Turkey is assuming an increasingly important role in the modern world with its rapidly growing economy and unique position as an intermediary between the West and the Middle East. Yet at the same time its Turkic language, Muslim religion and complex history and culture create a barrier difficult for Westerners to surmount. The writer has been living and working as an educational professional in Turkey for many years. He has learnt the language and come to understand the people and their rich culture and history. Each chapter in this book addresses a different aspect of history, politics, religion and culture from the perspective of a foreign national. The author shares his experience of confronting and gaining a deeper understanding of the Turkish people, and what makes them tick.