TÜRK TARİHİ

Türkiye, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a rich and diverse ancient history that dates back thousands of years. From the Hittites and Persians to the Greeks and Romans, numerous civilizations have left their mark on this land, shaping its culture and history.

One of the earliest civilizations to emerge in Turkey was that of the Hittites, who established their empire around 1600 BCE. The Hittites were renowned for their metalworking skills, particularly their ability to produce iron weapons and tools. They were also the first people to develop a written language in Anatolia, using hieroglyphics to record their history and culture. The Hittite Empire lasted for several centuries, until it was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in the 8th century BCE.

Another significant ancient civilization in Turkey was that of the Lydians, who emerged in the western region of Anatolia around 1200 BCE. The Lydians were known for their wealth and power, with their capital city of Sardis becoming a hub of trade and commerce. It was during the Lydian period that the concept of using coins as currency first emerged, with the Lydians producing the first standardized coins in the world.

In the 4th century BCE, the region of Turkey came under the influence of the ancient Greeks, with the rise of the Hellenistic kingdoms. One of the most famous of these kingdoms was that of Alexander the Great, who conquered much of Turkey and established the city of Alexandria Troas on the Aegean coast. The Greeks left a lasting legacy in Turkey, with their architecture and art still visible in the many ruins and museums across the country.

Following the decline of the Greeks, Turkey came under the rule of the Romans, who conquered the region in the 1st century BCE. The Romans made significant contributions to Turkish architecture and infrastructure, constructing impressive structures such as the Library of Celsus in Ephesus and the aqueducts in Istanbul. The Romans also left a legacy of Christianity in Turkey, with St. Paul and St. Peter both visiting the region and establishing Christian communities.

In the 7th century CE, Turkey was conquered by the Arab armies of Islam, ushering in a new era of Turkish history. The Seljuk Turks emerged as a powerful force in the region, establishing a vast empire that stretched from Iran to the Mediterranean. The Seljuks were renowned for their architectural achievements, with the Seljuk architecture style becoming a defining feature of Turkish mosques and buildings.

Nihayet, in the 13th century, the Mongol armies led by Genghis Khan invaded Turkey, bringing with them the devastating Black Death. Fakat, it was the Ottoman Turks who would ultimately emerge as the dominant force in Turkey, establishing the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. The Ottomans ruled Turkey for over 600 yıllar, leaving a lasting legacy of art, mimari, and culture. The Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul are just two examples of the Ottoman’s impressive architectural achievements.

Turkey’s ancient history is a rich tapestry of civilizations and empires that have left a lasting impact on the region. From the Hittites and Lydians to the Greeks and Romans, each civilization has left its mark on Turkey, shaping its culture and history. Bugün, visitors to Turkey can explore the many ruins and museums that showcase the country’s fascinating ancient history, and gain a deeper understanding of the civilizations that once thrived on this land.