There is a wonderful country in southwestern Asia. Turkey (officially called the Republic of Turkey) was formed in 1923, after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The monarchy was abolished, the territory turned into a national state with a predominance of the Turkish ethnic group.
Most of the country in question is located on the Armenian Highlands and the Anatolian Peninsula, and the smaller - between the Mediterranean and the Black Seas (on the Balkan Peninsula).
Neighboring Countries
Briefly describe the borders of Turkey. So, in the east, the state adjoins Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the west - to Greece, in the south - to Iran, Iraq and Syria. And where are the northern borders of Turkey? The map suggests that they extend all the way to the Black Sea. The country is washed by three more seas: Mediterranean, Marmara and Aegean.
Armed forces
The Turkish army is represented by a combination of troops whose purpose is to protect the freedom, territorial integrity and independence of the country. According to 2011 data, its number was 720 thousand people. In addition, the state has a military-trained reserve of 90 thousand people, of which 38,000 are in the reserve of the first stage.
The Turkish army is manned thanks to the draft system. The period of compulsory military service may vary from six to fifteen months. The draft age is twenty years. After leaving the army, citizens are in reserve for up to forty-five years. According to local law, not only men 16-60 years old, but also women 20-46 years old can be called up during wartime.
The operational management of the armed forces is carried out by the General Staff under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, appointed by the President of the country. The commanders-in-chief of the ground forces, naval forces, gendarmerie and coast guard are subordinate to him.
Economic situation
Currently, the country is dominated by market relations. The Turkish economy is constantly liberalizing: state concerns are being privatized, which opens up new opportunities for foreign investors in the domestic market.
At the beginning of the twenty-first century, the country experienced an economic crisis. Experts call it the most difficult for the entire period of development of the state in the conditions of comprehensive liberalization. So, GNP in solid prices fell by 9.5%. However, already in 2002, economic growth was restored. For example, GNP rose 7.1%.
The main creditors of the country are the World Bank and the IMF. The Turkish economy is constantly fueled by loans. So, only from 2000 to 2005, the country received $ 30 billion.
At least twenty percent of citizens are below the poverty line. At the same time, the minimum salary in 2013 amounted to 405 euros.
Industry of the country
In Turkey, active work is underway on the development and expansion of the textile, metallurgical, food flavoring, chemical, engineering and mining industries.
Oil production in the country cannot be called sufficient for domestic consumption. State-owned enterprises, with the support of foreign capital, carry out exploratory work. The most significant region in this regard is Southeast Anatolia. Due to the fact that the deposits are located in remote areas, the costs of transportation and production are constantly increasing.
The country is a serious exporter of chrome ore. In addition, copper, tungsten, uranium and manganese ores, mercury, sulfur, borates, gold and silver are mined.
The electronic industry of Turkey is developing at a noticeable pace. Thus, the country has launched mass production of radio, television and telephone equipment, computers and many other equipment. The leading place among exported products is occupied by electronic thermometers.
Political situation
At present, in the country's political arena one can observe a vivid and very dynamic process of struggle between parties striving to take a dominant position. All of them aim at obtaining the right to determine the vector of state foreign and domestic policy.
The modern society of Turkey is engaged in a deep rethinking of the ideological heritage that was left by Kemal Atatürk - the first president and founder of the republic. The reins of power are in the hands of members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). They stand on the protection of Islamic principles and make appropriate adjustments to the domestic and foreign policies of the country. Their main rivals are the following parties: People’s Republican Party (declares adherence to the principles of Kemal Ataturk) and Nationalist Action Party (headed by Devlet Bahceli).
The politics of Turkey (both domestic and foreign) are increasingly interested in the world community. The reason is the fact that this state is gaining weight in the international arena and has an active economic position.
President of Turkey
Now the country is ruled by Jumukh Abdullah Gul. He is a doctor of economic sciences. Gul proved himself as a successful diplomat and politician. He acts effectively, while quickly orientating himself in the constantly changing conditions of the socio-political atmosphere. Since August 28, 2007, Gul is the elected President of Turkey. Now the country is preparing for new elections, scheduled for August 10, 2014.
State symbols
Naturally, this sunny country also has its flag, coat of arms and anthem. Turkey has a red flag with a crescent moon and a star, which are symbols of Islam. The history of the flag has more than one interpretation. The only indisputable fact is that the country inherited symbolism from the Ottoman Empire, whose color was precisely red. The star first appeared on the flag only at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At first she was portrayed with seven or eight ends. And what does the flag of Turkey look like now? Photos show a red canvas with a five-pointed star and a crescent. It is noteworthy that shortly before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, there were three stars on the flag. The modern version was approved in 1923. Thirteen years later, they officially approved a 2: 3 ratio.
The coat of arms of Turkey until the beginning of the twentieth century was represented by a green circle and a month against the background of the rays of the star. Under the last was a shield decorated with golden months and stars, as well as crowned with a sultan's headdress - a turban. There were banners on either side of the coat of arms. One of them is red (Ottoman dynasty), the other is green (Islam). In addition, the emblem depicted the trophies of the empire obtained in the war.
As for modern Turkey, it does not have an official state emblem. Instead, the emblem is most often used - an oval of red color with a vertically located white crescent and a star. This symbol is supplemented by the official name of the country, written in Turkish.
As for the hymn called Istiklal Marsi (Independence March), it was officially recognized as national in 1921. The words were written by the poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy. The original author of the music was Ali Rifat Kagatay. His melody has been used for eight years. Musical accompaniment was later changed. Currently, the anthem sounds the melody of Zeki Ungor - conductor of the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
Symbolism is deeply revered by the citizens of the country. It is located not only in private and public institutions, but also in the households of citizens.
Legislation
When going on vacation, do not forget to ask how this country stands out in terms of prohibitions and permits. Turkey is a hospitable state, but there is only one law for all. So, recently smoking in public places and transport (even in a taxi, not to mention buses) is forbidden. For violation of this rule, a fine of sixty two Turkish liras (about thirty dollars) will be issued.
The laws of Turkey regarding the storage, transportation and use of narcotic drugs are very strict. So, for violating the established prohibitions, you can go to jail for a period of four to twenty-four years.
It is not allowed to export antiques from the country. The main danger for ordinary tourists is that this concept is quite broad. How to protect yourself? It is recommended that you do not take even the smallest items from archaeological sites and purchase souvenirs only in authorized places. The purchase of any such product must be accompanied by the issuance of an appropriate certificate. Available papers will need to be presented to border guards when leaving the country. Lack of certificates entails punishment up to ten years in prison; simple confiscation is not enough.
An offense of the national flag, damage to local money and disrespectful attitude to the images of the country's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk are equated with a crime in Turkey .
Wherever you are, you are required to have a photo ID with you. The fear for the safety of documents is understandable, therefore it is allowed to present, for example, not a passport, but a photocopy of it.
Before photographing locals, you must obtain permission to do so. The country's legislation does not regulate how to dress, but the rules that have been around for centuries should not be violated. It is not recommended to open the legs and shoulders.
Traditions and customs
Despite the fact that geographically Russia and Turkey are not far from each other, there is a huge gap between the cultures of these countries. Thus, the vast majority of the local population (at least eighty percent) professes Islam. This culture is literally saturated with every aspect of life. Religion defines the characteristics of life and communication.
The first thing that surprises foreign tourists is the emphasized courtesy of communication. Turks still hold traditional views on expressing respect for others. You will surely hear a lot of compliments addressed to you, and it is better to reciprocate them without stinting pleasant words.
Wedding customs of Turkey amaze visitors with their splendor and solemnity. The ceremony of combining two loving hearts is certainly accompanied by matchmaking and betrothal. At the same time, the celebration lasts at least several days. Modern Turks still follow some ancient traditions. Among them are “Henna Night” (the bride’s hands are covered with wonderful patterns, henna paint is used) and “Belt of Virginity” (the bride’s father ties a scarlet ribbon over the wedding dress).
No Turkish holiday can be imagined without rhythmic movements to the national melodies. Moreover, there are more than two thousand varieties of dances. Depending on the region, they differ in costumes, choreography, and rhythm.
Culture
Consider areas such as literature, architecture, theater, music, the Internet and cinema.
The roots of Turkish literature go back to antiquity. So, the earliest accurately dated works are the works of Ahmed Farikh, which appeared in the thirteenth century. It is not surprising that Ottoman literature is distinguished by its religious character and adherence to the requirements of Islam. Researchers note that the traditions of Arabic and Persian literature significantly influenced its development at one time.
A truly unique genre is the court poetry of the Ottoman period. Among the characteristic features of Turkish writing, folklore traditions are distinguished. Of particular note in this regard are the tales of Hodge Nasreddin and the heroic epic (both verbally and in writing). As for modern Turkish literature, it develops under the influence of Western literature.
Architecture
The history of Turkish architecture is divided into three periods: Seljuk (XII-XIII centuries), Ottoman (XIV-XIX centuries) and modern. The architecture of Iran, Byzantium and Egypt influenced the tradition of building buildings at one time. Currently, the main features of the Turkish style are simplicity and functionality. Most structures are built in the style of modernism. Among the founders of the modern school of architecture, Clemens Holtzmeier Onat and Sedat Hakim Eldem are distinguished.
Theatre
In the sixteenth century, the inhabitants of the Ottoman Empire learned about what the theater of shadows is. This entertainment has gained unprecedented popularity. In the plays they used not only dolls and puppets, but also decorations, and special lighting effects. All these techniques allowed creating the illusion that the stage space is multidimensional. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the theater has been developing under the comprehensive influence of Western culture. The founder of Turkish drama is Ibrahim Shinasi, and the theater is Hakob Vardovyan.
Music
The origins of musical traditions should be sought in the early Middle Ages, when the Seljuk Turks, who migrated from Central Asia, inhabited the peninsula. Naturally, in the new territories, their culture came into interaction with the Armenian and Greek. A characteristic feature of the musical traditions of the time was pentatonic - a special five-stage interval system. All sounds in it can be arranged in pure quanta and / or quarts.
During the existence of the Ottoman Empire, a new genre was formed - military orchestral music that accompanied many campaigns and conquest campaigns. The modern musical culture of Turkey is influenced by the West. Thus, rock and pop, as well as jazz, are especially popular among young people. Many Turkish performers are known far beyond the borders of the country, among them Mustafa Sandal, Hande Yenera, Tarkana, Serdar Ortach and Sertab Erner are especially distinguished.
The World Wide Web
The spread of the Internet has played a significant role in the cultural life of the country. Thus, the population of small cities, remote provinces and villages gained access to educational and entertainment information. On numerous sites you can find works of Turkish writers and poets, newspapers also have their own electronic resources. The number of Internet users over the past decade has grown 10 times. Currently, 26.5 million Turks take advantage of the World Wide Web.
World of cinema
Cinema in the territory of modern Turkey was known even before the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. So, the first documentary was presented to the audience in 1914. Its author is Fuat Uzyknay. In a short film, the destruction of a monument erected in the suburbs of Constantinople in honor of the San Stefano Peace Treaty was shown. Filming of the first feature film (“The Marriage of Himmet Aga”) was completed in 1918.
At present, it can be argued that Turkey has achieved success not only in the cinema, but also in the television field. Transmissions created in this state are very popular and beyond.
Features of local cuisine
What else is interesting in this country? Turkey impresses travelers with unusual culinary traditions, and all because the process of cooking at different times was influenced by Turks, Armenians, Greeks, Arabs, and Italians.
The most famous local dishes are kababpchis and shish-kebab (spit calf). In addition, pizza is very popular in Turkey. An integral component of many dishes is olive oil. Local residents have a special attitude to desserts and sweets. Typically, such goodies are full of nuts and fruits. Among the drinks, Turkish coffee is primarily distinguished. Tea, wine and rakiya (grape brandy with anise aroma) are equally popular.
Conclusion
Turkey is an amazing country with a complicated history. It attracts millions of travelers and lovers of the antiquity. And all thanks to unique recreational resources and numerous historical sights.