Turkey is where ancient history meets vibrant culture, From exploring old-age ruins to enjoying mouth-watering street food it’s the whole package. Let’s uncover some intriguing and fun facts about Turkey, that will inspire you to choose it as your next family holiday destination!
- 1. A City on Two Continents
- 2. The Birthplace of Santa
- 3. Land of the Whirling Dervishes
- 4. The World's First Christian Monastery
- 5. Ancient City of Troy
- 6. Noah's Ark and Mount Ararat
- 7. Turkey’s Contribution to Theater
- 8. A Land of Over 80,000 Mosques
- 9. A Nation of Cats
- 10. Home to the Oldest Known Temple
- 11. Ephesus: Home to the Temple of Artemis
- 12. The World’s Second-Oldest Underground Railway
- 13. The World’s Longest Coastline Along the Mediterranean
- 14. Home to the World’s First Cathedral
- 15. The Land of Tulips
1. A City on Two Continents
Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia. The Bosphorus Strait divides the city and allows you to cross from one continent to the other in just a few minutes by boat.
2. The Birthplace of Santa
Did you know that the real Saint Nicholas, who inspired the legend of Santa Claus, was born in what is now Turkey? He hailed from Patara in the 4th century and later became the Bishop of Myra, located in modern-day Demre, Turkey.
3. Land of the Whirling Dervishes
Turkey is the birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes, followers of the 13th-century poet Rumi. This Sufi religious practice involves spinning in a meditative dance, believed to bring the dervishes closer to God. The mesmerizing dance is now a popular attraction for tourists.
4. The World’s First Christian Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Anthony, located in Cappadocia, is one of the world’s earliest Christian monasteries, dating back to the 4th century. Its rock-cut churches and frescoes are a testament to the rich religious history of the region.
5. Ancient City of Troy
The legendary city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s Iliad, is located in Turkey. You can visit the archaeological site where ancient ruins and a replica of the famous wooden horse tell the tale of the Trojan War.
6. Noah’s Ark and Mount Ararat
According to some interpretations of the Bible, Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey is believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the great flood. This towering, snow-capped mountain is also Turkey’s highest peak, standing at 5,137 meters (16,854 feet).
7. Turkey’s Contribution to Theater
The concept of a theater with a backdrop, originated in Turkey, particularly in the ancient city of Priene. Theaters in cities like Ephesus and Aspendos are still admired today for their impressive architecture, showcasing Turkey’s rich contribution to performing arts.
8. A Land of Over 80,000 Mosques
Turkey is home to more than 80,000 mosques, each with its own unique architectural beauty. The most famous is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, known for its stunning blue tiles and six towering minarets.
9. A Nation of Cats
Turkey, especially Istanbul, is known for its love of cats. The streets are filled with well-cared-for stray cats. Moreover, it’s common to see locals feeding and caring for them. The cats are so beloved that they’ve even inspired documentaries, like the famous film Kedi.
10. Home to the Oldest Known Temple
Göbekli Tepe, located in southeastern Turkey, is considered the oldest known temple in the world, dating back over 11,000 years. This ancient site predates Stonehenge by about 6,000 years and has changed our understanding of early civilization.
11. Ephesus: Home to the Temple of Artemis
Ephesus, an ancient city in Turkey, was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis. The site is a treasure trove of ancient history and architecture.
12. The World’s Second-Oldest Underground Railway
Istanbul is home to the second-oldest underground railway in the world, the Tünel. Built in 1875, it’s a short funicular line that runs between Karaköy and Beyoğlu, and it’s still in operation today.
13. The World’s Longest Coastline Along the Mediterranean
Turkey boasts the longest coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, with over 8,000 kilometers of stunning beaches, coves, and bays. Yet, this fact often gets overshadowed by other Mediterranean destinations.
14. Home to the World’s First Cathedral
The ancient city of Antakya (Antioch) in Turkey is home to St. Peter’s Cave Church and is considered the world’s first cathedral. The Apostle Peter, used this cave as a place of worship, making it a significant site in Christian history.
15. The Land of Tulips
Though tulips are often associated with the Netherlands, they actually originated in Turkey. In the 16th century, they were exported from the Ottoman Empire to Europe, sparking a “tulip mania” in the Netherlands.
We hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about Turkey and now we are eager to know if these facts convinced you to go to Turkey so, let us know in the comment section down below.
If you’re interested in planning a visit, also check out the best time to visit turkey with kids.
Also, you guys can comment down below the queries that you have and our experts will try their best to answer them.