Whether you are cruising in Türkiye for the first time or returning on an annual visit, it’s always good to learn something new and arm yourself with a little local info to impress the guests. Türkiye is a large country with a long and fascinating past. Its rich and vibrant culture spans many centuries, so you won’t struggle to find something to say about the country. To give you a few ideas, here are a few interesting facts about Türkiye.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TURKEY

The Turks Introduced Tulips to Amsterdam

Tulips come from Amsterdam, right? Wrong. These pretty bulb-shaped blooms were introduced to the Netherlands by traders from Türkiye. The flowers originated in Central Asia and graced the gardens of the palaces in Türkiye long before they were introduced to Europe. Tulips became so well-loved during Ottoman times that their design appeared on many artworks, ceramics, and textiles produced at the time. The popularity of tulips is still celebrated in Türkiye with a dedicated tulip festival in Istanbul each Spring. If you’re indulging in a spot of springtime cruising in Türkiye, let us arrange a delicate arrangement of local tulips or other flowers to brighten up the yacht – ASK US for details.

Turkish Women Could Legally Leave Their Husbands if They Didn’t Give Them Coffee!

Here’s one for all lady coffee lovers – Turkish coffee was considered so important during the Ottoman Empire that Turkish women had the legal right to leave their husbands if they didn’t supply their favourite beverage. This rule led to a brief ban on coffee during the early 16^th century and was one of many strange Ottoman beliefs surrounding the grounds for divorce.

Turkish People Love Tea

Although you may associate Türkiye with coffee, Turkish tea is the most frequently enjoyed hot beverage, and sipping ‘cay’ is an integral part of local culture. Tea is enjoyed across the country from sunrise to sunset. In fact, tea is so well-loved that it spans all ages and social classes, and almost everyone at any time enjoys it. Some tourists believe that apple tea is the favoured variety. Still, locals prefer ‘siyah cay’ or black tea, served without milk in small tulip-shaped glasses from a double teapot called a “çaydanlık” that bubbles away in the background, ready for regular top-ups.

Santa Claus Comes from Türkiye

You may assume Santa, the jolly old man that visits each Christmas, comes from the North Pole, but St. Nicholas, who inspired the tale, came from Türkiye.

St. Nicholas was not the only famous religious icon associated with Türkiye, Saint Paul came from Tarsus, the Prophet Abraham was born in Sanliurfa, and it’s even believed that Noah’s Ark ran aground on Mount Ararat, and Virgin Mary was buried near Ephesus.

There Are More Than 80,000 Mosques in Türkiye

Türkiye is predominantly Muslim and home to some of the world’s most unique and impressive mosques. Mosques in Türkiye are seen as far more than a place of prayer; many of them celebrate Islamic art and have exceptionally elaborate and ornate interiors. Sultanahmet Mosque (the Blue Mosque) and Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara, and Selimiye Mosque in Edirne are some of the most impressive.

Türkiye is One of The World’s Oldest Wine Countries

If you are partial to a glass or two of wine, you may be interested to know that Türkiye is one of the world’s oldest wine countries, with a wine culture dating back over 7,000 years. The Book of Genesis suggests that Noah was one of the very first vintners, and some even believe he planted some of the very first vines on Mount Ararat once the ark ran aground following the big flood. Although there is no evidence of this, Türkiye is home to some excellent wineries where you can purchase an exciting and vibrant range of local red and white varieties – ask us to supply some with your provisions.

Türkiye Supplies Around 75% of the World’s Hazelnuts.

Do ASK US to deliver Turkish hazelnuts or “findik” to the yacht during your travels in Türkiye, as they are widely considered the best in the world. These delicious nuts are grown in great quantities in Türkiye’s Black Sea region, where the unique climate adds to their size and flavour. Hazelnuts from Türkiye are harvested in late summer and then exported to over 150 countries.

Leonardo Da Vinci Almost Designed the Galata Bridge

Many historians believe that in 1502, Sultan Beyazid II asked Leonardo da Vinci to design a bridge to span Istanbul’s Golden Horn. This he did with sketches based on three geometric principles: a parabolic curve, a keystone arch, and the pressed bow. The bridge would have been the largest in the world had it gone ahead, but unfortunately, the sultan didn’t like the design.

Discover Türkiye With 360° Yachting

360° Yachting always tries to go the extra mile to ensure your happiness in Türkiye. We are a local yachting agent passionate about our country and superyachts.  If you would like us to arrange a bespoke cruising itinerary to include the well-known hotspots plus bays and anchorages that escape the mainstream listings, please GET IN TOUCH. Our provisions team are also on hand to supply all you require for the chef and interior. CONTACT US for more information.