Is the Holy Land in Turkey? Why does Turkey not recognize Cyprus?

The Holy Land is not in Turkey, however, Turkey is often dubbed as “the other Holy Land” as it is home to several sites sacred to the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths.

Turkey is home to the ancient city of Hieropolis which means “Holy City” and is located near to Pamukkale. The city gained religious significance following the death of St. Philip, an apostle of Jesus.

The long list of holy sites in Turkey includes the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the Basilica of St. John near Ephesus, and Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey.

Turkey does not recognize the government of the Republic of Cyprus. As established by the Constitution of 1960, the Republic ceased to exist when the intercommunal violence that began in December 1963 ended Turkish Cypriot participation in the Cypriot government.

Turkey is located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a small portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.