PRESENTATION OUTLINE
A.
Turkish music varies widely by ethnic group and region.
The most common folk instrument is the saz, a kind of long-necked lute, but many varieties of instruments exist, from bagpipes to fiddles and drums. Dance often accompanies music at festivals and important events ranging from weddings to circumcisions. Pop and rock music, from both Turkey and the West, are popular. Among the Kurds, music is an integral part of passing on traditions. The music relies heavily on vocals and follows traditional rhythms; it includes instruments such as the oud (lute) and various reeded flutes.
C.
Winters can be very cold in some portions of the country, although they are mild along the coasts. Summers are pleasant but can be hot in some areas.
D.
Most Turks wear Western-style clothing. European fashions are popular among young people. Muslim women, especially in rural areas, may wear a scarf to cover their hair. In the 1920s, the headscarf was forbidden in state-run institutions, government offices, and public schools. The ban made it difficult for many Muslim women to join the public workforce. However, in October 2013, the government lifted the ban on wearing Islamic headscarves in state institutions such as schools and the civil service, although women in judiciary and military jobs still may not wear headscarves.
E.
The economy is increasingly driven by industries and services. Manufacturing employs one-quarter of the labor force but accounts for more than half of all exports. Mining and tourism are also important sources of revenue. The tourist industry's infrastructure has grown substantially in the last decade.
F.
A traditional Turkish household often consists of a mother and father, any unmarried children, and in some cases, married sons with their families. It is uncommon for a person to live alone, mostly for economic reasons. Throughout the country, grandmothers or other family members play a large part in raising children. Every important event is celebrated with extended family members.
G.
Turkey is a constitutional republic with a multiparty parliament. The president is head of state; the prime minister is head of government. The Grand National Assembly (parliament) has 550 members.
H.
In AD 330, Emperor Constantine of Rome founded the city of Constantinople (now İstanbul), which later became the center of the Byzantine Empire. This powerful state dominated eastern Europe for a thousand years. October 2013, Turkey opened an underwater tunnel linking the east and west sides of Istanbul. The tunnel will ease the city’s massive traffic problems, and supporters hope it will strengthen ties between Asian and European countries.
I.
Industries include textiles, food processing, auto manufacturing, steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, and paper.
K.
Primary education, which lasts eight years, is public and free and then high school for an additional four years; high school is optional, and students take an exam before applying to their high schools of choice. some girls in rural areas leave school to help their families at home. High school students take courses on the weekends or after school to prepare for university entrance exams. Teaching is lecture-based and learning focuses on memorization. Quizzes and tests are frequently given. There are more than 70 universities in Turkey.
L.
Turkish, the official language, is related to the Ural-Altaic languages spoken across Asia. In some high schools and universities, English is the language of instruction.
N.
The flag of Turkey, most recently adopted on 5 June 1936, is red with a white crescent and a white star. The star and crescent are symbols in Islam and have pre-Islamic history as well. The İstiklâl marşı is the National Anthem of Turkey.
P.
The population of turkey is 80,694,485 people.
R.
99 percent of Turkey's population is Muslim, Islam's status as the state religion was abolished in 1923. Turkey is a secular state with freedom of religion, but Islam maintains an important influence on society.
