Turkey
Turkey
- Capital
- Ankara
- Population
- 84,339,067
- Region
- Asia
- Languages
- Turkish
Turkish coffee culture is so deeply rooted in local history that it was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013 as a symbol of hospitality and friendship. Beyond its culinary significance, the country is also home to the world's oldest known temple complex, Göbekli Tepe, which predates Stonehenge by over six millennia. A unique tradition found in the city of Edirne involves oil wrestling, a sport where participants cover themselves in olive oil and compete for a golden belt, maintaining a legacy that has lasted for more than 650 years.
Currency
The official currency is the Turkish Lira, identified by the ISO code TRY and its unique '₺' symbol. In 2005, the nation underwent a major monetary reform where the 'New Turkish Lira' was introduced, removing six zeros from the previous currency to stabilize the economy. This transition marked a significant milestone in the country's modern financial history.
Flag symbolism
The flag features a white crescent and a five-pointed star set against a crimson red background, a design that has its roots in Ottoman history. The red represents the blood of the soldiers who fell during the battles for independence, serving as a symbol of the nation's sacrifice and courage. The crescent and star are ancient Islamic icons, but in the Turkish context, they are often interpreted as representing the rebirth of the nation and its bright future. While the design was standardized in the 1930s, the celestial elements have been used as official symbols of the region for centuries.
Emblem history
Turkey does not have an official coat of arms defined by law, so it instead uses a non-heraldic emblem consisting of the crescent and star from the national flag oriented vertically. This emblem is frequently encircled by the official name of the republic and is used on passports, identity cards, and diplomatic buildings. Historically, this design was adapted from the late Ottoman state emblems to represent the transition from a monarchy to a modern republic. During the early 20th century, there were attempts to introduce a more complex coat of arms featuring a gray wolf, but the simple celestial design remains the most recognized national seal.