The culture of Turkey

Welcome to Turkey, one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in the world! From its vibrant blend of Eastern and Western influences to its delicious cuisine and historic landmarks, Turkey is a fascinating destination that offers something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the key aspects of Turkish culture, including language, religion, food, currency and more. Whether you're planning a trip to this enchanting country or simply want to learn more about it from afar, read on to discover all there is to know about the culture of Turkey!

Things to know about the culture of Turkey

The Official Language of Turkey is Turkish

The official language of Turkey is Turkish, which is spoken by the majority of the population. It belongs to the Turkic language family and has a unique grammatical structure that makes it distinct from other languages. Despite being the official language, there are many regional dialects spoken throughout Turkey.

Turkish uses a Latin-based alphabet since its reform in 1928 when Ataturk introduced this change to modernize and simplify writing. This made learning Turkish easier for foreigners as well as young Turks who were illiterate at that time.

One exciting aspect of Turkish grammar is its use of vowel harmony where all vowels in words must match each other either front or back while speaking or writing. This rule helps with pronunciation and makes Turkish sound musical.

Learning some basic phrases in Turkish can help travelers engage more easily with locals; although most people working within tourist industries speak English fluently. Learning about the official language adds depth to understanding culture and history and opens up new ways of experiencing Turkey's rich cultural heritage!

The Population of Turkey is over 82 million

The population of Turkey is over 82 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in Europe and the Middle East. The majority of the population lives in urban areas such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Turkey's population has grown significantly over the past few decades due to a high birth rate and an influx of refugees from neighboring countries. This growth has led to significant changes in Turkish society, including increased demand for housing, education, and healthcare services.

Despite this rapid growth, Turkey remains a relatively young country with a median age of just 31 years old. Young people play an important role in shaping Turkish culture and society through their energy and enthusiasm for innovation.

Turkey's large population contributes to its dynamic cultural landscape by providing diverse perspectives on everything from politics to cuisine. Whether you're exploring Istanbul's bustling streets or relaxing on one of Turkey's stunning beaches, you're sure to encounter friendly locals who are eager to share their unique perspectives on life in this vibrant country.

The Capital of Turkey is Ankara

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is a modern city that serves as the political center of the country. Located in the central region known as Anatolia, Ankara has a long history dating back to ancient times.

One of its most iconic landmarks is Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – founder and first president of modern-day Turkey. This grand structure is an impressive example of Turkish architecture and draws visitors from all over the world.

In addition to its historical significance, Ankara is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts numerous museums showcasing everything from Ottoman-era artifacts to contemporary art exhibitions.

For those looking for some outdoor fun, Ankara has plenty to offer too! With parks like Genclik Parki and Kugulu Park offering opportunities for picnics or leisurely strolls while enjoying nature's beauty under blue skies with family or friends.

If you're interested in exploring Turkey's rich culture and history beyond Istanbul then you should definitely make time to visit Ankara - it won't disappoint!

The Currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira

Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira. The lira was introduced in 1923 after the establishment of the Republic of Turkey. It replaced the Ottoman Empire's previous currency, the Ottoman lira.

The symbol for Turkish Lira is ₺ and it comes in banknotes and coins. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50,100 and 200 TL while coins come in denominations of 1 kr.,5 kr.,10 kr.,25 kr.,50 kr.and ₺1.

Although there are many foreign currencies accepted at tourist locations across Turkey such as USD or EUR but you will still need to use Turkish Liras if you want to travel around like a local.

It’s always best to have cash on hand when travelling around Turkey as credit cards aren’t always widely accepted outside big cities or touristic areas so make sure that you bring enough cash with you during your travels.

You can exchange your money into Turkish Liras easily from banks, post offices and exchange offices found almost everywhere throughout Turkey. Be careful when exchanging money from unlicensed vendors though as they may try to scam travelers especially those who are not familiar with their rates.

Religion in Turkey

Religion plays a significant role in the culture of Turkey, with Islam being the predominant religion. Around 99% of the population are Muslims, while Christians and Jews make up less than 1%. The Islamic practices have influenced various aspects of Turkish life such as politics, social norms, education and even art.

The majority of Turkish Muslims follow Sunni Islam, but there is also a significant minority who practice Alevism – a sect that combines Shia Islam with pre-Islamic beliefs. The country has numerous mosques which serve as religious centers for Muslim communities. They offer regular prayers and host events during holy days like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.

Turkey's secular constitution allows freedom of worship to all religions within its borders. However, this doesn't mean there aren't restrictions on certain activities or expressions related to religion in public spaces. For example, it’s illegal to wear headscarves in government buildings or universities since they represent political ideology rather than personal faith.

Despite some limitations on religious expression in public spaces the people of Turkey continue to hold their deep-rooted religious traditions close at heart while respecting other cultural practices around them.

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is a delicious and varied mix of flavors, influenced by the country’s history and location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. One of the most famous dishes in Turkey is kebab, which can be made with lamb, beef or chicken. Another popular dish is mezze, an assortment of small plates that are perfect for sharing.

One standout ingredient in Turkish cuisine is yogurt, which appears in many dishes both savory and sweet. It’s used to make dips like tzatziki as well as creamy soups like yayla çorbası (a soup made with yogurt and rice).

Another staple ingredient in Turkish cooking is eggplant. This versatile vegetable can be roasted or grilled to make baba ghanoush or stuffed with meat and rice to make karniyarik.

For dessert lovers, there are plenty of options too! Baklava, a pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and syrup, is probably the most well-known Turkish dessert. Other options include sutlac (a creamy rice pudding) or lokum (often called “Turkish delight”).

Turkish cuisine offers something for everyone – from meat-lovers to vegetarians to those with a sweet tooth!

Famous Turkish landmarks

Turkey is a country rich in history, culture and architectural wonders. It boasts of some world-renowned landmarks that have stood the test of time. One such landmark is the Hagia Sophia, which has been standing tall for over 1,500 years. It was initially constructed as a church but later converted into a mosque before being turned into a museum.

Another famous Turkish landmark is the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), located in Istanbul's historic district. This stunning mosque's architecture features six minarets and unique blue tiles that adorn its interior walls.

The Topkapi Palace Museum stands majestically on top of Seraglio Point overlooking the Golden Horn and Marmara Sea. The palace served as an administrative center and residence for Ottoman sultans between the 15th to 19th century.

Cappadocia region comprises several underground cities with rock-carved houses or fairy chimneys known as "Peri Bacaları." This geological formation resulted from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, forming soft tuff deposits that wind and rain eroded over hundreds of years.

Pamukkale - meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish - looks like cotton candy come alive! These hot springs formed white terraced basins along with mineral-rich water cascading down them, creating mesmerizing visuals you can't resist capturing on camera!

These are just some examples showcasing Turkey's architectural wonders' diversity reflecting different historical periods within Anatolia's landmass throughout its long-standing civilization history.

Turkey is a country that has a rich and diverse culture that is influenced by its historical past and geographical location. The Turkish people are known for their hospitality, warm nature, and friendly demeanor towards visitors. With the official language being Turkish, a population of over 82 million people, Ankara as its capital city, the Turkish lira as its currency which makes it affordable for tourists to visit this beautiful country.

Moreover, religion plays a significant role in Turkish culture with Islam being the dominant religion while there's also room for other religions like Christianity and Judaism. The cuisine of Turkey is delicious and unique with dishes like kebabs, baklava among others gaining worldwide popularity.

Turkey boasts several famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul or Cappadocia region filled with stunning rock formations making it an ideal destination for travelers who value history and natural beauty. All these factors make Turkey one of the best tourist destinations globally that everyone must have on their travel bucket list!