Let’s uncover the unspoken facts about Turkey that will challenge stereotypes and deepen your understanding of this fascinating country.
Table of Contents
Introduction
We wrote a blog post titled “Unspoken Facts About Turkey” more than 10 years ago, and though we’ve updated it many times since then (like we update all our content), we feel it’s time to create a fresh list for 2025.
5 Unspoken Facts about Türkiye in 2025
Türkiye has always been a fascinating country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, but 2024 has brought monumental changes that are reshaping the nation’s identity, economy, and role on the global stage. From geopolitical triumphs to domestic challenges, here are some unspoken truths about modern Türkiye:
1- Türkiye: A Top-10 Weapons Manufacturer and Exporter
For centuries, the people of Türkiye weren’t in the habit of making their own weapons. During the Ottoman Empire, the strategy was simple: tax the land, amass the cash, and buy what was needed from abroad.
From muskets to artillery, the Ottomans imported weaponry rather than crafting it at home. Even after the founding of the modern Turkish Republic under Atatürk, the country struggled to establish a robust domestic arms industry.
But then came a wake-up call: the Cyprus intervention in 1974. Türkiye, caught under heavy weapons embargoes, realized it could no longer rely on others to arm itself. This was a turning point, sparking a relentless drive to build what the nation needed with its own hands.
Fast forward 50 years, and wow, what a journey it’s been! Türkiye has climbed the ranks to become one of the top 10 weapons manufacturers and exporters in the world. This transformation is nothing short of epic, fueled by major investments in homegrown defense technologies. Companies like Baykar and Aselsan have emerged as global leaders, producing cutting-edge drones, tanks, and missile systems that are now being sold to countries far and wide.
And here’s the kicker: it’s not just any countries buying these systems—Muslim-majority nations are now turning to Türkiye for their defense needs. Nations that once looked to the West are now signing deals with Ankara. In Ukraine, Bayraktar drones have become so iconic that locals are singing songs about them! Think about that—songs!
President Erdoğan’s initiatives have supercharged this journey, turning Türkiye into a self-reliant powerhouse in global defense. This isn’t just about contracts and sales; it’s about pride. It’s about Türkiye standing tall and saying, “We’ve got this.”
What we’re seeing is a full-circle moment: from a nation dependent on imports to a nation leading the charge in defense innovation. It’s a story of resilience, ingenuity, and sheer determination.
2- The Refugee Crisis and Victory in Syria
Let’s talk about Türkiye’s incredible balancing act. For over a decade, this nation has shouldered the responsibility of hosting the largest refugee population in the world. Millions of Syrians fled their war-torn homeland, and Türkiye opened its doors. The strain on social and economic systems has been enormous, but Türkiye has stood firm, showing the world what resilience and compassion look like.
Now, here’s the game-changer: Türkiye has just played a crucial role in bringing down the Assad regime in Syria. Yes, while much of the world hesitated, Türkiye seized the moment. With U.S. foreign policy shifting under Trump—less willing to intervene in Syria—and Russian troops now retreating, Türkiye found the space to take charge. Through bold military actions, sharp diplomacy, and calculated strategies, Ankara helped dismantle one of the most oppressive regimes in modern history.
This is a seismic shift. Türkiye has not only positioned itself as a power broker but also as a leader in shaping the future of the Middle East. With Assad out, the question is: what’s next for the millions of Syrian refugees who found safety within Türkiye’s borders? Will they integrate, resettle in a post-Assad Syria, or forge new paths in a region now deeply influenced by Türkiye’s leadership?
One thing is clear: Türkiye isn’t waiting for permission or validation from the West. It’s stepping up, filling the power vacuum, and defining its own role. With Russian troops on the run and Washington taking a backseat, Türkiye is making its mark, and it’s a moment of national pride that showcases its strength and vision. This is Türkiye’s time to shine!
3- The Struggling Economy
While Türkiye has made remarkable strides on the battlefield and in geopolitics, the home front tells a much darker story. The economy is in shambles, facing one of the worst crises in its modern history. Inflation has spiraled out of control, breaking records month after month. Interest rates? They’re now among the highest in the world, reaching a staggering 50%—second only to Venezuela, a country not exactly known for its financial stability. The Turkish lira continues its downward slide, gutting the purchasing power of everyday citizens and leaving many struggling to make ends meet.
And let’s not sugarcoat it: a major part of this economic chaos can be traced directly to Erdoğan’s bizarre economic policies. Against all logic, Erdoğan interfered with the central bank, refusing to let it do its job. For years, he kept interest rates artificially low, stubbornly clinging to his belief that interest is the root of all evil. This unorthodox approach wasn’t just risky—it was catastrophic. Instead of fighting inflation, these policies fueled it, driving the economy deeper into crisis.
Now, the damage is plain to see. Businesses are suffocating under rising costs. The middle class—once a symbol of Türkiye’s modern economic growth—is shrinking fast, crushed under the weight of instability. Meanwhile, the government’s attempts to fix the mess have been too little, too late, and frankly, laughable.
Take the latest announcement of the new minimum wage (about 600 USD), for instance. It was supposed to bring relief, but instead, it feels like a bad joke. With %70 inflation eating away at any potential gains, workers are left wondering how they’ll keep food on the table, let alone get ahead.
The situation has led to widespread discontent across the country. People are fed up, not just with the shrinking lira in their pockets but with the leadership that led them to this point. While Türkiye’s geopolitical victories might inspire pride on the world stage, they do little to fill empty wallets at home.
Erdoğan’s legacy in economics is now defined by a series of missteps, unorthodox decisions, and a stubborn refusal to listen to experts. The result? An economy in the gutters and a nation struggling to find its footing amidst the chaos. It’s a cautionary tale of what happens when ideology trumps sound economic policy—and it’s the Turkish people who are paying the price.
4- Tourism Boom Meets Inflation Woes
Tourism in Türkiye continues to thrive, with İstanbul crowned the most visited city in the world in 2023 and maintaining its allure as the second most visited city globally in 2024, trailing only Bangkok. Iconic destinations like Cappadocia, Antalya, and Istanbul‘s vibrant streets have drawn millions seeking the nation’s unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. However, soaring inflation has created a paradox for travelers—while Türkiye‘s attractions shine brighter than ever, the cost of experiencing them has escalated sharply.
The steep rise in prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation is testing tourists’ budgets. High-profile attractions, such as Topkapi Palace, now charge a hefty €50 for admission, leaving many visitors shocked by the unexpected expense. This pricing trend raises concerns for 2025, with fears that the surge in costs could deter some travelers and disrupt the country’s tourism momentum.
5- A Regional Power on the Rise
Türkiye is boldly asserting itself as a formidable power on the global stage, leveraging its rich history of statecraft and leadership to reclaim its historic position as a leader in the Muslim world. This resurgence is backed by tangible moves to solidify its influence. Türkiye has established overseas military bases in strategic locations such as Libya, Qatar, and Somalia, showcasing its commitment to security and stability in critical regions. These bases not only strengthen Türkiye’s military reach but also underscore its role as a key player in regional geopolitics.
Beyond military efforts, Türkiye is fostering new alliances to promote economic and political collaboration. Initiatives like the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which includes key Muslim-majority nations, highlight Türkiye’s intent to lead through unity and shared prosperity. These actions reflect a clear vision: the Muslim world needs Türkiye, and the nation is stepping up to answer the call.
While Türkiye faces competition from regional powers like Saudi Arabia and Iran, its strategic victories, cultural diplomacy, and alliance-building efforts mark it as a rising force to watch. The message is clear—Türkiye is coming out to play again, determined to shape the future of the Muslim world and beyond.
6- One more for the road: Turkey is worried!
If we may be excused for a 6th item on the list, it would certainly be about the Kurdish separatism.
Amid its rise as a regional power, Türkiye faces significant security concerns, particularly the possibility of a new Kurdish state forming in northern Syria. This issue strikes at the heart of national unity and sovereignty, as Türkiye has long opposed Kurdish separatist movements that threaten to destabilize the region. The nation has ramped up its efforts, employing military operations, diplomatic pressure, and border security measures to prevent the establishment of a separatist Kurdish entity.
For Türkiye, this is not just a regional challenge but an existential one, as the implications of such a state could reverberate across its own borders. Turks are deeply worried about this potential development, but the nation remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and regional stability. With determination and strategic action, Türkiye is doing its utmost to address this critical threat.
7 for Heaven: Turkish TV Shows and Their Global Impact
Over the last decade, Turkish TV shows, also known as “dizi,” have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences in the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, and even parts of Europe. With their high production quality, compelling storylines, and cultural nuances, these shows have played a significant role in shaping perceptions of Turkey around the world.
Series like Diriliş: Ertuğrul (Resurrection: Ertugrul) and Muhteşem Yüzyıl (The Magnificent Century) have not only boosted Turkey’s soft power but also attracted international tourists curious to explore the locations featured in these dramas. Furthermore, the growing popularity of Turkish TV shows has made Turkey the second-largest TV series exporter globally, trailing only the United States.
This cultural export highlights Turkey‘s influence on the global entertainment industry, showcasing its ability to bridge East and West while promoting its rich history, culture, and modern lifestyle. Plus, it brings a lot of tourists into the country!
Final Thoughts
Türkiye in 2025 is a nation of contrasts. Its achievements in defense, tourism, entertainment and diplomacy are tempered by significant economic and geopolitical challenges. As it navigates these complexities, the country’s trajectory remains a subject of intrigue and debate on the global stage. Türkiye is not just adapting to change—it is actively shaping its future, one bold move at a time.
Come join us on our tours to discuss all these realities and more. Just say hi and we will do the rest.
So, if you’re looking at this list, you’re probably a tourist with plans to visit Turkey. Unless you’re an observant Muslim, it sounds great. Bring your money so you can take home some souveniers and gifts (and do The Other Tour), don’t plan to drink a whole lot, look good, be friendly and have fun. Sounds good to me!
Citizens of Turkey are really friendly and kind but one thing that confuses me the most is that when I was back home in South Africa, I was told that dating was forbidden especially in public but you will find couples in parks hand in hand and kissing which is considered as sin and the fact that we cant wear revealing cloths is really ridiculous…….does anyone know where I can do my dreadlocks in Konya or Istanbul?
You can easily be dating and loving on the streets of Istanbul. I do it all the time!!
wow!….:*
I was amazed of that Unspoken Facts about Turkey…. I am not really mistaken…Turkey was a great great place that I wanted to visit ….hope that I can go there soon…
completely agree with th complaint about alcohol costs, but then again, its a smokers paradise pricewise so you know, it all evens out.
Loved the post, keep up the good work guys!!:)
Nice read
thanks bro
thanks bro
Hey the turks are Muslims right? But Muslims don’t drink alcohol. How is it allowed for Muslims here? And Muslims celebrate eid. I’ve watched many turkish dramas but never have they ever whispered a festival. Instead they celebrate new year lavishly. What’s with the religion here actually? (No offence in any manner )
Generally, Turkey has a Muslim population, similar to the predominantly Christian demographic in the U.S. This vast society encompasses a wide range of beliefs and talents. It’s a society that values secularism, democracy, progress, and innovation in various sectors, yet is significantly shaped by its religious majority. Grasping Turkey’s diverse nature isn’t too challenging, given its role as a Muslim nation at the edge of Europe for around a millennium.
Furthermore, following World War I, Turkey was essentially compelled to adopt Western values and systems. This transition steered the nation towards developing a dualistic nature in both its governmental and societal frameworks.And other than that, after WWI, Turks were practically forced to embrace Western values and systems which pushed the country in the direction of establishing a two faceted structure both its state and social structures.
Ok so Christmas is supposed to be a religious holiday but it’s celebrated differently nowadays. They used to go to Church now all they do on this day is against there religion. It’s the same for Muslims, they believe in their religion but still make mistakes because they are humans.
I would love to visit turkey❤️
Turkey is great country i accept but not Islamic country after the era of Ata Turk this men had changed the whole senario.I came to know abt Secular turkey after watching series of turkish dramas.May allah guide them all.
I am now into watching Turkish TV drama. I love it by the way.
I was confused about their religion. Now, I am not.
Thanks
I may find my way there one-day!
Hey are muslim tourists allowed alcohol too in turkey?
Yes.
Of course.. It’s a SECULAR country and Turkey has no official religion.
Turkish people, also tourists are drinking alcohol.
(Check out: RAKI is Turkey’s national alcohol drink)
I love Turkey so much and 2 of my very close friends are Turkish. In America and in my experience, only those 2 Turkish friends are the good Turkish people I’ve met. I meet many Turkish people here and I realized that they are so dramatic and love gossiping and lie a lot. At first I thought I was wrong but then everyone agreed with me including my Turkish friends. Yes all they talk about is how open minded and westernized they are which shows and act of insecurity. Going to school, I met older Turkish people and I would say that they are so respectful and very smart. And yes I would go to Turkey when I have the time. Every country has positive and negative things to look at. Here in the US we are always taught that we are the best at everything and that is clearly not true. The crime rate and hate rate is the highest.
I just wanna know one thing….do turkish people strongly believe in horoscope or zoodiac signs? I hope you will reply! I want to visit turkey! So kindly reply ❤
They really do – and I don’t like it 🙂
Hi Fethi,
I am planning to visit Istanbul during the Eid, 14-17 June 2018. Do the monuments or places of visits, restaurants, bars remain open for tourists as I understand it is the end of Ramadan and people usually go out with family and everything should be shut down.
I’m a Muslim American, my wife is Catholic. Our daughter’s are still figuring out which religion to follow. We are a very happy, and loving family, and all have a strong desire to visit Turkey. What will be the “general,” attitude toward our inter-faith marriage? I realize all people are different as individuals. So, what would be the “collective/national attitude towards us?
Wow! How ignorant was I After reading this it really opened up my eyes about Turkey for the first time. Started watching Turkish movies (love them)and wondered so many questions about them being Muslim but acting westernised. Females not all covered up etc.
When we went on our Mediterranean cruise was too scared to disembark at Kusadasi but did with persuasion. If only I knew what I know now
Maybe one day I will have another chance of seeing more of this beautiful country and people
Great article! I love turkey & been there twice. Planning my third visit soon (hopefully in august). Why dont you write more about “casanova wannabe”? People need to be warned anout this…
I was pursued by this turkish man I met in Pergamon. He doesnt contact me everyday, but he makes sure that I wont forget him by calling & texting me once in a while. After a month he asked me to buy him a return flight ticket to south east asia to visit me, which I denied, of course. The funny thing is, eventhough I told him that I wouldnt give him any money/gift whatsoever, he said that was OK. He never asked for anything again (& he’s still contacting me). He asks me to visit him (I buy my own ticket, of course) & tells me that I dont have to pay for anything else while I am in Turkey. He is relatively polite; our conversations dont mention anything about love/lust. I know that he is a university graduate with basic salary & he knows from my istagram that I travel the world & fly business class. How can I know which one is genuine & which one is scam? Should I meet him in Turkey?
He’s a human just like anywhere else… if you like talking to him and want to have a better relationship, go meet him.
Go with ur gut, mine is saying don’t engage with him
because the founder of my country, the Republic of Turkey, is GREAT LEADER MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK.
Republic forever…
Is Turkey really safe right now with what’s going on in Israel and Lebanon?
Hey Karl. Thanks for the question. I’m receiving the very same questions from guests that are arriving in a few days. To be completely honest with you, Turkey remains a generally safe destination for travelers, as it is not directly involved in the current conflicts in Israel and Lebanon. However, like with any international travel, it’s important to stay informed, follow local news, and heed any travel advisories. Turkey continues to welcome tourists, and most areas, especially major cities like Istanbul, remain peaceful and secure.
wow, sounds like a lot is going on in the region right now. good luck to turkey!!
Thanks Ian! 🙂