Turkey

An Overview of Turkey

Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a contiguous transcontinental parliamentary republic largely located in Western Asia with a portion of Eastern Thrace in Southeastern Europe. Eight countries border Turkey: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Iran, and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The Mediterranean Sea is to the south, the Aegean Sea is to the west, and the Black Sea is to the north.

The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles (which form the Turkish Straits) demarcate the boundary between Thrace and Anatolia, separating Europe and Asia.

Turkey’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a country of significant geostrategic importance. It is known for its ancient history, culture, and stunning landscapes, cities, and monuments. This article will provide an overview of Turkey’s history, culture, economy, geography, and other interesting facts.

History

Turkey has been inhabited since the Paleolithic age, including various ancient Anatolian civilizations, Aeolian and Ionian Greeks, Thracians, and Persians. After Alexander the Great’s conquest, the area was Hellenized, which continued with Roman rule and the transition into the Byzantine Empire.

The Seljuk Turks began migrating into the area in the 11th century, starting the process of Turkification, which was greatly accelerated by the Seljuk victory over the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. 

The Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm ruled Anatolia until the Mongol invasion in 1243, upon which it disintegrated into several small Turkish beyliks. Starting from the late 13th century, the Ottomans united Anatolia.

They created an empire encompassing much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, becoming a major power in Eurasia and Africa during the early modern period. The empire peaked its power between the 15th and 17th centuries, especially during the 1520–66 reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. After the second Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683 and the end of the Great Turkish War in 1699, the Ottoman Empire entered a long period of decline.

The Tanzimat reforms of the 19th century, which aimed to modernize the Ottoman state, proved inadequate in most fields and failed to stop the dissolution of the empire. The Ottoman Empire entered World War I (1914–18) on the side of the Central Powers and was ultimately defeated. During the war, major atrocities were committed by the Ottoman government against the Armenians, Assyrians, and Pontic Greeks.

Following WWI, the huge conglomeration of territories and peoples formerly comprised the Ottoman Empire was divided into several new states. The Turkish War of Independence (1919–22), initiated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his colleagues in Anatolia, established the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923, with Atatürk as its first president. Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic with a diverse cultural heritage.

The country’s official language is Turkish, a Turkic language is spoken natively by approximately 85 percent of the population. 70–80 percent of the population are ethnic Turks; the remainder are legally recognized (Armenians, Greeks, and Jews) and unrecognized (Kurds, Circassians, Albanians, Bosniaks, Georgians, etc.) minorities.

The vast majority of the population is Muslim. Turkey is a member of the UN, NATO, OECD, OSCE, OIC, and the G-20. After becoming one of the first members of the Council of Europe in 1949, Turkey became an associate member of the EEC in 1963, joined the EU Customs Union in 1995, and started complete membership negotiations with the European Union in 2005. Turkey’s growing economy and diplomatic initiatives have recognized it as a regional power.

Culture

The culture of Turkey is based mainly on its native traditions with some influences from Middle Eastern cultures such as Arabic and Persian. The cuisine features many dishes that are popular throughout the region, such as kebabs (meat skewers), dolmas (stuffed vegetables), mezes (appetizers), pilafs (rice dishes), Turkish delight (a sweet candy), baklava (a dessert pastry), Turkish coffee served with foamy cream on top, and apple tea.

Music is also essential in Turkish culture; traditional music played on instruments like lutes or drums can be heard throughout cities like Istanbul or Ankara, while modern pop music is popular among younger generations. 

Turks also love to dance, and popular dances like the halay, a lively circle dance, are often performed in traditional settings. Traditional attire like colorful clothing, fez hats, and embroidered vests are common in festivals and celebrations.

Education

Turkey has also become a central educational hub with some of the most prestigious universities in the region, such as Istanbul University and Boğaziçi University. Many top-ranked schools offer international programs in various disciplines, giving students from around the world an opportunity to study in Turkey.

The country has many public and private universities, technical schools, and specialized vocational schools. These educational institutions offer courses in engineering, medicine, science, art, and other fields. Additionally, various professional and certificate programs can help students specialize in their chosen fields.

Turkey also presents educational opportunities in research and innovation, such as those offered by the Turkish Science and Technology Research Institute (TUBITAK) and the Istanbul Technical University (ITU). These institutions provide access to advanced laboratories and research centers, enabling students to participate in cutting-edge research.

The country also boasts many international programs for foreign students, including exchange and study abroad opportunities that allow them to gain valuable experience in the Turkish educational system.

Economy

Turkey has a developing economy, considered one of the largest economies in Central Europe and Eurasia. Its main exports are mineral fuels, machinery products, textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, and foodstuffs. 

Tourism plays an important role in its economic development due to its vast historical sites and beautiful Mediterranean coastline dotted with resorts.

Turkey is not only known for its healthcare, but it has also become a leading destination for wellness tourism. From hot springs to yoga retreats, the country boasts plenty of options for people looking to care for their mental and physical health while on vacation. 

Turkey also has a well-developed banking system, with state-owned banks such as Ziraat Bankası, Halkbank, and VakıfBank operating alongside foreign-owned banks such as Garanti Bankası and İş Bankası.

The country also has a vibrant stock exchange (BIST) home to some of the region’s largest companies. Turkey’s economy is highly dependent on the export of goods and services, making it vulnerable to shifts in global demand. 

Its population is young and growing quickly, which presents opportunities and challenges for the future.

Medical Tourism: A Growing Trend in Istanbul, Turkey

Medical tourism is also becoming increasingly popular as more and more people travel to Turkey for its world-class hair transplant surgeons and clinics. 

This surge in popularity can be attributed to the high standards of medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and attractive price points. Many esthetic surgeries include rhinoplasty, dental implantation, breast augmentation, liposuction, and more, all of which are performed by highly skilled professionals.

Turkey is also an excellent destination for spa treatments, with luxurious Turkish hammams and a wide array of natural herbal remedies. These traditional and modern wellness options complement the medical services, making Turkey an all-encompassing destination for health and relaxation. With such medical and wellness advantages, the country offers an attractive option for those seeking medical treatments at competitive prices. 

In addition to these, one can find excellent healthcare in some of Istanbul’s most modern hospitals, which offer state-of-the-art facilities for procedures such as orthopedic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. These hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals.

Hair Transplant in Turkey

In Turkey, the availability of cutting-edge hair transplant methods, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), and Robotic Hair Transplant, combined with the expertise of reputable hair restoration surgeons and the cost-effectiveness compared to Western nations, makes it a preferred destination for individuals seeking hair restoration solutions.

The country’s medical infrastructure is tailored to support these procedures, ensuring patient comfort and high success rates. With Turkey’s frequent flights from Europe and North America and strategically located hospitals, getting treatment in Turkey is fast and straightforward.

According to many patient reviews, Turkey provides outstanding healthcare services that have attracted patients worldwide who pursue quality results at a reasonable cost. These reviews often highlight the medical staff’s professionalism, the facilities’ cleanliness, and the overall satisfaction with the outcomes.

Looking To Get Hair Transplant Surgery in Turkey? How To Research Clinics?

Dr. Mehmet Demircioglu is a trusted resource for those considering hair transplantation in Turkey. The doctor offers detailed information about the procedure and its costs, which can help you make an informed decision. 

Dr. Demircioglu’s practice, Diamond Hair Clinic, is known for its comprehensive approach to patient care, offering pre-surgery consultation, post-operative follow-ups, and a thorough understanding of each patient’s unique needs.

Additionally, the articles written by Dr. Mehmet Demircioglu explain how to maintain your results and highlight the importance of finding a qualified surgeon. His high-level expertise in this field has earned him the respect of experts worldwide.

Get In Touch With Diamond Hair Clinic!

  • Dr. Mehmet Demircioglu is an experienced and qualified hair restoration surgeon and is the founder of Diamond Hair Clinic in Turkey, one of the best clinics in Turkey. Dr. Demircioglu is also an active World Fue Institute (WFI) member.