Turkey snapshots, including introduction, tourist attractions, and photographs

Turkey is located in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe), bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Georgia, and bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Syria. With total land area about 770,760 square kilometers, Turkey is slightly larger than Texas of the United States.

Based on 2004 estimate, Turkey has 68,893,918 population, including Turkish 80% and Kurdish 20%. Turkish is the official language, but Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, Greek are also used by some population.

Turkey has a dynamic economy that is a complex mix of modern industry and commerce along with traditional village agriculture and crafts. It has a strong and rapidly growing private sector, yet the state still plays a major role in basic industry, banking, transport, and communication. Its most important industry - and largest exporter - is textiles and clothing.

Turkey is the land where east meets west and a nation with rich history and natural wonders.

Istanbul is a fascinating and beautiful city situated between Asia and Europe. The Blue Mosque, the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the ancient Hippodrome, the Church of Hagia Sophia, and the amazing Grand Bazaar with 4,000 small exotic shops, are some of the tourist attractions in this famous city.

Ankara is the capital of Republic of Turkey. The Hisar, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ataturk's Mausoleum are some sightseeing highlights in this capital city.

Ancient kingdoms of Cappadocia is famous for its underground cities and rock chapels. The ruins of Troy, where the Trojan Wars were fought, is famous for its Wooden Horse. Seaside city Izmir is the gateway to the spectacular ruins of Ephesus.