About Turkey and Istanbul
The Republic of Turkey is at the junction of Europe and Asia. The territory of the country covers the whote of the Anatolian Peninsula ( Asian Part ), East Thrace ( European Part ) and also includes some islands on the Marmara and the Aegean Seas. Turkey encompasses an area larger than most European countries and enjoys an extremely diversified terrain characterized by seven distinct. There are 81 administrative provinces governed by local governorsappointedby the central government.
Ankara is the capital city and Istanbul is the largest city and largest port of Turkey. Turkey is a country where 4 seasons are experienced simultaneously. The environment is very diverse consisting of montains, valleys, plains, beaches, rivers and lakes; just over a quarter of the country is covered with forests and woodlands. Istanbul is among the special cities of the world with is position as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
History
Istanbul is one of the oldest and precious cities of the world, whose history goes back to 6000 BC... A unique cultural mosaic that was the capital of such three important empires that led the history of humanity as Roman, Byzantium and Ottoman and taht consists of numerous communities that have diffrent languages, religions and race from each other.
Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War, the Republic of Turkey was founded on 29 October 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who was the first President of Turkey. During the era of Atatürk, a series of far-reaching reforms were initiated and accomplished in order to make Turkey a developed modern state.
Since its establishment in 1923, the Republic of Turkey has been pursuing and policy of "Peace at Home and Peace in the World" under the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In light of this policy.Turkey has attached great importance to setting up strong and lasting regional and international ties, based on mutual understanding and cooperation to secure a peaceful, stable, prosperous and cooperative enviroment. As an active member of the global world, Turkey amploys a multidimensional foreign policy which is conducive to the growing cooperaiton between the West and the East as well as to the reconciliation between the North and the South.
Golden Horn
Is one of the best natural harbours in the world, it was once the centre for the Byzantine and Ottoman navies and commercial shipping interests.
Sultanahmet
Is in the in heart of the Imperial Centre of the Ottoman Empire. The most important places in this area; Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofia, The Blue Mosgue, The Hippodrome, Covered Market, Yerebatan Sarnici and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Princes Island
Also known as Istanbul Islands; there are eight within one hour from the city, in tje Marmara Sea, These islands, on which monasteries were established during the Byzantine period, was a popular summer retreat for palace officials.