Turkey

The Bridge Between East and West, Empire and Republic

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Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental nation straddling Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, bounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas. Known for its rich Ottoman legacy, strategic location, and dynamic economy, Turkey is a member of NATO and the G20, with significant influence in both Islamic and Western worlds.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Anatolia has been home to Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks.

• The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922) was one of the longest-lasting empires in history.

• The Republic of Turkey was established on 29 October 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

• Atatürk’s reforms modernized the state under secular and nationalist principles.

• The country has since evolved into a vibrant multi-party democracy with growing geopolitical clout.

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Administrative Information

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions of Turkey 

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.

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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.

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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

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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)

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Economy & Industry

• Major sectors:

  • Automotive, machinery, textiles, agriculture, defense

  • Tourism and construction (mega infrastructure projects)

  • Energy: natural gas, solar, nuclear (Akkuyu plant)

• Trade partners: EU, Russia, China, Arab states

• GDP (2023): Approx. USD 950 billion

• Strong export base and entrepreneurial ecosystem

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Education & Institutions

• Leading Universities:

  • Boğaziçi University

  • Middle East Technical University (METU)

  • Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

  • Ankara University

• Widespread public and private schooling system

• Emphasis on engineering, healthcare, and social sciences

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Healthcare

• Universal Health Coverage via SGK system

• Public and private hospitals nationwide

• Major Institutions:

  • Hacettepe University Hospitals

  • Acıbadem Healthcare Group

  • Istanbul City Hospital (Basaksehir)

• High standards in medical tourism

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Transport & Connectivity

• Airports:

  • Istanbul Airport (IST) – one of the world’s busiest

  • Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), Ankara Esenboğa, Antalya

• Rail:

  • High-speed lines (Ankara–Istanbul, Ankara–Konya)

  • National rail network expansion

• Road and bus networks highly developed

• Ports: Izmir, Mersin, Istanbul, Samsun

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Tourism & Attractions

• Historical:

  • Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace

  • Ephesus, Troy, Mount Nemrut

• Natural:

  • Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Lake Van

• Coastal:

  • Antalya, Bodrum, Fethiye (Turkish Riviera)

• Cultural:

  • Turkish baths (hammams), bazaars, Whirling Dervishes

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Culture & Lifestyle

• A rich blend of Seljuk, Ottoman, Islamic, and Western influences

• Cuisine: Kebabs, Börek, Meze, Turkish tea and coffee, Baklava

• Traditional arts: calligraphy, ceramics, carpet weaving

• Religious diversity coexists with secular lifestyle in urban areas

• Festivals: Ramadan, Eid, Republic Day, Istanbul Film Festival

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Summary

Turkey is a country of contrasts—Europe and Asia, empire and republic, faith and secularism. With its unique strategic location, deep-rooted culture, and ambitious leadership, Turkey continues to shape the regional and global landscape as a vibrant and powerful nation.