Turkey
Turkey straddles two continents — a fact felt in its architecture, its cuisine, and the way its cities layer Ottoman domes against modern skylines; from the Aegean coast's turquoise coves to the volcanic plains of Cappadocia and the forested Black Sea hills, the country's geography is as varied as its history.
Overview
Turkey occupies the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, connected to a small slice of Southeastern Europe by the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. It borders eight countries, including Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and is flanked by the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean and Aegean to the south and west. Ankara is the capital; Istanbul, the largest city, straddles Europe and Asia. Turkish is the official language, the currency is the Turkish lira, and the country identifies broadly as a secular republic with deep Islamic cultural heritage.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or access Turkey's official electronic visa system — the e-Visa portal at evisa.gov.tr — before travel. Eligibility, permitted stay, and conditions vary significantly by passport. Travellers should check the official portal or their nearest Turkish consulate well in advance of any trip.
Airports in Turkey
52 airportsAirlines based in Turkey
16 airlines
Famous Attractions in Turkey
Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, a sixth-century Byzantine basilica converted to a mosque, dominates the city's silhouette along the Bosphorus. Cappadocia's Göreme Valley holds a surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and rock-carved churches dating to early Christianity. The ancient city of Ephesus near Selçuk preserves one of the best-surviving Roman streetscapes in the world. Pamukkale's white calcium terraces — naturally fed by thermal springs — have drawn visitors since antiquity. The Topkapı Palace in Istanbul served as the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries.
Weather & Climate
Turkey's climate varies considerably by region. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts follow a Mediterranean pattern — hot, dry summers reaching 35–38 °C and mild, wet winters around 8–12 °C. Central Anatolia experiences a continental climate with harsh winters dropping to −5 °C or below and warm summers. The Black Sea coast is humid and receives rainfall year-round. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable periods to travel nationally; pack layers for inland and eastern regions regardless of season.
Interesting Facts About Turkey
- Istanbul is the only city spanning two continents.
- Ankara replaced Istanbul as capital in 1923.
- Turkey produces around 70% of the world's hazelnuts.
- Coffee was introduced to Europe via Ottoman Istanbul.
- Göbekli Tepe is the world's oldest known temple complex.
Official Resources
- goturkiye.com — official tourism portal managed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- evisa.gov.tr — Turkey's official electronic visa application system
- mgm.gov.tr — Turkish State Meteorological Service for weather forecasts
- tcdd.gov.tr — Turkish State Railways, covering intercity rail services