Turkey has a very diverse culture derived from various elements of the Ottoman, European, and the Islamic traditions. As Turkey successfully transformed from the religion-driven former Ottoman Empire into a modern nation-state with a very strong separation of state and religion, the increase in the methods of artistic expression followed. Turkey is one of the top world holiday destinations with many sunny beaches and old in heritage. Istanbul is a world metropolcity with many opportunities surrounding the magnificent Bosphorus, the connection bridge between Europe and Asia.  During the first years of the republic, the government invested a large amount of resources into the fine arts, such as paintings, sculptures and architecture amongst other things. This was done as both a process of modernisation and of creating a cultural identity. Today the Turkish economy is diverse enough to subsidise individual artists with great freedom. Because of different historical factors playing an important role in defining a Turkish identity, the culture of Turkey is a combination of clear efforts to be "modern" and Western, combined with the necessity felt to maintain traditional religious and historical values.Turkish cuisine is one of the world's most famous, blending ingredients and recipes inherited from the territories covered by the Ottoman Empire. Turkish Cuisine generally consists of sauced dishes prepared with cereals, various vegetables and some meat (usually Lamb), soups, cold dishes cooked with olive oil and pastry dishes.