7 Facts about Turkey you did not know!

I’m sure all of us know that Turkey is a country with a rich and diverse history, culture, and geography. and have been home to many civilizations, empires, and religions, and have influenced the world in various ways.
but did you know that Turkey is the only country in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia? Or that Santa Claus was born in Turkey? These are just some of the 7 fascinating facts about this amazing country that we will reveal in this article to show you why this country is so special and important!

• Istanbul spans two continents: Europe and Asia
• Turkey’s national sport is Oil Wrestling
• Santa Claus is from turkey
• Turkey is responsible for 75% of the world’s hazelnut exports
• Istanbul earns the title “New Rome”!
• Noah’s Ark landed In turkey
• Turkey has ~82,700 mosques

Now let’s delve deeper into each one of them

Istanbul spans Europe and Asia:

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and the world’s 15th largest, it has a population of over 15 million residents making it the most populous European city.

But the thing about Istanbul is that the city straddles the Bosphorus strait, lying in both Europe and Asia! The Bosphorus Strait is a 31-km-long waterway that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and forms a natural boundary between the two continents.

Turkey’s national sport is Oil Wrestling:

Oil wrestling is a traditional Turkish sport, involving participants who wrestle while covered in oil. Since wrestlers find it harder to grab each other when their bodies are oiled, they hold competitions in “Proving Grounds,” which demand great strength and mastery.

Wrestlers aim to control their opponents by putting their arms through the latter’s kisbet, as winning oil wrestling games often depends on effectively holding the kisbet (a kisbet is a pair of loose-fitting leather trousers worn by wrestlers in Turkish oil wrestling competitions)

Santa Claus is from Turkey:

Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Santa Claus, was a Greek bishop whose fame as one of the leading Christian saints grew over time. He served as the bishop of the city of Myra Lycia in Asia Minor (now known as “Demre” in Turkey). Numerous stories surround him, including that of being the “patron saint of sailors.” He earned the moniker Santa Claus because he clandestinely distributed money and icons to the needy at night. Orthodox Christians and Catholics commemorate his feast on December 6 every year.

Turkey is responsible for 75% of the world’s hazelnut exports:

Turkey holds a prominent position in the global hazelnut industry, serving as both the largest producer and exporter of this beloved nut. Accounting for approximately 70% to 82% of the world’s hazelnut production and export

Istanbul is the city of the seven hills:

Istanbul, previously Constantinople, earned the title “Nova Roma” or “New Rome” because, like its predecessor, was built on seven hills. This deliberate choice by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD symbolized Constantinople’s aspiration to rival the majesty of Rome and become the center of the Eastern Roman Empire. Today, Istanbul’s seven hills still stand as a testament to its history and cultural heritage, blending the legacies of Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire.

Noah’s Ark allegedly landed on Mount Ararat:

even though historians, researchers, and scholars keep differing about the location where Noah’s ark landed, many believe it landed on Mount Ararat. In 1959, American adventurers David Fasold and Ron White discovered white traces that are likely to be the remains of Noah’s ark. Following the discovery, scientists concluded that the ship was docked on Mount Ararat, measuring a length of 1370 meters and a width of 685 meters.

Turkey has ~82,700 mosques:

knowing that Turkey has a majority Muslim population., It wouldn’t be surprising to know that it has many mosques, but the amazing thing is that the number of mosques is +82,000 (and growing every day)!

Istanbul alone has ~3000 mosques, while Ankara has ~2800. Mosques in Turkey are very well built, designed, and clean, so if you get the chance to visit Turkey, make sure you check as many mosques as you can!