Turkey is a country located in Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia, with a total land area of 783,562 square kilometers. It is bordered by Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, Georgia to the northeast, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, Iraq and Syria to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea to the west, south, and northwest respectively.
As of 2021, the population of Turkey is approximately 84 million people, making it the 18th most populous country in the world. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, with Istanbul being the largest city and the financial and cultural center of the country. Other major cities include Ankara, the capital, Izmir, Bursa, Adana, and Antalya.
Turkey has a diverse climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The eastern and southeastern regions have a semi-arid climate, while the western and northwestern regions have a Mediterranean climate. The coastal areas have mild winters and hot summers, with average temperatures ranging from 10-20 °C in the winter and 25-35 °C in the summer. The interior regions have a continental climate, with colder winters and hot summers, with average temperatures ranging from -10 to 10 °C in the winter and 25-40 °C in the summer. The Black Sea region has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers, with average temperatures ranging from 5-15 °C in the winter and 20-30 °C in the summer.
Economically, Turkey is considered a newly industrialized country, with a growing economy and rapidly developing infrastructure. The country has a diverse economy, with major industries including textiles, food processing, autos, electronics, mining, steel, and tourism. Agriculture also plays a significant role in the economy, with major crops including wheat, barley, fruits, and vegetables.
Culturally, Turkey is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from the Ottoman Empire, Europe, and the Middle East. The country is known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the mineral terraces of Pamukkale. Turkey is also famous for its hand-woven carpets and textiles, as well as its traditional Ottoman music and belly dancing.
7 days Turkey itinerary informations
Day 1: Istanbul
- Start your trip in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and a melting pot of cultures.
- Visit the Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine cathedral turned mosque turned museum.
- Take a stroll through the Sultanahmet neighborhood to see the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Day 2: Istanbul (Continued)
- Take a ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul.
- Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th-century Ottoman palace.
- Walk along the shore of the Bosphorus and take in the views of the city.
Day 3: Izmir
- Take a flight or bus to Izmir, a coastal city on the Aegean Sea.
- Visit the Kemeralti Bazaar, a bustling market with a wide variety of goods.
- See the Konak Square, the city’s main square, and the Alsancak neighborhood, known for its nightlife and restaurants.
Day 4: Ephesus
- Take a day trip to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world.
- Visit the Library of Celsus, the Roman Baths, and the Great Theater.
- See the Temple of Hadrian and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Day 5: Pamukkale
- Take a bus or car to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mineral terraces.
- Visit the Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city.
- Take a dip in the warm mineral waters of the terraces.
Day 6: Antalya
- Take a flight or bus to Antalya, a popular coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Visit the old town, Kaleici, which is surrounded by Roman-era city walls.
- Take a boat trip along the coast to see the beaches and cliffs.
Day 7: Antalya (Continued)
- Visit the Hadrian’s Gate, one of the most famous landmarks in Antalya.
- Visit the Antalya Museum, which has a large collection of Roman and Ottoman artifacts.
- Take a stroll along the harbor and enjoy the sea views.
Note: This itinerary can be adjusted as per your interest and time frame. Also, it’s a good idea to check the opening days and timings of each site before planning your visit.