Last Updated on 12/03/2023
Turkey is a country that never stops enticing with its lengthy and rich history, where many civilizations and empires as well as various races and religions all left their marks. Indeed, it will continue to surprise us with its fascinating features. So, here are some of the most interesting facts about Turkey that you have never known.
Fun Facts about Turkey the country
Turkey is geographically the center of the world
All land surfaces on Earth have a geometric center that is located at the planet’s geographic center. According to geometry, it is the centroid of all land areas inside the two dimensions of the geoid surface, which roughly represents the exterior shape of the planet. Consequently, since the domain is the surface of the sphere without boundaries rather than the sphere as a three-dimensional body, the term center of minimum distance more clearly describes the idea.
Therefore, using a digitized world map and a mainframe computer, physicist Andrew J. Woods of Gulf Energy and Environmental Systems in San Diego, California, computed the coordinates as in modern-day Turkey, close to Kırşehir Province. Consequently, being the geographical center of the world is one of the most interesting facts about Turkey.
Istanbul is the only city in the world laying on two continents
Istanbul is the only metropolis in the world that spans both Asia and Europe, making it one of the city’s many distinctive features. Moreover, Turkey has only 3% of its territory in Europe, with most of its people living in Asia. Consequently, the Bosphorus separates Istanbul’s European and Asian sides, and the Golden Horn, a cove, divides the European side of the city in half.
Santa Claus was born in Turkey
This might surprise some people and make them think that it is one of the most interesting facts about Turkey. Actually, in 300 AD, St. Nicholas, the historical character who inspired the persona of Santa Claus, was born in Patara, Turkey. Therefore, many believe that the holy man saved seamen from sinking ships during his lifetime, among other miracles. St. Nicholas became one of the patron saints of sailors in addition to being the inspiration for Santa Claus thanks to the stories about his generosity. Moreover, the Dutch shortening of St Nikolaas, “Sinter Klaas,” is where the name Santa Claus originates.
Interesting Cultural Facts about Turkey
Ethnic Languages, And The Turkish Language Association
The population of Turkey is ethnically varied. This cultural richness constitutes one of the most interesitng facts about Turkey. Turkish people speak around 30 different ethnic languages! However, only a few of them are regularly used by the population. Many of the other languages are considered minorities since Turkish is so prevalent.
The Turkish language, Kurmanji, Arabic, and Zazaki are the four most widely spoken ethnic languages in Turkey. There aren’t many people who speak other languages, notably Turkish dialects and Tungusic languages like Balkan, Laz, Armenian, and Circassian. Turkish is the most widely used ethnic language locally. The language is agglutinative. Moreover, it is spoken by around 70% of Turks. Even a Turkish Language Society works to elevate the standing of this lovely language!
The highest number of mosques in the world
Turkey has the most mosques per capita in the world with over 82,000 mosques and counting. The United States as a whole only has about 2,000 mosques, whereas Istanbul alone has approximately 3,100. The Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul is among the most beautiful. With soaring ceilings and exquisite tilework, this mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is magnificent and spectacular.
The evil eye
The evil eye charm is the most well-known Turkish souvenir there is and and one of the most interesting facts about Turkey. It’s interesting to note that tourists from all over the world buy this as a popular memento. According to popular belief, a shady gaze might cast a curse. Usually, the victim of the curse is unaware. Several cultures hold the view that receiving an evil eye brings misfortune or harm. The evil eye amulet is referred to as “Nazar boncuğu” in Turkish. This symbol is also seen in a number of other countries that were formerly a part of the Ottoman Empire.
Historical Facts about Turkey
Turkey is home to one of the oldest churches in the world
This is another surprising information and one of the most interesting facts about Turkey. Aside from Turkey being home to numerous significant Christian landmarks (such as the Hagia Sophia), one of the oldest Christian churches is located in the city of Antakya. The Crusaders later adorned a cave in Antioch, which the Apostle Peter himself excavated as the very first Christian church, with a lovely stone façade that still survives today.
Istanbul is home to the second-oldest railway in the world
After the London Subterranean, the karaköy underground funicular started running on January 17, 1875, making it the second underground railway in the world. One of the oldest still-operating train lines in continental Europe, it continues to run between Beyoğlu and Karaköy.
Interesting Facts about Turkey Food
Various cuisine
Turkish Cuisine is one of the most interesting facts about Turkey. It is undoubtedly one of the most varied cuisines in the world. It is the third-richest cuisine after French and Chinese food. Turkish food is popular for being tasty, savory, and not overly spicy. The cuisine is naturally nutritious and offers a vast variety of meats, fruits, and vegetables. In Turkish cuisine, lamb is the most frequent meat while eggplant is the most frequent vegetable.
For instance, the Southeastern Anatolian region of Turkey is well-known for kebabs due to its plentiful livestock. Pastries are a common food in Thrace, whereas the Aegean region, known for its olive industry, is well-known for its traditional olive oil vegetable dishes and herbs.
Turkey is the world’s largest hazelnut producer
Turkey is famous for traditional foods like Turkish Delight and Turkish Coffee, but it is also the world’s biggest hazelnut producer. Around 72.9% of the world’s hazelnuts come from Turkey, and 60% of them come from the Eastern Black Sea region of the nation.
The biggest tea consumption in the world
If you were to consider which nation consumes the most tea, China or Britain would immediately come to mind. However, Turkey is the country that consumes the most tea globally.
Turkish people consumes 5 to 10 cups of tea each day. With an average annual intake of 7 lbs per person, the nation boasts the greatest per-capita tea consumption in the world. 96% of people drink tea daily.
Other Interesting Facts about Turkey
Among the top 10 agriculture-producing countries worldwide
Agriculture is thought to have begun in Turkey some 11,000 years ago, and up until the present, it has always been the main occupation for the societies that have colonized the country. Furthermore, agriculture accounted for over 19.2% of all employment in Turkey in 2018. Turkey’s leading crops are fruits, barley, corn, hazelnuts, and chestnuts. Only Turkey generated 5.83 million metric tons of agricultural products in 2019. 70% of the world’s hazelnuts come from Turkey, which is also the world’s top producer of chestnuts.
Leonardo Dvincci designed a bridge on the Golden Horn
Leonardo Da Vinci provided in 1503 plans for a bridge over the Golden Horn, that divides Istanbul, . (then known as Constantinople). Although Turkish President declared several years ago that a voluntary project was underway to fully realize Da Vinci’s drawings, the bridge was never built.
Interesting Facts about Turkey FAQs
What are 4 interesting facts about the nation of Turkey?
Turkey is geographically the center of the world. Moroever, it has the only city in the world belonging to two different continents. Besides, Turkey has the highest number of Mosques in the world and is the biggest hazelnut producer in the world
What is unique about Turkey?
Turkey’s biggest city Istanbul is the only city in the world belonging to two different continents
What is Turkey best known for?
Turkey is famous for the Bosphorus trail as an attractive tourism destination. Besides, it is popular for the important consumption of tea and for being the world’s biggest hazelnut producer with 75% of the world’s production.
Why is it called Turkey?
Because it means in Medival Latin “the land of Turks”. Yet, in 2022 the country’s name changed officially to “Türkiye”
Turkey is a country that will never stop surprising you with its richness and fascinating culture. Planning of moving to Turkey for education or business. No sure where to start from, MEO Consultants are here to guide you through the process. For further information don’t hesitate to contact us.
