The Republic of Turkey occupies a strategic position in western Asia and southeastern Europe. As a result of its unique geographic location between the two continents, it has been exposed to a succession of ethnically and culturally distinct peoples and influences that combine to contribute to its distinctive identity. Throughout its history, the area of modern-day Turkey has been occupied by the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and nomadic Turkic tribes. The Ottoman Empire, founded in Anatolia in the late thirteenth century, spanned most of the Middle East, large areas of Eastern Europe, and most of North Africa and thrived for more than 600 years until its collapse after World War I. The modern Republic of Turkey was founded shortly thereafter by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in the predominantly Turkish-speaking areas of the former Ottoman Empire. Turkey’s incorporation of diverse ethnic groups – Kurds are the largest minority, Arabs are the third largest group – adds to its unique position and role in the Middle East and in Europe. Turkey’s eventual entrance into the European Union is still uncertain. It would mark a shift in its role and influence in the Middle East, but Turkey will always be a factor in both regions. Progress has been registered on the deeply divisive issues involving the military’s role in politics and the Kurdish question.