The country lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a rich and diverse culture. The landscape ranges from mountains and forests to beaches and ancient ruins. Turkey is also home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, such as the Hittites, the Lydians, and the Phrygians. The country has witnessed many historical events and empires, such as the Trojan War, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Turkish War of Independence. Today, Turkey is a modern and secular republic, with a vibrant economy and a diverse population. Turkey is a member of NATO, the G20, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It is also a candidate for joining the European Union. Turkey offers many attractions for tourists, such as Istanbul, the largest city and cultural capital of the country; Ankara, the political capital and administrative center; Cappadocia, a region famous for its fairy chimneys and underground cities; Ephesus, an ancient city that was once one of the seven wonders of the world; and Antalya, a popular resort city on the Mediterranean coast.
