Turkey

The history of Turkey is complex and spans thousands of years, reflecting its position as a crossroads of civilizations. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians establishing early kingdoms. The area later fell under the influence of the Greek and Persian empires.

In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great conquered the region, leading to Hellenistic influence. Following the decline of Alexander’s empire, the area became part of the Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Empire, which was characterized by its Christian heritage.

In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks began to migrate into Anatolia, and by the 13th century, the Ottoman Turks established the Ottoman Empire. This empire expanded significantly, at its height controlling large parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

The Ottoman Empire began to decline in the 19th century, leading to its dissolution after World War I. In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the Republic of Turkey, implementing extensive reforms to modernize the country. Today, Turkey is a secular nation with a rich cultural heritage, bridging Eastern and Western traditions.

The country plays a significant role in regional and international politics, maintaining a unique position as a member of both NATO and a candidate for EU membership.