Discover the hidden wonders of Turkey with these 10 fascinating facts that will amaze you. From Leonardo da Vinci’s unrealized bridge design to the surprising birthplace of Santa Claus, there’s a wealth of history and culture waiting to be explored. Uncover the world’s second oldest underground railway, the largest producer of hazelnuts, and one of Christianity’s oldest churches. Plus, learn about a temple from the hunter-gatherer era and the Mediterranean’s main sea turtle nesting beach. Turkey is a land of ancient wonders that will captivate and surprise you at every turn.
Leonardo da Vinci and the Galata Bridge
Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian artist and inventor, played a fascinating role in the history of the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey. In the early 16th century, Sultan Beyazid II approached da Vinci to design a bridge that would span the Golden Horn. Da Vinci’s design was revolutionary and would have made the bridge the longest in the world at that time. He incorporated three geometric principles: the pressed-bow, parabolic curve, and keystone arch. Unfortunately, the sultan did not approve da Vinci’s design, and the bridge was never built. Despite this, da Vinci’s influence can still be felt in the architectural wonders of Istanbul.
Turkic tribes tradition – Camel Wrestling Festival
Turkey is home to the annual Camel Wrestling Festival, a unique and ancient tradition that dates back over 2,000 years. Established by Turkic tribes, this festival takes place on Turkey’s southern Aegean coast, in the town of Selçuk Efes. Each year, camels from Iran and Afghanistan are brought to the festival to participate in wrestling matches. These grand events are a sight to behold, as the camels are adorned with decorative rugs, bells, and saddles. The festival is not only a display of strength and skill but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic tribes.
Santa Claus’ Birthplace – Saint Nicholas in Patara
Many people are surprised to learn that Santa Claus, the beloved figure associated with Christmas, has his roots in Turkey. Santa Claus, or more accurately, Saint Nicholas, was born in Patara, which is now known as Demre. Saint Nicholas was a Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. The town of Demre preserves his legacy with the Church of Saint Nicholas, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians. Additionally, the Virgin Mary’s final resting place is believed to be near Ephesus, another significant city in Turkey with rich historical and religious importance.
Sea Turtle Nesting Beach – Iztuzu Beach in Fethiye
Turkey is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most important sea turtle nesting beaches, Iztuzu Beach. Located near the popular tourist destination of Fethiye, this beach serves as a vital breeding ground for loggerhead turtles. Every year between May and October, endangered loggerhead turtles arrive at Iztuzu Beach to lay their eggs. The beach is carefully protected to ensure the safety and survival of these precious creatures. Visitors to Iztuzu Beach can witness this incredible natural phenomenon and learn more about the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent turtles.
The World’s Second Oldest Underground Railway – Tünel in Beyoğlu and Karaköy
Tünel, located in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu and Karaköy districts, holds the distinction of being the world’s second oldest underground railway. Inaugurated on January 17, 1875, Tünel is a historic and vital transportation link between these two bustling neighborhoods. This underground funicular remains operational to this day and is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of its time. Tünel’s rich history and continued operation make it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Turkey’s Connection with Tulips – Tulip popularity in Europe
Tulips may be strongly associated with the Netherlands, but their journey to European popularity began in Turkey. The Ottoman Empire’s fascination with tulips in the 16th century played a crucial role in introducing these vibrant flowers to Europe. The story goes that a Flemish ambassador, who visited Süleyman the Magnificent, brought tulip bulbs to Holland, where they quickly gained popularity. Today, tulips are still cherished and cultivated in Turkey, adding to the country’s vibrant floral landscape.
Turkey – Largest Producer of Hazelnuts – Eastern Black Sea region’s contribution
Turkey is not only famous for its rich history and cultural heritage but also for its agricultural contributions. One notable product is hazelnuts, where Turkey holds the title of being the largest producer in the world. Turkish hazelnuts make up a staggering 72.9% of the global supply. The country’s Eastern Black Sea region is particularly renowned for its hazelnut production, contributing around 60% of Turkey’s yield. Turkish hazelnuts are in high demand worldwide, thanks to their exceptional quality and taste.
Beginning of Agriculture in Turkey – Neolithic settlement in Çatalhöyük
Turkey holds a significant place in the history of agriculture. Dating back over 11,000 years, the large Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in south-central Turkey provides evidence of early agricultural practices. It is believed that the inhabitants of Çatalhöyük were among the first to cultivate crops such as wheat and barley. This settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of human civilization and the development of agriculture, a practice that would shape societies for centuries to come.
One of Christianity’s Oldest Churches – Antioch’s cave church
Turkey is home to numerous significant Christian sites, including one of the oldest churches in the religion’s history. In modern-day Antakya, the city of Antioch, lies a cave church with deep historical and religious importance. According to tradition, the cave church was dug by the Apostle Peter himself and served as the very first Christian church. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various transformations, but the beautiful stone façade added by the Crusaders still stands as a testament to its ancient origins.
Göbekli Tepe – Ancient Megalithic Ruins – Built before the agricultural revolution
Göbekli Tepe, a site discovered in southern Turkey in the 1990s, has rewritten our understanding of human history. These ancient megalithic ruins, built around 2,000 years before the agricultural revolution, challenge the conventional belief that significant human construction didn’t occur until the development of agriculture and settlements. The discovery of Göbekli Tepe has shed new light on the complexity and sophistication of hunter-gatherer societies. It is a testament to the ingenuity and cultural achievements of prehistoric humans.
Turkey is a land of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and fascinating historical sites. From the influence of Leonardo da Vinci to the ancient ruins of Göbekli Tepe, each of these topics showcases Turkey’s unique contributions to world history. Exploring these lesser-known facts about Turkey allows us to appreciate the country’s diverse past and present, making it a truly extraordinary destination to discover.