The history of Anatolia, the Turkish homeland, is simply incredible. The world's oldest 'city' was discovered here, at Catal Hoyuk in 7500 BC. The Hittite Empire, little known in the west, rivaled that of ancient Egypt, and left behind captivating works of art.

The heartland of classical Hellenic culture is actually in Turkey, including cities such as Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Miletus and Halicarnassus. Most modern Turkish cities have a Roman past, and all have a Byzantine one.

In the mind of most western visitors the mention of Turkey conjures up vague stereotypical visions of oriental splendor and decadence, of mystery and intrigue, of sultans and harems, of luxury and wickedness. These outdated stereotypes quickly evaporate once the visitor arrives in the country. The Turkish Republic is democratic, rapidly modernizing, secular and western-oriented with a vigorous economy.

The Turks are mostly friendly to foreign visitors, the cuisine is frequently excellent, the cities are dotted with majestic old buildings, and the countryside is often beautiful like a national park.

Turkey is a big country, and the variety of things to see and do is enormous - ranking from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night-clubbing, river rafting to raki drinking. Turkey can easily keep you happy for weeks or even months.

Identity Card



Surface : 780 566 km²
Capital : Ankara
Population : 65,000,000
Money : Turkish Liras