Turkey
History
Osman I founded the dynasty that became the Ottoman Empire.
Mustafa Kemal landed at Samsun, beginning the war of independence.
The Grand National Assembly met in Ankara as a rival government.
The sultanate was abolished, clearing the way for a republican state.
Treaty of Lausanne set new terms for sovereignty or administration.
A republic was declared, changing Turkey's political system and state identity.
The current constitution came into force, setting the basic framework for today's Turkey.
Part ofEuropeMore countries, cities and routes.Short facts
RegionSoutheast Europe / Western Asia
LanguageTurkish
Time zoneTRT (UTC+3)
Drives onRight
Worth seeing
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus bridge two continents.
- Cappadocia: Fairy-chimney rock formations, underground cities and hot-air balloon flights at sunrise.
- Pamukkale: Cotton-white travertine terraces and ancient Roman spa city Hierapolis.
Find a city in Turkey
Showing all cities
AnkaraPlanning questions
What is Turkey known for?Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale.
What is the capital?Ankara.
Which language is useful?Turkish.
When is the national day?29 October.
Upcoming events
Republic Day of Turkey29 Oct 2026 ยท TurkeyUse Ankara as the first planning anchor for Turkey, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.
Food & drink
Kebab
Turkish teaKnown for
IstanbulHagia SophiaGrand BazaarCappadociaunderground citiesPamukkale
Nature & places