The Turkish Republic was established on October 29, 1923, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. It was founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became its first president. The republic marked a significant shift from a monarchy to a secular, democratic government, emphasizing modernization and national sovereignty. The capital of the Turkish Republic is Ankara, while its largest city is Istanbul. The country is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, bordered by eight countries and surrounded by three seas. The official language is Turkish, and the nation has a rich cultural heritage influenced by various civilizations throughout history.