Beyond the sun, sea, and ancient ruins lies the working landscape. Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, industrial, residential and recreational land uses compete with agriculture, pushing the orchards, fields and farmland further inland.

The bucolic rural scenery enhances the travellers' experience and radiates with honesty and health. As the native land of wheat, the taste of ordinary Turkish bread surpasses any other when eaten fresh baked. The orchards, vineyards, vegetable fields grow delicate and vibrant crops, and the cows and sheep cared for by shepherds who play the pipe and talk their language, are as happy in their pastures as free ranging chickens. In addition to grains, rice, cotton; sugar beets, tobacco and potatoes are among staple crops. This diversity and abundance of food products have contributed to the richness of the cuisine. Reforestation is an ongoing process throughout the country. Most of the highway signage, which looks like billboards, actually displays slogans on the benefits and sacredness of forests.

The high pace of industrialization is evident in the factories along the highways. Active government participation encouraged industrial modernization during the early decades of the Republic. All the main industries including mining, manufacturing and textiles, as well as the majority of financial institutions, were state owned and operated.