This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
Bridging the gap between Europe and Asia, Turkey is one of the liveliest countries you will ever come across. Its geographical diversity ranges from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and ancient Ephesus ruins to the bustling markets of Istanbul and the stunning beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean coats.
Living in Turkey seems like living in the center of the world, where you can travel to any continent in merely an hour. Turkey never fails to astound you with its beauty, rich culture, and heritage, and is home to history’s most important civilizations.
In this article, let us explore the history, culture, and citizenship laws of Turkey.
A Historical Tapestry
Turkey is rich with dozens of historical sites and thousands of years of civilization to witness and learn from. It is a country rich in diversity, with historical sites like Troy, Ephesus, and Hierapolis, and is home to unique architectural works like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
Below is a brief overview of the history of Turkey.
Anatolia
Anatolia was conquered by the Ottoman Empire and later established into one of the most powerful empires in the world. The largest ethnic group in Anatolia is the Turks, followed by the Arabs, and the most common religion of the people here is Islam, followed by Christianity and Judaism.
It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations, known for tourist attractions such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Mount Ararat, and Pamukkale. The ancient city of Troy which was immortalized in Homer’s poems is also located here.
Byzantine Empire
Also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire was a major power worldwide and lasted for over a thousand years. It had a profound impact on the development of European civilization and made significant contributions to art, architecture, law, and literature.
Byzantine architecture is known for its use of mosaics, domes, and other elaborate decorative items, and some of the most famous buildings in Turkey include the Hagia Sophia, the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, and the Church of the Holy Savior in Constantinople.
Ottoman Empire
Ottomans established their empire in the 13th century and ruled for over six centuries. It was a vast and influential empire and reigned over diverse territories, including most of Southeastern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southeastern Europe.
Ottomans were skilled warriors and administrators and built a well-organized and centralized government. The Ottoman Empire was a significant center of trade and commerce and played a prominent role in developing the modern world.
Modern Turkey
The Republic of Turkey was established in the year 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, which also marked the end of the Ottoman Empire. Ataturk transformed Turkey into a secular, democratic nation through his sweeping reforms, laying the foundation of its modern identity.
Turkey is an admired tourist destination known for its historic sights, beautiful beaches, and delicious food. It is home to a number of tourist attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and the Grand Bazaar.
Turkish Cultural Heritage
A place is defined by its culture and people; fortunately, Turkish has it all. From culture and history to food and landscapes, Turkey will always leave you in awe.
Cuisine
The fusion of the flavors from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Central Asian regions is what makes the cuisine of Turkey a culinary delight. From savory kebabs to mouth-watering sweets like baklava, Turkey is definitely a place for foodies.
Hospitality
The people of Turkey are very hospitable and always welcome visitors with open arms, which is why it is known to be some of the best hospitality in the world. The concept of ‘misafirperverlik’ is deeply ingrained in the culture.
If you are ever visiting Turkey, there’s almost no chance that you’ll sleep with an empty stomach. The locals often go out of their way to provide for you and make you feel at home.
Art and Architecture
Turkish architecture reflects the country’s long and complex history. The iconic architecture like the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque and the mosque of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazar, and the Topkapi Palace are a blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and Turkish elements portraying beauty, intricacy, and grandeur.
Moreover, the mesmerizing designs of the Turkish carpets are proof that artistry is woven into daily life.
Music and Dance
Turkish dance blends Islamic, Byzantine, and Turkish elements and is remembered for its energy, passion, and beauty. There are a variety of Turkish dances, each with its own unique style and history. Some of the most popular dances include Sufi dance, Folk dance, Belly dance, and Roma dance.
Citizenship Laws of Turkey
Turkish people live a lifestyle that is worth living, it simply is treating yourself to splendid scenery, making your stomach prone to delicious food, and surrounding yourself with beautiful beaches and sea.
Living in Turkey is like living your dream life, and Turkey makes it pretty easy for you. There are a number of ways via which you can obtain Turkish citizenship, such as:
By Birth: If you are born to Turkish parents, lucky you, you can automatically acquire citizenship without much fuss.
By Descent: Children who are born to Turkish parents but outside of Turkey can also apply for Turkish citizenship.
By Marriage: Those of you who marry Turkish citizens can apply for Turkish citizenship after three years of marriage.
By Investment: If you qualify for none of the above criteria, you still can apply for citizenship, but not without investment. You must count yourself in the list of investors as the Turkish citizenship program requires a real estate investment of minimum of $400,000 in real estate or government bonds.
You can even opt for making a Capital investment of $500,000, just in case you are into the real estate thing.
By Naturalization: Foreigners who have lived in Turkey for at least five years legally can apply for Turkish citizenship.
By Creating Jobs: If you are one of those businessmen looking to establish your business somewhere, Turkey can be a profitable deal. The citizenship program says that if you can establish a business here in Turkey and employ as few as 50 people, you can count yourself eligible for Turkish citizenship.
However, you must also meet the following requirements while applying for Turkish citizenship:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You should have a clean record, i.e., no criminal record.
- You must discontinue your previous nationality unless you belong to a country that allows dual citizenship.
- You must pass a Turkish proficiency test.
Why Turkey?
The beauty, food, and history are all reasons to love Turkey but why else should you want Turkish Citizenship?
Turkey is an industrialized country; its emerging market status and its location are some of the factors that attract investors. Moreover, Turkish citizenship will give you advantages that you might not have otherwise at such an economical price.
First and foremost, the application and acquiring of citizenship takes only a period of four months, which is not a lot compared to many other countries. Secondly, you get to travel to 110+ countries, which includes Japan and all of Latin America.
Thirdly, not only do you get to work and live in Turkey but also in the U.S. and U.K. Fourth, You don’t have to leave your kids behind or apply for citizenship for them until they are 18 because you get to bring all your dependents under the age of 18 under Turkish citizenship.
Fifth, you can pass on the citizenship to your children once they are of age.
