A little map work, learning some cool Turkey country facts for kids, a great resource book, and a few activities and you have a great mini unit study. Also, look at my post Mini Unit Study: Geography Quest about The Country of Turkey.
That is exactly what I am sharing with you today, all about the fascinating country of Turkey with its blend of history, culture, and beauty.
If you get the chance to visit you can choose between exploring ancient ruins, indulging in delicious cuisine, or relaxing on pristine beaches.
Turkey has something to offer every traveler.
If not, you can still take a virtual tour through ideas I’m sharing today including a very easy hummus recipe.
You have probably purchased a tub of hummus in the store but you haven’t really had it until you have made it from scratch and put your own touch on it.
Let’s pack a bag and explore this amazing country shall we?
BOOKS ABOUT THE COUNTRY OF TURKEY FOR KIDS
First, look at these books either set in Turkey or about Turkey.
We prefer to read living books when we can find them about a subject.
7 Books about the Country of Turkey
Add these books to your reading day or to a unit study to learn about the fascinating country of Turkey.
An introduction to the history, geography, plants and animals, people, economy, cities, transportation, government, holidays and festivals, and culture of Turkey.
Bring the world a little closer with these multicultural books. An excellent way for students to appreciate and learn cultural diversity in an exciting hands-on format. Each book explores the history, language, holidays, festivals, customs, legends, foods, creative arts, lifestyles, and games of the title country. A creative alternative to student research reports and a time-saver for teachers since the activities and resource material are contained in one book.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul will lead you straight to the best attractions this city has to offer. Explore the must-see Hagia Sophia, take in the beauty of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and don't miss out on the incredible street food.
Discover DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul.
• Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance.
• Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights.
• Free, color pull-out map (print edition) marked with sights, a selected sight and street index, public transit map, practical information on getting around, and a distance chart for measuring walking distances
• Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area.
• Area maps marked with sights and restaurants.
• Detailed city maps include street finder index for easy navigation. • Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights.
• Suggested day trips and itineraries to explore beyond the city. • Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations.
With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Istanbul truly shows you this city as no one else can.
Turkey, located on both the continents of Asia and Europe, is the birthplace of some of the worlds oldest
A day in the life of a child in Turkey told from the child’s point of view. I See the Sun in Turkey is one of the books in the multiple award-winning I See the Sun in... series of bi-lingual picture books, each focused on one country and one day in the life of one child with a story told from the child’s perspective. I See the Sun in Turkey provides a unique introduction to the culture, family life and language of Turkey in a way that is age-appropriate and sensitive to the current culture and circumstances without becoming political. As with the other books in the series, the author has spent a considerable amount of time in Turkey, not merely as a tourist, but immersed in the environment and living with families who have opened their homes and their hearts to her. Includes facts about the country and a glossary for extended learning. Written in English and translated into Turkish.
Nasrudin Hoja was a mullah (teacher) in Turkey. He was a busy man he worked in a vineyard, gave sermons at the mosque, and was sometimes even a judge. He did all of this with a nagging wife, a constant stream of uninvited visitors, and many animals. Although Hoja’s life wasn’t easy, his heart was always light and his observations about life held a witty twist. For instance, when his donkey got lost, his neighbors offered sympathy, but Hoja found the bright side: “Imagine if I were riding the donkey at the time. I’d be lost too!”Though the ten Hoja stories presented by Rina Singh and richly illustrated by Farida Zaman are funny, each one contains such insight into human nature that Sufi teachers use them to illustrate their teachings. Traditional Turkish Hoja stories are much-loved throughout Asia, and Nearly Nonsense brings them to a North American readership sure to enjoy them and, through laughter, to learn from them.
He is in a foreign country, he is alone, and he is just a boy...Abbas Kazerooni is not yet ten, but he’s suddenly forced to leave his parents, his friends―his entire world―and flee Tehran. The Iran-Iraq war is at its bloodiest, and the Ayatollahs who rule Iran have reduced the recruitment age for the army. If Abbas doesn’t escape, it’s almost certain that he will be drafted and die fighting for a regime that has stripped his family of all they have.
On his own in the strange, often frightening city of Istanbul, Abbas grows up fast―with little more than his wits to guide him. He must conquer difficult things: how to live on his own, how to navigate a foreign city and culture when he doesn’t speak the language, and, most importantly, how to judge who is a friend and who is an enemy. Facing the unexpected as well as the everyday challenges of life on his own, Abbas walks a tightrope of survival―yearning to please the demanding father he has left behind, yet relishing his new found independence.
His quick thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and the kindness of strangers allow him to make the best of his dire situation in surprising ways. Does he have what it takes to not only survive against these challenging odds but achieve his parents’ ultimate dream for him: a visa to England, and the safety it represents?
This compelling true story of one young boy’s courage provides a powerful child’s-eye view of war, political tumult, and survival.
Next, look at some facts about Turkey.
COOL TURKEY COUNTRY FACTS FOR KIDS
Turkey is a fascinating country that has a unique geographical position.
It straddles both Europe and Asia. Being in a transcontinental location has made it a bridge between the east and west and shaped its rich history and diverse culture.
GEOGRAPHY OF TURKEY
The capital of Turkey is Ankara, it is a modern and busy city that is the country’s administrative and political center.
However, the largest and most well-known city is Istanbul, which was once known as Constantinople, a major cultural and economic hub for centuries.
It has a strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara which made it a crossroads of ancient civilizations and a melting pot of modern cultures.
Turkey has a diverse landscape that ranges from towering mountains to fertile plains and stunning coastlines.
Mount Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey and while it has many beaches, Bodrum is considered Turkey’s very own Santorini with ancient and modern architecture to admire, restaurants, activities, and beautiful clean beaches.
The official language of Turkey is Turkish.
The vast majority of the population speaks Turkish (90%), but there are also minority languages spoken in certain areas including Kurdish, Zazaki and Arabic.
HISTORY OF TURKEY
Turkey is a renowned tourist destination, offering a wide variety of attractions for visitors. Its rich history includes numerous historical sites like ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and Seljuk caravanserais.
The Hagia Sophia located in Istanbul is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as both a church and a mosque throughout its history.
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, is a shopper’s paradise with its alleyways and countless stalls that sell everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and antiques.
Turkish cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors and influences from various cultures, including Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean.
Kebabs, hummus, baklava, and Turkish coffee are just a few examples of the country’s culinary delights. Keep reading for my easy Hummus recipe.
Turkish culture is equally rich and diverse, with traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations.
Music, dance, and handicrafts play an important role in Turkish culture, and are celebrated through festivals and events throughout the year.
Turkey is an active member of the international community and is a member in important organizations such as NATO and the United Nations.
It plays a significant role in regional and global affairs, and its strategic location makes it an important partner for many countries.
Next, look at some hands-on activities.
THE COUNTRY OF TURKEY HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
Take a look at a good map or atlas. Help your child identify which part of Turkey lies in Europe. We used First Atlas from DK, great for early elementary through upper elementary for a simple reference.
And look where it is in Asia.
- Try playing one of these traditional Turkish Children’s Games to get some gross motor work into your day.
- Free Turkey Geography Country Report
- Play this FREE Date Dash Turkey-Turkish History Card Game and learn more.
- Let your children pick up a few words in a new language. Watch the Learn Turkish For Kids- Animals from Dino Lingo on ouTube.
- Check out this amazing Turkish Bazaar Sensory Bin that lets children explore treasures from this amazing country.
- Here is an outline map of Turkey with all it’s provinces to color and label.
PBS has a simplified Ebru Turksih Marbling Art project for kids. It demonstrates one of the beautiful crafts they are known for.
HOW TO MAKE HUMMUS
You will need:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Paprika, for garnish
First, In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Process until smooth and creamy, add water a little at a time as is needed to achieve desired consistency.
Give it a quick taste test and add more of whatever seasoning or other ingredient you like to make it just as you like it.
Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with paprika.
Serve hummus with pita bread, pita chips, pretzels, or vegetables.
You can get wild and add more garlic, roasted red peppers, cilantro, mint, or toasted nuts to add a unique flavor to it.
