Turkey

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country spanning southeastern Europe and western Asia.

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country spanning southeastern Europe and western Asia. Its modern republic was founded in 1923 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The capital is Ankara, while Istanbul is the largest city and major economic centre.

History

Modern Turkey was established in 1923 from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The new state introduced major political, legal, and social reforms and later developed into a presidential republic.

Geography

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, with most of its territory in Anatolia (Asia Minor) and a smaller section in southeastern Europe. It borders eight countries and has extensive coastlines along the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea.

Government and politics

Turkey is a presidential republic with Ankara as its capital. It has been represented internationally through institutions including the United Nations and NATO, and its political system has evolved through constitutional amendments over time.

Population and society

Turkey has a population of more than 84 million and a majority-Muslim population. The Turkish Language is the official language, and Istanbul is the country’s largest urban centre and main economic hub.

International relations

Turkey has long been strategically important because of its position between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It has had formal ties with European institutions since the 1960s and remains a significant regional power.