As it became a candidate to enter the European Union in 1992, many reforms were necessary in Turkey, including economic, legal and, not least, human rights reforms. Much progress has since been made, including the abolition of the death penalty in 2002. However membership of the EU is still not assured, and there are still several issues to be addressed.

One important issue still giving widespread concern is the risk of country-wide Islamic militancy. However in a fundamentally secular state since its founding in 1923, with the guiding principles of enlightenment and rationalism, such a risk is somewhat unlikely to become a reality.

With regard to property values, prices throughout Europe, particularly those within the new member states, have been showing significant gains in recent years. Gains in Turkey are also now on the increase, and there is no reason why, once the country becomes a full member, significant gains as seen elsewhere will also follow in Turkey.

So it is really a great time to be investing in Turkish property. Perhaps some of the best places to invest are certain strategically located urban properties in major business centers. Obviously, properties in Istanbul are worth serious consideration, as are those in all other major cities. Businesses will need these key locations.

Whilst it is certain that Turkey still has much ground to make up in terms of structural progress before being accepted into the EU, there is little doubting the fact that sooner or later, it will become a full member. When that happens, property prices will escalate, as seen throughout the rest of Europe, so it is crucial for investors to get in now before the very best investment opportunities are all taken.

Indeed Turkey is already home to several international businesses, all enthusiastic to enter the market at an early stage and reap those benefits only available to the early birds! The result of this has been a great increase in demand for rental properties in the major cities. This is augmented by the fact that Istanbul is in fact only a short flight away from most other European capitals. This is of great importance in the development of the country into a major center for commerce.

Outside of the main business centers, in Turkey you will find some incredible coastal resorts with excellent beaches. Tourism has for years been of importance to Turkey, but the future holds yet more developments in this area. Therefore properties in the main tourist areas around the coast and inland also stand to make impressive future gains as tourism becomes more mainstream.

There is much to attract the tourist in Turkey, from the mountainous ancient Anatolia in the East, to the historical sites and sandy beaches in the West, and everything in between. From the natural white marble candy-floss pools of Pammukale, to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, not forgetting the sandy beaches of Antalya in the South Turkey has something for everyone.

But a look at Turkey can never be complete without at least a mention of wonderful Turkish cookery. Turkey is far more than the ubiquitous Turkish delight, popular throughout the world. A meal prepared in one of Turkey's spotless kitchens is really a delight from start to finish, with succulent plates of tender meat and fresh vegetables of the highest quality, followed by one of a huge range of sweet deserts, then washed down by a brewed-to-order coffee or tea, a Turkish meal will delight the pallet of even the most jaded of gourmet travellers.