Interesting Facts About Turkey You Won’t Believe Are True

Turkey is a country full of surprises, which will shock you in a positive way. Turkey is the land where East meets West, has always fascinated travellers. Whether you’re planning a trip to Istanbul or exploring the lesser-known corners of Anatolia, interesting facts about Turkey never fail to impress. And the good news? With cheap flights to Istanbul, discovering Turkey in 2025 has become easier. If you’re curious to know more before going to embarking on your Turkiye journey, this blog is for you!

Here are some facts about Turkey that will make you want to pack your bags immediately.

1. Birthplace of Santa Claus

Ho Ho! You guessed it right, your favourite gift giver was born in Patara, Turkey. Now you can confidently say Santa Claus was never a lie! It was a real person named St. Nicholas, born in the fourth century. It is one of the most interesting facts about Turkey that will remain evergreen forever!

2. World’s First Coin

Did you know that money was born in Turkey? The ancient city, Lydia minted coins in 600 BCE and became a pioneer in trade and economy.

Discover: The Best Time to Visit Turkey: When You Swap Filters for Reality

3. Tulips Came From Turkey

We all thought Tulips were part of the Netherlands, but little did we know that Tulips originated from Turkiye. The Ottoman Empire inculcated Tulips in the 16^th century, which were considered a symbol of wealth and prestige. It is among those interesting facts about Turkey that surprises travellers every time.

4. Grand Bazaar- World’s Oldest Markets

The world’s largest market in Turkiye, the Grand Bazaar, welcomes 40, 000 tourists per day, which is among the amazing facts about Turkey. The local market has 64 streets and more than 4000 shops. With such a global appeal, it’s no wonder everyone applies for a Turkey visa online to experience such an iconic marketplace.

Things to Buy:

• Beautiful Lamps
• Turkish Carpets
• Turkish Souvenirs

Timings: Monday – Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5. Turkish Coffee Can Tell Your Fortune

Isn’t it amazing if coffee grounds could tell the future? In Turkey, predicting the future from coffee is considered very serious. It can be considered as unknown facts about Turkey, which is unexplored by tourists.

Best Place to Drink Turkish Coffee:         

• Mandabatmaz, Istanbul
• Cappadocia Coffee Museum
• Fazıl Bey
• Cappadocia Cave Cafés

Explore: What to Pack for Turkey in 2025: Suitcase Secrets

6. Turkey has an Underground Civilisation

Have you imagined 20,000 people sheltered underground with a perfect civilisation? Derinkuyu in Cappadocia is the largest underground city with 8 floors down 85 meters.

7. Home to Two of the Seven Wonders

This is truly one of the most interesting facts about Turkey. The sites of two of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, both stood proudly on Turkish soil. Though only ruins remain today, their historical significance makes them must-visit spots for history enthusiasts. To enjoy the two wonders, you can stay at one of the best hotels in Turkey with a touch of history.

8. Hair Transplant Capital

Believe it or not, but Turkey is called as hair transplant capital of the world. Many people travel to Istanbul, Turkey, for high-quality treatments. The booming medical tourism adds a modern twist to the list of interesting facts about Turkey. Some people consider this as one of the weirdest facts about Turkey.

Also Read: Why You Must Visit Turkey in July For an Unforgettable Experience

9. Cappadocia: 100 Hot Air Balloons in the Sky

Every sunrise in Turkey feels like stepping into a dream when you are surrounded by the colourful hot air balloons. It’s one of the largest balloon events in the world and a must-visit destination for travellers included in Turkey tour packages. Over 100 hot air balloons are launched daily in the sky, which one can say is a fascinating fact about Turkey.

Timings: 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM                                                                

10. Second Largest Baklava in Turkey

In the year 2018, Turkish chefs created a culinary wonder by creating the largest Baklava weighing 518 kg, but in a later year, it was beaten by Sweden when they created a Baklava weighing 724 kg. Though the record was broken, it is still considered as one of the interesting facts about Turkey.

Where to Eat Best Baklava

• Karaköy Güllüoğlu – Istanbul
• Hafız Mustafa – Istanbul
• Köşkeroğlu – Istanbul
• Develi Baklava – Istanbul

Some More Interesting Facts about Turkey:

• Wearing a Fez in Turkey is not allowed.
• The world-famous Turkish Carpets can take a whole year to complete.
• The most sold items in Turkey are the Blue Evil Eye Amulets.
• Turkey was the first to host the first-ever beauty contest.
• The national sport of Turkey is Oil Wrestling.
• Turkey has more than 80,000 Mosques.

Wrapping Up

From being the birthplace of Santa Claus and the home of the world’s first coin to launching over 100 hot air balloons a day in Cappadocia, Turkey is a country that constantly defies expectations. The interesting facts about Turkey prove that the country is not just a travel destination but an unforgettable experience that blends history, culture, nature, and innovation.

No matter how much you think you know, Turkey always has another surprise waiting for you!

FAQs- Interesting Facts About Turkey You Won’t Believe Are True

What are 5 interesting facts about the country Turkey?
Turkey spans two continents, has the Grand Bazaar (world’s oldest covered market), is home to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, hosts Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, and gave the world tulips.

What are 10 facts about turkeys (the bird)?
Turkeys can run up to 20 mph, males are called toms, females are hens, babies are poults, they can fly short distances, wild turkeys sleep in trees, they have excellent vision, males gobble loudly, their head changes color when excited, and Benjamin Franklin admired them more than the bald eagle.

What is so special about Turkey?
Its mix of Eastern and Western culture, rich history, amazing landscapes, and unique cuisine make it special.

What are 15 interesting facts?
Turkey straddles two continents, Istanbul was once Constantinople, Troy is in Turkey, Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) was born here, it has 82,000 mosques, Cappadocia hot-air balloons, Pamukkale, Hagia Sophia, Mount Ararat, Turkish tea culture, world’s first temple Göbekli Tepe, Grand Bazaar, Turkish baths, tulip origins, and two ancient Wonders of the World.

What is Turkey proud of?
Its history, cultural heritage, cuisine, hospitality, and natural wonders.

What is the national animal of Turkey?
The Grey Wolf is the national animal of Turkey.

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