TURKIYE

History

Turkey has been called "the cradle of civilization "by traveling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this phrase. 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 modem civilization. The heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis. 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 a young man named 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 modemization. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey still boasts this success, living by its adopted motto of "Peace in the World"