Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about
FACTS ABOUT TURKEY
1. The country's official name is actually the Republic of Turkey.
The country now known as the Republic of Turkey was part of the Ottoman Empire until the empire broke up in the aftermath of the First World War. The Turkish War of Independence followed, and then in 1923 came the Republic with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as the first President.
2. Leonardo da Vinci once designed a bridge across the Golden Horn
In 1503, Leonardo da Vinci submitted plans for a bridge across the Golden Horn – the inlet of the Bosphorus that divides the city of Istanbul (then known as Constantinople). The bridge was never built, although Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced several years ago that a volunteer project was underway to finally realise Da Vinci's plans.
3. Turkey is responsible for 75% of the world’s hazelnut exports
Most of the world's hazelnuts grow in the Mediterranean basin, in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain. Italy is the next largest producer, accounting for almost 20% of the world's supply.
4. The first ever Christian church was located in Antioch, Turkey
The Grotto of St Peter outside Antioch (now known as Antakya) is believed to have been created by Jesus' disciple Simon Peter. This makes it the oldest place of Christian worship in the world. You can still visit the church and see the traces of ancient decoration today.
5. Santa Claus was born in Patara, Turkey
St Nicholas – the historical figure behind the man we know as Santa Claus – was born in Patara, Turkey in around 300 AD. A holy man, people believe he performed many miracles in his lifetime, including saving sailors from sinking ships. Not only did tales of his generosity become the basis for Santa Claus, but St Nicholas also became one of the patron saints of sailors. The name Santa Claus comes from the dutch 'Sinter Klaas', a shortened version of Sint Nikolaas.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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