Turkey’s history is a crossroads of civilizations, from the ancient Hittites and the legendary city of Troy to the grandeur of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The iconic Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, encapsulates the rich cultural layers of this land. Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, stood as the capital of these great empires, while the Ottoman Empire's influence spread across vast territories for centuries. Modern Turkey emerged in the early 20th century under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Today, Turkey is a stunning blend of ancient ruins, like Ephesus, and modern cities, along with beautiful landscapes like the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the beaches of the Aegean coast, offering a journey through history and culture.