Turkey

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Turkey, officially known as the Republic of Türkiye (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti), is a transcontinental country situated mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller part on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with eight countries: Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south. The country is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Aegean Sea to the west, and the Black Sea to the north. The Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, known collectively as the Turkish Straits, divide the European and Asian parts of Turkey.

Turkey has a population of approximately 85 million people, with Ankara as its capital and Istanbul as its largest city and economic hub. The country has a rich history, having been home to several ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians. It was later part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire following World War I, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923, implementing extensive reforms to secularize and modernize the country.

The Turkish economy is one of the world's largest emerging markets, driven by a mix of industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. Key industries include textiles, automotive, electronics, tourism, and agriculture, with Turkey being a leading producer of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Istanbul, a key financial and cultural center, draws millions of tourists annually due to its historic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.

Turkey is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, NATO, and the G20. It has been a candidate for membership in the European Union since 1987. The country’s strategic location makes it a crucial player in both regional and global politics, with a significant role in Middle Eastern, European, and Central Asian affairs. Turkey’s political system is a presidential republic, with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan serving as its current president.

In recent years, Turkey has faced internal and external challenges, including economic instability, tensions with neighboring countries, and concerns over human rights and press freedom. Despite these issues, Turkey remains a vital crossroads between East and West, both geographically and culturally.