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The only country to span two continents, Turkey is literally a bridge between east and west.
Geographically, it is the point where Europe and Asia meet.
Culturally, Turkey has evolved through a succession of some of the world’s greatest civilizations and is a strong blend of the sensibilities of both east and west.
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Turkey’s first great empire, that of the Hittites, began around 2,000 B.C.E. in central Anatolia and spread toward the south and east over the next four hundred years. This quest for territory eventually resulted in a clash with Egypt. That the Hittites won this conflict is testament to their strength and determination. Culturally, the budding Greek civilization was influenced by the Hittites.
Known as Asia Minor in Classical times, Turkey was at the very heart of both the Greek and Roman empires, and Greco-Roman antiquities are scattered throughout the country.
The exceptionally well preserved and sprawling remains of some of the most powerful cities of the Hellenistic world can be found along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Many settlements in Asia Minor were very receptive to the earliest Christian missionaries. The Cappadocia region became a vast refuge for Christians persecuted by Rome. Churches and entire cities were carved underground.
Even as part of the Roman Empire, Constantinople (Istanbul) and Asia Minor always remained more Greek than Roman by temperament. These differences were amplified with the spread and eventual domination of Christianity, and eventually, the empire split in two.
As capital of the empire in the east, Constantinople rivaled Rome, and in fact maintained its position for nearly 1,000 years after the fall of Rome. Severely weakened by vicious crusader attacks, Constantinople finally fell to the Turks in 1453.
The Ottoman empire lasted nearly 500 years, well into the 20th century.
Today the city is a repository of the exquisite palaces, churches and mosques of these two civilizations.
The result of such a rich history is a modern country brimming with personality and treasure. With so much to experience, travelers can return to Turkey again and again, making new discoveries each time. From the high energy of Istanbul to sunny coastal resorts to the ageless villages of central Anatolia, visitors are made to feel safe and very welcome.
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