The country is officially named the Republic of Türkiye
After the breakup of the Ottoman Empire (post World War I), the Turkish War of Independence followed. In 1923 Türkiye was declared a republic with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as first President.
St Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) was born in Türkiye
St Nicholas was born in Patara, Türkiye, c. 300 AD. He was believed to have performed many miracles, including saving sailors from sinking ships.
Türkiye is also the birthplace of Aesop, Herodotus and St. Paul the Apostle
Paul was born in Tarsus. Aesop is believed to have grown up in Nesebar (formerly Thrace). Herodotus was born in Bodrum.
The first Christian church was located in Antioch, Türkiye
The Grotto of St Peter outside Antakya (formerly Antioch) is believed to have been created by Jesus’ disciple Simon Peter.
Türkiye provides 75% of the world’s hazelnut needs
Hazelnuts are used in many Turkish desserts, such as baklava.
There are over 30 languages spoken in Türkiye
Besides Turkish (the official language), over 30 minority languages are spoken, including Kurmanji), Zazaki and Mesopotamian Arabic.
İstanbul spans two continents – Europe and Asia
İstanbul is divided in two by the Bosphorus River. The west bank lies on the European continent; the east bank in Asia.
Türkiye’s Tünel funicular is the oldest underground in Continental Europe
The Tünel (opened in 1875), connects the districts of Karaköy and Beyoğlu. Only the London Underground, opened in 1863, is older.
İstanbul’s Grand Bazaar has 64 streets and more than 4,000 shops.
It one of the oldest shopping ‘malls’. The market is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm.
Doner kebabs originated in Türkiye in the 19th century.
Mount Ararat, is located in eastern Türkiye.
Türkiye is home to the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus.
Türkiye has the world’s second-largest underground city, the ancient city of Derinkuyu, which could shelter up to 20,000 people.
Türkiye is home to the world’s oldest known human settlement, Göbekli Tepe, which dates back over 11,000 years.
Türkiye is the world’s largest producer of apricots, figs, and pomegranates.