CULTURE
Turkish culture, rich in Ottoman
and folkloric elements, is traditional and modern. Turkish carpet
weaving is one of the oldest crafts in the world. Ceramics and
other Ottoman-era crafts retain their varied regional character.
Modern Turkish cultural life dates from the 1923 founding of the
republic and early efforts to Westernize Turkish society. As a
result, the arts, literature, drama, and classical and contemporary
music have flourished. State support of cultural activities is
extensive and encompasses a national network of theaters, orchestras,
opera and ballet companies, university fine arts academies, and
various conservatories. Public funds also are used to provide
partial support for private theater groups and for major art exhibitions
and festivals.
