Did you know that Turkey is part of both Asia and Europe ? Today in category "News", we are bringing to you 20 facts about Turkey.

20 FACTS ABOUT TURKEY !

1. Istanbul is on two continents.- The city is separated by the Bosporus, a strait, and thus consists of a European and an Asian part. Overall, 95% of Turkey is in Asia, and 5% is in Europe.

    

2. Ankara, not Istanbul, is the capital of Turkey.- Many people assume that it is Istanbul that is the capital of Turkey, but actually, it is the city of Ankara that is the capital. Istanbul just happens to be Turkey’s largest city.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
3. The original name of Istanbul is "Byzantium".- The name "Byzantium" has Greek origins and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city. In 324, it was renamed to “Constantinople”, and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul.                                                                                                                                                                                                         
4. The story of Santa Claus originated in Turkey.- Born to wealthy parents, Nicholas was a Christian saint and Greek bishop of Myra, who was born in Patara. Once his parents died, he received a large amount of wealth, which he would give away to the poor and needy. Legend has it that he would drop bags of gold coins down the chimneys of houses, and provide fruits to children. His good deeds spread through Europe, and locals began integrating it with their myths and legends.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
5. The Turks love tea.- Although you may know Turkey for their coffee, 96% of the population drinks at least one cup of tea per day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
6. Turkey has a young demographic.- Turkey has the EU’s largest young population. The average age in Turkey is around 31, and only 9% of the country’s population is over 60.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
7. Istanbul (Old Constantinople) was founded on seven hills.-  All seven hills are historically significant and studded with impressive mosques and gorgeous palaces.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
8. The name "turquoise" actually comes from Turkey.- Turquoise means ‘Turkish stone’. The beautiful mineral came to Europe from the Orient via Turkey and is one of the oldest gemstones in history. They were first used as amulets by Turkish soldiers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
9. The national sport of Turkey is oil wrestiling.- Also known as grease wrestling, oil wrestling is one of the oldest sports in Turkey. When wrestling with oil, the fighters douse themselves with oil beforehand and then face their opponent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
10. There are 82,693 mosques in Turkey.-  Turkey is home to some of the most beautiful mosques in the world, as about 99% of all Turks are Muslims.

Stay with Seaport Estate and daily read news from Turkey.