Turkey possibly joining the European Union is at present the topic arousing hottest discussion in Europe. By the end of 2004 the EU will decide on whether to start negotiations with Turkey to become an EU member or not. Judgements of the public opinion of whether Turkey should or could be a part of Europe are much more shaped by emotion and prejudice than real knowledge. We have made it therefore our aim to increase our knowledge on Turkey, which has been an official candidate for a membership in the EU since 1999. Our plan is to outline Turkey’s history, her domestic and foreign policies, the Turkish economy, education system and cultural affairs of the country. We notice that the endeavours of the EU for the implementation of EU-standards in Turkey have already yielded results, though many policy areas still need adaptation.