Photo: Hayri Çalışkan

Turkey has been called "The Cradle of Civilization" and by traveling through this historic land, visitors will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. The world's first known settlement, a Neolithic city at Çatalhöyük, dates back to 6.500 B.C. From the days of Çatalhöyük up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that, through the centuries, has made a lasting impression on modern civilization.

Because of its geographical location the mainland of Anatolia has always found favor throughout history and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. It has also been prominent as a center of commerce because of its land connections to three continents and the sea surrounding it on three sides.

Being the heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians Ionians, Lydians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans have all made important contributions to the history of the area. Ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give sufficient proof of each civilization's unique distinction.

Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young man named Mustafa Kemal who was a soldier and a great visionary, took the defeat of World War 1, and turned it into a shining victory by liberating Turkey from all occupying forces. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. He led his country towards peace and stability that brought about tremendous economic growth and increasing modernization. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts growing success, living by Atatürk's motto of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World".

• Çatalhöyük

Would you like to add your comment about this article?click here!

Yellow Pages in cooperation with The Guide Istanbul Magazine
Please enter a Category or a Business Name

Art and Culture Art Galleries, Book Stores, Cinemas	Business and Professional Banks, Law Firms and Lawyers
Community Consulates, Embassies, Hobbies	Education and Training Schools, Courses, Universities
Entertainment Cafes, Cinemas, Bars	Family Guide Hobbies, Laundries, Relocation
Health and Medicine Doctors, Clinics, Pharmacies	Home Guide Real Estate, Furniture, Garden
Pets Pet Shops, Clinics, Shelters	Shopping Guide Malls, Florists, Food
Sightseeing Museums, Bazaars, Hamams	Sports & Recreation Health Clubs, Sports
Travel Airports, Rentals, Agencies

Best of Jazz Clubs Daily Hürriyet Newspaper asked jazz enthusiasts and professionals the best ten addresses of jazz. more...		Marriage Books can be written on the marriage customs! However let's cut it short. A Turkish marriage has four essential stages: more...
Shopping - Maternity A newborn is always a source of happiness. But before their arrival there is a lot of preparation and shopping need to be done. more...		Forests and Groves - Ankara Kizilcahamam, Beypazari, Çamlidere, Ayas and Bala forests surrounding Ankara are ideal places to visit on warm days... more...
Miniaturk Mini Turkey Park, "Miniaturk", is at Sütlüce, on the banks of Haliç (The Golden Horn). more...		Kasap-Butcher Kasap is where you can have your daily meat, chicken and offal namely butcher. more...

Latest Articles