Turkey's history includes the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, the Byzantine Empire, and the powerful Ottoman Empire, which lasted until 1922. The Republic of Turkey was established by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1923, modernizing and secularizing the nation. Today, Turkey is a regional power straddling Europe and Asia, with a diverse economy and strategic geopolitical influence.
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south. It also has coastlines along the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Covering an area of approximately 783,356 square kilometers, it has a population of about 85 million people as of 2023. The capital is Ankara, while the largest city and financial center is Istanbul. The official language is Turkish. Turkey operates as a unitary presidential republic. The economy is classified as an emerging market, with key sectors including automotive, textiles, electronics, tourism, and agriculture. Turkey is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and diverse landscapes. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, NATO, the G20, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.