Turkey is a land of mystery and deep historical significance, rich in culture and robust in modern infrastructure. Turkey, known as "the cradle of civilization" is acknowledged to be the home of ancient cultures, including the Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljucks and Ottomans. Following the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the modern republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal, known as Ataturk, an army general and World War 1 hero. Ataturk is revered in Turkey and is cited as one of the world's greatest statesmen. "Mosaic" is the best word to describe modern Turkey: its many facets form a picture of great beauty and depth.The Republic of Turkey or Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye), is a bicontinental country that is located mainly in the Middle East (Southwest Asia) and partly in Southeast Europe; The Anatolian peninsula comprises most of its territory, and is situated between the Black Sea on the north and the Mediterranean Sea to south and west, with the Aegean Sea (and Marmara Sea) in between. A small portion of the country's territory (3%) is situated in southeastern Europe, west of the Bosphorus straits.

Climate

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape , and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, results in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Language

Turkish is the official language. Other minor languages include English, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, and Greek.

Religion

99% of the Turkish population is Muslim (Sunni). However, Turkey’s geographic proximity, bridging Eastern Europe and Western Asia, has molded this country into a highly tolerant and adapting civilization

Clothing

Light, cotton summer clothing and cardigans for evening are suggested along the Marmara, Aegean, and Mediterranean coasts. Along the Black Sea, Central and Eastern Anatolia, summer wear, warmer clothing should be taken for cool evenings at high altitudes. Comfortable shoes are necessary for visiting archeological and historical sites. Sun hats and sunglasses are advisable in the summer. Women for visiting mosques should wear headscarves.

Mobile Phones

A Subscriber Identity Module Card (SIM Card) is now available for Turkey and foreign customers who are traveling around. The SIM Card must be used in conjunction with a Digital GSM mobile phone within the 900-MHz range or a Digital PCN mobile phone within the 1800-MHz range.