Turkey is an amazing state that has occupied a unique geographical position, lying partially in Asia and, partially in Europe. There are many amazing and interesting facts about Turkey. Throughout the historical period, it has played as equally a barrier and a bridge between the two continents. It is well-known as the Republic of Turkey was once part of the Ottoman Empire until World War I. The Turkish War of freedom was followed by it and then, in 1923 came into the Republic of Turkey with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was the first president of the state.
Istanbul is Europe’s largest city in Turkey, but half of it extends into the continent of Asia. The oldest name of Istanbul was Ankara which, became the capital after the Ottoman Empire fell. The official language of Turkey is Turkish but, there are over 30 minority languages also spoken across the state, including Kurmanji, Mesopotamian Arabic, Zazaki, etc. The interesting fact is that Istanbul is the largest and most famous city in Turkey which, has been divided into two continents. consequently, this makes Istanbul the unique city on Earth that was built on two continents. Here is the list of the top 10 most interesting facts about Turkey.
10: 6 million Turkish soldiers joined World War I
Ottoman Empire has ruled over Turkey in history. During World War I, the Ottoman Empire recruited around 2.6 million soldiers. During this war Turkish 325,000 soldiers died, 400,000 became injured, and more than 200,000 were imprisoned. The losses have suffered by the Ottoman Empire by 1918 were essential to the ultimate dissolution of the kingdom in 1921.
09: The famous Turkish delight – Interesting facts about Turkey
One of the interesting facts about Turkey is its delight which, is famous all over the world. The Turkish sweet delight or Lokum is a bakery product that is based on a gel of starch and sugar. This rubbery cornstarch-thickened with sweet was firstly produced in Istanbul in 1777. Additionally, the Turkish delight also reached the United States in the 19th century, which was inspired by jelly bean production.
08: Tulips are Turkey’s national flowers
Besides amazing and interesting facts about Turkey, you know Turkey was the first state which introduced tulips to Europe during the 17th Century. After that tulips became the national flower of the state since it’s native to Turkey. The word “tulip” also originated from the Turkish terminology for ‘tülbend’, indicating gauze or muslin.
07: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is a national hero
In turkey throughout history, many strong rulers and war chiefs related to the different empires have ruled over here. But Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has gained respect as a national hero of Turkey. He was a national hero that unified the state and founded what is known as modern Turkey. He also became the first president from 29th October 1923 until he died in 1938.
06: Turkey is the largest producer of hazelnuts
Hazelnuts come from the Corylus tree and have enriched multiple nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin E, healthy fats, and much more. It’s also a great source of antioxidants that are used in confectionery to make praline. That made with a combination of chocolate and hazelnut. The interesting fact is that Turkey is one of the largest producers of hazelnuts around the world.
05: Turkey introduced coffee to Europe
Coffee is a distilled drink prepared from roasted coffee beans. Today’s generation likes it a lot, you know who initially introduced coffee to the world. One of the most interesting facts about Turkey is that it was the first nation that is the pioneer coffee. The Ottomans left a bunch of coffee in Vienna when they fled after losing a battle with European powers.
04: The second oldest underground rail tunnel (Most interesting facts about Turkey)
Besides other interesting facts, Turkey has the second oldest underground rail tunnel. This tunnel is in Istanbul and goes beneath the Bosphorus. It was accomplished in 1875, just before 12 years when the oldest underground rail tunnel was completed in London.
03: Highest consumers of tea
It has been observed that Turks are the highest consumers of tea. You know roughly 96% of the total population drinks at least 1 cup of tea every day. Through estimation, we find that almost 3 kilos of tea per person a year. So during the tour to Turkey, you should not miss the traditional tea experience.
02: Oil wrestling is the national sport
Every nation has several national sports you know Turks’ national sport is oil wrestling. The spectacle of two bulky men stripped to the waist, doused with olive oil, and grappling under the burning Thracian sun is a 654-year-old sporting custom and sight to behold. Camel wrestling tournaments are also held during the Aegean region in winter. Bull wrestling near the Black Sea is also popular here.
01: Turkey has packed with cultural heritage
Turkey has many cultural heritages and 13 spots have been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites and a whopping 62 on the tentative list. They have a Mesolithic church a Biblical town to a World War One arena, is making Turkey the sixth most-visited tourist place all around the world.
