Turkey
Asia · Ankara · TR
Turkey sits at the literal crossroads of Europe and Asia, with its western edges stretching into the Balkans while the vast Anatolian plateau anchors it firmly in the Near East. This geographic duality shapes everything about the country, from the cosmopolitan bustle of Istanbul straddling the Bosphorus to the lunar rock formations of Cappadocia and the turquoise coastline of the Lycian shore. The remnants of Byzantine, Roman, Ottoman, and Hittite civilizations layer the landscape with an extraordinary density of historical sites. Turkish culture weaves together Central Asian Turkic traditions, Mediterranean sensibilities, and centuries of imperial governance into something entirely its own. The cuisine alone reflects this synthesis, drawing from Middle Eastern spice routes, Balkan grilling techniques, and Aegean coastal foraging. From the domed majesty of Hagia Sophia to the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey offers a depth of experience that few countries can match within a single set of borders.
Overview
Turkey is a country in Asia. Its capital is Ankara and the international dialling code is +90. Languages commonly used in everyday life here include Turkish. Local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Our guide covers 1 airport, including Istanbul Airport. We also list 2 cities in Turkey: Ankara and Istanbul.
The Bosphorus and Istanbul's Waterfront Character
Istanbul's identity is inseparable from the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that divides Europe from Asia and has made the city a maritime chokepoint for millennia. Ferry crossings are not mere transportation but daily rituals for millions of residents, offering sweeping views of Ottoman waterfront mansions called yalıs, crumbling Genoese fortifications, and the silhouettes of minarets against the skyline. The European side holds the historic peninsula with its clustered domes and grand bazaars, while the Asian side spreads across hillier terrain with quieter residential neighborhoods and local market streets. At night, the waterfront transforms as restaurants along the Golden Horn illuminate the water, and fishing bridges become gathering points for locals casting lines into the dark current.
Cappadocia's Volcanic Landscape and Underground Cities
The central Anatolian region of Cappadocia is defined by soft volcanic tuff that wind and water have sculpted into improbable shapes known locally as fairy chimneys. For thousands of years, inhabitants carved dwellings, churches, and entire multi-level cities directly into this porous rock, creating underground refuges capable of housing tens of thousands of people along with their livestock and grain stores. The Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı underground complexes descend many stories below the surface, with ventilation shafts, rolling stone doors, and connecting tunnels that made them nearly impregnable. Above ground, open-air museums preserve Byzantine-era frescoes inside rock-cut churches, while the surrounding valleys offer hiking through orchards and vineyards that have thrived in the mineral-rich volcanic soil for centuries.
Lycian Coastline and Ancient Harbor Towns
Turkey's southwestern Mediterranean coast follows the ancient Lycian shoreline, a stretch of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sunken ruins that ranks among the most scenic maritime landscapes in the eastern Mediterranean. The Lycian Way, a long-distance footpath, traces the ridgeline between Olympos and Fethiye, passing through pine forests that drop sharply to secluded beaches below. Towns like Kaş and Kalkan cling to steep hillsides above harbors where fishing boats bob alongside excursion vessels. The abandoned village of Kayaköy, with its roofless Greek churches and empty stone houses, stands as a haunting reminder of the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. Further east, the colossal rock-cut tomb at Myra and the sunken city of Simena add archaeological depth to a coast already breathtaking in its natural beauty.
Thermal Springs and Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle in Turkish, is a hillside of gleaming white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters depositing mineral layers over millennia. The cascading pools, some warm enough for bathing and others too hot to approach, create an otherworldly landscape that glows pink and gold at sunset. Adjacent to the terraces lies the sprawling ruins of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman spa city that once attracted visitors seeking the healing properties of the waters. Visitors can still walk through a remarkably preserved theatre, Roman gate, and necropolis while hot water trickles beneath their feet. The combination of geological wonder and ancient urban ruins makes Pamukkale one of Turkey's most distinctive sites, entirely unlike any other destination in the country.
Southeastern Anatolia and Mesopotamian Heritage
Turkey's southeast holds a landscape and culture that feel distinct from the rest of the country, rooted in the plains and river valleys of upper Mesopotamia. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers flow through this region, nurturing ancient agricultural traditions that predate written history. Göbekli Tepe, near the city of Şanlıurfa, has rewritten the timeline of human civilization with its massive carved stone pillars dating to roughly 9600 BCE, far older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. The old city of Mardin cascades down a hillside in honey-colored stone, its Syriac Christian churches, Islamic madrasas, and Assyrian markets reflecting centuries of coexistence. Elsewhere, the limestone city of Halfeti offers boat tours through partially submerged villages drowned by a modern dam, blending tragedy with stark beauty.
Compare hotels, cover your trip and stay connected.
- Capital
- Ankara
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Calling code
- +90
- Internet TLD
- tr
Entry requirements
Check who can enter →See which passports travel visa-free or need a visa to enter Turkey.
Which nationalities can enter Turkey?
Current visa status for tourism for the origins we cover, with links to the detailed requirements.
Airports (1)
All airports →Cities (2)
All cities →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
For the origins we track, travellers from Morocco, Russia, Ukraine and United States currently enter Turkey visa-free for tourism. Entry rules depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, so check the current requirements for your own nationality with our entry requirements tool.
What is the capital of Turkey?
Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and the country sits in Asia.
What currency is used in Turkey?
You pay with Turkish Lira (TRY) in Turkey. Exchange rates move day to day, so check the current rate before you change money or use your card abroad.
Which languages do people speak in Turkey?
The languages we list for Turkey are Turkish. A couple of greetings in the local language go a long way when you travel, even in cities where another language is widely used.
What is the international dialling code for Turkey?
The dialling code for Turkey is +90 — keep the plus sign when you save the number.
Which airports serve Turkey?
Istanbul Airport (IST) in Istanbul is the airport we cover for Turkey.
Which cities in Turkey do you cover?
Our guide lists 2 cities for Turkey: Ankara (capital) and Istanbul.