Overview
Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a country situated mainly in Anatolia in West Asia, with a smaller portion known as East Thrace located in Southeast Europe. This transcontinental position gives Turkey a unique identity, bridging two continents and serving as a historical and cultural crossroads between East and West.
Geography and Borders
Turkey occupies a strategic location bordered by several bodies of water and countries. To the north lies the Black Sea, while its eastern borders are shared with Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. To the south, Turkey borders Iraq, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea. Its western frontier is defined by the Aegean Sea, as well as land borders with Greece and Bulgaria.
- North: Black Sea
- East: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran
- South: Iraq, Syria, Mediterranean Sea
- West: Aegean Sea, Greece, Bulgaria
Population and Society
Turkey is home to a population exceeding 86 million people. The majority of the population consists of ethnic Turks, while Kurds represent the largest ethnic minority in the country. Although Turkey is officially a secular state, the population is predominantly Muslim, a factor that continues to shape much of the nation's cultural and social life.
Major Cities
Turkey's urban landscape features a mix of political, historical, and economic centers. Ankara serves as the country's capital and is its second-largest city. Istanbul, however, holds the distinction of being the largest city in Turkey and functions as the nation's primary economic hub. Other significant cities that contribute to Turkey's urban and economic fabric include İzmir, Bursa, and Antalya.
- Ankara – Capital and second-largest city
- Istanbul – Largest city and economic center
- İzmir – Major coastal city
- Bursa – Historic and industrial center
- Antalya – Prominent city on the Mediterranean coast