Turkey

The Bridge Between Continents and Civilizations

Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, stands as a crossroads between Asia and Europe, connecting the East and West in geography, culture, and history. With its ancient Anatolian civilizations, Ottoman grandeur, and modern republican spirit, Turkey symbolizes resilience, progress, and cultural harmony. Its capital is Ankara, while Istanbul remains its economic and cultural heart.

🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Turkey’s history spans thousands of years, from the cradle of Anatolian civilizations to the powerful Ottoman Empire and the foundation of the modern Republic.

Key Historical Timeline:

• 3000–1200 BCE: Early Anatolian civilizations — Hittites, Phrygians, and Lydians

• 1200–330 BCE: Greek colonies and Persian Achaemenid rule

• 330–1453 CE: Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire centered in Constantinople

• 1453: Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (the Conqueror) captures Constantinople, establishing the Ottoman Empire

• 1517–1918: Ottoman Empire becomes a global Islamic power spanning 3 continents

• 1919–1923: Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

• 1923 (Oct 29): Foundation of the Republic of Türkiye; Ankara becomes the capital

• 20th–21st Century: Transition into a modern, secular, and democratic state with a strong global role

🧭 Basic National Information

⚖️ Government and Leadership

Under the presidential system, Turkey emphasizes national unity, economic growth, and global diplomacy.

🗺️ Administrative Structure

Turkey is divided into 81 provinces (iller). Each province is headed by a Governor (Vali) appointed by the central government, and each has an elected mayor (Belediye Başkanı) in the capital district. Below is the complete list of all 81 provinces:

1. Adana

2. Adıyaman

3. Afyonkarahisar

4. Ağrı

5. Amasya

6. Ankara (Capital)

7. Antalya

8. Artvin

9. Aydın

10. Balıkesir

11. Bilecik

12. Bingöl

13. Bitlis

14. Bolu

15. Burdur

16. Bursa

17. Çanakkale

18. Çankırı

19. Çorum

20. Denizli

21. Diyarbakır

22. Edirne

23. Elazığ

24. Erzincan

25. Erzurum

26. Eskişehir

27. Gaziantep

28. Giresun

29. Gümüşhane

30. Hakkari

31. Hatay

32. Isparta

33. Mersin (formerly İçel)

34. İstanbul (Largest city)

35. İzmir

36. Kars

37. Kastamonu

38. Kayseri

39. Kırklareli

40. Kırşehir

41. Kocaeli

42. Konya

43. Kütahya

44. Malatya

45. Manisa

46. Kahramanmaraş

47. Mardin

48. Muğla

49. Muş

50. Nevşehir

51. Niğde

52. Ordu

53. Rize

54. Sakarya

55. Samsun

56. Siirt

57. Sinop

58. Sivas

59. Tekirdağ

60. Tokat

61. Trabzon

62. Tunceli

63. Şanlıurfa

64. Uşak

65. Van

66. Yozgat

67. Zonguldak

68. Aksaray

69. Bayburt

70. Karaman

71. Kırıkkale

72. Batman

73. Şırnak

74. Bartın

75. Ardahan

76. Iğdır

77. Yalova

78. Karabük

79. Kilis

80. Osmaniye

81. Düzce

Each province (il) is divided into districts (ilçeler), and the central district (merkez ilçe) typically shares the province’s name.

Special Administrative Features:

• Metropolitan municipalities manage large urban centers like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

• Local governance emphasizes citizen services and modernization.

🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: At the intersection of Asia and Europe, bordered by 8 countries and 3 seas (Black Sea, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea)

• Terrain: Mountainous with plateaus, coastal plains, and fertile valleys

• Major Mountains: Ararat (Ağrı Dağı – 5,137 m), Taurus, Pontic range

• Major Rivers: Euphrates, Tigris, Sakarya, Kızılırmak

• Climate: Diverse – Mediterranean in the west/south, continental in the interior, Black Sea humid region in the north

• Natural Resources: Boron, coal, copper, chromium, iron, marble, fertile land

Turkey’s geography uniquely connects the Balkans, Middle East, and Caucasus, shaping its geopolitical importance.

Local Government Structure

• Provinces are governed by appointed governors (vali).

• Districts have sub-governors (kaymakam).

• Metropolitan municipalities (büyükşehir belediyesi) exist in major urban centers (e.g., Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir).

• Mayors and municipal councils are elected in local elections every five years.

Leadership & Governance

• Turkey operates under a strong presidential system since 2018.

• The president is both head of state and government.

• Policies focus on:

  • Regional diplomacy

  • Defense industry development

  • Urban transformation and economic growth

  • Islamic identity alongside Turkish nationalism

Law Enforcement & Safety

• Law enforcement includes:

  • General Directorate of Security (Police)

  • Gendarmerie (rural)

  • MIT (National Intelligence Organization)

• Counterterrorism, cybercrime, and public order are major focus areas.

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 112 – All emergency services (integrated)

🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Highlights:

• National attire: Şalvar (traditional trousers), fes (Ottoman cap)

• Cuisine: Kebab, baklava, dolma, Turkish coffee, simit, meze

• Music: Mix of folk, Ottoman classical, and pop

• Major Festivals: Republic Day (Oct 29), Ramadan, Kurban Bayramı, Istanbul Tulip Festival

• Literature: Rumi, Yunus Emre, Nazim Hikmet – global literary icons

📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Turkey ranks among the world’s top 20 economies, balancing industry, trade, tourism, and agriculture.

Top Trade Partners: EU countries, Russia, China, USA, and Middle Eastern nations.

🎓 Education & Healthcare

Turkey is a rising global destination for medical tourism due to advanced healthcare and affordable costs.

✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

🏙️ Tourism & Attractions

Turkey attracts millions of visitors yearly for its natural beauty, history, and hospitality.

Top Destinations:

• Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar

• Cappadocia: Fairy chimneys, hot air balloons

• Pamukkale: Thermal pools and travertine terraces

• Antalya: Mediterranean beaches and resorts

• Ephesus: Ancient Roman city ruins

• Mount Ararat: Believed to be resting place of Noah’s Ark

• Konya: Whirling dervishes and Rumi’s shrine

• Ankara: Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir)

🌍 Global Role & Relations

Turkey plays a central role in regional stability, humanitarian aid, and global transportation networks.

📝 Summary

Turkey represents a living mosaic of civilizations — where East meets West and ancient meets modern. From the mosques of Istanbul to the valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey’s journey is one of faith, resilience, and transformation. It continues to be a bridge — geographically, culturally, and spiritually — connecting continents and generations.

📢 News & Articles

• “Türkiye’s Vision 2053: The Next Century of Progress”

• “Istanbul: The City Where Civilizations Meet”

• “From Anatolia to Modern Republic: The Legacy of Atatürk”

🎯 Our Mission

This profile aims to showcase Turkey’s historical legacy, cultural strength, and strategic role as part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, fostering knowledge, understanding, and global cooperation.

📬 Contact Us

For verified updates or contributions about Turkey, please contact our editorial team.