Turkey’s infrastructure is impressive for what is still an emerging market. It faces some challenges accommodating their exploding population in coming years. However, Turkey’s infrastructure holds up against EU-member nations.
Turkey’s air infrastructure is well-developed throughout the country. For instance, the country has over 100 airports (about 20 of them are international).
As a result, Istanbul’s three major airports receive most of the country’s air traffic.
In 2013 Istanbul Atatürk Airport was named Airport Of The Year (Air Transport News) and Europe’s Best Airport (Skytrax World Airport Awards).
It also became the 10th most trafficked airport in the world, and the 5th busiest in Europe.
The trend in traffic through Istanbul is continuously on the rise; in 2014 Atatürk was the 4th busiest airport in Europe.
Turkey also has highly developed coastal and maritime infrastructure with 70% of its borders being coastline.
The country’s economy depends heavily on merchant marine and fishing fleets from its various surrounding seas.
Also, communications infrastructure is excellent, as is the national road system.
The national rail system is the least developed aspect of the country. You will find a bit of track laid throughout Turkey. But, only about one-fifth of it is electrified.
All the rails are state owned and operated. This makes improvement or expansion difficult.
In short, trains have been all but abandoned as modes of transportation in Turkey.
Infrastructure In Turkey: Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, is the economic, cultural, and historical hub of the nation, and houses more than 14.4 million people.
Not surprisingly, much of the modern infrastructural innovation and improvement has been based in Istanbul, which now offers residents a metro, a tram, buses, ferries, taxis (both land and water), excellent roads and supporting traffic control infrastructure.
While interior regions of the country may not boast such outstanding infrastructure, major cities and coastal areas are well-serviced.
Check liveforeign currency exchange rates here.
Is Turkey A Popular Destination?
Yes, Turkey is a popular destination. Nearly 40 million people trek into the country annually. In 2023, 36.7 million tourists visited major cities and historic sites throughout Turkey—making it the sixth most visited place in the world.
