Interesting Facts about Turkey

There is no question that this part of my vacation - the road trip through eastern and southern Turkey has opened my eyes to, not only what a vast country this is with huge wilderness area, but also to its many contrasts.  The eastern part is much more conservative with restaurants serving no alcohol and women dressing much more conservatively than in the west.  Also, we drove through so many villages that looked like little had changed in them for decades, even centuries (other than vehicles).  It was nothing unexpected to drive around a corner and nearly bump into a flock of sheep or herd of goats being urged along by a man holding a staff or riding a donkey - and sometimes that was in the middle of a town.  Contrast that, with the very modern south coast resort cities and towns like Alanya, Antalya and Marmaris where foreign money has impacted the landscape and architecture.  

Before I left home, I read some interesting facts about Turkey that I'd like to share - although many you will likely be familiar with.

• Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents:  Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.

• Türkiye is home to one of the oldest known human settlements:  Gobekli Tepe which dates back over 10,000 years.

• The ancient city of Troy, famous from Home’s Iliad, is located in present-day Türkiye.

• The country was the heart of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire, both of which left rich cultural and historical legacies.

• Türkiye is the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus.

• The Cappadocia region is famous for its unique rock formations, underground cities and hot air balloon rides.

• Turkish coffee, known for its rich flavour and thick consistency, is UNESCO-recognized as in intangible cultural heritage.

• The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, dating back to 1455, is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

• The Hagia Sophia, initially a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again, symbolizes Türkiye’s layered history.

• The first Christian church was built in Turkey. It is believed that the Grotto of St Peter, located outside Antioch (now Antakya), was founded by a disciple of Jesus - St Peter. This makes it the oldest Christian church in the world.

• Turkey produces 75% of the world’s hazelnuts, many of which are used in products like Nutella.

•  Pammukale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, features natural thermal pools formed by white travertine terraces.

• Mount Ararat, Türkiye’s highest peak, is believed to be where Noah’s Ark landed.

• Tulips, often associated with the Netherlands, originated in Türkiye.  They were eventually introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

• Turkish delight (“lokum”), a sweet confection, has been a part of the country’s cuisine for over 500 years.

• The ancient Library of Celsus, located in Ephesus, was one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.

• The word "turquoise" translates as "Turkish stone".  This beautiful mineral came to Europe from the East via Türkiye and is one of the oldest gemstones in history.  It was first used as an amulet by Turkish soldiers.

• The Evil Eye is the best-selling Turkish souvenir.  Locals call it "Nazar boncuğu".  The decoration is a stone made of molten glass, iron and copper.  According to a 3000 year old tradition, it is worn to protect the wearer from evil forces.  It is believed that the blue colour of the stone has the ability to protect against bad energy.  I saw them embedded in several walkways and entrances.

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• Turkish women could leave their husbands for coffee.  Several hundred years ago, Turkish women had legal grounds for divorce if their husbands failed to provide them with the required amount of coffee.

• The first Christian church was built in Türkiye.  It is believed that the Grotto of St Peter, located outside Antioch (now Antakya), was founded by a disciple of Jesus - St Peter.  This makes it the oldest Christian church in the world.