Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion, East Thrace, in Southeastern Europe. It borders the Black Sea to the north, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Iraq and Syria to the south, and the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, along with Greece and Bulgaria, to the west. Ankara is the capital, while Istanbul is its largest city and a major seaport. Turkey's unique geographic position has historically made it a bridge and barrier between Europe and Asia.
Turkey is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Key attractions include Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace; the ancient city of Ephesus; and Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides. The country's terrain is largely mountainous, with true lowland areas confined to the coastal fringes. Turkey has a mixed economy with a growing private sector. The population is majority Muslim, although the country is secular.
Recent events include the detention and arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu in March 2025, which led to widespread protests. There have also been reports of terrorist attacks in Turkey. In October 2024, five people were killed in an attack on a Turkish Aerospace Industries facility near Ankara. In February 2024, one person was killed in an armed attack on a courthouse in Istanbul. In January 2024, an attack on a Catholic Church in Sariyer resulted in one death.
