| Turkey lies at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, and the country's architecture, culture, and atmosphere are inevitably a fusion of western and eastern influences. A mixture of manufacturing and agriculture form the basis of the country's economy while tourism is a key source of foreign exchange. |
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| Eastern Turkey is dominated by high mountains that peak along the Iranian border. Most famous of these is the majestic dormant volcano of Mount Ararat, the biblical resting place of Noah's Ark. The harsh landscape in the east has a harsh climate to match with bitterly cold and snowy winters. Summer temperatures are comfortable but even then, there is plenty of cloud and rain towards the Black Sea coast. |
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| The vast Anatolian Plateau accounts for much of central Turkey; it is less mountainous than the east but still fairly elevated. The landscape is bare in many parts suitable only for grazing but in the more fertile valleys wheat and barley is grown. Spring thunderstorms precede a dry and warm summer, with cool nights. Winters tend to be wet and cold with a dusting of snow. |
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| The extensive Mediterranean shoreline is known for its impressive coastal ruins and outstanding natural beauty. Secluded bays can be found along the Turquoise Coast in the east, while to the west, the wild coastal scenery becomes more rugged with deserted beaches. The sub-tropical climate has a dry and warm summer season with very little cloud. Winters are cool, wet, and often windy. |
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| Turkey's Black Sea coast is plagued by a cool, wet, and cloudy climate for much of the year, with conditions improving only slightly during the summer. The mountainous backdrop is rugged and craggy with understandably lush vegetation. |
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| Much of Turkey lies on active fault lines and therefore the risk of earthquakes is high almost everywhere. |
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