In the southwestern part of Asia have a wonderful country.Turkey (officially called the Republic of Turkey) was formed in 1923, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.The monarchy was abolished, the territory became a nation-state with a predominance of the Turkish ethnic group.
Most of the country in question is in the Armenian highlands and the Anatolian peninsula, a smaller - between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea (in the Balkans).
neighboring countries
Briefly describe the borders of Turkey.So, in the eastern state adjoins Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the west - in Greece, in the south - Iran, Iraq and Syria.And where are the northern border of Turkey?Map suggests that they extend up to the Black Sea.The country is washed by three seas: the Mediterranean, Marmara and the Aegean.
Armed Forces Army
Turkey presented a collection of troops, which aim to protect freedom, territorial integrity and independence of the country.As of 2011 its population was 720 thousand. People.In addition, the state has a number of trained reserve of 90 thousand. People., Of which 38,000 are in the first stage of reserve.
Turkish army staffed through the recruiting system.The period of compulsory military service can vary from six to fifteen months.The draft age - twenty years.After his discharge from the army, the citizens are in stock up to forty-five years.According to local law, in time of war it can be called not only to men 16-60 years old, and women 20-46 years.
Operational management of the armed forces carried out under the leadership of the General Staff chief, appointed by the president.His subordinate commanders of ground forces, naval forces, the gendarmerie and the Coast Guard.
economic situation
Currently, the country is dominated by market relations.Turkey's economy is constantly being liberalized: privatized state concerns, which opens up new opportunities for foreign investors in the domestic market.
In the early twenty-first century, the country experienced an economic crisis.Experts call it the heaviest for the entire period of development of the state in the conditions of full liberalization.Thus, GDP in fixed prices fell by 9.5%.However, in 2002, was able to restore economic growth.For example, GDP rose by 7.1%.
main creditor countries are the World Bank and IMF.Turkey's economy is constantly fueled by loans.So, just from 2000 to 2005, the country received 30 billion dollars.
not less than twenty percent of the people live below the poverty line.The minimum wage in 2013 amounted to 405 euros.
Industry
country Turkey is actively working on the development and expansion of the textile, metallurgy, food-processing, chemical, engineering and mining industries.
oil production in the country can not be considered sufficient for domestic consumption.SOEs with the support of foreign capital generate prospecting.The most significant in this respect is the region Southeastern Anatolia.Due to the fact that the deposits are located in remote areas, the cost of transport and production is constantly increasing.
The country is a major exporter of chrome ore.In addition, production is made of copper, tungsten, uranium and manganese ores, mercury, sulfur, borates, gold and silver.
Notable rapidly developing electronics industry in Turkey.Thus, the country's mass production of radio, television and telephone equipment, computers and many other devices.The leading place among exported products occupy electronic thermometers.
political situation
Currently, in the political arena of the country can be seen bright and very dynamic process of struggle between seeking to occupy a dominant position of the parties.All of them aim to obtain the right to determine the vector of its foreign and domestic policy.Modern society
Turkey occupied the deep ideological rethinking heritage, which left Kemal Ataturk - the founder and first president of the republic.The reins are in the hands of members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).They stand on the protection of Islamic principles and make appropriate adjustments to the internal and external policies of the country.Their main rivals are the following parties: the Republican People (declares adherence to the principles of Kemal Ataturk) and the Nationalist Action Party (Devlet Bahceli-headed).
Turkey's policy (both internal and external) is increasingly interested in the world community.The reason is the fact that the State is gaining weight in the international arena and has an active economic position.
Turkish President
Now the country is ruled Dzhumuh Abdullah Gul.He is a doctor of economic sciences.Gul proved himself as a successful diplomat and politician.He acts efficiently, thus quickly guided to permanently changing conditions of social and political atmosphere.On August 28, 2007 Gul - elected president of Turkey.Now the country is the preparation for new elections to be held August 10, 2014.
National Symbols
Naturally, its flag, emblem and anthem and has this sunny country.Turkey is a red flag with a crescent and a star which are symbols of Islam.The history of the flag has more than one interpretation.The only indisputable fact is that the country inherited symbols from the Ottoman Empire, which was exactly the color red.The star first appeared on a flag only in the early nineteenth century.First, it represented with seven or eight ends.What now looks flag of Turkey?Photos are displayed in red cloth with a five-pointed star and crescent.It is noteworthy that shortly before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire stars on the flag had three.The modern version was approved in 1923.Thirteen years later officially confirmed a ratio of 2: 3.
Coat of Turkey to the early twentieth century was represented by a green circle on the background and the month of the star.Under the latter has a shield decorated with gold moon and stars, as well as crowned sultan headdress - turban.On both sides of the coat of arms were banners.One of them - red (the Ottoman Dynasty), another - a green (Islam).In addition, the coat of arms depicted trophies Empire mined in war.
As for modern Turkey, the official state emblem, it does not matter.Instead, he often used the emblem - a red oval with a vertical white crescent and star.This symbol is complemented by the country's official name, written in Turkish.
As for the anthem entitled "Istiklal Marsi" ("Independence March"), it was officially recognized as a national in 1921.The words written by the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy.Initially, the author of the music was Ali Rifat Kagatay.His melody was used for eight years.Later the music has changed.Currently, the performance of the hymn melody Zeki Ungor - conductor of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
Symbols deeply honored citizens.It is located not only in the private and public institutions, but also in the houses of citizens.
legislation
Going on vacation, do not forget to ask what in terms of prohibitions and permits allocated this country.Turkey - a country hospitable, but the law is one for all.For example, recently banned smoking in public places and transport (even in taxis, not to mention the buses).Violation of this rule will be fined in the amount of sixty-two Turkish liras (about thirty dollars).
Turkish laws regarding storage, transport and use of drugs is very strict.So, for violation of the prohibitions can be accessed behind bars for a period of four to twenty four years.
not allowed out of the country antiques.The main danger for ordinary tourists is that this concept is quite broad.How to protect yourself?It is recommended not to take even the smallest objects from archaeological sites and purchase souvenirs only at authorized places.Purchase of any such products should be accompanied by the issuance of the relevant certificate.Available paper will need to show border officials when leaving the country.The lack of certification is punishable by up to ten years imprisonment, confiscation is not easy to do.
to a crime in Turkey equated insulting the national flag, the corruption of local funds and disrespect to the country's founder pictures of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Wherever you are, you are required to carry photo identification.Fears for the safety of documents is quite clear, therefore, may be present, for example, is not the passport and its photocopy.
Before photographing local people, you must obtain permission to do so.The country's legislation does not regulate how to dress, but settled for centuries should not violate the rules.It is not recommended to open the legs and shoulders.
traditions and customs
Although geographically, Russia and Turkey are close to each other, between the cultures of these countries an abyss.So, the vast majority of the local population (not less than eighty per cent) Muslim.This culture is literally saturated every aspect of life.Religion defines the features of everyday life and communication.
The first thing that surprised foreign tourists, it is accentuated politeness communication.The Turks continue to adhere to traditional views on the expression of an attitude of respect for others.You probably hear in your address lot of compliments, and better respond to them in return, do not skimp on nice words.
Wedding customs visiting Turkey hit his pomp and solemnity.Rite join two loving hearts will certainly accompanied by a courtship and engagement.This celebration lasts for at least several days.Some ancient traditions, modern Turks followed until now.Among them are "The Night of Henna" (bride's hands covered with marvelous patterns, using the paint henna) and "virginity Belt" (the father of the bride ties a top wedding dress scarlet ribbon).
Neither Turkish holiday impossible to imagine without rhythmic movements under national melodies.However, there are more than two thousand varieties of dance.Depending on the region they are different and the costumes, and the choreography and rhythm.
Culture
Consider areas such as literature, architecture, theater, music, internet and cinema.
roots of Turkish literature goes back to antiquity.Thus, the earliest accurately dated works are creations Farih Ahmed, appeared in the thirteenth century.Not surprisingly, the Ottoman religious literature of different character and adherence to the requirements of Islam.The researchers note that its development time significantly influenced the traditions of Arabic and Persian literature.
truly unique genre of court poetry is the period of the Ottoman Empire.Among the characteristics of Turkish alphabet isolated folk traditions.Particularly in this regard noted tales of Nasreddin Hodja and heroic epic (both orally and in writing).As for the modern Turkish literature, it develops under the influence of the west.
Architecture
history of Turkish architecture is divided into three periods: Seljuk (XII-XIII cc.), Ottoman (XIV-XIX centuries.) And modern.In the tradition of constructing buildings at the time influenced the architecture of Iran, Byzantium and Egypt.At present the main features of the Turkish style are simplicity and functionality.Most of the buildings being built in the style of modernism.Among the founders of the modern school of architecture allocate Clemens Holtsmayera Onat Hakim and Sedat Eldema.
Theatre
In the sixteenth century the Ottoman Empire residents learned that a shadow theater.This entertainment has gained enormous popularity.In the plays not only used dolls and puppets and scenery, and special lighting effects.All of these techniques allow to create the illusion that the stage space is multidimensional.Since the mid-nineteenth century theater developed under a comprehensive influence of Western culture.The founder of the Turkish drama believe Ibrahim Şinasi and theater - Hakob Vardovyana.
Music
origins of musical traditions to be found in the early Middle Ages, when the Seljuk Turks, migrated from Central Asia, inhabited the peninsula.Naturally, the new territories of culture to engage with the Armenian and Greek.A characteristic feature of the musical traditions of that time was pentatonic - special pyatistupennaya interval system.All sounds it can be placed on clean quanta and / or quarts.
During the period of the Ottoman Empire was formed a new genre - military orchestral music, accompanied by many hiking and aggressive campaign.Modern music culture of Turkey is under the influence of the West.Thus, young people are particularly popular rock and pop as well as jazz.Many Turkish singers known outside the country, among them especially allocate Mustafa Sandal, Hande Yener, Tarkan and Sertab Serdar Ortaç Ernera.
World Wide Web
spread of the Internet has played a significant role in the cultural life of the country.Thus, the population of small towns, villages and outlying provinces had access to educational and entertaining information.On many sites you can find works of Turkish writers and poets, newspapers also have their electronic resources.The number of Internet users over the last decade has grown by 10 times.Currently, the World Wide Web capabilities are 26.5 million Turks.
world of cinema
filmography on the territory of modern Turkey, was known even before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.Thus, the first documentary was presented to the public in 1914.Its author - Fuat Uzyknay.The short film shows the destruction of the monument, installed in a suburb of Constantinople in honor of San Stefano peace treaty.Shooting of the first feature film ("The Marriage Himmeta Yeah") was completed in 1918.
Currently, it can be argued that Turkey has succeeded not only in cinema but also in the television field.Programs that are created in this country, are very popular and beyond.
features local cuisine
The more interesting the country in question?Turkey strikes travelers unusual culinary traditions, and all because in the cooking process at different times influenced and Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Arabs and Italians.
most famous local dishes - kababpchis and shish kebab (calf on a spit).Furthermore, Turkey is very popular pizza.An integral component of many dishes is olive oil.Special relationship with local residents to desserts and sweets.Typically, these goodies are full of nuts and fruit.Among beverages primarily isolated Turkish coffee.No less popular is tea, wine and brandy (grape brandy with anise flavor).
Conclusion
Turkey - a fascinating country with a difficult history.It attracts millions of travelers and lovers of antiquity.And all thanks to the unique recreational resources, and numerous historical attractions.
