History of Turkey

Map Hittite rule en

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Map of the Kingdom of Lydia

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The Bath-Gymnasium complex at Sardis, late 2nd - early 3rd century AD, Sardis, Turkey (17098680002)

Map Greco-Persian Wars-en

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Odrysian

History of Turkey refers to the historical events that have shaped the region of modern-day Turkey. Over the centuries, this area has been a crossroads of civilizations, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous empires, kingdoms, and states. The history of Turkey can be divided into several periods, each marked by significant developments and cultural achievements.

Prehistoric Period

The earliest evidence of human settlement in the region dates back to the Paleolithic era, with archaeological sites such as Çatalhöyük demonstrating advanced levels of organization and culture in the Neolithic period. These early inhabitants left behind rich artifacts, indicating a complex society engaged in agriculture, hunting, and religious practices.

Ancient Anatolia

The history of ancient Anatolia is characterized by the emergence of several indigenous civilizations, including the Hittites, the Urartians, and the Phrygians. The Hittites, establishing their empire in the 2nd millennium BCE, are notable for their advancements in law, language, and architecture. Following the decline of the Hittite Empire, the region saw the rise of smaller states and kingdoms, such as the Lydians, known for the invention of coinage.

Classical Period

Anatolia became a battleground for various Greek city-states and the Persian Empire during the classical period. The conquests of Alexander the Great brought Hellenistic culture to the region. Following Alexander's death, Anatolia was divided among his generals, leading to the establishment of the Seleucid Empire and other Hellenistic kingdoms.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

The Roman Empire gradually annexed Anatolia during the 1st century BCE. The region, particularly the city of Byzantium (later Constantinople and modern-day Istanbul), gained prominence after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great declared it the new capital of the Roman Empire in 330 CE, marking the beginning of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine period saw the flourishing of Christian culture and the construction of iconic structures such as the Hagia Sophia.

Seljuk and Ottoman Periods

The Seljuk Turks began to enter Anatolia in the 11th century, establishing the Sultanate of Rum. Their victory over the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 marked a turning point in the history of the region. The decline of the Seljuk Sultanate paved the way for the rise of the Ottoman Empire in the late 13th century. The Ottomans eventually conquered Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new era of Islamic culture and expansion.

Republic of Turkey

The Ottoman Empire's gradual decline culminated in its participation in World War I on the side of the Central Powers, leading to its defeat and the occupation of its capital. The Turkish War of Independence, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, resulted in the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923. Atatürk introduced a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Turkey, including the adoption of the Latin alphabet, secularization, and the implementation of legal and educational reforms.

Modern Turkey

Since its establishment, the Republic of Turkey has undergone significant political, economic, and social changes. It has played a pivotal role in regional and global affairs, balancing its historical ties with the Islamic world with its aspirations for integration into Western economic and security structures. The country's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia continues to influence its foreign policy and economic priorities.