Historical Encyclopedia
The history of Turkey begins in ancient times when various civilizations inhabited its territory. The first known settlements date back to the Neolithic era when people began sedentary agriculture. One of the most famous archaeological sites from this period is Çatalhöyük, which existed around 7500 BC.
In ancient times, the territory of modern Turkey was home to great states such as the Hittite Kingdom, Lydia, and Phrygia. The region became an important cultural and trade center due to its strategically convenient location at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia.
Starting from the 6th century BC, part of the western coast of Turkey was colonized by Greek city-states such as Miletus and Ephesus. The Greeks left a profound mark on the culture, architecture, and philosophy of the region.
Later, in the 1st century BC, Turkey came under the control of the Roman Empire. The Romans significantly developed infrastructure, building roads, aqueducts, and theaters. After the division of the Roman Empire into Western and Eastern (Byzantine) in 395, the territory of Turkey became part of the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Byzantine Empire left a vivid mark on the history of Turkey. Constantinople (modern Istanbul) became the capital of the empire and an important cultural center. During this period, Christian culture flourished, along with significant architectural achievements such as the Hagia Sophia.
However, from the 12th century, Byzantium began to lose its position, facing external threats including invasions by crusaders and Seljuk Turks.
In the early 14th century, the Ottoman Empire emerged in the territory of Turkey. The Ottomans, initially a small tribal group, quickly expanded their territory by capturing Constantinople in 1453. This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and made Constantinople the new capital of the Ottoman Empire, renamed Istanbul.
The Ottoman Empire reached its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries when its territory extended from Eastern Europe to North Africa and the Middle East. The empire was known for its cultural diversity, architectural achievements such as the Suleymaniye Mosque, and its administrative system.
By the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire began to weaken, facing internal and external conflicts. After World War I, in which the Ottoman Empire sided with the Central Powers, the empire disintegrated. In 1920, the Treaty of Sèvres was signed, which stipulated the division of its territories.
In response to this, the Turkish War of Independence began under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In 1923, the Republic of Turkey was proclaimed, and Atatürk became its first president. He initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the country, including secularization, educational reforms, and the adoption of the Latin alphabet.
The second half of the 20th century was marked by economic growth and political instability. Turkey entered NATO in 1952 and began the process of integration with the European Union. In the 2000s, Turkey achieved significant economic progress but also faced internal conflicts and human rights issues.
Modern Turkey continues to play an important role in international politics and economics, preserving its unique cultural heritage, which is the result of millennia of history.
The history of Turkey is a multi-layered process in which various cultures, religions, and political systems intertwine. From ancient civilizations to the modern republic, Turkey continues to be an important bridge between East and West.