Turkiye

Turkiye, also known as Turkey, is a country located in the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is famous for its beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. But there’s much more to this quirky nation than that!

Etymology

The name Turkiye is derived from the Turkish word “Türk”, which means “strong” or “brave”. And when it comes to Turkish people, you better believe this is an accurate description. They’ve survived countless invasions, conquered empires, and even managed to make a killer cup of tea.

History

The history of Turkiye is a long and fascinating one. Once upon a time, this land was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, which practically ruled the world at some point. But things got hectic in the early 1900s, and the empire fell apart like a cheap rug. Turkiye didn’t let this hold them down, though, and bounced back in grand style.

Culture

Turkiye’s culture is as diverse as its people. From belly dancing to whirling dervishes, Turkish folk music to Ebru (a fancy word for Turkish paper marbling), and backgammon to soccer, there’s something for everyone in this lively land. For an authentic Turkish experience, you simply must try traditional Turkish baths, or hamams. It’s like being scrubbed down by a masseuse, but with way more bubbles!

Food and Drink

Turkish cuisine is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavors. Some of Turkiye’s most well-known dishes include kebab, baklava, and Turkish delight, which is like the candy version of heaven. And let’s not forget the national drink, Turkish tea, which is stronger than steel and runs through the veins of every Turk.

Fun Facts

Turks love tomatoes so much that there’s even a Tomato Festival held in the town of Turgutlu every year.
Turkish ice cream has a unique texture, almost like taffy. And the ice cream man is skilled in pranking his customers with his tricky ice cream-pulling techniques.
Istanbul, Turkiye’s largest city, is the only city in the world that straddles two continents.