By William Spencer

Turkey is at the eastern edge of Europe and the western edge of the Islamic world. People have lived here since civilization began, and their traces can be found throughout the country in Ottoman palaces, Seljuk art, Byzantine churches—some now converted into mosques—Roman ruins, the nine cities of Troy, Hittite hons, even a mound at Catalhoyuk—one of the first cities were built. Modern Turkey has a rich heritage, but who are the Turks? How do ancient traditions and modern ideas mix in this country where cities are bursting with new residents, sneakers and jeans are replacing traditional clothes, and a lively economy is taking shape?

J.B. Lippincott (1990)