● What is the Capital of Turkey?

Even though Ankara became the official capital of Turkey, October 29, 1923, in the mind of many people, the unofficial capital will always be Istanbul.

Modern day Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, and its leaders have an integral role on the world stage.

The Asian part of Turkey was at one time called Asia Minor and was a part of the ancient Roman empire.

Later, Turkey became part of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its historically religious, political and cultural significance, including the fact that its largest city was once the capital of three empires ~ Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman ~ should not be discounted or minimized.

The heritage of Turkey and its influence in today’s political and economic arena are intricately woven into world history and world affairs.

World history is on the top ten list of the most common Jeopardy game show categories. But if the answer was “The Capital of Turkey” and you guessed that Turkey’s capital is Istanbul, you guessed wrong!

Of course, you didn’t guess that. Everybody knows better.

• Turkey’s capital is Ankara. But in the minds…