Turkey, officially the Republic of Türkiye, is a transcontinental country located primarily in Anatolia (West Asia) with a smaller portion in Southeast Europe. It shares borders with eight countries: Georgia to the northeast, Armenia to the east, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the east, Iraq to the southeast, Syria to the south, Greece to the west, and Bulgaria to the northwest. It is bordered by water on three sides: the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The country is home to over 85 million people, with Turkish people making up the majority and Kurds being the largest minority. The country is officially secular but has a Muslim-majority population. Ankara is the capital, while Istanbul is the largest city and financial center.
1907: Basis for Turkish Civil Code
The Swiss Civil Code of 1907 served as the foundation for Turkey's own Civil Code, adopted in 1926.
1911: Basis for Turkish Civil Code
The Swiss Code of Obligations of 1911 was used as a basis when Turkey adopted its Civil Code in 1926.
1913: Three Pashas Take Control
Following a coup in 1913, the Three Pashas seized control of the Ottoman government, ultimately leading the empire into World War I on the side of the Central Powers.
1914: First Turkish-Made Film
Fuat Uzkınay directed the first Turkish-made film, "Ayastefanos'taki Rus Abidesinin Yıkılışı" ("Demolition of the Russian Monument at San Stefano"), a documentary, in 1914.
1914: Non-Muslim Population
In 1914, non-Muslims constituted 19.1% of the population in modern-day Turkey.
1915: Çanakkale 1915 Bridge
The Çanakkale 1915 Bridge, completed in 1915, holds the title of the world's longest suspension bridge, spanning the Dardanelles strait.
1917: First Turkish Narrative Film
"The Spy," the first Turkish narrative film, was released in 1917, directed by Sedat Simavi.
1919: Allied Occupation of İzmir and Start of Turkish War of Independence
The Allied occupation of İzmir in 1919 further ignited the Turkish National Movement, leading to the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha, aimed at resisting the Treaty of Sèvres.
April 1920: Turkish Provisional Government Declares Itself Legitimate
On April 23, 1920, the Turkish Provisional Government in Ankara declared itself the legitimate government of Turkey, signifying a formal challenge to the Ottoman Empire and marking a crucial step towards establishing a new republic.
1920: Treaty of Sèvres
The Treaty of Sèvres, signed in 1920, outlined the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire by the Allied Powers, leading to territorial losses and fueling the Turkish National Movement's resistance against the treaty's terms.
1920: Turkish Provisional Government Established
The Turkish Provisional Government, established in Ankara in 1920, declared itself as the legitimate government of Turkey, challenging the authority of the Ottoman government and the terms of the Treaty of Sèvres.
1921: Military and Diplomatic Struggle for Turkish Independence
Between 1921 and 1923, the Ankara government engaged in both military and diplomatic efforts to secure Turkish independence, resulting in the expulsion of Armenian, Greek, French, and British forces from Turkish territories.
1921: Name "Türkiye" Appears in International Documents
The name "Türkiye" made its first appearance in international documents in 1921 through the Treaty of Alexandropol, signed with Afghanistan, reflecting the emergence of a new Turkish state.
October 1922: Armistice of Mudanya and Chanak Crisis
The Armistice of Mudanya, signed on October 11, 1922, marked a turning point in the Turkish War of Independence, leading to the recognition of Turkish territorial gains and the collapse of David Lloyd George's government in the United Kingdom due to the Chanak Crisis.
November 1922: Abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate
On November 1, 1922, the Turkish Parliament in Ankara formally abolished the Ottoman Sultanate, ending 623 years of Ottoman rule and paving the way for the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
July 1923: Treaty of Lausanne
The Treaty of Lausanne, signed on July 24, 1923, superseded the Treaty of Sèvres and granted international recognition to the newly established Turkish state as the successor to the Ottoman Empire.
October 1923: Allied Occupation of Turkey Ends
The Allied occupation of Turkey ended on October 4, 1923, with the withdrawal of the last Allied troops from Istanbul, solidifying Turkish sovereignty and independence.
October 1923: Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey
On October 29, 1923, the Republic of Turkey was officially proclaimed, with Ankara as its new capital, marking a pivotal shift from the Ottoman Empire to a modern, secular republic.
1923: End of the Turkish War of Independence
The Turkish War of Independence, waged from 1919 to 1923, successfully led to the recognition of a new Turkish state, culminating in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
1923: Military and Diplomatic Successes Secure Turkish Independence
The years 1921 to 1923 saw significant military and diplomatic achievements by the Ankara government, culminating in the expulsion of foreign forces from Turkish lands and paving the way for the international recognition of a new Turkish state.
1923: Formation of Modern Turkish Literature
The foundational elements of modern Turkish literature were largely established during the period between 1896 and 1923.
1923: Republic of Turkey and Culinary Influences
Since the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, foreign culinary influences, such as French hollandaise sauce and Western fast food, have been incorporated into modern Turkish cuisine.
1925: Sheikh Said Rebellion
The Sheikh Said rebellion erupted in 1925, reflecting discontent among some Kurdish and Zaza tribes with Atatürk's reforms, which aimed to create a modern, secular Turkish nation-state.
1926: Adoption of Civil Code
Turkey adopted a new Civil Code in 1926, based on the Swiss Civil Code of 1907 and the Swiss Code of Obligations of 1911, marking a significant shift from the Ottoman legal system to a civil law framework.
1927: Decline of Non-Muslim Population
By 1927, the percentage of non-Muslims in Turkey had decreased significantly to 2.5%.
1931: First Turkish Sound Film
Turkey's first sound film premiered in 1931, marking a significant milestone in Turkish cinema.
1934: Universal Suffrage for Both Sexes
In 1934, Turkey granted both men and women the right to vote, implementing universal suffrage across the nation.
1934: Mustafa Kemal Granted the Surname "Atatürk"
In 1934, the Turkish Parliament bestowed upon Mustafa Kemal the honorific surname "Atatürk," meaning "Father Turk," recognizing his pivotal role in establishing the Republic of Turkey and implementing transformative reforms.
1937: Dersim Rebellion
The Dersim rebellion, which took place in 1937, highlighted continued resistance to Atatürk's reforms, particularly among certain Kurdish groups.
1938: İsmet İnönü Becomes Second President
İsmet İnönü became Turkey's second president in 1938 following the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, ushering in a new era of leadership for the young republic.
1939: Hatay Joins Turkey
Through a referendum held in 1939, the Republic of Hatay voted to join Turkey, leading to the incorporation of this territory into the Turkish state.
1941: Garip Movement
The Garip movement, led by Orhan Veli, Oktay Rıfat, and Melih Cevdet, emerged in 1941, marking a significant shift in Turkish poetry.
February 1945: Turkey Joins World War II
Turkey officially entered World War II on February 23, 1945, siding with the Allies, after remaining neutral for most of the conflict.
1950: Turkey Joins Council of Europe
Turkey became one of the first members of the Council of Europe in 1950, solidifying its relationship with Europe.
1950: Turkey's Population Growth
Between 1950 and 2020, Turkey experienced a significant population surge, more than quadrupling from 20.9 million to 83.6 million.
1950: Turkey Joins the Council of Europe
In 1950, Turkey became a member of the Council of Europe, further integrating itself into the European political landscape.
1951: Geneva Convention and LGBT Asylum
Since 1951, Turkey has recognized the right of LGBT individuals to seek asylum within its borders under the provisions of the Geneva Convention. This recognition demonstrated Turkey's commitment to providing refuge to those facing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
1952: Turkey Joins NATO
In 1952, Turkey joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), driven by the shared threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This move solidified its strategic alliance with the United States and strengthened bilateral relations.
1959: Start of Human Rights Violations Judgements
Between 1959 and 2011, the European Court of Human Rights issued over 2,400 rulings against Turkey for human rights violations. This marked the beginning of a period where international scrutiny on Turkey's human rights practices intensified.
1960: First Military Coup in Turkey
In 1960, Turkey experienced its first military coup, interrupting the country's transition towards a multi-party democratic system and leading to political instability.
1960: First Military Intervention Disrupts Democracy
The year 1960 marked the first instance of a military coup in Turkey, disrupting the country's transition to a multi-party democracy and highlighting the fragility of democratic institutions at the time.
1965: Collection of Ethnicity Data in Turkey
The 1965 Turkish census marked the last time statistics on ethnicity were included in census data. Since then, reliable data on the ethnic composition of Turkey's population has been unavailable.
1971: Military Memorandum Influences Politics
A military memorandum in 1971 exerted influence on Turkish politics, demonstrating the military's continued role in the country's governance.
1974: Military Presence in Cyprus
In 1974, Turkey established a military presence in Northern Cyprus, with 36,000 troops stationed there. This deployment stemmed from the Turkish intervention in Cyprus following a coup d'état by Greek Cypriot nationalists.
1978: Founding of the PKK
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was established in 1978 with the goal of creating an independent Kurdish state based on Marxist-Leninist ideology. The PKK's emergence marked a turning point in the Kurdish struggle for rights and autonomy within Turkey.
1980: Second Military Coup in Turkey
Another military coup struck Turkey in 1980, marking the second such intervention in two decades and further disrupting the process of democratic development.
1980: Military Coup and Political Violence
In 1980, Turkey experienced a military coup following a period of political violence between far-left and far-right militant groups. The coup had a significant impact on Turkish politics and society.
1980: Second Military Coup Deepens Political Instability
In 1980, Turkey experienced its second military coup, further deepening political instability and interrupting the process of democratic consolidation.
1982: New Constitution
In 1982, a new constitution outlining Turkey's governmental structure, state conduct, citizens' rights and obligations, and the principles of sovereignty was approved through a referendum.
1984: Kurdish Uprising
The PKK launched a Kurdish uprising in 1984, marking the start of a full-scale insurgency that would continue for decades. The uprising brought the Kurdish issue to the forefront of Turkish politics and led to a protracted conflict.
1987: Turkey Applies for EEC Membership
Seeking closer ties with Europe, Turkey submitted its application for full membership to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1987.
1990: Kurdish Population Estimate in Turkey
A 1990 study estimated that Kurds constituted approximately 12% of Turkey's population.
1991: Independence of Turkic States
The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the independence of several Turkic states, creating opportunities for Turkey to expand its economic and political ties in Central Asia based on shared cultural, historical, and linguistic connections.
1993: Establishment of TURKSOY
In line with its efforts to foster collaboration among Turkic-speaking countries, Turkey played a key role in establishing the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in 1993.
1993: Tansu Çiller Becomes First Female Prime Minister
Making history in 1993, Tansu Çiller became Turkey's first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone for women in Turkish politics.
1995: Turkey Joins European Union Customs Union
Turkey joined the European Union Customs Union in 1995, deepening its economic ties with Europe.
1995: Turkey Enters EU Customs Union
Turkey's entry into the European Union Customs Union in 1995 marked a significant step towards closer economic ties with the EU.
1997: Military Memorandum Impacts Turkish Politics
Another military memorandum in 1997 impacted Turkish politics, underscoring the military's ongoing influence in civilian affairs.
1999: Devastating Earthquakes
In 1999, Turkey experienced two major earthquakes, the İzmit and Düzce earthquakes, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. These events highlighted the country's vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly along the North Anatolian Fault zone, considered one of the most dangerous natural hazard zones in Turkey.
2000: Discovery of Ancient Clay Tablets in Anatolia
Clay tablets dating back to approximately 2000 BC were found in Kültepe, providing insights into Anatolia's history and revealing the existence of various ancient languages, including Hattian, Hurrian, Hittite, Luwian, and Palaic.
2000: Galatasaray's European Success
Galatasaray, a prominent Turkish football club, achieved European success in 2000 by winning both the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
2000: Turkey's Research and Development Spending
In 2000, Turkey's expenditure on research and development constituted 0.47% of its GDP.
2002: Changes to the Civil Code
In 2002, Turkey implemented a number of changes to its Civil Code while still retaining much of its original structure based on Swiss law.
2002: Turkish Football Team's World Cup Triumph
The Turkish national football team attained international acclaim in 2002 by securing the bronze medal at the FIFA World Cup.
2003: Victory at FIFA Confederations Cup
The Turkish national football team continued its winning streak in 2003 by clinching the championship title at the FIFA Confederations Cup.
2003: Universal Health Insurance
Turkey implemented a universal public healthcare system, known as Universal Health Insurance (Genel Sağlık Sigortası), in 2003.
2005: Turkey Begins EU Accession Negotiations
Formal negotiations for Turkey's accession to the European Union commenced in 2005.
2005: Turkey Begins EU Accession Negotiations
Turkey officially began accession negotiations with the European Union in 2005, signaling its aspiration to join the bloc.
2005: New Criminal Code
Turkey replaced its Italian-based Criminal Code in 2005, implementing a new one drawing principles from German Penal Code and German law.
2006: Non-Kurdish and Non-Zaza Ethnic Minorities in Turkey
KONDA conducted a survey in 2006 that estimated non-Kurdish and non-Zaza ethnic minorities made up 8.2% of Turkey's population. This included individuals who identified as Turkish citizens, individuals of other Turkic backgrounds, Arabs, and others.
2006: Irreligious Population
KONDA's estimate for the irreligious population in Turkey was 0.47% in 2006.
2006: Orhan Pamuk's Nobel Prize
Orhan Pamuk, a Turkish novelist known for his portrayal of cultural intersections, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006.
2006: Interethnic Marriages in Turkey
In 2006, it was estimated that approximately 2.7 million individuals in Turkey had both Turkish and Kurdish ethnic identities due to interethnic marriages.
2006: Religious Demographics
A 2006 survey by KONDA estimated that 99.4% of Turkey's population identified as Muslim, with 5% being Alevi and 0.18% adhering to non-Islamic faiths.
2006: Non-Muslim Population Estimate
In 2006, KONDA estimated the population of non-Islamic religions in Turkey to be 0.18%.
2006: Self-Identified Ethnic Background in Turkey
A KONDA survey in 2006 estimated that 76% of Turkey's population identified as ethnically Turkish, with 78% of adult citizens self-reporting their ethnic background as Turkish.
2007: High Poverty Rates
Between 2007 and 2021, Turkey made progress in reducing poverty, with the share of the population living below the international poverty line declining from 20% to 7.6%. These figures indicate the positive impact of economic growth and social policies on poverty reduction during this period.
2007: Peak of Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign direct investment in Turkey reached its peak in 2007, attracting $22.05 billion in inflows. This influx of investment reflected the country's economic potential and attractiveness to foreign investors during that period.
2009: Formation of Organization of Turkic States
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was established in 2009 to promote cooperation and integration among Turkic-speaking countries, with Turkey being a founding member.
December 2010: Arab Spring and Its Impact on Turkish Foreign Relations
Following the Arab Spring uprisings that began in December 2010, Turkey's decisions in supporting specific political opposition groups in affected countries resulted in strained relations with certain Arab states.
2010: Gaza Flotilla Raid Strains Turkey-Israel Relations
The Gaza flotilla raid in 2010, where Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla attempting to break the blockade of Gaza, resulted in a significant deterioration of relations between Turkey and Israel, leading to the severing of diplomatic ties.
2011: End of Human Rights Violations Judgements
By 2011, the European Court of Human Rights had delivered more than 2,400 judgements against Turkey concerning human rights violations, indicating persistent concerns about the country's record in this area during this period.
2011: Education Improvements
From 2011 to 2021, Turkey made notable advancements in education, including a substantial increase in educational attainment for young adults and a fourfold expansion of preschool facilities.
2011: Syrian Civil War
Prior to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the estimated Arab population in Turkey ranged from one to over two million.
2011: Rise of Unbelief
The proportion of Turkish adults identifying as unbelievers rose from 2% in 2011 to 6% in 2021, according to KONDA.
2013: Gezi Park Protests
Widespread protests erupted across Turkey in 2013, initially triggered by plans to demolish Gezi Park in Istanbul. These protests quickly evolved into a broader expression of anti-government sentiment and a demand for greater democratic rights and freedoms.
2013: Galatasaray's EuroLeague Women Championship
In 2013, Galatasaray won the EuroLeague Women basketball championship after facing fellow Turkish team Fenerbahçe in the final.
2013: Concerns about Judicial Independence
Beginning in 2013, concerns about the increasing influence of the Justice and Development Party and Erdoğan on the independence and integrity of Turkey's judiciary were expressed. These concerns, voiced by institutions, parliamentarians, and journalists both domestically and internationally, stemmed from perceived political interference in the appointment and promotion of judges and prosecutors, as well as in their execution of duties.
2013: Recognition of Assyrians as a Minority in Turkey
In a significant ruling in 2013, the Ankara 13th Circuit Administrative Court determined that the minority provisions outlined in the Lausanne Treaty should also extend to Assyrians residing in Turkey, recognizing them as a minority group, and that the Syriac language should also be recognized.
2014: First Direct Presidential Election
In 2014, Turkey held its first direct presidential election, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was elected president.
2015: Support for Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions
A poll conducted in 2015 indicated that 27% of the Turkish population supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while an additional 19% favored the recognition of civil unions. These findings highlighted a growing awareness and support for the rights of same-sex couples in Turkey.
2015: Government Bans on Istanbul Pride
Since 2015, Turkish authorities have repeatedly denied permission for Istanbul Pride parades to take place at Taksim Square and İstiklal Avenue, citing security concerns. However, these bans have been widely criticized as a veiled attempt to suppress LGBT visibility and rights, with critics arguing that the government's actions were motivated by ideological opposition to LGBT rights.
May 2016: Parliamentary Stripping of Immunity
In May 2016, the Turkish parliament removed immunity from prosecution for nearly a quarter of its members, a move widely seen as targeting opposition parties, particularly those representing Kurdish interests. This action raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the targeting of political dissent.
June 2016: Normalization of Relations with Israel
Diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel, which had been severed after the Gaza flotilla raid in 2010, were restored in June 2016 following a deal between the two countries.
July 2016: Coup Attempt
On July 2016, an unsuccessful coup attempt was carried out in Turkey in an attempt to remove the current government from power.
2016: Turkish Television Drama's Global Expansion
Turkish television dramas gained significant popularity beyond Turkey's borders in 2016, airing in numerous South and Central American countries after conquering the Middle Eastern market.
2016: Turkey and Russia Realignment
Turkey and Russia underwent a period of rapprochement in 2016, leading Turkey to reassess its approach to the Syrian conflict.
2016: Foreign Students in Turkey
Turkey became a popular destination for international students, with 795,962 foreign students enrolled in its universities by 2016.
2016: Presidential Appointment of Rectors
Since 2016, the president of Turkey gained the authority to directly appoint rectors for all state and private universities.
2016: Growing LGBT Acceptance
In 2016, a survey revealed that 33% of respondents in Turkey believed that LGBT individuals should have equal rights. This percentage rose to 45% in 2020, indicating a positive trend toward greater acceptance of LGBT rights within Turkish society.
2016: Fenerbahçe's EuroLeague Run
In 2016, Fenerbahçe basketball club reached the final of the EuroLeague, marking the beginning of their three consecutive finals appearances.
2017: Referendum on Executive Presidential System
A referendum held in 2017 resulted in Turkey transitioning from a parliamentary republic to an executive presidential system, abolishing the office of the prime minister and transferring its powers to the president. The referendum was controversial due to the Supreme Electoral Council's decision to lift the requirement for official stamps on ballots, leading to opposition claims of invalid votes being accepted.
2017: Government Investment and Subsidies for Energy in Turkey
As of 2017, the Turkish government had been actively investing in a low-carbon energy transition; however, fossil fuels continued to receive subsidies.
2017: Fenerbahçe's EuroLeague Victory
Fenerbahçe basketball club continued their success in 2017 by winning the EuroLeague championship.
January 2018: Turkish Military Operation in Syria
In January 2018, the Turkish military, along with Turkish-backed Syrian forces, launched an operation in northern Syria. The objective was to remove the U.S.-backed People's Protection Units (YPG), which Turkey views as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), from the Afrin region.
2018: Ideal Children Number in Turkey
A 2018 health survey in Turkey revealed that the desired number of children was 2.8 per woman, increasing to 3 among married women.
2018: Shifting Attitudes towards LGBT Neighbors
A 2018 survey in Turkey revealed a decrease in the number of people who expressed discomfort with having a homosexual neighbor, dropping from 55% in 2018 to 47% in 2019. This shift in attitudes suggested a growing tolerance and acceptance of LGBT individuals within Turkish society.
2018: Fenerbahçe's Third Consecutive Final
Fenerbahçe made their third straight appearance in the EuroLeague final in 2018.
2018: EU Accession Talks Effectively On Hold
Turkey's negotiations for joining the European Union have been effectively on hold since 2018.
2018: Healthcare Expenditure
Despite having universal healthcare, Turkey's total health expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2018 was 6.3%, the lowest among OECD countries, in contrast to the OECD average of 9.3%.
March 2019: European Parliament Calls for Suspension of EU Accession Talks
In March 2019, the European Parliament conducted a non-binding vote, urging EU governments to suspend accession negotiations with Turkey. This call was made due to concerns over violations of human rights and the rule of law within Turkey.
2019: Renewable Energy Production in Turkey
By 2019, Turkey significantly increased its electricity generation from renewable sources, tripling the output compared to the previous decade and achieving 43.8% of its electricity from these sources.
2019: Istanbul Metro Ridership
The Istanbul Metro, the largest subway system in Turkey, recorded a substantial annual ridership of approximately 704 million passengers in 2019.
2019: Continued Positive Trend in LGBT Acceptance
The positive trend of increasing acceptance towards LGBT individuals in Turkey continued in 2019, as evidenced by surveys showing a further decline in negative attitudes and a growing openness to LGBT people.
April 2020: Refugee Crisis
By April 2020, Turkey became the country hosting the largest number of refugees worldwide as a result of the migrant crisis in the 2010s and early 2020s.
November 2020: Syrian Refugee Count
As of November 2020, Turkey was home to 3.6 million Syrian refugees, encompassing various ethnic groups from Syria.
2020: Turkey's Population Growth
Between 1950 and 2020, Turkey experienced a significant population surge, more than quadrupling from 20.9 million to 83.6 million.
2020: Increased Support for LGBT Rights
By 2020, surveys showed that support for LGBT rights in Turkey had increased, with a growing proportion of the population advocating for equal rights and acceptance of LGBT individuals.
2020: Generation Z and Irreligion
A 2020 poll by Gezici Araştırma found that 28.5% of Generation Z in Turkey identify as irreligious.
2020: Crackdown on Media Freedom and Arrests
By 2020, Turkish authorities had arrested or imprisoned over 90,000 citizens, citing a failed coup attempt in 2016 as justification. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) criticized the government's crackdown on media freedom during this period, with numerous journalists facing arrests on charges of "terrorism" and "anti-state activities." The CPJ's findings highlighted the increasing restrictions on freedom of the press in Turkey.
December 2021: President Erdoğan's Circular on "Made in Türkiye"
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan issued a circular in December 2021 urging the use of "Made in Türkiye" on exports and promoting the use of "Türkiye" in official communications to emphasize Turkish culture and values.
2021: Self-Identified Ethnic Background in Turkey
A 2021 survey revealed that 4% of adult citizens in Turkey identified as neither ethnically Turkish nor Kurdish.
2021: Educational Progress and Challenges
By 2021, Turkey showed progress in education quality, but disparities between schools, urban-rural gaps, preschool access, and integration of Syrian refugee students remained challenges.
2021: Increase in Unbelievers
By 2021, the percentage of Turkish adults identifying as unbelievers had tripled to 6% from 2% in 2011.
2021: Self-Identified Kurdish Population in Turkey
In 2021, a survey found that 19% of adult citizens in Turkey identified as ethnically Kurdish.
2021: Religious Identification
In 2021, a survey revealed that 4% of Turkish adults identified as Alevi and 88% as Sunni.
2021: Self-Identified Ethnic Background in Turkey
In 2021, a survey revealed that 77% of adult citizens in Turkey self-identified their ethnic background as Turkish.
2021: Poverty, Social Exclusion, and Income Inequality
In 2021, approximately 34% of Turkey's population faced a risk of poverty or social exclusion based on Eurostat's definition. Moreover, income inequality remained a concern, with the top 20% of income earners receiving 47% of total disposable income, while the bottom 20% received only 6%.
2021: Türkiye Scholarships Applications
In 2021, the Türkiye Scholarships program, a government-funded initiative, received an impressive 165,000 applications from prospective students across 178 countries.
2021: Increase in Russian Migration
The influx of Russian citizens to Turkey in 2022 marked a significant increase of over 218% compared to 2021.
2021: Turkey's Research and Development Spending
Turkey's commitment to research and development is evident in the increase of its spending, reaching 1.40% of GDP in 2021.
February 2022: Military Strength and Presence
As of February 2022, Turkey had the second-largest military force in NATO, with an estimated 890,700 personnel. This information highlighted Turkey's significant military capabilities and its role within the alliance.
May 2022: UN Adopts "Türkiye" as Official Name
Responding to a request from the Turkish government in May 2022, the United Nations agreed to adopt "Türkiye" as the official English name of the country, reflecting Turkey's preference for its Turkish-language name.
2022: Global Construction Ranking
In 2022, Turkey secured the second position globally in terms of the number of international contractors featured in the top 250 list, highlighting the strength and competitiveness of its construction industry on the international stage.
2022: Russian Migration to Turkey
In 2022, nearly 100,000 Russian citizens moved to Turkey, making them the largest group of foreigners to do so that year.
2022: Tourism in Turkey
In 2022, tourism contributed to about 8% of Turkey's GDP. The country saw a high influx of tourists, securing the fourth position globally with 50.5 million international arrivals.
2022: Unemployment Rate
Turkey's unemployment rate stood at 10.4% in 2022, reflecting the challenges in the labor market and the need for policies to promote job creation and economic opportunities for the unemployed population.
2022: Decline in Foreign Direct Investment
By 2022, foreign direct investment in Turkey had declined to $13.09 billion, indicating a shift in investor sentiment and potentially influenced by both global economic factors and domestic policy developments.
2022: Improving Relations with Syria and Egypt
By 2022, despite the absence of ambassadors in both Syria and Egypt, Turkey's relations with these countries began to show signs of improvement.
May 2023: Ukrainian Refugees
Approximately 96,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the 2022 Russian invasion sought refuge in Turkey as of May 2023.
August 2023: Decrease in Syrian Refugees
The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey decreased to an estimated 3.3 million by August 2023.
November 2023: Citizenship for Syrians
By November 2023, the Turkish government had granted citizenship to 238,000 Syrians.
2023: Sakarya Gas Field Begins Production
Turkey began producing gas from its recently discovered Sakarya gas field in 2023. This field is projected to fulfill approximately 30% of the country's domestic natural gas requirements when fully operational.
2023: Turkey's Global Innovation Index Ranking
Turkey achieved a notable ranking of 39th globally in the 2023 Global Innovation Index. It also secured the 4th position within its upper-middle-income group. Notably, Turkey has demonstrated significant improvement in this index over the past decade.
2023: Deadliest Earthquakes in Turkish History
The 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes were the deadliest in Turkey's modern history, resulting in immense devastation and loss of life. This tragedy underscored the ongoing threat posed by seismic activity in the region and the importance of earthquake preparedness measures.
2023: Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan won the 2023 presidential election in Turkey, becoming the head of state and government. The 2023 parliamentary elections determined the composition of the 28th Parliament, with the Justice and Development Party securing the majority of seats. Özgür Özel became the Main Opposition Leader, and Numan Kurtulmuş assumed the role of Speaker of the Grand National Assembly.
2023: Tourism in Turkey
Istanbul solidified its position as the world's most visited city in 2023, attracting over 20.2 million foreign visitors, according to a Euromonitor International report. Antalya also gained prominence, surpassing Paris and New York to become the fourth most visited city globally with over 16.5 million foreign tourists.
2023: Foreign Citizens in Turkey
In 2023, there were over 1.5 million foreign citizens residing in Turkey, excluding Syrian refugees under temporary protection.
2023: Economic Outlook
In 2023, Turkey's GDP per capita by Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) reached $42,064, while its nominal GDP per capita stood at $12,849, according to IMF estimates. These figures provide insights into the country's economic performance and living standards.
2023: National Poverty Rate
In 2023, 13.9% of the Turkish population fell below the national at-risk-of-poverty rate, highlighting the persistence of poverty despite overall economic growth. This figure serves as an indicator for policymakers to address the issue of poverty and ensure social welfare.
2023: EU Accession Negotiations Remain Active
Despite the challenges and stalled progress, the negotiations for Turkey's accession to the European Union are still considered active as of 2023.
2023: Infrastructure in Turkey
As of 2023, Turkey had a significant network of highways, including 3,726 kilometers of controlled-access highways and 29,373 kilometers of divided highways.
2023: Turkey's Population Statistics
According to the Address-Based Population Recording System, Turkey's population in 2023 was 85,372,377, excluding Syrians under temporary protection. The population growth rate was recorded at 0.1% in 2023, with a total fertility rate of 1.51 children per woman, falling below the replacement rate.
2024: Top Universities in Turkey
According to the 2024 Times Higher Education rankings, Koç University, Middle East Technical University, Sabancı University, and Istanbul Technical University were recognized as Turkey's top universities.
2024: Transportation Agreements and Developments in Turkey
In 2024, Turkey, Iraq, the UAE, and Qatar entered into an agreement to establish road and rail links between Iraqi port facilities and Turkey. As of 2024, Turkey has 115 airports, with Istanbul Airport ranking among the top 10 busiest globally.
2024: Developments in Turkey's Space Program
Turkey's first domestically manufactured communication satellite, Türksat 6A, is slated for launch in 2024. Also in 2024, as part of a planned particle accelerator center, an electron accelerator named TARLA became operational in Turkey.
2028: Scheduled Parliamentary Elections
The next parliamentary elections in Turkey are set to occur in 2028.
2053: Turkey's Net Zero Emission Target
Turkey has set an ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2053.
2053: Net Zero Emissions Target
Turkey has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero emissions by 2053, demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change. This goal requires significant investments in renewable energy and sustainable practices across various sectors of the economy.