Turkey Current Population 72 75 million in December

Turkey

Current Population 72. 75 million in December 2010 to 73. 64 in December 2011 Currently 75 million people in Turkey

Official Language Turkish is the official language in which 90% of the population speak it. Other languages: Kurdish, Arabic

How to Say “Hello” in Official Language Hello- Merhaba Extras: Goodbye- Allaha ismarladik sağ olun - be healthy, be strong - is used as - thank you

Main Religion 99% of the population practices Islam Other religions: Christianity and Judaism

Popular Dishes/Foods in Cuisine Simit- fast food bread often sold on street vendors Doner Kebab- Turkish favorite, lamb and beef cooked on a rostisserie by an open flame. Often sold in pide with tomato sauce, onion, and lettuce. Lahmacun- Turkish pizza: mince meat with onion, salt and parsley Food often used in Turkish cooking: meat, eggplant, green peppers, onions, garlic, lentils, tomatoes and nuts.

Traditional Clothing Tesettur- head scarf and a light cover-all topcoat. Used in public by 30% of Turkish women. Kaftan- wrap up dress Young girls usually dress plainly, it’s considered improper to wear showy clothing

Unique Customs or Traditions When sitting with Turkish people, it is considered rude to show the soles of your feet pointing to the person next to you Sit on the floor cross legged Turkish bath or Haman- place where you not only cleaned your skin, a place where everyone no matter of rank or social status could come freely Evil Eye- A blue stone was kept part of the religious custom to protect the person from the “Evil Eye”

Type of Government Republican Parliamentary Democracy- type of republic that operates under the parliamentary system of government, system with no clear-cut separation of powers Current leader- Abdullah Dul

Pertinent Events/Country’s History 1854 Crimean War- Tsar Nicholas I of Russia invades Rumania and his fleet destroys a Turkish flotilla or Turkish warships 1914 -1918 Turkey allies with Germany in the first world war 1915 Armenian Genocide- Turkish government forced Armenians to undergo the “Death March” 75% of the population perished.

Interesting Facts Turkey is the richest country in terms of archeological finds. Trojan War took place in Turkey Turkish people introduced coffee to Europe Istanbul is the only city in the world to be built on two Continents.