Türkiye (Turkey): Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Türkiye (Turkey)

Türkiye is a country that sits mostly in Asia, on the Anatolian peninsula, with a small part in southeastern Europe. It has long coastlines on the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, plus mountains and high plateaus inland. It is known for Istanbul, ancient ruins, hot-air balloons over Cappadocia and its food.

About Ankara

Ankara is in central Anatolia, on a high plateau in the middle of the country. It became the capital in 1923 and is known for the Anıtkabir monument and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Fun facts about Türkiye (Turkey)

1. Istanbul is built on two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus Strait.
2. Göbekli Tepe has carved stone pillars about 11,000 years old, among the oldest monumental structures ever built by humans.
3. In Cappadocia, hot-air balloons float over tall rock towers called fairy chimneys and homes carved into rock.
4. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle", has dazzling white terraces of mineral pools formed by hot springs.
5. Turkish coffee, brewed in a small pot and served unfiltered, is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage.
6. Mount Ararat, at 5,137 m, is the country's highest mountain and is topped by a snowy cap all year.