How has Turkish transportation evolved over time?

Transportation in Turkey has undergone significant changes throughout its history, adapting to the changing needs of the society and the economy. In the early days of the Ottoman Empire, transportation was mainly done by horse-drawn carriages, camels, and donkeys. With the introduction of railways in the mid-19th century, transportation became more efficient, faster, and cheaper, connecting Istanbul with other major cities in the region.

During the early years of the Turkish Republic, a nationwide road network was developed, linking the major cities and facilitating the movement of goods and people. In the 1950s, the government started investing heavily in the construction of highways and bridges, which led to the rapid expansion of the road network and the emergence of a car culture.

In recent years, Turkey has invested heavily in modernizing its transportation infrastructure, including the development of high-speed rail lines, urban light rail systems, and a modernized bus network. The Istanbul Metro, one of the most extensive underground rapid transit systems in the world, was opened in 1989, and has since undergone significant expansion, including the addition of the Marmaray Tunnel, which connects the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. The construction of Istanbul's third airport, which opened in 2018, has made the city a major hub for air travel in the region.

Overall, the evolution of transportation in Turkey has been shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors, and has been instrumental in shaping the country's modernization and development.