Turkey - is not only a popular tourist destination area, but also the center of many historic events, and the state with a unique culture.Architectural sights and unusual traditions of this country attracted the attention of people around the world.What are the geographical features of Turkey?What is remarkable is her story?What can you tell us about her art, culture and customs?Let's look in detail.
Geographical location
start interesting facts about Turkey is its unique position - it is located in South-Eastern Europe and Southwest Asia at the same time.The length of the territory from west to east is sixteen hundred kilometers, and from north to south - and six hundred.The main part refers to the Anatolian peninsula, which is also known under the name "Asia Minor".The seas surrounding Turkey, called the Black, Aegean and the Mediterranean.The first is located in the north, and the other two - in the west and south.In addition, there Dardanelles and the Bosphorus.European and Asian parts are separated by water, the sea passage that connects the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.The latter is also sometimes called Marble.Mountains in Turkey is quite an impressive part of the territory, so it can not be called plain relief.The average height of the surface in the area of the state - a thousand meters above sea level.The largest mountain in Turkey - is Pontine and brands.The highest point is in the Kaçkar three thousand nine hundred thirty-one meter.
boundaries and population
largest city in Turkey is Istanbul.It recorded more than ten million inhabitants.The large size of a dozen different cities - there are more than a million.The area of the state is seven hundred eighty thousand five hundred and eighty square kilometers.The seas surrounding Turkey, creating a natural border for a coastline that stretches over seven thousand two hundred kilometers.Whole Turkey is bordered by eight countries.These are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq and Syria.The length of land borders of two thousand six hundred forty-eight kilometers, and the longest is the one that divides the country from Syria - eight hundred twenty-two kilometers.
most popular regions of Turkey are on the coast - a town of Kemer, Side, Alanya, Marmaris and Antalya.That these names are familiar to tourists, but this fantastic geography and history is to learn about the country and other facts.For example, no less interesting to visit numerous islands Turkey - for example, a ridge Pashalimany - a picturesque place with bays and exotic vegetation.
ancient history of the country
first man appeared on local lands another seven and a half thousand years BC.But then the new states were created and disappeared randomly, so associate that date with how many years in Turkey, it is impossible - in those days it was a completely different country.Among them were soldiers of the Egyptians, the Syrians and the Anatolian met and Greeks.No stability existed.In the two hundred and seventy-nine BC Celts founded the city in the country - now it is known as the capital of Turkey, Ankara.Then came the period of Roman history.The territory spread the influence of Christians, and became the capital of Constantinople.The emperor Giustinian expanded land of the Byzantine Empire to the Balkans, North Africa, Anatolia, and captured Italy.After some time, the effect decreased, and Turks controlled only the land of the modern state, as well as Iraq and Iran.New heyday occurred with the advent of the Ottoman Empire, which was expanded to the center of Europe.
modern history
ups and downs alternate in the annals of the Turkish state.In the early twentieth century description of Turkey as a powerful empire it was still quite true, but the collapse was already approaching.Unsuccessful course was the end of the First World greatness.In the twenties there was a war for independence and the sultanate was abolished.During the reign of Ataturk's constitution was adopted and repealed many conservative religious laws.Women gained the right to vote, the country's democracy was established.The course is on the development continued until the end of the century.At the beginning of the twenty-first is a chief concern of Turkish accession to the EU.At the moment this is not possible due to the fact that many regions of Turkey different economic instability and prone to attacks by Kurds.Separatism is a hot issue.If the Kurdish issue is not resolved, Ankara will not become one of the capitals of the European Union.
Architecture Turkey
studying the interesting facts about Turkey is not only to learn about the history and geographical location, but also about the culture - a variety of art forms are very important for every local resident.Let's start with the architecture.It is distinguished by an impressive variety of almost every city.It has long served as a basis for the construction of the stone, which is made of blocks.Different regions of Turkey can boast such places as mosques, citadels, madrasas, baths, markets and caravanserais.They cover tiles, ornamental carving, colored ceramic tiles.Facing plot are plants, geometric shapes and calligraphic inscriptions.Horse riding architectural art are many buildings of Istanbul, such as Hagia Sophia - famous church in Turkey, representing several denominations.
traditional sculpture
Some statues preserved in Turkey belong to the old pages of the history of the state.They are located on the monumental buildings as decoration.The traditional option is the figure allocated for relief walls.Often a statue placed on the corners, niches and pediments.Due to the fact that the Muslim religion forbids the depiction of people and animals, the sculptural art of conservative religious periods is often very limited, so the wide collection of pieces Turkish museums can not boast.
arts
Interesting facts about Turkey and local art can be quite sad.An impressive number of examples simply does not judge the ancient traditions of painting possible only by manuscripts that were to decorate, and the thumbnails used in the yard for the glory of the sultan.Different regions of Turkey can boast their own schools of calligraphy, so a special writing style can be called a kind of replacement for the rest of the world of traditional painting.Just last paintings are different coarseness colors and angular shapes without romantic image.At the same time, however, they are quite colorful and harmonious.Modern representatives of painting guided by the rules of the European masters and inspired by western tradition.
Arts and crafts
Description Turkey is impossible without a mention of this type of skill.Many buildings even the domestic nature are decorated with paintings, a decoration found on utensils and household items.For drawings used stylized motifs depicting plants, animals, and flowers.Part of the plot is a boat with a sail, a bouquet of tulips, carnations, irises, hyacinths.For painting uses green, red and brown and blue paint.Another common skill is weaving - bright red fabric with gold or silver pattern in great demand.In addition, the world-famous Turkish carpets.They are distinguished by a discreet color and original composition.Some regions of Turkey and famous for the production of carved wooden items, metal weapons and utensils, colorful pottery and earthenware.
Literature
lot of interesting facts about Turkey can be gathered from sources such as books by local authors.Ancient cultures easily explored on works created during the Seljuk rule in Arabic.The court poets of the time wrote in Persian.To have survived the ancient tales, legends, myths, proverbs, songs and even riddles and jokes.Literary works previously created exclusively in poetry - in a similar style there chivalry and praises the authorities.
During the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the Turks wrote a satirical book, exposing bribery, embezzlement, vicious life and drunkenness.Ordinary prose used only for scientific works - works on religion, medicine, history.Literature in the conventional sense appeared quite late, so novels, adventure novels or social, as well as the play is usually dated to the present.Over time, the Turkish language has been simplified and is now in the books, he is no different from the people.
Turkish cuisine
Eating is one of the key elements of Eastern cultures.Turkish cuisine is among the richest in the world of flavors.Some dishes can explore the secrets and foreigners, and others can prepare only a very experienced cook.Interestingly, in each region - their traditional dishes.Contrary to the opinion that too spicy oriental cuisine, spices are used in moderation.Separate plus is that many dishes available for vegetarians - Turkish dishes are varied and are prepared not only meat, but also of a variety of vegetables, fruits and all kinds of cereals.
Customs
To better understand the lives of local residents, it is necessary to know some of their rules.For example, women in black forbidden to take pictures, and men need to ask permission.Entrance to the mosque or a private home, the Turks always take off their shoes and leave it at the door.If there is a danger to get lost, you can fold the shoes in a bag and take it with you.The Turks never drink alcohol on the streets.The most offensive, that can make a foreigner - to confuse the country with Greece.You should not make fun of Ataturk and - despite some shortcomings, it remains the most beloved national hero to this day.Another serious error - call Istanbul Constantinople.The old name belonged to the Byzantine capital, which won the Ottomans.Using it, you can seriously hurt and demonstrate ignorance of history.And, of course, should not be confused - the main city of the country is Ankara.
