Turkey
A Nation between two Continents: The crossreads of Europe
The unique feature of the vast country that is Turkey is, without doubt, its position. A nation that acts as a bridge between East and West, a passage between two deeply different — sometimes opposing — cultures, and a place that preserves the profound spirit of millennia-old traditions.
Turkey is suspended between Eastern traditions and Western efficiency, surrounded by a natural environment that amazes and impresses, and rich in places where you can admire historical or archaeological sites of centuries-old beauty.
You have surely heard of Cappadocia and its marvelous geological formations, the Fairy Chimneys; just as you have no doubt been told about the beauty of historic Istanbul and Ephesus, one of the greatest Greco-Roman archaeological sites. This vast country hosts jewels able to excite everyone—from extreme sports enthusiasts to romantics looking for a weekend immersed in beauty, from families seeking bays and beaches for fun to culture lovers. This cradle of Europe is the ideal destination for those who want to keep marveling at the wonders of this vast continent and wish to experience firsthand the unique culture of a state always balancing Western heritage and fascinating Eastern spirituality.
LANGUAGE: The official language of this country is Turkish, spoken by about 85% of the population. Other languages spoken depending on the region include Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Greek, Ladino, German, and Kurdish. The country thus hosts a variety of ethnicities and second-generation immigrants, each with their own language.
RELIGION: Turkey is a secular state, so there is freedom of religion. The predominant faith is Islam, practiced by almost 98% of the population. There are also Christian minorities, mainly Orthodox.
TIME ZONE: One hour ahead of Italy.
DOCUMENTS: For entry into Turkey, EU citizens must carry either a passport or an ID card valid for travel abroad, with at least six months’ validity remaining from the date of entry.
Those entering from Turkey’s southeastern and eastern borders must carry a passport (ID card is not sufficient). It is advisable to check in real time, before departure, which documents are required for entry from particularly sensitive areas.
CURRENCY: The national currency is the Turkish Lira.
Curiosity
The famous Turkish bath, renowned worldwide, originates precisely in this country. For this population, the bath is not only about hygiene but also about social and family cohesion, an important moment in daily life—especially for women, but not only.
Marriage was even preceded by the so-called “bridal bath ceremony,” where the bride had to perform a kind of ablution and special baths before marrying. After childbirth, on the fortieth day, the mother underwent the “forty-day bath,” and after a man’s death, there was a bath to cleanse the “tears” of relatives and friends of the deceased. Furthermore, anyone wanting to convert had to perform the “devotee’s bath,” while the housewife preparing to host important guests had to prepare the water herself. In short, the bath held fundamental importance in Turkish culture and represented one of the first beauty treatments for women, who also used oils, herbs, and linen gloves to cleanse and moisturize their skin.
Our advices
TO READ: The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak, a novel that draws the reader into the fragrant, colorful universe of this historic Turkish city—its religion, customs, and ethnic blends—all seen through the eyes of two women seeking answers.
TO LISTEN TO: Turkish music originates from the Asian steppes and has evolved over time with the sounds of the Ney (flute) and Ud (lutes). Folk Turkish music still accompanies the famous hypnotic dances of the Whirling Dervishes, although younger generations seem to appreciate rock and metal more.
TO SEE: The marvelous Cappadocia, land of magical and enchanted geological formations; Istanbul, the city on the Bosphorus Strait that lies on two continents simultaneously; its minarets, bustling bazaars, and Arab architecture will captivate you.
Don’t miss Ankara, the capital located in the heart of the country; its Old Town is undoubtedly the most beautiful area of the city. The “cotton” terraces of Pamukkale will take your breath away with their wonder, as will the pristine beaches of Patara.
TO EAT: Typical dishes include minced meat and tomato flatbreads called Lahmacun, or mussels with pine nuts called Midye Tava.
The classic Turkish Kebap will impress enthusiasts, while among flavorful vegetables are Dolma (stuffed peppers) and Meze (appetizers), often served while sipping Raki.
