Turkey History
Famous Turks
Five of the most famous Turks in the world
Ataturk
The first place in our top is held by Ataturk. Even the name of this man is translated as "father of Turks". Their names have originated thanks to Ataturk, who saved the remnants of the Ottoman Empire from the Entente countries and rebuilt the country in the form of the Turkish Republic. Ataturk has brought Turkey closer to Europe: he introduced the Latin alphabet, names, eliminated the inconvenient and lush national costumes (mandatory before), built roads, organized military aircraft and navy... In general, Ataturk has established Turkey. He is considered one of the greatest political figures of the world, his portraits are hanging everywhere in Turkey. There are always fresh flowers near his monument. The greatest Turk on the planet is on the first place of our toplist.
Tarkan
Funny swarthy fellow with shining hair, polished movements of professional dancer and inexhaustible energy - of course, this is Tarkan! Being in the top of all musical charts around the world, Tarkan became famous for his amours and scandals. First, Tarkan didn't pass through military service, that is very reprehensible in Turkey. Turks are great patriots, and to serve the country at least a couple of years is obligatory for every self-respecting young man. Secondly, Tarkan was repeatedly stopped by traffic police for speeding, and they found cocaine in the singer's car. But all these sins of his youth were left behind. Fortunately, Tarkan changed his mind and served a couple of months at a military base in Turkey. Now he doesn't drink alcohol at all! The most famous pop singer in Turkey is on the second place in our list.
Orhan Pamuk
Large, sedate man in a suit and glasses, Pamuk resembles a professor of university. Any institution of the world would have been happy if this man was teaching its students. Pamuk is the Nobel Prize laureate for literature! And the books of Orhan are closely linked to his homeland. One of the novelties from Pamuk is called "Istanbul". And his story "My Name is Red", for which Pamuk had won the prestigious Dublin Prize, is nothing more than a tour of Istanbul. Pamuk has an excellent knowledge of his hometown, loves it, and describes it like no one else. The man who opened to the world Turkish literature and the beauty of winter in Istanbul and Turkey is on the third place in our little hit parade.
Hakan Shukur
This brilliant striker in Turkey is more than an ordinary man. Idol of millions, the one on whom the Turks literally pray... The Turks love football, it is their national game. Great football players in Turkey are as well popular as pop singers or politicians. Thanks to Hakan Shukur, a megastar in his native country, Turkey has advanced to the semifinal of the World Cup, losing only to future champions (Brazil). It was Shukur who has led his national team at the 3rd place of that same championship, scoring the decisive goal. The most famous soccer player in Turkey ranked fourth in our list.
Santa Claus
This is some kind of a joke, but, strictly speaking, Saint Nicholas - known as Santa Claus - is a native of Turkey! He was born, lived and died in Asia Minor. His house and the church where he served and lectured are preserved in Turkey till today. There are always many tourists, because Santa Claus is not just a local saint, he is known throughout the world. St. Nicholas of Patara (Turkey) is the last in our list.
Article provided by Istanbul guide & directory.
