20 Fascinating Facts About Türkiye
Did you know that Turkey is part of both Asia and Europe? Or that Noah’s Ark landed on a Turkish volcano? Read all of that and more below, where we’ve collected 20 fascinating facts about Turkey that will blow your mind.
20 Fascinating Facts About The Amazing Turkey
1. Istanbul is on two continents
Let’s start with a classic: Istanbul lives on two continents. The city is separated by the Bosphorus, a strait, and therefore consists of a European and an Asian part. In general, 95% of Turkey is located in Asia and 5% in Europe.
2. Ankara, not Istanbul, is the capital of Türkiye
Many people assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey, but in reality, it is the city of Ankara that is the capital. Istanbul happens to be the largest city in Türkiye. Ankara has been a major commercial center throughout Turkey’s history and has grown to become a major commercial, artistic, and cultural center.
3. The original name of Istanbul is “Byzantium”
The name “Byzantium” has Greek origins and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city. In 324, it was renamed “Constantinople”, and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul.
4. The story of Santa Claus originated in Türkiye
Born to wealthy parents, Nicholas was a Christian saint and the Greek Bishop of Myra, who was born in Patara. After his parents died, he received a large amount of wealth, which he would give to the poor and needy. Legend has it that he threw bags of gold coins down the chimneys of houses and gave fruits to children. His good deeds spread across Europe and the locals began to integrate him with their myths and legends.
5. Turks love tea
Although you may know Turkey for its coffee, 96% of the population drinks at least one cup of tea a day. Turkish tea is robust and is served in small tulip-shaped glasses. Be sure to try all of their amazing tea flavors during your travels.
6. Türkiye has a young demographic
Türkiye has the largest youth population in the EU. The average age in Turkey is around 31 years and only 9% of the country’s population is over 60 years of age.
7. Istanbul (Ancient Constantinople) was founded on seven hills
Similar to Rome, Istanbul was built on seven hills. However, this was not a coincidence; the Byzantine Empire built the city that way to declare them the new Rome. The seven hills are historically significant and are packed with impressive mosques and beautiful palaces.
8. The name “turquoise” actually comes from Türkiye.
Turquoise means “Turkish stone”. The beautiful mineral came to Europe from the East via Turkey and is one of the oldest gemstones in history. They were first used as amulets by Turkish soldiers.
9. The national sport of Türkiye is oil wrestling.
Also known as fat wrestling, oil wrestling is one of the oldest sports in Turkey. When oil wrestling, the wrestlers douse themselves with oil beforehand and then face their opponent.
10. There are 82,693 mosques in Türkiye.
Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, as approximately 99% of all Turks are Muslim. One of the most impressive mosques in Turkey is the Sultanahmet Mosque, popularly known as the “Blue Mosque” in Istanbul.
11. Türkiye is the largest producer of hazelnuts
Turkey supplies approximately 75% of the world hazelnut production and is therefore one of the mainstays of the Turkish export market. Mainly due to its favorable climatic conditions for hazelnut production, hazelnut fields are spread along the Black Sea coasts of Turkey.
12. Türkiye has an impressive self-sufficient agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation of the majority of the Turkish population, as almost half of the country consists of agricultural land. Historians believe that many agricultural systems originated in Türkiye. Due to its fertile soil, favorable climate and abundant rainfall, in terms of food production, Turkey is one of the few self-sufficient countries in the world.
13. Turks love their bread
In Turkey, almost every meal comes with fresh bread (ekmek), and the best part of the meal is soaking up the juices and oils from other dishes with the bread. The giving of ekmek is important in Turkey because, according to Islamic belief, bread sustains life. Because of this, the bread is never wasted.
14. There are more than 30 ethnic languages in Türkiye.
Although Turkish is the official language of the country, more than 30 languages are regularly spoken, including Arabic, Kurmanji, and Zazaki, to name a few.
15. The “Evil Eye” is the best-selling souvenir
The “Nazar boncuğu”, or “evil eye”, is a stone made of molten glass, iron and copper. A 3000 year old tradition, it is used to protect the wearer from evil forces. The belief is that the blue color of the stone has the power to ward off negative energy.
16. We owe the coffee to the Turks
Although coffee does not come from Turkey, the Turks brought coffee to Europe in the 16th century. When in Turkey, try their classic coffee mocha, made in a cezve, a small copper pot.
17. Turkish women could leave their husbands for coffee
Yes, you read that right. A few hundred years ago, Turkish women had legal grounds to divorce if their husbands couldn’t provide them with something as essential as coffee.
18. The Grand Bazaar has more than 3,000 shops.
The “Kapalı Çarşı” in Istanbul dates back to the 14th century and is now a maze of 61 streets with around 3000 shops, definitely worth a visit.
19. Istanbul airport is a major aviation hub
All airlines fly to destinations worldwide from Istanbul. Only Turkish Airlines flies to more than 121 countries.
20. Noah’s Ark supposedly landed on Mount Ararat
Many believe that the biblical Noah’s ark landed on the Ararat volcano. The mountain is beautiful to look at and is home to incredible natural diversity. It’s one of the highlights of the country, so be sure to check it out when you visit.
