Time travel

Turkey celebrates its centenary

Turkey marked its 100-year anniversary as a modern republic last month with fireworks over the Bosphorus Strait, lighting up the Istanbul skyline.

Forged from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire in 1923, the new republic was created by general-turned-politician Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following threats of invasion from Europeans and Russia.

During his 15-year reign as president he implemented huge political, social and cultural reforms. He replaced the Arabic script with the Latin alphabet and enshrined women’s right to vote, years before most European nations.

In 1935, when surnames were introduced in Turkey, he was given the name Atatürk, meaning ‘Father of the Turks’. Commemorative ceremonies are still held throughout the country each year to mark his death in 1938.

One of the few countries that straddles two continents, Turkey has soared in popularity as a tourist destination. Ancient temples, spice-laden bazaars, designer shopping and cool nightlife offer the best of east meets west.

Plus, there’s 500 Blue Flag beaches, a mild climate and beautiful resorts.

Favourites such as Bodrum on its Aegean coast offer hotels for all budgets along with a lively resort town.

Meanwhile, up-and-coming Izmir boasts miles of fabulous coastline and historic sights.

Heading south to its Mediterranean coast, Marmaris and Fethiye draw the crowds to sandy beaches, historic ruins and the Taurus Mountains backdrop.

Brits are now Turkey’s third largest inbound tourism market. And next year, Turkey is set to overtake France as the second most popular European destination after Spain, according to a report from World Travel Market.

Tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said: “Turkey and the UK have deeprooted relations.”

The growth of all-inclusive resorts and water parks has attracted families.

And its cities, such as Istanbul with the Blue Mosque, and Antalya with its old-city district of Kaleiçi, draw in the culture vultures too. goturkiye.com