Turkey

Asia

/

Turkey

Geographically located at the tip of both West Asia and Southeast Europe, Turkey has long been positioned as a hub for the East and the West, playing a significant role in the world's history, from international politics, trade, cuisines, and culture.

For those eyeing Turkey as their next holiday destination, this country is so much more than the ever-popular Turquoise Coast. Turkey experience consists of enjoying an aromatic glass of hot Turkish tea in Istanbul, overlooking the Bosporus; getting lost in the maze of Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world; a dip into the thermal waters of whimsically white-and-blue Pamukkale; a soar over Cappadocia’s enchanting 'fairy chimneys'; or a journey into the past via historic ruins of once-mighty Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. But these marvelous sights are not the only thing waiting for you. Pamper your palate with Turkey's world-famous delicacies, from the endless varieties of kebab, bite through baklava's layers of honey and nuts, to enjoying a sip of yogurt-based ayran. And taste for yourself whether the sweet and fragrant confections lokum truly lives up to its popular name: Turkish Delight.

Get to Know Turkey

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Turkey

What you need to know before traveling here

Practical Tips for Turkey

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Is Turkey in Europe or Asia?

Turkey is a transcontinental country spanning two continents, Europe and Asia. The Asian side of Turkey forms a large, roughly rectangular peninsula that bridges southeastern Europe and Asia. Thrace, which is the European part of Turkey, covers 3% of the land mass and is home to 10% of the population. Additionally, Turkey is surrounded by the Black Sea on three sides, further emphasizing its unique geographical location as a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

What is Turkey famous for?

Turkey is located in Europe and Asia, making it a unique and diverse country. It's famous for its rich cultural heritage, including iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and Cappadocia. Turkey is also renowned globally for its exquisite Anatolian rugs, which are treasured for their intricate designs, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Turkey's geographical location and vibrant cultural influences from both continents make it a fascinating destination for travelers.

What language is used in Turkey?

The official language of Turkey is Turkish, with 90% of the population speaking Turkish as their first language. However, there are also other minority languages spoken in Turkey, including Kurdish, Arabic, and other regional dialects. English is also commonly used in tourist areas and by some professionals, particularly in the tourism and hospitality industries.

Can I use a Schengen visa to enter Turkey?

The Turkish visa is separate from the Schengen visa, which is required to visit some European countries. To obtain a Turkish tourist visa, you can follow these steps. First, check if you are eligible for an e-Visa, which is an electronic visa that can be obtained online. You can apply for an e-Visa through www.evisa.gov.tr. Fill out the required information and pay the visa fee online. Once your e-Visa application is approved, you will receive your visa via email. Alternatively, if you are not eligible for an e-Visa, you may need to apply for a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Do they speak English in Turkey?

In Turkey, English is spoken by approximately 17% of the population, with a higher concentration in tourist areas where English is commonly used for communication. English fluency is especially important in these areas due to the significant tourism industry in Turkey. According to global rankings, Turkey is ranked at number 69 in terms of English proficiency among countries worldwide.