The country of Turkey straddles both Europe and Asia. Most of its landmass, Anatolia, lies in Asia, while a smaller portion, Thrace, is in the southeastern part of Europe.
Today’s Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. Atatürk implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Turkey, establishing a secular state, and orienting the nation towards the West. These reforms had a lasting impact on Turkish society, economy, and politics, shaping the country’s contemporary identity.
Turkey operates as a presidential republic under the leadership of the President. Its economy is one of the world’s largest, driven by sectors like automotive, textiles, electronics, and tourism. Despite modernization, traditional crafts and culinary arts, like pottery and Turkish cuisine, remain central to Turkish culture. Turkey’s complex history, strategic geopolitical position, and ongoing political and social issues make it a critical player in regional and global affairs.
Turkey is a member of numerous international organizations, including NATO. The country’s cultural heritage is a mosaic of influences from various civilizations, making it a historically significant region.
We loved exploring this country and always felt safe. However, we are left with some confusion regarding freedom of speech and press in Turkey. While Turkey’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression, we could sense limitations, especially when it came to criticizing the government.
This is probably the result of a failed coup attempt in 2016 when a faction within the Turkish military tried to overthrow the government. The group claimed that they were acting to restore democracy and human rights, which they alleged were being eroded by President Erdoğan and his ruling party (AKP). It seems that current governmental restrictions, media control, and legal threats have created an environment where freedom of expression is curtailed, and individuals may face consequences for critical statements against the government.
As a result, our guides spoke little about President Erdoğan and the 2017 change from a parliamentary form of government to a presidential system of government. We enjoyed our week in this country, yet came away feeling like we missed a part of the story!
2024, with Overseas Adventure Travel