TURKEY ...
At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey has been a center of commerce and the birthplace of many great civilizations throughout history. Mainland Anatolia has been host to civilizations as far back as 3000 BC and the Hittites through the Ottoman Empire (1350-1918 AD). It is because of this extensive history, modern Turkey, founded on October 29, 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, has been shaped into a diverse and rich nation with much to offer.
Since her founding, Turkey has grown to a population of nearly 70 million with a majority muslim population. In spite of this, Turkey is a democratic and secular state that allows Muslims and any other religion freedom of worship. This large Muslim population naturally endows the entire country with minaret—most recognized being the Blue Mosque in Istanbul (Sultanahmet). Not only can Turkey claim rich Islamic heritage, but Christianity was also prevalent here at one time, too. Just one visit to the caves in Kapadokya, the Virgin Mary’s house, or Iznik, where the Christian Nicene Creed was written, serves as a reminder of Turkey’s ancient and diverse history.
Turkish food is just as diverse as her history. Recognized as one of the three major cuisines of the world (the others being French and Chinese), the wide-range of delicious Turkish fare is sure to please even the most demanding gastronome. From kebaps to zeytinyagli (olive oil) vegetable dishes, Turkish cuisine includes (but is certainly not limited to) common ingredients such as eggplant, lamb, white cheese, tomatoes, peppers, and of course, yogurt. Yogurt is also the main ingredient in one of the common drinks in Turkey, ayran. One shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try other Turkish drinks such as Turkish tea, Turkish coffee, sahlep (a hot, sweet, creamy drink), and Raki, the licorice-tasting alcohol, best savored with melon and white cheese. However, a discussion of Turkish cuisine is not complete without a nod to Turkey’s legendary sweets. The most commonly recognized is baklava, but there are other tasty treasures such as the milk-based desserts of sutlac, tavuk gogusu, and kazandibi.
Turkey has something everyone is bound to fall in love with—from history, to culture, to cuisine. For more information about Turkey, please visit these Web sites:
www.allaboutturkey.com --an official tour guide’s Web site
www.tourismturkey.org -- Turkish Ministry of Tourism Web site
www.kulturturizm.gov.tr --another page of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
www.turkishembassy.org --Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, Washington, DC
www.mfa.gov.tr --Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Web site