I. Introduction
The Republic of Turkey has a relatively short history as it achieved independence in 1923 from the fallen Ottoman Empire. As a country of 780,580 square kilometers, roughly the size of Texas, Turkey is home to about 76.8 million people. Located in the Middle East, Turkey is a predominantly Islamic nation, yet has remained politically secular throughout its brief existence.
II. History
Turkey became a sovereign state in 1923 upon the fall of the 600-year-old Ottoman Empire and a three-year war for independence led by Mustafa Kemal the “Father of the Turks”. During World War I the Ottoman Empire became a German ally, which only led to disaster for the expansive empire. Out of the ashes of the old Islamic empire arose the Republic of Turkey, which declared itself to be a secular nation which abolished religious rulings.
After WWI, Turkey focused on modernizing and westernizing the country with social, political, economic, and linguistic reforms. This “Kemalism” began to be known for promoting strong nationalism, statism, and western orientation.
During World War II, Turkey fought on the side of the Allies and became an original member of the United Nations. In 1947, the United States enacted the Truman Doctrine ensuring American intensions to guarantee security in Turkey and Greece after WWII and resulting communists rebellions. This resulted in heavy U.S. military and economic aid through the Marshall Plan. Turkey joined NATO in1952 and, though it has experienced some instability in government, is currently going through the accession process to become a member of the European Union.
III. Geographical setting
Turkey is considered a Eurasian nation, with the portion west of Bosporus geographically being part of Southeastern Europe and the portion to the east being part of Southwestern Asia. Turkey borders the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea, bordering countries