10 Fun Facts About Turkey To Know Before Visiting

If you’re looking to book a vacation with a twist, take a peek at Turkey. Tons of fun facts about Turkey that make it a favorite vacation destination — for example, it’s the home of St. Nicholas himself, and the national sport is oil wrestling!

Spectacular year-round, Turkey offers something for every kind of explorer — from ancient ruins to beautiful, sun-kissed beaches to forested mountains perfect for hiking. With such a diverse landscape and so many incredible things to do, it's helpful to know a few fun and interesting facts about Turkey as you begin coordinating your vacation. 

Follow this guide to help you plan your getaway, including when to visit Turkey, how to get around the country and what to expect during your stay.

Key Takeaways: What Are Some Facts About Turkey?

• Turkey is famous for its unique geographic position, delicious cuisine and diverse culture.
• You can tour ancient ruins in Turkey, including the Temple of Athena.
• The official language is Turkish.
• The country has no official religion, but most of the population is Muslim.
• There are no trains in some of the most desirable coastal destinations, so a Mediterranean cruise is one of the best ways to see Turkey.

1. What Is Unique About Turkey?

Spanning areas that historically connected Central Asia to the Middle East, Turkey’s unique geographic position has helped shape its distinct identity. Nestled between Europe and Asia,  Turkey is a true melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions. Its landscape is as diverse as its population, and its history is ancient and rich — all elements that make for a world-class travel destination.

Fun fact: Because of its unique location, Turkey is often called the bridge between the East and West! Venture all the way east, toward Eastern Anatolia and eastern Turkey, and you'll have a different experience — one that shares more similarities with Kurdish and Armenian cultures.

2. When Should You Travel To Turkey?

Turkey is beautiful in every season, as the weather stays relatively mild year-round. April through May and September through October offer temperature highs ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, with lows that rarely dip below 45º F. This is the best time to visit Turkey, as it's shoulder season, which means fewer crowds.  

Visiting during high season, though, also has its perks. Turkey's famous places like sun-splashed resort towns along the coast are perfect in June, July and August, as long as you don't mind higher prices and more visitors. Turkey's lowest season is wintertime, stretching from November to March. Temperatures are chilly, but this is the best time to visit if you're looking to experience the country's lovely ski resorts and snow-covered mountain villages. 

Fun fact: Turkish baths are called hammams and play a significant role in centuries-old rituals.

3. What Is The Turkish Riviera?

For a sun-soaked Turkey vacation filled with unforgettable beach days, there's no place like the Turquoise Coast. Also known as the Turkish Riviera, this gorgeous strip includes the provinces of Muğla and Antalya, as well as parts of Aydın, western Mersin and southern Izmir. The waters here live up to the area's name, and sailing across them in a traditional wooden sailboat — called a gulet — is a popular pastime.

Fun fact: Turkey is famous for its ancient ruins, including:

• Antalya
• Fethiye
• Temple of Artemis

4. Why Should You Visit Cappadocia?

 If you're visiting Turkey for unique experiences, consider venturing inland to Cappadocia, one of the country's most iconic destinations and a favorite among intrepid tourists and locals alike. This region is best known for its hot air balloon rides, run by about 20 different companies. Most of the hot air balloon companies operate out of Göreme, Avanos or Ürgüp, so plan to stay in one of these cities if you have a few days to explore the region. It can be chilly so high up, so pack warm clothing and plan for a ride lasting from 45 minutes to two hours. 

Fun fact: Look closely — you may be able to spot Turkish castles from your hot air balloon!

5. Where Is Mardin, Turkey?

Mardin is an old town along the country's southern border, and it feels a world away from tourists — and millennia removed from the present day. If you listen closely, you'll hear a hodgepodge of languages spoken — Syriac, Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Torani and even Aramaic, an ancient Semitic language. 

Also, make sure to check out the Zinciriye Madrasa, known locally as Sultan Isa Madrasa. It dates back to the mid-14th century and is a shining example of the original Mardin architectural style. There are bustling bazaars, stalls and pop-up markets throughout the city.

Fun fact: Donkeys wander the tight, ancient alleyways in Mardin, so keep your camera handy if you want a unique shot.

6. Should You Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to visit Turkey. You'll wander past centuries-old monuments, like the Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace, ancient gold-domed cathedrals including the Hagia Sophia (now a museum), bustling bazaars — like the famous Grand Bazaar — and sleek contemporary skyscrapers such as the Metropol Istanbul Tower, one of the tallest towers in the city.

Istanbul's food scene is equally impressive and includes flavors from around the world. Traditional Turkish cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, combining spices and cooking techniques from the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean. Dig into toasted pita dipped in cool, creamy mint yogurt, or enjoy some lamb döner kebabs — a locally loved street food.

Fun fact: Istanbul was once the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire.

7. How Do You Travel In Turkey?

Turkey has a state-owned rail system that connects many major cities. There are major railway stations in cities like Ankara, Istanbul and Kars, with express trains running between all three.

Turkey also has an extensive bus network, but routes typically take much longer than opting to travel by train or car, so tourists tend not to rely on this mode of transportation.  However, there isn't yet a train service to some of the best coastal destinationsso a cruise may be the best option if you're trying to reach towns along the Mediterranean or Aegean.

Fun fact: Some of the high-speed train routes in Turkey can get you where you’re going fast — up to 155 miles per hour!

8. What Languages Are Spoken In Turkey?

Turkish is the most common language in Turkey. You'll find about 70 other languages and dialects spoken here as well, including Arabic, Greek, Kurdish and Armenian. English is also common in cities that rely heavily on tourism.

Fun fact: About 90% of Turkey speaks Turkish — that’s over 63 million people.

9. What Is Turkey's Official Currency?

Turkey's currency is the Turkish lira. You can exchange currency at any airport, though you'll typically end up paying higher exchange rates plus service fees. Exchange booths and gold jewelers located in tourist locations tend to offer the best exchange rates. Opting to exchange currency at an ATM in your bank's network is also a good option, as you'll be able to withdraw cash by paying a small fee.

Fun fact: The lira, first introduced in 1927, is almost 100 years old.

10. What Religions Are Practiced In Turkey?

Because of its diverse population, a range of religions are observed in Turkey. Islam is the most widely practiced religion, followed by Christianity and Judaism. All three religions are practiced throughout the country, though Turkey's largest Christian population is located in Istanbul, while Judaism is largely concentrated in Istanbul and Izmir.

Fun fact: Although Turkey doesn’t have an official religion, over 90% of the population is Muslim.

11. See Fun Facts About Turkey Come To Life

These fun tidbits, historical events and popular sites represent only a fraction of all the amazing facts about Turkey — and yhe best way to discover it all is to visit for yourself. With Royal Caribbean Cruises, you can do just that.

Our trips provide plenty of opportunities to make plenty of stops in this fascinating and naturally beautiful country, relieving you of the burden of getting around and figuring out logistics. Let us do the hard work for you so you can sit back and enjoy everything Turkey has to offer!