might also be due to the fact that Turks are simply - really mad about soccer :)! I lived couple years in Istanbul, and was amazed by how Turks are obsessed with soccer overall.
It seems odd that a country of that size with a huge love for the sport, misses so many of the final stages of the World Cup / European championship.
Yeah, but they did finish third at the 2002 World Cup and third at Euro 2008; not bad at all.
"Soccernomics" author predicted Turkey becoming much better at soccer competitions for those and other reasons, it hasn't materialized yet though.