Turkey, known historically as Asia Minor, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. Here's a brief overview:
1. Ancient History:
- Early Settlements: Human presence in Turkey dates back to the Paleolithic era. Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest temples, dates to around 9600 BCE.
- Hittites: The Hittite Empire (c. 1600–1178 BCE) was one of the first major civilizations in the region.
- Greek Colonization: In the 8th century BCE, Greek colonies were established along the Aegean coast, including cities like Ephesus and Miletus.
2. Classical Antiquity:
- Persian Empire: In the 6th century BCE, the area became part of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
- Alexander the Great: Alexander conquered the region in the 4th century BCE, spreading Hellenistic culture.
- Roman Empire: By the 1st century BCE, the Roman Empire controlled Asia Minor. The region thrived under Roman rule, with cities like Ephesus becoming major urban centers.
3. Byzantine Empire
- Byzantine Rule: Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395 CE, Asia Minor became a crucial part of the Byzantine Empire. Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) was its capital.
4. Seljuk and Ottoman Empires:
- Seljuk Turks: In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks began to conquer parts of Anatolia, culminating in the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
- Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Turks, founded by Osman I around 1299, gradually unified Anatolia and expanded into Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The capture of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's dominance.
5. Modern History:
- Decline of the Ottoman Empire: The empire began to decline in the 17th century, facing internal strife and external pressures. It formally ended after World War I.
- Republic of Turkey: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Republic of Turkey in 1923, modernizing and secularizing the nation. Ankara became the capital, replacing Istanbul.
6. Key Historical Sites:
- Istanbul: Formerly Byzantium and Constantinople, it hosts landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
- Ephesus: An ancient Greek city with well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
- Cappadocia: Known for its unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings.
- Troy: Famous for its connection to Homer's "Iliad."
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