A Brief History of Turkey

Turkey's first known human inhabitants appeared in the Mediterranean region as early as 7500 BC and it has been ruled through the centuries by diverse cultures including the sun-worshiping Hittites, the Greeks who drove out the gentle Persians (who then migrated to India), and the Byzantines including Constantine. By 1453, the Ottomans under Mehmet the Conqueror had taken over Constantinople.

The Ottoman Sultanate lasted till the War of Independence in 1920-22 led by Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk or Father Turk). Kemal abolished the Sultanate and set about reinventing Turkish society and this is considered the birth of the Turkish Republic. Under Ataturk, Turkey went through a period of reform and secularism was strongly instituted into the constitution as well as in the fabric of society. Constantinople became Istanbul and women obtained the right to vote. Even today, Atatürk remains a hero in Turkey.

The east and south-east of Turkey saw years of civil war in the 1980s and 1990s between Turkish forces and those of the secessionist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in which over 30,000 people died. The PKK seeks greater political and cultural rights for the Kurdish community. Clashes between Kurdish fighters and Turkish forces in the south-east continue and dozens have died in the violence.

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About Us
P&O Ferries boasts the largest fleet of ships offering a wide range of services and facilities on ferries to France and the Continent. Passengers can book a ferry online, or with their call centre.

Families
The short hop over the channel makes family holidays in France a big favourite, and with sandy beaches, awesome nature reserves and culture-soaked cities family holidays in Spain are always ideal as well.

Onboard
The variety of facilities onboard your cheap ferry crossing will add so much more to your sense of escape and relaxation, helping you arrive at your destination totally refreshed and raring to go. P&O Ferries are more than just a car ferry operator.

France
A ferry to France with P&O give you many holiday options whether it's the cosmopolitan and romantic ambience of Paris or the laid back way of life in Provence. There is also the 'best fare sailing', providing cheap ferries for this route.

Spain
From the intimate coves of Asturias to the ancient Basque traditions of Navarra, there is so much on offer for those boarding ferries to Spain. The adventure starts as soon as you book your ferry tickets.

Amsterdam
Whether you want to wander along idyllic canals, watch the world go by in one of its numerous cafes, or explore the stunning architecture, a ferry to Amsterdam really does have something for everyone.

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