At the 4th Grand Congress of the Ataturk Republican People's Party, II. T.B.M.M., Ankara (1935-05-09)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
1. The Turkish Republic is 100 years old
It was founded on October 29, 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence. The Republic was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who is revered as the father of modern Türkiye.
Ahmed Karahisari Album (Surat al-An'am) by Ottoman Empire Period (16th century)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
2. But the country's history goes back to...
the 11th century, when the first Turkics arrived in Anatolia. They established a number of empires over the centuries, including the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. The Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in the world for over 600 years, until its collapse.
The Kadesh TreatyThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
3. A cradle of civilisations
Türkiye is home home to home to some of the oldest known human settlements and civilisations in the world including the Hittite Empire (1600-1200 BC), Urartian Kingdom (850-585 BC) and the Lydian Kingdom (685-546 BC).
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4. Home to one of the world's oldest archeological sites
This ancient site dates back to 12.000 years and is located in southeastern Türkiye. Göbeklitepe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent times.
EphesusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
5. Fact about heritage sites
Türkiye is home to a vast array of heritage sites, dating back to the dawn of civilization. These sites reflect the country's rich and diverse history, and they offer a glimpse into the lives and cultures of the many peoples who have inhabited Türkiye over the centuries.
Tandır kebap with Turkish pide bread (Tırnak Pide) (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
6. Things to know about food
Turkish cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world. It is a fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences, and it features a wide variety of dishes made with spices, herbs and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
View from Galata TowerThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
7. It is a transcontinental country
Türkiye is unique in that it straddles two continents: Europe and Asia. The majority of the country is located in Asia, while a small portion of Istanbul, one of Türkiye's largest cities, lies in Europe.
Censer, (İznik, 16th Century), Istanbul Archaeological Museums Çinili KöşkThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
8. Local arts/crafts
Turkish arts and crafts have a long and rich history, dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. Turkish artisans have been producing a wide variety of functional objects such as carpets, ceramics, textiles and jewelry.
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