The Republic of Turkey or Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye), is a bicontinental country located mainly in Asia Minor, with 3% of its land located in the Balkans. Its strategic location straddles the Bosphorus straits that separate Southwest Asia from Southeast Europe. The Anatolian peninsula comprises nearly all of its territory, and is situated between the Black Sea on the north and the Mediterranean Sea to south, with the Aegean Sea and Marmara Sea (both branches of the Mediterranean) to the west. Because of its position straddling the continents of Europe and Asia and surrounded by three seas, Turkey has been a historical crossroads, the homeland of and battleground between several great civilizations, and a centre of commerce. Turkey borders eight countries: Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia, Armenia and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhichevan and to the northeast; Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south.
The Republic of Turkey is a democratic laic constitutional republic, whose political system was established in 1923, interrupted by several coups. Turkey is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, OSCE, OECD, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, the Council of Europe and in the process of accession to the European Union.
Accession to the EU looks unlikely at the moment. Turkey is facing strong opposition from governments across Europe at one point or another. Each member state must agree with the membership of a new country.
Turkey has a very diverse culture derived from various elements of the Ottoman Empire, European, and the Islamic traditions. As Turkey successfully transformed from a religion-driven former Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state with a very strong separation of state and religion, the increase in the methods of artistic expression followed. During the first years of the republic, the government invested a large amount of resources into the fine arts, such as paintings, sculptures and architecture amongst other things. This was done as both a process of modernisation and creating a cultural identity. Today, the Turkish economy is diverse enough to subsidise individual artists with great freedom.
Things you should know when travelling to Turkey
There has been a recent resurgence of terrorist incidents, including bomb attacks in tourist areas such as Cesme, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Diyarbakir, and elsewhere. Terrorists have threatened to continue to target areas frequented by tourists.
In July 2005, several bombing incidents occurred in tourist areas, particularly along the western coast, resulting in the deaths of two foreigners and the injury of more than 20 people.
The most devastating attacks against Western interests involved two major truck bombs that shook Istanbul in November 2003. One occurred at the British Consulate and another at the HSBC Bank Building, killing 27 individuals and injuring many others. Additional bombings occurred at two synagogues in Istanbul during the same month, killing 24 people and injuring more than 300.
Most Canadian visitors to Turkey do not experience problems. However, there has been a recent increase in terrorist incidents aimed at tourists, and the security situation in the east and southeast of the country remains unpredictable. There are recent reports of an increase in violent clashes between the Kurdistan Workers' Party, formerly known as the PKK (sometimes referred to as KONGRA-GEL), and security forces in southeastern Turkey. The violence has caused both military and civilian casualties.
Although a long-standing state of emergency was lifted in the eastern provinces of Diyarbakir, Hakkari, Sirnak, and Tunceli in 2003, Canadians who travel to this region, including areas close to the border with Iraq and Iran, should exercise caution,. Canadians are reminded that they should not travel to Iraq under any circumstances (see our Iraq Travel Report for further information). Travellers can also expect an increased security presence throughout southeastern Turkey. They should carry proper identification at all times and comply with all security requirements. Large public demonstrations occur on occasion and can become dangerous. Canadians should avoid large crowds and gatherings, be vigilant, and keep informed of current events at all times.
Mount Ararat is a special military zone, and mountain climbing is permitted only with prior permission from authorities and if accompanied by a professional guide. There are recent reports of violent crime, such as muggings aboard trains and other transport facilities. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs, particularly in Istanbul. Do not show signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings are secure at all times. Theft of passports has increased. Store important documents in a hotel safe. Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even if wrappings or containers appear intact. Tourists, including backpackers, have been drugged and subsequently robbed and raped. Refuse unsolicited invitations from strangers to go to down-market bars and neighbourhoods. Sexual assaults have been reported by foreign tourists. Women have also reported being harassed and may be the specific target of muggings and other crimes. The Canadian government and Canadian Content publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way, aimed at female travellers. Its prime objective is to encourage Canadian women to travel safely.
There are reports of credit card fraud, especially in Istanbul, where extreme overcharging may occur in cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops. Travellers should pay careful attention when their credit cards are being handled by others during payment processing. To avoid overcharging, ensure receipts are in New Turkish lira (YTL) rather than old Turkish lira (TRL), which has six additional zeros and is gradually being phased out.
