10 Interesting Facts about Turkey!
Turkey is an incredibly beautiful country with stunning coastlines, historical sites, and vibrant cultures. This Mediterranean gem has long been a favorite among travelers since it has so much to offer. Many tourists visit this breathtaking location to enjoy the mouth-watering cuisine, learn about the local way of life, and see some of the best tourist attractions like the famous Blue Mosque and the Spice Market.
If Turkey is on your travel list, here are some very interesting facts you need to know. When making trip plans, don't forget to have a look at some of our best tours to Turkey.
Turkey Connects Europe and Asia
Turkey is geographically situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Due to this, you will witness a lot of Eastern and Western influences in the heritage, architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Even today, It plays an important role in global trade and is a major hub for air travel, connecting both the continents.
Make sure you don’t wear a Fez
When in turkey, avoid wearing a Fez, a red coloured hat. The Fez has historical and cultural significance. Historically, it symbolized loyalty to the Ottoman sultan and Islamic traditions. Under Kemalism, traditional Ottoman attire was discouraged in favor of Western-style clothing. During the early 20th century, wearing the Fez was officially banned, leading to stigmatization. Despite this, the Fez remains a symbol of Turkish cultural heritage, sometimes worn in ceremonies or folkloric performances. Today, wearing a Fez is uncommon in everyday life, but it serves as a reminder of Turkey's rich Ottoman heritage.
30 languages are spoken across Turkey
Turkey is a diverse country with 30 languages spoken here some of them being Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, Zaza, Azerbaijani, Laz, Georgian, Armenian, Greek, Serbian, Modern Hebrew and many others. These languages, spoken by different communities reflect the diverse cultural and rich linguistic heritage.
Home of Kebabs
Tukey is considered to be the home of Kebabs, a mouth watering delicacy usually served with salad, bread or rice. Here, you will find a variety with distinct flavors and different cooking techniques. They are often made during celebrations and family gatherings. Some popular types include Adana kebab and Doner kebab. Today, Turkish kebabs are enjoyed by everyone worldwide.
Turks say goodbye with a bucket of water
Yes, you heard that right. This cultural tradition in Turkey is known as "saying goodbye with water" or "su dökme" in Turkish. It is mainly observed in Anatolian and Turkish culture, especially in rural areas and small towns.
When someone is about to depart after visiting someone's home, especially if they have traveled a long distance, the host may pour a bucket or jug of water at the doorstep or in the doorway. This act symbolizes cleansing the visitor's journey and wishing them a safe return home.
The story of Santa Claus originated in turkey
Santa Claus has historical ties to Turkey. Santa Claus is largely based on Saint Nicholas. who was born in Patara around 270 AD and became the Bishop of Myra (also in modern-day Turkey).
The custom of hanging stockings by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill on Christmas Eve originated from his gift-giving ritual. His legacy gained popularity across Europe, and Santa Claus originated in America partly due to the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas.
Turkey is one of the oldest wine countries
Turkey is one of the oldest wine-producing countries. It has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Its diverse climate and geography provide ideal conditions for grape cultivation, allowing for the growth of various grape varieties. Winemaking has played an important role in ancient civilizations like the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, and Romans. Turkish wines are now produced using both foreign and native grape varieties, making it a popular wine tourism destination.
There are 85,000 Mosques in Turkey
Did you know as of the latest estimates, there are approximately 85,000 mosques across Turkey?
Turkey has thousands of mosques, which is a reflection of the country's diverse culture and rich Islamic past. These mosques differ in size, historical significance, and architectural style. Some are centuries old, while others reflect a more modern contemporary style.
You can find two of the Seven Wonders of the World in Turkey
The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus: Located near the modern-day town of Selçuk in Turkey, the Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. It underwent several reconstructions over the centuries. Today, only a few ruins remain at the archaeological site.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was a tomb built for Mausolus, the governor of Caria, and his wife Artemisia II. It was constructed in the city of Halicarnassus (now known as Bodrum in Turkey) between 353 and 350 BCE. Although largely destroyed by earthquakes in antiquity, remnants of the structure can still be seen at the site.
Traveling to Turkey? We’ve got you covered. Take a look at our Turkey Travel Guide Before You go.