy in his epic Iliad.
  • Part of Turkey's southwestern shore was a wedding gift from Marc Antony to Cleopatra.
  • The number of archaeological excavations going on in Turkey every year is at least 150.
  • Writing was first used by people in ancient Anatolia. The first clay tablets - in the ruins of Assyrian Karum (a merchant colony) - date back to 1950 B.C.
  • The last home of the Virgin Mary is in Selçuk, Turkey.
  • Leonardo da Vinci drew designs for a bridge over the Bosphorus, the strait that flows through Europe and Asia. (Although da Vinci’s bridge was never built, there are now two bridges over the Bosphorus.)
    In 1492, Sultan Beyazıd II, after learning about the expulsion of Jews, dispatched the Ottoman Navy to bring them safely to the Ottoman lands.
  • Likewise, Jews expelled from Hungary in 1376, from Sicily early in the 15th century, from Bavaria in 1470, from Bohemia in 1542, and from Russia in 1881, 1891, 1897, and 1903 all took refuge in the Ottoman Empire.
  • As was the case during the Bolshevik revolution, Turkey served as a safe passage and haven for those fleeing their native countries during World War II.
  • Turkey was one of the few countries in the world to welcome Jewish refugees escaping the horrors of Nazism.
  • During the Gulf War in 1991, Turkey welcomed nearly half a million Kurds from Northern Iraq. The Kurds were fleeing the danger posed by Saddam Hussein’s regime.
  • Turkey provided homes for some 313,000 Bulgarian refugees of Turkish origin when they were expelled from their homelands in Bulgaria in 1989.
    

History

Flora and Fauna

Plants In Turkey, there are many different kinds of flora and fauna. The Black Sea region is known for its forests and for the apples, pears, and cherries which originated in Turkey. Hazelnuts, mandarin oranges, tobacco, and tea are also grown there. Along the eastern Mediterranean shores, the local vegetation is tropical, with flourishing banana, palm, and citrus trees, as well as sugar cane and cotton. On the western Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara coasts one can find olive, citrus, and pine trees along the mountains. Greater Anatolia is, in fact, one of the world’s richest botanical areas and the original home of several species. Tellingly, in all of Europe, there are only 11,500 kinds of flowers, whereas, in Turkey alone, there are 10,000 flowering plants with 3,000 of these species unique to Turkey. Turkey is also the home of chickpeas, lentils, apricots, figs, hazelnuts, cherries, and sour cherries. The cherry’s scientific name, Cerasus, comes from the ancient name of its place of origin, today the city of Giresun on the Black Sea coast. Animals The diversity of fauna in Turkey is even greater than that of wild plants. Few people are aware that the Anatolian Leopard is one of the leopards used in gladiator fights by the Romans. Turkey’s long sandy beaches are also one of the few areas in the Mediterranean where giant marine turtles will lay their eggs. Finally, Turkey is home to many kinds of birds, especially in "Birds Paradises," the national park on Lake Manyas. Turkey’s environment is diverse enough to sustain species of animals that are found everywhere from Europe to Asia to Africa. As such, its animal population is incredibly bountiful. For example, while there are 60,000 animal species in all of Europe, Turkey has 80,000. Many of these are rare animals found only in Turkey. Culture Hospitality is an integral part of Turkish culture. The tradition of hospitality dictates that visitors are always invited in and offered something to drink, such as tea, coffee, or soda water, and sometimes something to eat, such as crackers or biscuits. It is impolite to decline the offer. Turks go to great lengths to make their guests feel comfortable and may even tolerate behavior that they consider inappropriate. However, they are naturally more responsive to guests who display a sensitivity to their customs. For example, in homes where the inhabitants remove their shoes and replace them with slippers, hosts expect their guests to do the same. Guests should avoid asking their hosts personal questions and, because a visit to someone's home is an occasion for harmony and enjoyment, bad news or accounts of problems should be saved for another time and place. First-time visitors to a home may bring a small gift, such as a confectionery, fruit, or flowers. When greeting friends or strangers, one shakes hands and says "Nasilsiniz" (“How are you?”) or "Merhaba" (“Hello”). A typical response to Nasilsiniz is "Iyiyim, tesekkür ederim” (“Fine, thank you”). Among friends, greetings are followed by polite inquiries about one's health, family, and work. Among close friends of the same (and sometimes the opposite) gender, Turks clasp hands and kiss on both cheeks when greeting. To show respect, an older person's hands may be kissed and brought to touch the greeter's forehead. The young often greet each other with "Selam" (“Salute”). Someone entering a room, office, or tea house might say "Günaydin" (“Good morning”) or "İyi günler" (“Have a nice day”). When parting, it is customary to wish for blessings from Allah, "Allahaismarladik," to which the response is "Güle güle" (“Be on your way with a smile”). Turks generally use their hands a great deal during conversation, forming gestures that add meaning as well as emphasis. Social courtesies are valued in Turkey, and Islamic conventions are observed by many. For example, it is offensive to point the sole of the foot toward another person, and it can be seen as an insult to pass an item with the left hand; it is best to use both hands or just the right one. Deference towards older people, or those with higher status, is customary, and it is considered disrespectful for young men and women to cross their legs in front of an older or more senior person. Public displays of affection are not acceptable. The word “No” can be expressed by either shaking the head or lifting it up once quickly. Holidays Falling on April 23, National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey is a unique celebration. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated April 23 to the children of the country to emphasize that they were the future of the new nation. On April 23, 1920, during the War of Independence, the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara and created the foundations of a new, independent, secular, and modern republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. Following the defeat of the Allied invasion forces on September 9, 1922, and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne on July 24, 1923, Ataturk started his task of establishing the institutions of the new state. He dedicated the day of sovereignty to the children and entrusted the youth with the protection of sovereignty and independence. Turkish children celebrate this "Sovereignty and Children's Day" as a national holiday. Schools participate in week-long ceremonies. Among the activities, the children send their representatives to replace state officials and high ranking bureaucrats in their offices. The President, Prime Minister, Cabinet members, and provincial governors all turn over their positions to children's representatives. These children, in turn, sign executive orders relating to educational and environmental policies. On this day, the children also replace the parliamentarians in the Grand National Assembly and hold a special session to discuss matters concerning children's issues. Over the last two decades, a large number of states have been sending groups of children to Turkey to participate in these festivities. During their stay in Turkey, the foreign children are housed in Turkish homes.  The children learn about each other's countries and cultures and also participate in a special session of the Grand National Assembly.  At this international Assembly, children pledge their commitment to international peace and brotherhood. The importance of April 23 as a special day for children has been recognized by the international community. UNICEF decided to recognize this important day as the International Children's Day. Legend of Santa Claus Did you know that St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus today, was born and lived in Demre (Myra) on Turkey's Mediterranean coast?  This village contains the famous Church of St. Nicholas which houses the sarcophagus believed to be his tomb. St. Nicholas was legendary for his kindness and generosity and was adopted by many groups as their patron saint. December 6, the date of his death, marked the beginning of the early Christmas season. On St. Nicholas Eve, children would set out food for the saint and straw for his horse and in the morning the good children would find these items replaced with sweets and toys. St. Nicholas has went through many changes throughout the centuries. The Germans have Weihnachtsmann, the English have Father Christmas, the French have Pere Noel, and the Dutch have Sinter Klass. Dutch colonists settling in what is now New York City, brought the story of St. Nicholas with them. English speaking children pronounced his name "Sainty Claus," which over the years evolved into Santa Claus. The legend of this kindly old man was mixed with old Nordic folk tales of a magician who punished naughty children and rewarded good children with presents. The Santa Claus recognized today, with his red suit, jolly laugh, and long white beard, was imagined as a grandfatherly man with twinkling eyes who resides in the North Pole. Good Luck Charm A superstitious belief in an “evil eye” (known as a “nazar” in Turkish) that can cause human misfortune is widespread in many societies. Over the years, however, societies have developed traditions to combat it. An ancient Turkish belief is that such hexes can be warded off with beads of blue glass bearing a stylized eye-like pattern. The Turkish word “nazar” actually derives from Arabic for “eye” or “look.” The premise is that evil intentions are somehow conveyed by the eyes and that such looks can be repelled by the gaze of another eye. This “other eye” is the “nazar boncuk,” often wrongly known in English as an “evil eye” since it is actually a “benevolent eye” warding off evil. The first “nazar boncuk” dates back to the time of Ancient Egypt and the Hittites. Tutankhamun’s robes were embroidered with a pattern of eyes to ward off evil. The first written recod of a “nazar boncuk” is on a Sumerian tablet from 3000 BC. You will find blue eyes dangling from car exhaust pipes, from rear-view windows, backpacks, on necklaces and bracelets, pinned to the sweaters of small children, and hanging above doors in restaurants, hotels, stores, and apartments.