Turkey is a vast country, with a dramatic landscape as varied as her history It is situated on two continents - 3% in Europe and the remainder in Asia - which are separated by the Bosphorus, which runs from the Black Sea through Istanbul, and the inland Sea of Marmara which flows through the Dardanelles and out to the Aegean. Turkey's history reached a peak of military success with the great Ottoman Empire, which spanned three continents, stretching from Budapest to Azerbaijan and taking in Persia, Syria and the whole of the north African coast. After many vicissitudes the fate of the Ottoman Empire was sealed when it entered the First World War on the side of Germany. Although the Ottomans became known in the west for their opulent lifestyle and military might, the Empire's real strength was the fact that it created a well-ordered society, based on principles of religious and cultural tolerance, caring for the welfare of the sick and the poor. The arts were cultivated and Istanbul and its other major cities became centers for trade in fine silks and other valuable commodities.
Architectural monuments to the greatness of the Ottoman Empire stand, not only, throughout Turkey, but also throughout the many lands which were under its rule. In Turkey itself has some of the most remarkable sights are to be found in Bursa, in Edirne and in Istanbul one can admire the extravagant Dolmabahce Palace, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, taking its name from the exquisite blue Iznik tiles which decorate its interior and is also the only mosque to have 6 minarets.