Flag of Turkey

Flag of the Republic of Türkiye

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti

Facts

  • Population » 83.5 million
    • Kurds make up about a fifth of the population.
    • Istanbul is the third most dense city in Europe after Moscow and Paris.
  • Languages » Turkish (official), Kurdish, English is also widely spoken
  • Major religion » Islam
  • Life expectancy » 72 years (men), 79 (women)
  • Currency » Turkish lira (XE)
  • Turkish Time (TRT) » UTC+03:00 year-round
  • Electricity » 230 V @ 50 Hz
    • Plug Type » C / F
Location of the Republic of Türkiye (Source » Wikimedia)

Location of the Republic of Türkiye (Source » Wikimedia)

Geography

  • Area » 779,452 sq km (300,948 sq miles)
  • Türkiye is partially located in both Europe and Asia.
    • The Bosporus Strait or Bosphorus Strait is a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway located in Istanbul. It forms part of the continental boundary between Asia and Europe, and divides Türkiye by separating Anatolia from Thrace. (Wikipedia)
    • Türkiye, by land mass, is positioned 95% in Asia and 5% in Europe.
  • At 8400 km (5219 mi), Türkiye has more coastline than any other Mediterranean country.
  • Türkiye borders Armenia, Iran, and Azerbaijan in the east, Georgia in the northeast, Bulgaria and Greece in the northwest, and Iraq and Syria in the southeast.
  • Türkiye has more coastline than any other Mediterranean country.

 

Map of Turkey

Map of Turkey (Source » WikiVoyage, 2022)

Maps

History

  • Türkiye’s history spans nearly 10,000 years. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, there are acres of ancient remains – many world-renowned – from the ruins of Greek cities to sunken Roman harbours and crusader castles.

Health

Climate

  • Climate varies greatly from one region to another. Generally, spring is the best season to visit as the weather is moderate throughout Türkiye and the days are long. Summers are quite hot and dry.
    • scorching and fiercely sunny summers along the southern regions.
  • Climate of Türkiye » Wikipedia
  • Climate Change in Türkiye » Wikipedia

Tourism

  • Türkiye is the fifth most visited country by tourists on the Asian continent.
  • Istanbul, pre-pandemic, was on the verge of over-tourism (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2019)
  • Highlights
    • Ani » Capital of the Armenian Bagratid dynasty until the 11th century, and situated on key trade routes – in the far east of Türkiye
    • Nevşehir Cappadocia – more than 160 hot air balloons fly through the air at the same time throughout the year (Local Cappadocia) (Notes » About 700kms east of Istanbul)
    • Underground Cities and Carved Castles of Cappadocia (Fodor / Google)
    • Fethiye to Antalya (Spring and fall are the best time)
      • rock tombs of Myra
      • the eternally burning flames of Chimera
      • seaside amphitheater of Antiphellos
    • Recommended accommodations » Marianne and Chris of Tread the Globe repeated stayed at The Osmanli Hani in Dalyan and were treaded very well during the Covid lockdowns.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Tourism Resources

Visa

  • Canadians travelling to Turkey for tourism or trade should purchase an e-visa prior to entering the country. (June 2021)
    • To renew a 90-day visa, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before being allowed to re-enter.
    • If you wish to remain in Turkey for longer than 90 consecutive days, you must obtain a residence permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province in which you reside.
    • When your e-Visa expires, you are not allowed to apply for a new e-Visa without departing from Turkey.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Türkiye)

Overlanding and Road Safety

  • Drive » Right Side
  • The land border between Türkiye and Armenia is closed. (Wikipedia)
  • Türkiye’s land border crossings with Iran are mostly open (Wikipedia)

Notes

  • President Erdogan wants the English speaking world to adapt the Turkish pronunciation of it’s country » Türkiye (BBC / DW –  Updated June 2022)
  • Türkiye wishes to join the European Union, but has been denied membership at the objections of Cyprus, Germany, and France. (2021)
    • Joining the European Union has been a longstanding ambition, but stalled over Türkiye’s human rights record.
  • Visa liberalization is a top priority for Türkiye as they wish their citizens have visa-free travel in the Schengen area

Coffee Notes

  • Tea is more common
  • Istanbul » Drink like the locals with a warm cup of Turk Hahvesi.
  • This coffee has been described as something that is “remembered for 40 years.”
  • Traditionally the coffee, which is listed on the UNESCO intangible heritage register, is served after meals from a long-handles copper pot called a cezve.
  • About $2 a cup.
Map of Turkey (Source » France, 2021)

Map of Türkiye (Source » France, 2021)

Safety and Security

Government Travel Advice

Türkiye’s World Rankings

  • #30 in Best Countries Overall 2022 (US News and World Report)
    • #34 Best overall in 2021
    • #35 Best Overall in 2020
    • Ranked 21st in the world for Adventure in 2021
  • World Economic Forum 2018
    • Roads quality » 33rd
    • Innovation capability » 47th
    • Life expectancy » 47th
    • Reliability of police services » 90th
    • Property rights » 96th
    • Judicial independence » 111th
    • Freedom of the press » 129th
    • Quality of vocational training » 132nd

Traveller’s Blog Posts

Media

Resources

This page was updated May 12, 2024