Republic of Türkiye · Western Asia
View on the interactive map →| Capital | Ankara |
|---|---|
| Area | 783,562 km² (302,535 mi²) |
| Official language(s) | Turkish |
| Currency | Turkish lira (₺) |
| Region | Asia |
| Subregion | Western Asia |
| Continent | Asia |
| Demonym | Turkish |
| Calling code | +90 |
| Time zone | Europe/Istanbul |
| Government type | Unitary presidential republic |
|---|---|
| Major political parties | AKP, CHP, MHP, and others |
| Major religions | Islam (Sunni majority), Secular state, small minorities |
| Important cities | Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya |
Independence / founding: Republic proclaimed 29 October 1923
Straddling Europe and Asia, the land was heart of the Byzantine and then Ottoman empires for six centuries. After WWI, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the secular Republic of Turkey in 1923, modernising law, script and society. It is a regional power bridging East and West.
| National animal / bird | Grey wolf (cultural); red deer |
|---|---|
| National dish | Kebab, meze, baklava |
| Music | Turkish classical & folk; pop |
| National sport | Football; oil wrestling |