Turkey has plenty of historical sites and a rich culture. It is a great travel destination because there are so many places to explore. Read on for some facts about Turkey before you start planning your trip.
1. "Turkey" Comes from "Turchia"
It is believed that the name "Turkey" comes from the word turchia, which is the name that the Italians used to refer to Anatolia, the Asian portion of Turkey. This usage goes back to the early 12th century. Indeed, Turks never used the name "Turkey" for their land until the Republic of Turkey was officially established in 1923. Turkey means "the land of the Turks".
2. The Capital City of Turkey is Ankara
Most people who aren't familiar with this country believe that Istanbul is the capital. Although Istanbul is the biggest city and is very popular among tourists, the capital is Ankara. In 1923, the city of Ankara was named the capital of Turkey in place of Istanbul.
3. Istanbul Is One of the Few Transcontinental Cities in the World
Istanbul is the most popular tourist destination in Turkey and the largest transcontinental city in the world. The Bosphorus Strait runs through the city; it separates the Asian and European parts of Istanbul. Every single point on the Bosphorus Strait offers amazing views of the city.
4. Turkey Has Two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Turkey is an ancient civilization with a 4,000-year-old history; it is home to a lot of amazing architecture, including two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The first one is the Temple of Artemis, located in the ancient city of Ephesus in Izmir. The second one is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in the modern city of Bodrum.
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