Sunday, 29 December 2024

15 Interesting Facts You May Not Know About Turkey

Source: Travel Facts
27 December 2024

1. Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
2. Turkey is home to one of the oldest known human settlements, Göbekli Tepe, which dates back over 11,000 years.
3. The ancient city of Troy, famous from Homer’s *Iliad*, is located in present-day Turkey.
4. The country was the heart of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, both of which left rich cultural and historical legacies.
5. Turkey is the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.
6. The Cappadocia region is famous for its unique rock formations, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides.
7. Turkish coffee, known for its rich flavor and thick consistency, is UNESCO-recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
8. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, dating back to 1455, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
9. The Hagia Sophia, initially a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, symbolizes Turkey’s layered history.
10. Turkey produces 75% of the world’s hazelnuts, many of which are used in products like Nutella.
11. Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, features natural thermal pools formed by white travertine terraces.
12. Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is believed to have landed, is Turkey's highest peak.
13. Tulips, often associated with the Netherlands, originated in Turkey and were introduced to Europe in the 16th century.
14. Turkish delight (*lokum*), a sweet confection, has been a part of the country's cuisine for over 500 years.
15. The ancient Library of Celsus, located in Ephesus, was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.

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29/12/2024: 1.15 p.m

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