It may seem to a person who does not understand the question that there is a whole chasm between the countries under consideration. Recently, it is generally accepted that Russia and Turkey are considered antagonists. In fact, this is not so. Despite the numerous wars carried out in the 18-19 centuries, our peoples lived in peace throughout the twentieth century, beginning with the end of the First World War.
Much seems familiar
The Russian and Turkish peoples are very similar to each other. This is largely due to a similar story. Turkey and Russia in the past are empires that in the 1920s chose the democratic path of development. Both countries are divided into regions according to ethnocultural and linguistic grounds. The ethnic composition of Turkey, of course, is not as rich as that of Russia, however, includes more than thirty nationalities.
Our countries are surrounded by former constituent parts - now independent states, which relate differently to recent compatriots. Experts note a fairly similar political system, led by a strong leader - the head of the largest political party. Interesting fact: Turkey was the first in the world to recognize the RSFSR and established diplomatic relations with Soviet Russia on June 2, 1920.
The peoples of Turkey
As mentioned above, Turkey is a multinational state. Speaking about him, you can refer first of all to "Turstat" - an agency that is also involved in population accounting. It should also be noted that in the country for many years (almost the entire twentieth century) the population was ousted, so many data on the size of a particular nationality are given with a wide spread.
In total, 77 million people live in the country. And the national composition of Turkey is as follows:
- The first place is expectedly occupied by the Turks, whose share is up to 70% of the entire population. The number is up to 65 million people.
- Kurds. Up to 14% of the total population of Turkey. They live mainly in the east of the country, in mountainous areas. There is a separate language - Kurdish. It was this people that most of all was subjected and opposed to jailing. Official Ankara preferred to call the Kurds "mountain Turks." Their total number is up to 11 million people.
- Crimean Tatars. In Turkey, they live up to 5 million, which is 8% of the population. Representatives of this people moved to Turkey since the 18th century, after the entry of Crimea into Russia.
- Greeks The number is up to 4 million. Greeks have been living in Turkey since the time of the Byzantine Empire. It is also the only one of the many peoples of Turkey whose main religion is Christianity.
- Zazy. Up to 2 million people. They live together with the Kurds. Zaza is the Iranian people, unlike the Turks and Kurds, who is Turkic-speaking. Distinguishes them and religion. Zazy are Shiites.
The above list is the most numerous, but not all peoples whose main place of residence is Turkey. The national census composition includes many other Turkic-speaking backgammon, as well as about 2 million Arabs and more than 4 million representatives of various Caucasian peoples.
Small nations
The national minorities of Turkey include a small Jewish community, numbering up to 20 thousand people, about 50 thousand Germans, 17 thousand Assyrians and others. There are also several thousand Russians who are also part of the Turkish nationality.
All European and non-Turkic peoples are concentrated in large cities of the country. First of all, in Istanbul. Do not forget that Constantinople (the name of this city until the Ottoman conquest of Byzantium in 1452) is still the center of the entire Orthodox world. It is in Constantinople that the Ecumenical Council gathers . Also in Istanbul there are temples of other Christian denominations and synagogues. The whole national composition of Turkey can freely practice their religion.
Urbanization
A feature of the described state is the huge difference between urban and rural areas of the country. This fact, by the way, also makes our countries related. There is European Turkey, with the largest metropolis - Istanbul. The country has long been trying to join the European Union precisely through the efforts of the so-called. Westerners, university intelligentsia, as well as the business elite concentrated in the capital.
And in the east and south of the country, life is completely different. People there are not at all inclined toward cosmopolitanism and do not accept globalization. This is a completely ordinary Muslim outback. The population of central Turkey is more religious, mainly engaged in agriculture. These regions are the place of compact residence of the Arab community in the south and Kurdish in the east of the country.
Tourism
Like any other eastern country, Turkey has always attracted travelers and explorers from all over the world. It is famous primarily for its many upscale resorts. In addition to beaches and hotels, Turkey has the largest antiquities. So, Istanbul is the center of Byzantine and Islamic architecture, while Cappadocia is a place of interesting natural formations and settlements inside the caves.
The national composition of tourists in Turkey is also interesting. The first place among them is occupied by the Germans. Every year, up to 5 million people come from Germany. Following is Russia with 3.5 million tourists. Almost three million vacationers come from England.
Countries, the number of tourists of which amounted to a million people or more, are Bulgaria, Holland, France, Georgia, Iran and the USA.
Russians in Turkey
As mentioned above, a certain number of ethnic Russians live in Turkey (about 50 thousand people). These are both descendants of white emigrants and newcomers. Our former compatriots settle mainly in large cities - Istanbul and Antalya, where a compactly living, rather cohesive community has formed.
In view of the recent political events, Russian tourists can again visit Turkish attractions and resorts. The most visited among them is the city of Antalya. It is located on the Mediterranean coast and specializes in the hotel form of relaxation, as well as nightly entertainment.
Culture and Customs
Any country with a large number of peoples inhabiting it, inevitably forms a single, generally understood cultural environment. Turkey was no exception. Its national features consist of the customs of the
peoples of the Caucasus, Central and Central Asia, the Mediterranean coast and the Middle East.
Turks, like all eastern peoples, do not like rush. Responsive and good-natured. When communicating with them, it is highly recommended to show interest in the local culture, and before traveling to the country - to learn basic phrases for communication. This will help win over any interlocutor. In Turkey, they love to bargain, it is known to almost all tourists visiting the country. If the buyer immediately agrees to the proposed price, then this may even offend the seller.
Among other things, one should not forget that this is the country of Islam. Turkey, whose national composition is 95% Muslim, is very tolerant of visitors from other cultures. However, you should always remember that a tourist or another foreigner is just a guest.