About Türkiye
Welcome to Türkiye!
Information
Name: The Republic of Türkiye
- In June 2022, Türkiye officially changed its internationally recognized name from “Turkey” to “Türkiye.” This change better reflects the country’s language, culture, and identity. The United Nations approved the new name, which is now used worldwide.
Population: ~85 Million
- Turkiye has a population of approximately 85 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Istanbul alone is home to over 15 million residents — more than many countries!
Language: Turkish
Time Zone: GMT+3 (TRT)
Flag
The red color honors the blood of martyrs who fought for the nation’s independence and freedom, while the white symbolizes peace, purity, and independence.
Currency
Turkish Lira (₺)
The Turkish lira (TRY) is Turkiye’s official currency, and kuruş is the subunit, with one Turkish lira equal to 100 kuruş. Banknotes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ₺, while coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kuruş, as well as 1 ₺ and 5 ₺.
Location
Straddling southeastern Europe and western Asia, Turkiye spans two continents, with the Bosphorus Strait dividing its European and Anatolian sides. It borders eight countries and commands key waterways linking the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
Capital
Although Istanbul is Turkiye’s largest and most famous city, Ankara has been the country’s capital since 1923. Located near the center of the country, Ankara was chosen for its strategic position, making it easier to govern and defend the nation. As Turkiye’s political and administrative heart, Ankara hosts government buildings, foreign embassies, and key institutions.
Emergency Number
Turkiye uses a unified emergency number: 112. Whether you need an ambulance, police, firefighters, or other emergency services, dialing 112 will connect you to the right help. It’s free of charge and available 24/7, anywhere in the country.
Useful Links
Travel & Transfer
Whether you’re headed to Istanbul, Antalya, or Cappadocia, we’ve got you covered with airport info, public transport guides, and transfer tips.
Food & Drinks
Discover the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine, from traditional breakfasts and vibrant street food to iconic desserts, plus top local apps to easily order your favorite meals across Türkiye.
Istanbul
Istanbul is the beating heart of Turkiye, a city where continents, cultures, and centuries meet.
Once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire (330 – 1453 AD) and then the Ottoman Empire (1453 – 1923 AD), before Ankara became the modern Republic’s seat. Today it’s Türkiye’s largest city by population—over 15 million residents—and the only metropolis in the world that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
Istanbul is full of surprising details that make it unlike anywhere else. With over 3,000 mosques across the city, its skyline is a blend of minarets, domes, and modern high-rises. It’s also home to more than 170 museums, including the Istanbul Archaeological Museum—one of the oldest in the world. And perhaps most charming of all, Istanbul’s street cats are treated like royalty; it’s common to see bowls of food and water left out for them by locals and shopkeepers alike.
Some Popular Places:
Hagia Sophia
Originally built as a church in 537 AD during the Byzantine Empire, later converted into a mosque under the Ottomans, then served as a museum for most of the 20th century, and today functions as a mosque again. Hagia Sophia reflects the deep, layered history of Istanbul, where different civilizations and faiths have shaped its identity.
Topkapi Palace
Once the sprawling palace of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace served as the political and administrative center of the empire for over 400 years. Today, it is a museum showcasing imperial treasures, ornate architecture, and breathtaking views over the Bosphorus.
Galata Tower
Standing tall in the Galata district, this medieval stone tower once served as a watchtower for spotting fires. Today, it offers panoramic views of Istanbul and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Grand Bazaar
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant maze of over 4,000 shops. It’s the place to haggle for carpets, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs, and experience the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s traditional trade.
Spice Bazaar
Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this colorful market is famed for its intoxicating aromas of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and Turkish delights. It’s a sensory feast and a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich trading heritage.
Maiden’s Tower
Sitting on a small islet in the Bosphorus, the Maiden’s Tower has served as a lighthouse, watchtower, and even a quarantine station. It’s surrounded by myths and legends, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
Known officially as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque is famed for its striking six minarets and the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. It remains an active place of worship while welcoming visitors from around the world.
Basilica Cistern
Hidden beneath the city streets, the Basilica Cistern is a vast underground reservoir built during the Byzantine era to supply water to the palace. Its eerie atmosphere, illuminated columns, and the famous Medusa heads make it a fascinating historical site.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Built in the 19th century, Dolmabahce Palace reflects a blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire and features luxurious halls, crystal chandeliers, and stunning waterfront views.
Antalya
Antalya is a coastal city on Turkiye’s Mediterranean coast, known for its sunny weather, turquoise beaches, and ancient ruins. As a dynamic hub that mixes resort life with real local culture, it’s a popular destination for both tourists and international students.
Founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon, Antalya was originally called Attaleia. Over centuries, it passed through Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman hands—each leaving their mark in stone theaters, old city walls, and mosques. Today, the city thrives as the capital of Antalya Province, with a population of over a million and some of the country’s most visited historical sites.
Antalya is also full of charming contrasts: ancient Roman gates and fluted minarets sit beside modern cafés and lively beaches. In the Old Town, you’ll find streets lined with Ottoman houses and the scent of orange blossoms in spring. The city is home to one of the most photographed waterfalls in Turkiye and a Roman theater where concerts are still performed under the stars.
Popular Places
Aspendos
Home to the remarkably well-preserved 2nd-century Roman theatre, still in use today for concerts and festivals.
Perge
Ruins of a once-thriving Roman city featuring extensive colonnaded streets, a stadium, baths, and a theater.
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
The historic walled core of Antalya, with narrow cobblestone streets, restored Ottoman houses, Hadrian’s Gate, and a charming marina.
Side
An ancient coastal town with Greco-Roman ruins, a massive amphitheater, and the Temple of Apollo by the sea.
Düden Waterfalls
A pair of cascades—Upper Düden in a shaded park and Lower Düden plunging off a cliff into the sea—offering cool respite and great photo ops.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
A national park famous for its dramatic canyon views, pine forests, and white-water rafting on the Köprüçay River.
Konyaaltı Beach
A long pebble-and-sand shoreline set against the dramatic Beydağları Mountains, popular for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside cafés.
Lara Beach
A sandy beach lined with resorts and public areas, known for its soft sand and vibrant summer atmosphere.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a region in central Türkiye famous for its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and fairy-tale charm.
Its name comes from the ancient Persian word Katpatuka, meaning “Land of Beautiful Horses,” and the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over the centuries, Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans all left their mark here.
The region is best known for its soft volcanic rock, shaped by millions of years of erosion into towering “fairy chimneys,” valleys, and cliffs. Early Christians carved entire underground cities and rock-hewn churches into these formations, using them as places of refuge. Today, Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Türkiye’s most iconic travel destinations.
Popular Places
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site with rock-cut churches, frescoes, and monasteries — a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
Red & Rose Valley
Famous for vibrant red and pink cliffs, especially at sunrise and sunset. Ideal for hiking, photography, and discovering hidden rock-cut churches along scenic trails.
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the valleys and fairy chimneys. Great for photos and short hikes.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Explore the ancient multi-level city carved deep underground, once used for protection from invaders.
Avanos Pottery Workshops
Learn the traditional art of pottery in Avanos, a town famed for its clay and handcrafts along the Kızılırmak River.
Pasabag (Monks Valley)
Famous for its iconic fairy chimneys, some topped with multiple “hats,” where monks once lived in seclusion.
Ihlara Valley
A sandy beach lined with resorts and public areas, known for its soft sand and vibrant summer atmosphere.
Cavusin Village
An ancient village with stone houses and rock-cut churches. Offers a glimpse of traditional Cappadocian life and peaceful walking paths away from the crowds.