ABSTRACT
Turkey is one of the largest non-Arab Muslim countries with its territory and
population on two continents — Asia and Europe — separated by the Bos-
porus. As a democracy with a predominantly Muslim population, which borders
the Middle East, the Balkans and the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean seas, it
is a strategic partner not only for its neighbors but also for the United States
and Europe. With a total area of 780,588 square kilometers and a population of
over 70 million (est. 2006), the country is significantly larger than others near it.
Ankara, the capital, is located in the heart of Anatolia, and Istanbul — the
center of economy and culture — has one of the largest populations — over 12
million (est. 2008) — of all European cities1.
