History

Turkey has been called "the cradle of civilization”. Throughout history the Turks have established numerous states in different geographical areas on the continents of Asia, Europe and Africa. Therefore, they encountered different cultures, they influenced these cultures and were influenced by them.

The world's first town, a Neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization. The heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have all made important contributions to Turkish history, and ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give proof of each civilization’s unique distinction.

Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. He led his country into peace and stability, with tremendous economic growth and complete modernization. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey till boasts this success, living by its adopted motto of "Peace at Home, Peace in the World".

For the history of Turks and Turkey, visit:
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/grupc/ca/cab/default.htm
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/grupc/ca/cai/2000_1.htm

• Cultural Calendar/Important dates:

January 1st: New Year's day
April 23rd: National Sovereignty and Children’s' Day
May 19th: Ataturk Commemoration, Youth and Sports Festival
August 30th: Victory Day
October 29th: Republic Day

Religious holidays
Ramadan Bairam (Lasts 3 Days)
Sacrificial Bairam (Lasts 4 Days)

For more information about exact holiday dates(religious holiday dates change from year to year), visit:
http://www.turizm.gov.tr/turizm.tb?app=syh&syh=5&altbaslik=04.00.00&lng=eng