Diyarbakir maintained its importance throughout history mainly for its location where various civilizations flourishing in Upper Mesopotamia met and interacted. In 1946, excavations carried out in Bismil, Silvan and Ergani by the Turkish History Institution yielded some flint stone apparatus dating back to the Paleolithic age. Finds from excavations carried out in Çayönü tumulus, on the other hand, testifies inhabitation in the Neolithic age. Steles and inscriptions in Birkileyn Cave and Egil Castle belong to the Assyrians. The walls of Diyarbakir, one of the most spectacular defense structures in the world, also gives clues about the historical past of the city.
The province of Diyarbakir extends over an area of 15,355 km2. Farming in the province is mostly rain-fed and there is fallowing. The population of the province is 1,364,209 according to the Census of 2000. The peripheral districts of the province are Bismil, Cinar, Cermik, Cungus, Dicle, Egil, Ergani, Hani, Hazro, Kocakoy, Kulp, Lice and Silvan.
As the second largest city in Southeastern Anatolia, Diyarbakir consists of two main settlements as the "old" and "new" city. The old part of the city is surrounded by walls. These four-gated walls are the longest and strongest of all similar structures still standing in Anatolia. Important historical buildings of the city remain within the area surrounded by walls. The new city, on the contrast to the old city which expanded more recently in a planned manner looks much more modern with its avenues, parks, houses, official buildings and hotels. The Tigris is the major river flowing through the city.
Located on a transitional zone between the mountainous Eastern Anatolia and the plains of Upper Mesopotamia, Diyarbakır was once on important trade routes and it is still at the center of the main highway network reaching such centers as Elazig, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Bitlis. Railway reached the center of the province in 1935 and then extended to Kurtalan, out of provincial boundaries. Diyarbakir also has an airport with flights to all major centers in Turkey.
Despite the dominance of agriculture and animal husbandry as main economic activities, the province has a large potential for industrial activities and it is, in fact, the second industrial center of the region after Gaziantep. As one of the provinces given first priority in development, Diyarbakir has a small industrial area. The leading industrial-commercial branches include feed production, meat and meat processing.
source: gap.gov.tr
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
History of Çorum
This region is of especial interest to history buffs. Spread over the two important regions of Anatolia and Black Sea, it is the meeting ground of important civilizations that grew up there. These civilizations have left their mark all over Anatolia. The historical sites of the region therefore mostly contain remains of these civilizations of antiquity. This is what gives the place its importance.
Traces of human settlements of the Neolithic, Paleolithic and Chalcolithic ages have been found. Later it was the center of one of the most well known ancient civilizations - the Hittites. Much of the remains of the region are from the Hittite period. Corum later was ruled by the Phrygians, Medes, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols and the Ottomans.
source: turkeyforyou.com
Traces of human settlements of the Neolithic, Paleolithic and Chalcolithic ages have been found. Later it was the center of one of the most well known ancient civilizations - the Hittites. Much of the remains of the region are from the Hittite period. Corum later was ruled by the Phrygians, Medes, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols and the Ottomans.
source: turkeyforyou.com
History of Çankırı
Cankiri region of Turkey has witnessed the intervention of several races like Hittites, Pontus, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans.
As we go down the lane of history, we find that the foremost ruler of this region was the Paphlagonian king, Deiotarus philadelphus, under whose reign Cankiri was called Gangra (she-goat). After his death, the town was incorporated into the Roman province of Galatia. In the 3rd century B.C, a Galatian settlement took place, which was called "Gangrea". The location of the ancient city was on a hilltop behind the modern town of Cankiri. But from the Roman days, the city changed its position to the current one. In this period, the city usurped the name of Germanicopolis (after emperor Claudius), which lasted until the reign of Caracalla.
During the days of Christianity, in the middle of the 4th century, an important ecclestical synod took place in Cankiri. 21 Bishops assembled in this synod to take decision about Eustathius and his followers for their improper conduct in the society like condemning marriage, ignoring the offices of the church, denouncing riches, etc. At the end, the synod reprimanded the Eustathiun practices, but with considerable liberation. In the 15th century, Canciri was captured by the Ottomans and was imbibed in their empire. Much later, during Turkey`s war of liberation, this city fought extremely well and was hence visited twice by Kemal Ataturk, the father figure of modern Turkey.
source: turkeyforyou.com
As we go down the lane of history, we find that the foremost ruler of this region was the Paphlagonian king, Deiotarus philadelphus, under whose reign Cankiri was called Gangra (she-goat). After his death, the town was incorporated into the Roman province of Galatia. In the 3rd century B.C, a Galatian settlement took place, which was called "Gangrea". The location of the ancient city was on a hilltop behind the modern town of Cankiri. But from the Roman days, the city changed its position to the current one. In this period, the city usurped the name of Germanicopolis (after emperor Claudius), which lasted until the reign of Caracalla.
During the days of Christianity, in the middle of the 4th century, an important ecclestical synod took place in Cankiri. 21 Bishops assembled in this synod to take decision about Eustathius and his followers for their improper conduct in the society like condemning marriage, ignoring the offices of the church, denouncing riches, etc. At the end, the synod reprimanded the Eustathiun practices, but with considerable liberation. In the 15th century, Canciri was captured by the Ottomans and was imbibed in their empire. Much later, during Turkey`s war of liberation, this city fought extremely well and was hence visited twice by Kemal Ataturk, the father figure of modern Turkey.
source: turkeyforyou.com
History of Bursa
The earliest known site at this location was Cius, which Philip V of Macedonia granted to the Bithynian king Prusias I in 202 BC, for his help against Pergamum and Heraclea Pontica (modern Karadeniz Ereğli). Prusias renamed the city after himself, as Prusa.
Prusa evolved into one of the largest cities of Mysia and retained its importance for the region throughout the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Its strategic location on the westernmost end of the famous Silk Road ensured Prusa to remain as one of the largest centers of silk trade throughout the Medieval period.
Bursa became the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire following its capture from the Byzantines in 1326. As a result, the city witnessed a considerable amount of urban growth throughout the 14th century. After conquering Edirne (Adrianople) in 1365 the Ottomans turned it into a joint capital city for governing their European realms, but Bursa remained the most important Anatolian administrative and commercial center even after it lost its status as the sole Ottoman capital. The Ottoman sultan Bayezid I built the Bayezid Külliyesi (Bayezid I theological complex) in Bursa between 1390 and 1395[2] and the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) between 1396 and 1400.
During the Ottoman period, Bursa continued to be the source of most royal silk products. Aside from the local silk production, the city imported raw silk from Iran, and occasionally from China, and was the main production center for the kaftans, pillows, embroidery and other silk products for the Ottoman palaces until the 17th century.
Another traditional artisanship in the city, among many others, is knife production, which still continues today. Historically, the city was a center for the production of horse carriages during the Ottoman period. In the latter half of the 20th century, Bursa became the largest center of motor vehicle production in Turkey.
source: wikipedia.org
Prusa evolved into one of the largest cities of Mysia and retained its importance for the region throughout the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Its strategic location on the westernmost end of the famous Silk Road ensured Prusa to remain as one of the largest centers of silk trade throughout the Medieval period.
Bursa became the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire following its capture from the Byzantines in 1326. As a result, the city witnessed a considerable amount of urban growth throughout the 14th century. After conquering Edirne (Adrianople) in 1365 the Ottomans turned it into a joint capital city for governing their European realms, but Bursa remained the most important Anatolian administrative and commercial center even after it lost its status as the sole Ottoman capital. The Ottoman sultan Bayezid I built the Bayezid Külliyesi (Bayezid I theological complex) in Bursa between 1390 and 1395[2] and the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) between 1396 and 1400.
During the Ottoman period, Bursa continued to be the source of most royal silk products. Aside from the local silk production, the city imported raw silk from Iran, and occasionally from China, and was the main production center for the kaftans, pillows, embroidery and other silk products for the Ottoman palaces until the 17th century.
Another traditional artisanship in the city, among many others, is knife production, which still continues today. Historically, the city was a center for the production of horse carriages during the Ottoman period. In the latter half of the 20th century, Bursa became the largest center of motor vehicle production in Turkey.
source: wikipedia.org
History of Bitlis
Bitlis is a town in eastern Turkey and the capital of Bitlis Province. Kurds form the majority of the population, which was 38,130 as of 1990. [The Encyclopaedia of Islam]
A folk etymology explanation of the name Bitlis, is that it is derived from "Bedlis", the name of the commander who built a castle in the province, by the order of Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia.
The history of Bitlis extends back to 2000 BC, and the city contains traces from the Urartian, Armenian, Persian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
It was known as the Kurdish principality Badlis from the 12th to the 19th century. The city was also the home of the 16th century Kurdish historian, Sherefxan Bedlisi (also: Sharaf al-Din Bitlisi), who was also an appointed prince of the Persian and later Ottoman Empires.
source: ikiyabanci.com
Bitlis had a significant population of ethnic Armenians prior to 1915. During the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917, Turks and Kurds led by Jevdet Bey Pasha massacred some 15,000 Armenians until Russian troops, who were subsequently viewed as liberators by the survivors, moved into the area.
William Saroyan's family was originally from Bitlis.
Bitlis Province
Bitlis is a province of eastern Turkey, located to the west of Lake Van. Ethnic Kurds form the majority of the population. The provincial capital is the town of Bitlis.
Districts
Bitlis province is divided into 7 districts (the capital district is in bold):
* Adilcevaz
* Ahlat
* Bitlis
* Güroymak
* Hizan
* Mutki
* Tatvan
A folk etymology explanation of the name Bitlis, is that it is derived from "Bedlis", the name of the commander who built a castle in the province, by the order of Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia.
The history of Bitlis extends back to 2000 BC, and the city contains traces from the Urartian, Armenian, Persian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
It was known as the Kurdish principality Badlis from the 12th to the 19th century. The city was also the home of the 16th century Kurdish historian, Sherefxan Bedlisi (also: Sharaf al-Din Bitlisi), who was also an appointed prince of the Persian and later Ottoman Empires.
source: ikiyabanci.com
Bitlis had a significant population of ethnic Armenians prior to 1915. During the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917, Turks and Kurds led by Jevdet Bey Pasha massacred some 15,000 Armenians until Russian troops, who were subsequently viewed as liberators by the survivors, moved into the area.
William Saroyan's family was originally from Bitlis.
Bitlis Province
Bitlis is a province of eastern Turkey, located to the west of Lake Van. Ethnic Kurds form the majority of the population. The provincial capital is the town of Bitlis.
Districts
Bitlis province is divided into 7 districts (the capital district is in bold):
* Adilcevaz
* Ahlat
* Bitlis
* Güroymak
* Hizan
* Mutki
* Tatvan
History of Bilecik
The region was inhabited as early as 3000 BC, and was part of the territory controlled by such notable civilizations as the Hittites (1400-1200 BC), the Phrygians (1200-676 BC), Lydians (595-546 BC), Persians (546-334 BC), Romans (74-395 AD) and Byzantians (395 AD to late 13th century, with two brief occupations by Ummayads in between). The region is also where the Ottoman Empire was founded in 1281, and is the source of important archeological as well as cultural artifacts.
source: wapedia.mobi
source: wapedia.mobi
Sunday, July 26, 2009
History of Aydın
The city was founded in sixth century B.C. by the Greeks and they named it Tralles. In ancient times, it was home to well-known schools of sculpture and philosophy. After seeing through the Roman and Byzantine periods in 1186 AD, it fell to the Seljuks. In the fourteenth century it came under the Aydin dynasty and was named after them. In 1390 it became part of the Ottoman Empire and after a brief restoration of the Aydin principality went back to the Ottomans in early fifteenth century. During the Greek - Turkish conflict in 1922 the city was severely damaged and peace restored with the exchange of the Greek and Turkish populations.
source: turkeyforyou.com
source: turkeyforyou.com
History of Artvin
Historical background of Artvin is traced to 3000 BC, it means that it is related to Bronze Age. Hurri's, Urartu, Persians, Romans, Byzantine, Georgians and Armenians lived at Artvin. Than Artvin live Seljuklian, Saltuk, İlhanlı, Timur, Akkoyunlu, Safevi and Ottoman periods. It changed to a county of Rize in 1923, than changed to province again and named Çoruh at the year of 1936. Its name changed to Artvin in 1956.
source: turkeyodyssey.com
source: turkeyodyssey.com
History of Amasya
Amasya was earlier a Roman city. Until 183 BC it was the capital of the kings of Pontius. Pompey made it a free city and a large administrative center in 65 BC. Under Constantine I when the Roman Empire was split, Amasya fell in the Byzantine Empire, which also had a large population of Greeks. Later it became the capital of Turkmen Danismend emirs, until the Seljuk ruler Qilic Arslan conquered it. During the rule of the Ottoman ruler Bayezid I, Amasya flourished as a great Anatolian center of learning.
Amasya should be an important stop for any tour of the Black Sea Coast. This town with its quaint mansions, historical sights and natural beauty is one of Turkey`s coveted treasures.
source: turkeyforyou.com
Amasya should be an important stop for any tour of the Black Sea Coast. This town with its quaint mansions, historical sights and natural beauty is one of Turkey`s coveted treasures.
source: turkeyforyou.com
History of Ağrı
Ağrı made a crossing as the tribes had come from Middle Asia so that it has became a scene for lots of civilizations, But these civilizations accepted Ağrı as an entrance therefore they couldn t organized root civilizations.
Between 1340-1200 BC Hurris settled at this area as the Hittites which was thought they sovereigned the disticht had lost their power. Hurris couldn t have Ağrı that was far from Urfa which was the center of Kingdom.
Urartians made the rootest civilization, King Ispuini (825-810 BC) started expeditions in the countries which were in the North and the northeast of Lake Van at Urartu Sovereignty and these expeditions increased in the period of King Menua (810-786 BC) . The castles had been founded on the ways of the directions to the North and the northeast, shows that these raids had been planned before, An Urartu inscription was found between Karakoyunlu Village and Taşkıran Village on the slopes of Mount Ağrı was the definite prof of Kral Menua s dominance of this place.
Kimmers that settled accross Kızılırmak made temporary dominant over Ağrı in 712 BC.. Meds (708-555 BC) started to spread as the ruining of Assyrian so they obtained Ağrı and its surroundings.
Persians lived approximately 200 years to the time of BÜyÜk iskender gained the victory against Persian King Darius III. (331 BC) in this place as Meds disaster. Armenians benefited from the die of BÜyÜk iskender obtained the place.
The first Turkish society that come and placed in Middle Anatolian was Sakalar that had come into this place in 680 BC. They placed in Murat River and Artaksıyaslı Kingdom dominated Ağrı and its surrondings This place was conqered by Muslim army at the time of Hz. Osman. Ağrı that had controlled by Abaside till 872, was controlled Byzantine then.
Turkish tribes came into this place after Malazgirt war, Ağrı placed in sökmenli tribes s boundries approximately a century, IN 1027-1225 Ani Atabeks, in 1239 Cengizli tribe, in Ağrı, ilhanlı tribe sometimes had their general meetings in Mount Ağrı and they also managed Anatolia and Iran ,in 1933, Mongol Khan Aksak Timur obtained Ağrı area.
Ağrı had placed in Karakoyunlu tribe s land between 1405-1468 and with the runing of Karakoyunlu tribe, it was dominated by Akkoyunlu tribe, Ağrı came into ottoman s possesion after the çaldıran war thec.
ity s name was known as şorbulak but then Armenians changed the name as Karakilise, in the term of Kazım Karabekir pahsa, Karakilise was changed as Karaköse. Mount Ararat and its surroundings have been mentioned in the Torah because of Noah s Ark so Europians called Ağrı as Ararat. Ağrı had become anookin 1834 , atownin 1869 and a city centerin 1927, Ağrı took its name from Mount Ağrı because of being the biggest mount ainof Türkiye (5165m).
source: guneydoguolay.com
Between 1340-1200 BC Hurris settled at this area as the Hittites which was thought they sovereigned the disticht had lost their power. Hurris couldn t have Ağrı that was far from Urfa which was the center of Kingdom.
Urartians made the rootest civilization, King Ispuini (825-810 BC) started expeditions in the countries which were in the North and the northeast of Lake Van at Urartu Sovereignty and these expeditions increased in the period of King Menua (810-786 BC) . The castles had been founded on the ways of the directions to the North and the northeast, shows that these raids had been planned before, An Urartu inscription was found between Karakoyunlu Village and Taşkıran Village on the slopes of Mount Ağrı was the definite prof of Kral Menua s dominance of this place.
Kimmers that settled accross Kızılırmak made temporary dominant over Ağrı in 712 BC.. Meds (708-555 BC) started to spread as the ruining of Assyrian so they obtained Ağrı and its surroundings.
Persians lived approximately 200 years to the time of BÜyÜk iskender gained the victory against Persian King Darius III. (331 BC) in this place as Meds disaster. Armenians benefited from the die of BÜyÜk iskender obtained the place.
The first Turkish society that come and placed in Middle Anatolian was Sakalar that had come into this place in 680 BC. They placed in Murat River and Artaksıyaslı Kingdom dominated Ağrı and its surrondings This place was conqered by Muslim army at the time of Hz. Osman. Ağrı that had controlled by Abaside till 872, was controlled Byzantine then.
Turkish tribes came into this place after Malazgirt war, Ağrı placed in sökmenli tribes s boundries approximately a century, IN 1027-1225 Ani Atabeks, in 1239 Cengizli tribe, in Ağrı, ilhanlı tribe sometimes had their general meetings in Mount Ağrı and they also managed Anatolia and Iran ,in 1933, Mongol Khan Aksak Timur obtained Ağrı area.
Ağrı had placed in Karakoyunlu tribe s land between 1405-1468 and with the runing of Karakoyunlu tribe, it was dominated by Akkoyunlu tribe, Ağrı came into ottoman s possesion after the çaldıran war thec.
ity s name was known as şorbulak but then Armenians changed the name as Karakilise, in the term of Kazım Karabekir pahsa, Karakilise was changed as Karaköse. Mount Ararat and its surroundings have been mentioned in the Torah because of Noah s Ark so Europians called Ağrı as Ararat. Ağrı had become anookin 1834 , atownin 1869 and a city centerin 1927, Ağrı took its name from Mount Ağrı because of being the biggest mount ainof Türkiye (5165m).
source: guneydoguolay.com
History of Afyonkarahisar
The top of the rock in Afyon has been fortified for a long, long time. It was known to the Hittites as Hapanuwa, and was later occupied by Phrygians, Lydians and Persians until it was conquered by Alexander the Great. After the death of Alexander the city (now known as Akroinon), was ruled by the Seleucids and the kings of Pergamon, then Rome and Byzantium. The Byzantine emperor Leo III after his victory over Arab besiegers in 740 renamed the city Nicopolis (Greek for the Victory City). The Seljuk Turks then arrived in 1071 and changed its name to Kara Hissar (the black castle) after the ancient fortress situated upon a volcanic rock 201 meters above the town. Following the dispersal of the Seljuks the town was occupied by the Sahipoğulları and then the Germiyan.
The castle was much fought over during the Crusades and was finally conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid I in 1392 but was lost after the invasion of Timur Lenk in 1402. It was recaptured in 1428 or 1429.
The area thrived during the Ottoman Empire, as the centre of opium production and Afyon became a wealthy city with the typical Ottoman urban mixture of Jews, Armenians, Greeks and Turks. During the 1st World War British prisoners of war who had been captured at Gallipoli were housed here in an empty Armenian church at the foot of the rock. During the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) campaign (part of the Turkish War of Independence) Afyon and the surrounding hills were occupied by French, Italian and then Greek forces. However, it was recovered on 27 August 1922, a key moment in the great Turkish counter-attack in the Aegean region. After 1923 Afyon became a part of the Republic of Turkey.
The region was a major producer of raw opium (hence the name Afyon) until the late 1960s when under international pressure, from the USA in particular, the fields were burnt and production ceased. Now Poppies are grown under a strict licensing regime. They do not produce raw opium any more but derive Morphine and other opiates using the poppy straw method of extraction.
Afyon was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 50 lira banknote of 1927-1938.
source: wikipedia.org
The castle was much fought over during the Crusades and was finally conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid I in 1392 but was lost after the invasion of Timur Lenk in 1402. It was recaptured in 1428 or 1429.
The area thrived during the Ottoman Empire, as the centre of opium production and Afyon became a wealthy city with the typical Ottoman urban mixture of Jews, Armenians, Greeks and Turks. During the 1st World War British prisoners of war who had been captured at Gallipoli were housed here in an empty Armenian church at the foot of the rock. During the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) campaign (part of the Turkish War of Independence) Afyon and the surrounding hills were occupied by French, Italian and then Greek forces. However, it was recovered on 27 August 1922, a key moment in the great Turkish counter-attack in the Aegean region. After 1923 Afyon became a part of the Republic of Turkey.
The region was a major producer of raw opium (hence the name Afyon) until the late 1960s when under international pressure, from the USA in particular, the fields were burnt and production ceased. Now Poppies are grown under a strict licensing regime. They do not produce raw opium any more but derive Morphine and other opiates using the poppy straw method of extraction.
Afyon was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 50 lira banknote of 1927-1938.
source: wikipedia.org
History of Kastamonu
It is not definitely known when Kastamonu was first founded. However, some sources dating back to the Early Middle Ages refer to the province. There are also some archeological findings dating back to about 100,000 years that suggest the region was inhabited then.
There are theories that the word Kastamonu derives from the Latin name of the Byzantine castle built by the Comnenus dynasty: Castra Comnenus.
What is now Kastamonu Province was inhabited by the Kaska (or Ghashgai) people at least from the 18th century BC who were a perennial problem for the Hittites, and at one point the Kaska raided the Hittite homelands, sacking their capital Hattusa. After a war between these two nations in 13th century BC, the region was occupied by the Phrygians, and in 7th century BC by the Lydians.
With the weakening of the Macedon kings, the whole Paphlagonia and Bithynia regions were engulfed by the newly formed Pontus kingdom. After the fall of the Pontus kingdom in 1st century BC, the area was incorporated by the Roman Empire by joining Paphlagonia with Bithynia. The capitol center of this new city-state was Pompeiopolis, of which the remains still stand near Taşköprü District in Kastamonu.
The region went then under the hegemony of the Seljuk dynasty 11th century AD, followed by the Danishmends, the Byzantines during the crusades, Çobanoğlu and Candaroglu beyliks. The Ottoman sultan Beyazid I conquered the province in 1392 however, following his capture and death in Battle of Ankara, the area was granted back to the Candaroglu by the Mongol warlord Timur Lenk. Ottoman sultan Mehmed II incorporated the region back to the empire in 1461.
During the Ottoman reign, the province boundaries were expanded up to reach Istanbul. The sultan's heirs were often sent to rule the province as governors to gain experience.
After the First World War, during the battles of the Turkish War of Independence, Kastamonu played an important role in the supply of ammuniton and troops to the İnebolu-Ankara front, transporting the war machines that would arrive to İnebolu by sea from Istanbul and the Soviets. When the Greeks noticed this activity, the İnebolu port was bombarded from the sea on June 9, 1921.
source:experiencefestival.com
There are theories that the word Kastamonu derives from the Latin name of the Byzantine castle built by the Comnenus dynasty: Castra Comnenus.
What is now Kastamonu Province was inhabited by the Kaska (or Ghashgai) people at least from the 18th century BC who were a perennial problem for the Hittites, and at one point the Kaska raided the Hittite homelands, sacking their capital Hattusa. After a war between these two nations in 13th century BC, the region was occupied by the Phrygians, and in 7th century BC by the Lydians.
With the weakening of the Macedon kings, the whole Paphlagonia and Bithynia regions were engulfed by the newly formed Pontus kingdom. After the fall of the Pontus kingdom in 1st century BC, the area was incorporated by the Roman Empire by joining Paphlagonia with Bithynia. The capitol center of this new city-state was Pompeiopolis, of which the remains still stand near Taşköprü District in Kastamonu.
The region went then under the hegemony of the Seljuk dynasty 11th century AD, followed by the Danishmends, the Byzantines during the crusades, Çobanoğlu and Candaroglu beyliks. The Ottoman sultan Beyazid I conquered the province in 1392 however, following his capture and death in Battle of Ankara, the area was granted back to the Candaroglu by the Mongol warlord Timur Lenk. Ottoman sultan Mehmed II incorporated the region back to the empire in 1461.
During the Ottoman reign, the province boundaries were expanded up to reach Istanbul. The sultan's heirs were often sent to rule the province as governors to gain experience.
After the First World War, during the battles of the Turkish War of Independence, Kastamonu played an important role in the supply of ammuniton and troops to the İnebolu-Ankara front, transporting the war machines that would arrive to İnebolu by sea from Istanbul and the Soviets. When the Greeks noticed this activity, the İnebolu port was bombarded from the sea on June 9, 1921.
source:experiencefestival.com
Saturday, July 25, 2009
History of Manisa
Manisa (an earlier name Saruhan) has a very long history and its first settlement dates back to as early as 14th century B.C. In 12th century B.C., the city of Magnesia Ad Sipylum was founded. Some 600 years later the region was conquered by the great Persian king – Cyprus II. In the 1st century, the city passed under Roman rule and thus prospered as a rich and commercially active city. During this period it first acquired the name Magnesiopolis and later became Magnesia. After the Romans, for a century the kingdom was ruled by the Christians (John 3 Ducas) and then was conquered by the Turkmen tribes who made it the capital of their principality. They also changed the name to Manisa. In 1390, Manisa was conquered by the Ottomans who chose the city as the training ground for crown princes. After 12 years the city passed into the hands of Timur Lenk who restored the principality and later Manisa once again was incorporated into Ottoman Empire. In the 16th century, the Mesir Macunu festival was started in the honor of the cure of Ayse Sultana, mother of Suleiman the magnificent. “Mesir Macunu” or spiced candy, which cured her, is made by mixing various spices and is supposed to restore health, youth and potency. The 16th-century Muradiye Mosque was designed by the great architect Sinan.The adjacent medrese, or theological college, today houses the Archaeological Museum. The annual Harvest Festival begins in September when the fruits of the vineyards are brought in amid great celebration. The region's numerous vineyards produce grapes that are then dried for export. South of the city lies the Sipil Dagi National Park, home of the famous "crying rock" of Niobe. If you travel to the northeast you come to Gordes, a pleasant town particularly known for its fine carpets.
The most splendid city of Manisa Province is Sardis which has many other magnificent mosques coming from the Ottoman Period. Sardis, the capital city of the Lydian Kingdom, located at the starting point of the famous "King's Road" which extends towards the east, was an important trade center. In fact, Sardis was where metal coins were used for the first time in the world as a commercial value. The Temple of Artemis, restored gymnasium and one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Anatolia dates from the third century A.D. are the places which are most frequently visited in Sardis today. On the south side of Sardis, Mt. Boz (ancient Mt. Tmolus) is good for hiking and other mountain sports.
source: manisabilisim.org
The most splendid city of Manisa Province is Sardis which has many other magnificent mosques coming from the Ottoman Period. Sardis, the capital city of the Lydian Kingdom, located at the starting point of the famous "King's Road" which extends towards the east, was an important trade center. In fact, Sardis was where metal coins were used for the first time in the world as a commercial value. The Temple of Artemis, restored gymnasium and one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Anatolia dates from the third century A.D. are the places which are most frequently visited in Sardis today. On the south side of Sardis, Mt. Boz (ancient Mt. Tmolus) is good for hiking and other mountain sports.
source: manisabilisim.org
History of Adıyaman
Archeological research has shown that Adıyaman has been settled since Paleolithic times, making it one of theoldest settlements in Anatolia. Theruins at Gritille Höyük and Samsatreveal that Adıyaman was also settled in the Neolithic Era, Copper Age andBronze Age. Set between theEuphrates and the Taurusmountains, this region hasbeen ruled by many tribesand states during itshistory. After the collapseof the Hittite Empire, Adıyaman served as thecapital of the kingdom of Kummuh for an extended period. The area was then ruled in successionby the Assyrians, Meds and Persians. With the arrival of Alexander the Greatin Anatolia, the region was ruled for atime by the Macedonians. In the firstcentury BC, while Adıyaman wasunder Seleucid rule, the local satrap or governor Ptolemaeus decided to revoltand established the independentkingdom of Commagene. The Commagene kings had a profoundimpact on the region. In 72 AD, Adıyaman became a part of the Roman Empire, and later came underByzantine rule. Muslim Arabs conquered Adıyaman in the 7th century. With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia,the region was fought over by the Turks and Arabs, finally becoming apermanent part of the Ottoman Empire in 1516 when it was conquered by Sultan Selim I. When the Republic of Turkey was established, Adıyaman was placed under the jurisdiction of Malatya, and was declared a province of Turkey in 1954. Adıyaman is best known for theruins on Mount Nemrut, and for its Roman structures.
source: guneydogumirasi.org
source: guneydogumirasi.org
Friday, July 24, 2009
History of Kayseri
Kayseri has been a continuous settlement since 3000 BC. The city has always been a vital trade center since it is located on major trade routes, particularly along what was called the Great Silk Road. One of the oldest cities founded in Anatolia, Kültepe, lies nearby.
As Mazaca, the city served as the residence of the kings of Cappadocia. In ancient times, it was on the crossroads of the trade routes from Sinope to the Euphrates and from the Persian Royal Road that extended from Sardis to Susa. In Roman times, a similar route from Ephesus to the East also crossed the city.
The city's name was changed to Eusebia in honor of the Cappadocian king Ariathes V (163–130 BC). The name was changed again to Caesarea by the last Cappadocian King Archelaus or perhaps by Tiberius.
Caesarea stood on a low spur on the north side of Mount Erciyes (Mons Argaeus in ancient times). The site, now called the old town, diplays only a few traces from the old town. It was destroyed by the Sassanid king Shapur I of Persia after his victory over the Emperor Valerian I in AD 260. At the time it was recorded to have around 400,000 inhabitants. In the 4th century, bishop Basil established an ecclesiastical centre on the plain, about one mile to the northeast, which gradually supplanted the old town. A portion of Basil's new city was surrounded with strong walls and turned into a fortress by Justinian.
The Arab general Muawija invaded Cappadocia and took Caesarea from the Byzantines temporarily in AD 647. The city was called Kaisariyah by the Arabs and later Kayseri when it was captured shortly by the Seljuk sultan Alp Arslan in 1064. It became one of the most prominent center of at first the Danishmendids (1074-1178) , after Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate (1178-1243), until it fell to the Mongols in 1243. Within the walls lies the greater part of Kayseri rebuilt between the 13th and 16th centuries. The city became Ottoman in the 15th century.
Thus, there were three golden-age periods for Kayseri. The first, dating back to 2000BC, was when the city was a trade post between the Assyrians and the Hittites. The second golden age came during the Roman rule (200 - 300 AD). The third golden age was during the reign of Seljuks(1178-1243), when the city was the second capital of the state.
The 1500-year-old castle, built initially by the Romans, is still standing in good shape at the central square of the city. The short-lived Seljuk rule left large number of historical landmarks; historical buildings such as the Hunad Hatun complex, Kilij Arslan Mosque, The Grand Mosque and Gevher Nesibe asylum. The Grand Bazaar dates from the latter part of the 1800s, but the adjacent Caravanserai (where merchant traders gathered before forming a caravan) dates from around 1500. An Armenian church from the 19th century still operates as a church, another from the same period is used as a gymnasium. However, apart from these few, large, religious and secular constructions, most of Kayseri is modern. The town's older districts (which were filled with ornate mansion-houses mostly dating from the 18th and 19th centuries) were subjected to wholesale demolitions starting in the 1970s. The city is famous for its carpet sellers, and a range of carpets and rugs can be purchased reasonably ranging from new to 50 or more years old.
In the 4th century the city becomes central in early Christianity when St. Basil the Great establishes an ecclesiastical centre here. It is a Roman Catholic titular see and was the seat of an Armenian diocese.
The building that hosts Kayseri Lisesi was arranged to host the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the Turkish War of Independence when the Greek army had advanced very close to Ankara, the capital.
source: wikipedia.org
As Mazaca, the city served as the residence of the kings of Cappadocia. In ancient times, it was on the crossroads of the trade routes from Sinope to the Euphrates and from the Persian Royal Road that extended from Sardis to Susa. In Roman times, a similar route from Ephesus to the East also crossed the city.
The city's name was changed to Eusebia in honor of the Cappadocian king Ariathes V (163–130 BC). The name was changed again to Caesarea by the last Cappadocian King Archelaus or perhaps by Tiberius.
Caesarea stood on a low spur on the north side of Mount Erciyes (Mons Argaeus in ancient times). The site, now called the old town, diplays only a few traces from the old town. It was destroyed by the Sassanid king Shapur I of Persia after his victory over the Emperor Valerian I in AD 260. At the time it was recorded to have around 400,000 inhabitants. In the 4th century, bishop Basil established an ecclesiastical centre on the plain, about one mile to the northeast, which gradually supplanted the old town. A portion of Basil's new city was surrounded with strong walls and turned into a fortress by Justinian.
The Arab general Muawija invaded Cappadocia and took Caesarea from the Byzantines temporarily in AD 647. The city was called Kaisariyah by the Arabs and later Kayseri when it was captured shortly by the Seljuk sultan Alp Arslan in 1064. It became one of the most prominent center of at first the Danishmendids (1074-1178) , after Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate (1178-1243), until it fell to the Mongols in 1243. Within the walls lies the greater part of Kayseri rebuilt between the 13th and 16th centuries. The city became Ottoman in the 15th century.
Thus, there were three golden-age periods for Kayseri. The first, dating back to 2000BC, was when the city was a trade post between the Assyrians and the Hittites. The second golden age came during the Roman rule (200 - 300 AD). The third golden age was during the reign of Seljuks(1178-1243), when the city was the second capital of the state.
The 1500-year-old castle, built initially by the Romans, is still standing in good shape at the central square of the city. The short-lived Seljuk rule left large number of historical landmarks; historical buildings such as the Hunad Hatun complex, Kilij Arslan Mosque, The Grand Mosque and Gevher Nesibe asylum. The Grand Bazaar dates from the latter part of the 1800s, but the adjacent Caravanserai (where merchant traders gathered before forming a caravan) dates from around 1500. An Armenian church from the 19th century still operates as a church, another from the same period is used as a gymnasium. However, apart from these few, large, religious and secular constructions, most of Kayseri is modern. The town's older districts (which were filled with ornate mansion-houses mostly dating from the 18th and 19th centuries) were subjected to wholesale demolitions starting in the 1970s. The city is famous for its carpet sellers, and a range of carpets and rugs can be purchased reasonably ranging from new to 50 or more years old.
In the 4th century the city becomes central in early Christianity when St. Basil the Great establishes an ecclesiastical centre here. It is a Roman Catholic titular see and was the seat of an Armenian diocese.
The building that hosts Kayseri Lisesi was arranged to host the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the Turkish War of Independence when the Greek army had advanced very close to Ankara, the capital.
source: wikipedia.org
History of Gaziantep
Location has had great importance in the history of the settlement of Gaziantep. Our region is located between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, where the first civilisations were born and it is at the intersection of the roads coming from the South and from the Mediterranean going to the East, the North and the West. Therefore Gaziantep gives direction to history and to the present Gaziantep has been the living area and meeting place beginning from pre-historic eras. The historical Silk Road passed through Gaziantep, which helped prolong our cities importance and ensure its livelihood.
The historical periods of Gaziantep are chalcolthic Paleolithic Iron, Hittite, Mede, Assyrian, Persian, Alexandrian, Selencid Roman, Byzantine, Islam-Arabic, Islam-Turk periods. It is possible to see the signs of all these periods even today.
The old town known as Ayintap, is located 12 km to the southwest between Duluk Village and Karahoyuk Village. According to the archeological diggins, remains of Stone, and Copper Ages, show that this region is one of the oldest settlement areas in Anatolia.
Gaziantep was under the reign of the Babylonian Empire for some time, then in the 1700's B. C. became a Hittite town. "Duluk Town" was important as a religious center for the Hittities. Islam spread throgh to Anatolia from here. Hz. Okkesiye, who saw Hz. Mohammed's seal and kissed it and was one of his inspiration clerks, was found on a hill which is near the Nurdagi town of Durmuslar.
Gaziantep and its surroundings was governed by Asur, Med, Persian Empires between B. C. 700 and B. C. 546. After Alexander The Great conquered Persia it was then governed by the Romans, until A. D. 636, when it was taken by the Byzantines.
During the conflict of imposing Islam from the Arabic peninsula in the time of Hz. Omer, the Muslim Army captured the Gaziantep region and Hatay from the Byzantines. So the people iving in this area accepted the Islamic Religion in 639. Soon after this Syria and Antakya were governed by Islamic forces and they were taxed. So the famous Omeriye Mosque Of Gaziantep was constracted to symbolize the victory.
After the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 a Turkish government was set up which was under the Seljuk Empir. The town, which was demaged by Mongols in 1270, was latter conquered by the Dulkadirogullari (1389), and the Memluklular (1471). After the Mercidabik (near Kilis) war against The Memluks by Yavuz Sutan Selim in 1516, Gaziantep and its surroundings were conquered by Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period lots of mosques, religious schools, small mosques, khans, and baths were constructed. The town made improvements on production, trade and handicrafts. Evliya Celebi, who visited this region in 1641 and 1671, says that there were 22 streets, 8 thousand houses, about 100 mosques, religious schools, khans, baths and covered bazaars.
After the end of the First World War, Gaziantep was occupied first by the English then by the French. The GAziantep Defence in our National Independence War history showed braveness, hero and devotion. The Gaziantep Defence with its unique braveness aroused the people and saved itself and southeast Anatolia from the occupation forces. It has taken its place in history with the national unity and individuals braveness.
source: belkishan.com
The historical periods of Gaziantep are chalcolthic Paleolithic Iron, Hittite, Mede, Assyrian, Persian, Alexandrian, Selencid Roman, Byzantine, Islam-Arabic, Islam-Turk periods. It is possible to see the signs of all these periods even today.
The old town known as Ayintap, is located 12 km to the southwest between Duluk Village and Karahoyuk Village. According to the archeological diggins, remains of Stone, and Copper Ages, show that this region is one of the oldest settlement areas in Anatolia.
Gaziantep was under the reign of the Babylonian Empire for some time, then in the 1700's B. C. became a Hittite town. "Duluk Town" was important as a religious center for the Hittities. Islam spread throgh to Anatolia from here. Hz. Okkesiye, who saw Hz. Mohammed's seal and kissed it and was one of his inspiration clerks, was found on a hill which is near the Nurdagi town of Durmuslar.
Gaziantep and its surroundings was governed by Asur, Med, Persian Empires between B. C. 700 and B. C. 546. After Alexander The Great conquered Persia it was then governed by the Romans, until A. D. 636, when it was taken by the Byzantines.
During the conflict of imposing Islam from the Arabic peninsula in the time of Hz. Omer, the Muslim Army captured the Gaziantep region and Hatay from the Byzantines. So the people iving in this area accepted the Islamic Religion in 639. Soon after this Syria and Antakya were governed by Islamic forces and they were taxed. So the famous Omeriye Mosque Of Gaziantep was constracted to symbolize the victory.
After the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071 a Turkish government was set up which was under the Seljuk Empir. The town, which was demaged by Mongols in 1270, was latter conquered by the Dulkadirogullari (1389), and the Memluklular (1471). After the Mercidabik (near Kilis) war against The Memluks by Yavuz Sutan Selim in 1516, Gaziantep and its surroundings were conquered by Ottoman Empire. During the Ottoman period lots of mosques, religious schools, small mosques, khans, and baths were constructed. The town made improvements on production, trade and handicrafts. Evliya Celebi, who visited this region in 1641 and 1671, says that there were 22 streets, 8 thousand houses, about 100 mosques, religious schools, khans, baths and covered bazaars.
After the end of the First World War, Gaziantep was occupied first by the English then by the French. The GAziantep Defence in our National Independence War history showed braveness, hero and devotion. The Gaziantep Defence with its unique braveness aroused the people and saved itself and southeast Anatolia from the occupation forces. It has taken its place in history with the national unity and individuals braveness.
source: belkishan.com
History of Denizli
The history of Denizli is founded in the fertile lands of Anatolia and is as old and interesting as the history of Anatolia itself. The city has been continuously inhabited since the Chalcolithic Era.
The strategic location of Denizli on the main routes from the Aegean cost to Syria via Central Anatolian has made it attractive to several city states in the course of its history. It came under the rule of the Hittites with the establishment of the first Hittite city state in Anatolia (2000-1200 B.C.). Then it experienced the rule of Phrygians (750-700 B.C.), Lydians (700-546 B.C.), Persians (546-333 B.C.), Hellenics (333-30 B.C.), Romans (27 B.C.-395 A.D.), Byzantines (395-1200 A.D.), Seljuks (1200-1400 A.D.) and Ottomans.
According to ancient sources, when the Hittie Empire collapsed, The Phrygians lived the near the source of the Great Meander the Carians to the south, hte Lydians to the North.
In circa 600 B.C., the province was overtaken by nomadic fighters, the so-called Cimmerians and Sycthians, who defeated the Phrygians. At this point the Lydians seized their opportunity and took control of the region. In about 546 B.C., Kroisos, the Lydian King was defeated by the Persians and Persian rule started in the region. During this period tyrants, who were under the Persian satrapies, but independent in internal affairs, ruled the province. Hellenistic occupation began in 333 B.C. when Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and took over control of Anatolia. During this period many important cities (metropolis) were established. On the death of Alexander the Great, they quarrelled amongst themselves until the Treaty of Apemia. After the treaty, Denizli came under the aegis of the Seleucids and the Pergemum Kingdom. When Roman rule came to Anatolia in 133 B.C. Denizli automatically entered theirrule, and when the Roman Empire divided into two in 395 A.D., it was left under the control of the East Roman Empire. Several sources mention the presence of advanced cities during the Phrygian and Hellenistic Periods but, the surviving ruins unfortunately date only to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
The Turks first appear in the Denizli region after 1070. For a long while after this date, the region witnessed the struggles between the Turks and the Byzantines. Then at the beginning of the 13th century, the Turks took possession of most of Anatolia and formed the first Turkish settlers came to the region. The very first of their settlements was established in the vicinity of modern Kaleiçi where there was an abundant water supply.
Denizli has taken various names in the cource of its history. It is mentioned as Ladik in the Seljuk sources and in the judicial records of the contemporary court of Denizli.
In his travel book, İbni Batuda calls it Tonguzlu. It is also referred to as Tonguzlu and Tenguzlu by Şerafettin Yezdi, the author of an article on the victory of Timurleng. In old Turkish, Tengiz means Sea (Deniz in modern Turkish) and Tengüzlü means Denizli Katip Çelebi states that the settlement is called Denizli owing to its abundant water springs and sources (in his description he definesit as “Kesret Ul Ensar”). During the 13th century, with the arrival of the new Turkish clans, the region became even more densely occupied by the Turks. It was ruled by İlhans and the Germiyan Sons in 1257 respectively. When the Germiyan Sons captured Tripolis, the whole area was Turkized and in 1391, during the region of Yıldırım Beyazıt, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire.
source: pamukkale.gov.tr
The strategic location of Denizli on the main routes from the Aegean cost to Syria via Central Anatolian has made it attractive to several city states in the course of its history. It came under the rule of the Hittites with the establishment of the first Hittite city state in Anatolia (2000-1200 B.C.). Then it experienced the rule of Phrygians (750-700 B.C.), Lydians (700-546 B.C.), Persians (546-333 B.C.), Hellenics (333-30 B.C.), Romans (27 B.C.-395 A.D.), Byzantines (395-1200 A.D.), Seljuks (1200-1400 A.D.) and Ottomans.
According to ancient sources, when the Hittie Empire collapsed, The Phrygians lived the near the source of the Great Meander the Carians to the south, hte Lydians to the North.
In circa 600 B.C., the province was overtaken by nomadic fighters, the so-called Cimmerians and Sycthians, who defeated the Phrygians. At this point the Lydians seized their opportunity and took control of the region. In about 546 B.C., Kroisos, the Lydian King was defeated by the Persians and Persian rule started in the region. During this period tyrants, who were under the Persian satrapies, but independent in internal affairs, ruled the province. Hellenistic occupation began in 333 B.C. when Alexander the Great defeated the Persians and took over control of Anatolia. During this period many important cities (metropolis) were established. On the death of Alexander the Great, they quarrelled amongst themselves until the Treaty of Apemia. After the treaty, Denizli came under the aegis of the Seleucids and the Pergemum Kingdom. When Roman rule came to Anatolia in 133 B.C. Denizli automatically entered theirrule, and when the Roman Empire divided into two in 395 A.D., it was left under the control of the East Roman Empire. Several sources mention the presence of advanced cities during the Phrygian and Hellenistic Periods but, the surviving ruins unfortunately date only to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
The Turks first appear in the Denizli region after 1070. For a long while after this date, the region witnessed the struggles between the Turks and the Byzantines. Then at the beginning of the 13th century, the Turks took possession of most of Anatolia and formed the first Turkish settlers came to the region. The very first of their settlements was established in the vicinity of modern Kaleiçi where there was an abundant water supply.
Denizli has taken various names in the cource of its history. It is mentioned as Ladik in the Seljuk sources and in the judicial records of the contemporary court of Denizli.
In his travel book, İbni Batuda calls it Tonguzlu. It is also referred to as Tonguzlu and Tenguzlu by Şerafettin Yezdi, the author of an article on the victory of Timurleng. In old Turkish, Tengiz means Sea (Deniz in modern Turkish) and Tengüzlü means Denizli Katip Çelebi states that the settlement is called Denizli owing to its abundant water springs and sources (in his description he definesit as “Kesret Ul Ensar”). During the 13th century, with the arrival of the new Turkish clans, the region became even more densely occupied by the Turks. It was ruled by İlhans and the Germiyan Sons in 1257 respectively. When the Germiyan Sons captured Tripolis, the whole area was Turkized and in 1391, during the region of Yıldırım Beyazıt, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire.
source: pamukkale.gov.tr
History of Çanakkale
The city which hosted many civilizations; had been inhabitad by the natives who had lived on Biga Peninsula in the Last Calcolithic Age believed to have started 6000 years ago. However, those natives are unknown.According to some excavations and researchs, the earliest settlements in the region were set up at Kumtepe. It is supposed that Kumkale was set up in 4000 B.C and Troy was set up between 3500 – 3000 B.C. The real history of Çanakkale started with Troy. It was the brightest cultural center of its time during 3000 – 2000 B.C.
Later the Aiolions had settled on that important land in the 8 th century B.C. they founded many trade colonies in the region called Eolia. The region went under the control of the Lydians in the 7th century B.C and under the control of the Persians in the 6 th century B.C. Eolia went under the control of the Macedonians as Alexander the Great have defeated the Persians by the Kocabaş River of the region in the Granicos War on his way to Asia. The region went under the reing of the Pergamon kingdom in the 2nd century B.C.
The western part of the Biga Peninsula where Troy was stiuated was called as Troas. Alexandreas Troas that was one of the important settlements of the region, was a free trade port and a rich trade center, in the Roman area.
Later in the 2nd cenury A.D., the region beared the attacks of Goths coming from Thrace. The Strait gained more strategic importance. The Gallipoli Peninsula beared the Thins attacks in 5th century and the Uighurs’ attacks in the mid-6th century. During the 7th and 8th centuries, in order to attack Coustantinopolis (İstanbul) the Arabs passed the Strait a few times and came up to Sestos. In the beginning of the 14 th century the Cathons became dominant in the Gallipoli part and Karesioğulları dominated the Anatolien part. During the first half of that ceutury Demirhan Bey from Aydınoğulları attampted to dominate the region. The Ottomans got hold of Galipoli in 1367.
source: canakkale.bel.tr
Later the Aiolions had settled on that important land in the 8 th century B.C. they founded many trade colonies in the region called Eolia. The region went under the control of the Lydians in the 7th century B.C and under the control of the Persians in the 6 th century B.C. Eolia went under the control of the Macedonians as Alexander the Great have defeated the Persians by the Kocabaş River of the region in the Granicos War on his way to Asia. The region went under the reing of the Pergamon kingdom in the 2nd century B.C.
The western part of the Biga Peninsula where Troy was stiuated was called as Troas. Alexandreas Troas that was one of the important settlements of the region, was a free trade port and a rich trade center, in the Roman area.
Later in the 2nd cenury A.D., the region beared the attacks of Goths coming from Thrace. The Strait gained more strategic importance. The Gallipoli Peninsula beared the Thins attacks in 5th century and the Uighurs’ attacks in the mid-6th century. During the 7th and 8th centuries, in order to attack Coustantinopolis (İstanbul) the Arabs passed the Strait a few times and came up to Sestos. In the beginning of the 14 th century the Cathons became dominant in the Gallipoli part and Karesioğulları dominated the Anatolien part. During the first half of that ceutury Demirhan Bey from Aydınoğulları attampted to dominate the region. The Ottomans got hold of Galipoli in 1367.
source: canakkale.bel.tr
History of Balıkesir
It is estimated that Balıkesir and surroundings are settlement place since Prehistoric Age BC. 3200. Pelasg's nation that coming from the Balkans are formed colonies at the years of BC. 2000. Balıkesir lived at the periods of Frig, Lydia, Persian, Macedonian, Bergama Kingdom, Rome and Byzantine.
After the Malazgirt battle (1071) Karesi Bey who was son of a Seljuklian governor Kalem Şah Bey, conquered and formed Karesi Governmental and make Balıkesir capitol but he accepted Ottoman Dominance. Balıkesir proclaimed the status of province in 1923. Province old name Karesi changed to Balıkesir in 1926.
source: kultur.gov.tr
After the Malazgirt battle (1071) Karesi Bey who was son of a Seljuklian governor Kalem Şah Bey, conquered and formed Karesi Governmental and make Balıkesir capitol but he accepted Ottoman Dominance. Balıkesir proclaimed the status of province in 1923. Province old name Karesi changed to Balıkesir in 1926.
source: kultur.gov.tr
History of Adana
Adana is the fourth largest city in Turkey, with about 1.5 million people. Due to the richness of its natural resources, strategic location, mild weather and fertile lands for farming, Adana is one of the oldest cities founded in this region. The city is situated about 30 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea.
The Cukurova plains around Adana are irrigated by water from the Seyhan River; which follows through the city from north to south. Irrigation canals are spread throughout the plains. Three dams, two of them within city limits, were built on the Seyhan River. The old dam was built in 1935 and is mainly used to regulate the flow of the river to the irrigation canals. The new dam was built in 1953 and is used to stop floods and for power production. There is a hydroelectric power plant at the new dam. The reservoir behind the new dam, Adana Lake, changed the face of the city. The has moved toward and around the lake within the last 20 years.
The Cukurova University campus occupies almost all of the eastern side of the lake. Cukurova University, which has 30,000 students, is among the top 10 universities in Turkey.
Adana is an industrial and agricultural city. Most of its industry relies on agricultural products. Adana farmers mainly produce cotton. That is why Adana is the center of Turkey’s textile industry, one of Turkey’s leading industries. Farmers also grow various other products like grain, corn, fruit and vegetables. Turkey’s main highway, E-5, now renamed E-90, goes through Adana. This highway has been in the same location for at least 2,500 years. As well as the crusaders, Alexander the Great also used this road on his way to India.
The oldest documents mentioning Adana are Hittite texts, dating back to 1,600 B.C. Thus, we can easily say the roots of Adana go back at least 3,500 years. Adana and its surroundings were occupied by the Hittites in the 15th century B.C.
There are several theories about how Adana got its name. The most common is that Adana was originally founded by Seyhanus and Adanus, the sons of the god Uranus. Thus, Adana derived its name from Adanus, and the river running through it, Seyhan, got its name from Seyhanus.
Located on a main trade route, Adana was subject to constant invasions. Archaeological excavations show the city housed at least ten civilizations and eighteen states. In the 6th century B.C., Adana became part of the Persian empire only to be conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C., before passing into the hands of the Selucids after Alexander’s death. Later, it was conquered by Pompei and became part of the Roman Empire. The armies of Islam captured the region in the 7th century. In the 11th century, the crusaders invaded the area. In the 12th century, the Seljuk Turks captured the region. In 1517, Sultan Selim captured the area and made it part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the First World War, Adana was occupied by French armies. On January 5th, 1922, Adana was liberated from French occupation.
Despite its long history, there aren’t many artifacts to be found. The oldest monument in the city is the Roman Bridge. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century A.D. It is 319 meters long and has 21 arches, 14 of which are still standing. The old mosque (Yag Cami) was built in 1501. The old Market in the same area is about 500 years old.
New Adana, north of the E-5 highway, has many things to offer. New and modern shopping malls can compete with any shopping mall in Europe. Movie theaters show films in English during certain showings. Numerous restaurants serve typical local and western dishes. Those restaurants are mostly located on Ziyapasa Boulevard, parallel to Ataturk Boulevard. You will find many fish restaurants along the Adana Lake drive as well.
Driving by the lake and seeing the beautiful view is one of the things you can do to while in Adana. Most of the locals spend their evenings drinking tea by the lake. One place you should not miss while in Adana is the Sabanci Mosque. The mosque was built in 1999 and is the largest mosque in Turkey, and also one of the largest mosques in the Middle East.
source: turkeycentral.com
The Cukurova plains around Adana are irrigated by water from the Seyhan River; which follows through the city from north to south. Irrigation canals are spread throughout the plains. Three dams, two of them within city limits, were built on the Seyhan River. The old dam was built in 1935 and is mainly used to regulate the flow of the river to the irrigation canals. The new dam was built in 1953 and is used to stop floods and for power production. There is a hydroelectric power plant at the new dam. The reservoir behind the new dam, Adana Lake, changed the face of the city. The has moved toward and around the lake within the last 20 years.
The Cukurova University campus occupies almost all of the eastern side of the lake. Cukurova University, which has 30,000 students, is among the top 10 universities in Turkey.
Adana is an industrial and agricultural city. Most of its industry relies on agricultural products. Adana farmers mainly produce cotton. That is why Adana is the center of Turkey’s textile industry, one of Turkey’s leading industries. Farmers also grow various other products like grain, corn, fruit and vegetables. Turkey’s main highway, E-5, now renamed E-90, goes through Adana. This highway has been in the same location for at least 2,500 years. As well as the crusaders, Alexander the Great also used this road on his way to India.
The oldest documents mentioning Adana are Hittite texts, dating back to 1,600 B.C. Thus, we can easily say the roots of Adana go back at least 3,500 years. Adana and its surroundings were occupied by the Hittites in the 15th century B.C.
There are several theories about how Adana got its name. The most common is that Adana was originally founded by Seyhanus and Adanus, the sons of the god Uranus. Thus, Adana derived its name from Adanus, and the river running through it, Seyhan, got its name from Seyhanus.
Located on a main trade route, Adana was subject to constant invasions. Archaeological excavations show the city housed at least ten civilizations and eighteen states. In the 6th century B.C., Adana became part of the Persian empire only to be conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 B.C., before passing into the hands of the Selucids after Alexander’s death. Later, it was conquered by Pompei and became part of the Roman Empire. The armies of Islam captured the region in the 7th century. In the 11th century, the crusaders invaded the area. In the 12th century, the Seljuk Turks captured the region. In 1517, Sultan Selim captured the area and made it part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the First World War, Adana was occupied by French armies. On January 5th, 1922, Adana was liberated from French occupation.
Despite its long history, there aren’t many artifacts to be found. The oldest monument in the city is the Roman Bridge. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century A.D. It is 319 meters long and has 21 arches, 14 of which are still standing. The old mosque (Yag Cami) was built in 1501. The old Market in the same area is about 500 years old.
New Adana, north of the E-5 highway, has many things to offer. New and modern shopping malls can compete with any shopping mall in Europe. Movie theaters show films in English during certain showings. Numerous restaurants serve typical local and western dishes. Those restaurants are mostly located on Ziyapasa Boulevard, parallel to Ataturk Boulevard. You will find many fish restaurants along the Adana Lake drive as well.
Driving by the lake and seeing the beautiful view is one of the things you can do to while in Adana. Most of the locals spend their evenings drinking tea by the lake. One place you should not miss while in Adana is the Sabanci Mosque. The mosque was built in 1999 and is the largest mosque in Turkey, and also one of the largest mosques in the Middle East.
source: turkeycentral.com
History of Erzincan
Erzincan is one of the oldest cultural hubs of Anatolia which has made a venerable name for itself with its copper and bronze artworks and a flavorful variety of cheese called "Tulum Peyniri". Located on the ancient silk route, Erzincan`s history has been shaped by influences from various other cultures and races.
The antiquity of Erzincan dates back to the Bronze Age. The city has seen many races at its helm and has been ruled over by the Hittites, Urartus, Meds, Persians, Hellens and the Romans. After the war of Malazgirt in 1071, Turks conquered the city. Subsequently, the Mengücek, Seljuk and Eretna branches of the Turks ruled the city until the Ottomans stormed the city after the battle of Oltukbeli in 1473. The prosperity of the city is attributed to the Turkish rule.
source: turkeyforyou.com
The antiquity of Erzincan dates back to the Bronze Age. The city has seen many races at its helm and has been ruled over by the Hittites, Urartus, Meds, Persians, Hellens and the Romans. After the war of Malazgirt in 1071, Turks conquered the city. Subsequently, the Mengücek, Seljuk and Eretna branches of the Turks ruled the city until the Ottomans stormed the city after the battle of Oltukbeli in 1473. The prosperity of the city is attributed to the Turkish rule.
source: turkeyforyou.com
History of Hatay / Antakya
The foundation of the city goes back to the general Alexander der Grosse Antigonos in the year 307 B.C. In comparison to today the city probably lay a little bit further to the north and the development ran badly in the first years. A successor of Alexander, Seleukos Nikator (305-280 B.C.) founded the city exactly at the today's place and called them after his father Antiocheia. Here the position was exactly favorable, because the caravans of the Silk Road moved through the city, before they reached the harbour of Seleukeia at the Mediterranean Sea. In the first century B.C. the city should have over a half million inhabitants and was only a little bit smaller than Rome. The city must have been bigger around a multiple one, than today.
An antique big-city life, with several kilometres long column routes, road lightings and several long water pipes made life here pleasant.
The city was also known as a venue of the competitions to honour Apollo.
The Romans conquered the city in 64 B.C.
Especially for the Christianity this place is a significant place, because apostle Paulus visited this place regularly on his missionary journeys (apostle: 11.26; 14, 26; 15, 30, 35; 18, 22).
In this antique city the word “Christian” (Christianos) was used first time. This is mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles 18 and 22. Indeed, the Christians couldn't exercise her religion freely. They were pursued under Diokletian and their churches were destroyed. Under Konstantin the Christianity state religion and the churches were rebuilt. Even the seat of the patriarch was laid to Antakya. More than ten councils took place in the city between 252 and 380 A.D.
The worst hour experienced the city with an earthquake, which destroyed the city over and over again completely. Especially bad was earthquake 525 which left no house probably. The conquest by the Persians in 538 signified a deportation of the inhabitants to Mesopotamia. After the back conquest of the city by Justinian, the city was called “God's city”. In 638 the Arabs conquered the city at the first time. Only short before the year 1000 the Byzantines could recapture the city again.
Till then the city was an important commercial metropolis and lived from the processing of the goods transported over the Silk Road. Silk, glass, soap and copper devices were products of the city.
In 1084 the Seljuqs came and in 1098 the crusaders.
For 170 years they determined the destiny of the city, but in the middle of 13-th century the Mamluks conquered the city.
The destruction in mediaeval times and a lot of sand in the harbour of Antakya are the reasons which make the city insignificantly. In 1516 the city was integrated in the Ottoman empire by Selim I. In 1872 there was an earthquake again which destroyed the city completely.
In the 20-th century there were different events of world-political meaning. On the Musa Dag, in sight from Antakya, a group of the Armenians could avoid the pursuit and deportation of the Turks by a spectacular defensive action. This event is become world-famous by a Roman of Franz Welfel called “The forty days of the Musa Dag”.
In 1918, after the first world war, the city was integrated into the Syrian protectorate. In 1939 there was a controversial plebiscite about the future of this region which was phoney / influenced by the Turkish military. After the plebiscite Antakya was integrated into the Turkish republic.
source: antakya.tv
An antique big-city life, with several kilometres long column routes, road lightings and several long water pipes made life here pleasant.
The city was also known as a venue of the competitions to honour Apollo.
The Romans conquered the city in 64 B.C.
Especially for the Christianity this place is a significant place, because apostle Paulus visited this place regularly on his missionary journeys (apostle: 11.26; 14, 26; 15, 30, 35; 18, 22).
In this antique city the word “Christian” (Christianos) was used first time. This is mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles 18 and 22. Indeed, the Christians couldn't exercise her religion freely. They were pursued under Diokletian and their churches were destroyed. Under Konstantin the Christianity state religion and the churches were rebuilt. Even the seat of the patriarch was laid to Antakya. More than ten councils took place in the city between 252 and 380 A.D.
The worst hour experienced the city with an earthquake, which destroyed the city over and over again completely. Especially bad was earthquake 525 which left no house probably. The conquest by the Persians in 538 signified a deportation of the inhabitants to Mesopotamia. After the back conquest of the city by Justinian, the city was called “God's city”. In 638 the Arabs conquered the city at the first time. Only short before the year 1000 the Byzantines could recapture the city again.
Till then the city was an important commercial metropolis and lived from the processing of the goods transported over the Silk Road. Silk, glass, soap and copper devices were products of the city.
In 1084 the Seljuqs came and in 1098 the crusaders.
For 170 years they determined the destiny of the city, but in the middle of 13-th century the Mamluks conquered the city.
The destruction in mediaeval times and a lot of sand in the harbour of Antakya are the reasons which make the city insignificantly. In 1516 the city was integrated in the Ottoman empire by Selim I. In 1872 there was an earthquake again which destroyed the city completely.
In the 20-th century there were different events of world-political meaning. On the Musa Dag, in sight from Antakya, a group of the Armenians could avoid the pursuit and deportation of the Turks by a spectacular defensive action. This event is become world-famous by a Roman of Franz Welfel called “The forty days of the Musa Dag”.
In 1918, after the first world war, the city was integrated into the Syrian protectorate. In 1939 there was a controversial plebiscite about the future of this region which was phoney / influenced by the Turkish military. After the plebiscite Antakya was integrated into the Turkish republic.
source: antakya.tv
History of Antalya
Evidence of human habitation dating back over 200 000 years has been discovered in the Carain caves 30 km to the north of Antalya city. Other finds dating back to Neolithic times and more recent periods show that the area has been populated by various ancient civilisations throughout the ages.
Records from the Hittite period refer to the area as part of the "Lukka Lands" (from which "Lycia" is derived) and document the lively interaction going on between provinces in the second millennium BC. Like their descendents, the Lukkans were known for their seamanship (especially their piracy) and demonstrated a fiery independent spirit. Neither the Hittites, nor the kingdom of Arzawa on the west coast, could ever keep them at peace for long.
Historical records document how cities developed independently, how the area as a whole came to be called Pamphylia and how in Classical times a federation of cities was set up in the province. There are also tales of the migration of the Akha clan to the area after the Trojan war.
Antalya had entered the sovereignty of Lydian Kingdom from 7th century BC. The reign of the kingdom of Lydia in west Anatolia came to an end in 560 BC after it was defeated by the Persians during the battle of Sardis in 546 BC. The Macedonian commander Alexander the Great stoped the Persian rule and in around 334 BC Alexander the Great conquered the cities of the area one by one - except for Termessos and Sillyon which managed to repulse his armies in 333 BC. Antalya itself was founded later. With the death of Alexander in 323 BC, a long battle erupted between his commanders that lasted until 188 BC.
With the defeat of the Seleucid army at Apamaea began the reign of the kingdon of Pergamom. In 150 BC Attalos II, king of Pergamom, founded the city of Attalia (Greek: ???-present day Antalya) to base his powerful naval fleet. When Attalos III, the last king of Pergamom, died in 133 BC he left his kingdom to the Romans. After that an era starts in the region that the pirates and small cities belonging to pirates play a major role. Christianity started to be spread in the region after 2nd century. During the Byzantine sovereignty, it is known that Antalya had a big development era until 5th and 6th centuries. In these centuries, Antalya had reached beyond the city walls. Starting from 7th century, the Muslim Arabs had started to be dominant in the region. The army of Louis VII. sailed thence for Syria in 1148, and the fleet of Richard of England rallied there before the conquest of Cyprus. Between the years 1120-1206, Antalya had agained passed under the sovereignty of Byzantines. Antalya played a considerable part in the medieval history of the Levant. Kilij Arslan had a palace there.
Conquered by the Seljuk Turks of Konia in 1207 A.D. and then Alanya in 1220 A.D. ending the Byzantine rule for the last time, and made the capital of the province of Tekke, it passed after their fall through many hands, including those of the Venetians and Genoese, before its final occupation by the Ottoman Turks under Murad II. (1432).
The Arabic traveller Ibn Battuta who came to the city in between 1335-1340 noted: "The people of the city are living in separate neighborhoods according to their ethinicity and religion. The Christian merchants are living in a neighborhood called Mina. The neighborhood is surrounded by a wall and the gates of the walls are closed on Friday nights. The Greeks live in a different neighborhood and it is also surrounded by a wall. The Jews also have their own neighborhood surrounded by walls. The Muslims are living in the largest part. This part includes a small mosque and madrasah with a lot of hamams, rich, organized and large bazaars. The city is surrounded with a large wall that includes all of the neighborhoods that we mentioned above."
In the 18th century, in common with most of Anatolia, its actual lord was a Dere Bey. The family of Tekke Oglu, domiciled near Perga, though reduced to submission in 1812 by Mahmud II., continued to be a rival power to the Ottoman governor till within the present generation, surviving by many years the fall of the other great Beys of Anatolia. The records of the Levant (Turkey) Company, which maintained an important agency here till 1825, contain curious information as to the local Dere Beys. The population as of 1911 of Antalya, which included many Christians and Jews, then living, as in the middle ages, in separate quarters, the former round the walled mina or port, was about 25,000. The port was served by coasting steamers of the local companies only. Antalya(then Adalia) was an extremely picturesque, but ill-built and backward place. The chief thing to see was the city wall, outside which runs a good and clean promenade and which survives to this day. The government offices and the houses of the better class were all outside the walls.
The brief occupation of the area by the Italians came to an abrupt end after the First World War with the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The area is now registered as a province of the Republic of Turkey.
A notable historical figure who visited Antalya was Paul of Tarsus, as recorded in the biblical book, the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 14:25-26), wherein Antalya is referred to as Attalia. St. Paul and St. Barnabas went to Antalya and sailed from there to Antioch after preaching in the Pisidia and Pamphylia regions.
source: antalya.fm
Records from the Hittite period refer to the area as part of the "Lukka Lands" (from which "Lycia" is derived) and document the lively interaction going on between provinces in the second millennium BC. Like their descendents, the Lukkans were known for their seamanship (especially their piracy) and demonstrated a fiery independent spirit. Neither the Hittites, nor the kingdom of Arzawa on the west coast, could ever keep them at peace for long.
Historical records document how cities developed independently, how the area as a whole came to be called Pamphylia and how in Classical times a federation of cities was set up in the province. There are also tales of the migration of the Akha clan to the area after the Trojan war.
Antalya had entered the sovereignty of Lydian Kingdom from 7th century BC. The reign of the kingdom of Lydia in west Anatolia came to an end in 560 BC after it was defeated by the Persians during the battle of Sardis in 546 BC. The Macedonian commander Alexander the Great stoped the Persian rule and in around 334 BC Alexander the Great conquered the cities of the area one by one - except for Termessos and Sillyon which managed to repulse his armies in 333 BC. Antalya itself was founded later. With the death of Alexander in 323 BC, a long battle erupted between his commanders that lasted until 188 BC.
With the defeat of the Seleucid army at Apamaea began the reign of the kingdon of Pergamom. In 150 BC Attalos II, king of Pergamom, founded the city of Attalia (Greek: ???-present day Antalya) to base his powerful naval fleet. When Attalos III, the last king of Pergamom, died in 133 BC he left his kingdom to the Romans. After that an era starts in the region that the pirates and small cities belonging to pirates play a major role. Christianity started to be spread in the region after 2nd century. During the Byzantine sovereignty, it is known that Antalya had a big development era until 5th and 6th centuries. In these centuries, Antalya had reached beyond the city walls. Starting from 7th century, the Muslim Arabs had started to be dominant in the region. The army of Louis VII. sailed thence for Syria in 1148, and the fleet of Richard of England rallied there before the conquest of Cyprus. Between the years 1120-1206, Antalya had agained passed under the sovereignty of Byzantines. Antalya played a considerable part in the medieval history of the Levant. Kilij Arslan had a palace there.
Conquered by the Seljuk Turks of Konia in 1207 A.D. and then Alanya in 1220 A.D. ending the Byzantine rule for the last time, and made the capital of the province of Tekke, it passed after their fall through many hands, including those of the Venetians and Genoese, before its final occupation by the Ottoman Turks under Murad II. (1432).
The Arabic traveller Ibn Battuta who came to the city in between 1335-1340 noted: "The people of the city are living in separate neighborhoods according to their ethinicity and religion. The Christian merchants are living in a neighborhood called Mina. The neighborhood is surrounded by a wall and the gates of the walls are closed on Friday nights. The Greeks live in a different neighborhood and it is also surrounded by a wall. The Jews also have their own neighborhood surrounded by walls. The Muslims are living in the largest part. This part includes a small mosque and madrasah with a lot of hamams, rich, organized and large bazaars. The city is surrounded with a large wall that includes all of the neighborhoods that we mentioned above."
In the 18th century, in common with most of Anatolia, its actual lord was a Dere Bey. The family of Tekke Oglu, domiciled near Perga, though reduced to submission in 1812 by Mahmud II., continued to be a rival power to the Ottoman governor till within the present generation, surviving by many years the fall of the other great Beys of Anatolia. The records of the Levant (Turkey) Company, which maintained an important agency here till 1825, contain curious information as to the local Dere Beys. The population as of 1911 of Antalya, which included many Christians and Jews, then living, as in the middle ages, in separate quarters, the former round the walled mina or port, was about 25,000. The port was served by coasting steamers of the local companies only. Antalya(then Adalia) was an extremely picturesque, but ill-built and backward place. The chief thing to see was the city wall, outside which runs a good and clean promenade and which survives to this day. The government offices and the houses of the better class were all outside the walls.
The brief occupation of the area by the Italians came to an abrupt end after the First World War with the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The area is now registered as a province of the Republic of Turkey.
A notable historical figure who visited Antalya was Paul of Tarsus, as recorded in the biblical book, the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 14:25-26), wherein Antalya is referred to as Attalia. St. Paul and St. Barnabas went to Antalya and sailed from there to Antioch after preaching in the Pisidia and Pamphylia regions.
source: antalya.fm
History of Izmir
The 5,000 year-old city of Izmir is one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean basin. The original city was established in the third millennium BC (at present day Bayraklı), at which time it shared with Troy the most advanced culture in Anatolia.
Greek settlement is attested by the presence of pottery dating from about 1000 BC. In the first millennium BC Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation. During this period, it is believed that the epic poet Homer resided here.
Lydian conquest of the city around 600 BC brought this golden age to an end. Smyrna was little more than a village throughout the Lydian and subsequent sixth century BC Persian rule. In the fourth century BC a new city was built on the slopes of Mt. Pagos (Kadifekale) during the reign of Alexander the Great. Smyrna's Roman period, beginning in the first century BC, was its second great era.
In the first century AD, Smyrna became one of the earliest centers of Christianity and it was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Both Revelation and the Martyrdom of Polycarp indicate the existence of a Jewish community in Smyrna as early as the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation indicates that the Christians were spiritually "rich" and apparently in conflict with the Jews: "I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (2:9)
The origins of the Christian community there, which was established in the 1st century, are unknown. Ignatius of Antioch stopped at Smyrna on his way to martyrdom in Rome in 107 AD, and he sent a letter back to the Christians there from later in his journey. Smyrna's bishop, Polycarp, was burned at the stake in Smyrna's stadium around 156 AD.
Byzantine rule came in the fourth century and lasted until the Seljuk conquest in 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmed Çelebi, Smyrna became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The city earned its fame as one of the most important port cities of the world during the 17th to 19th centuries. The majority of its population were Greek but merchants of various origins (especially Greek, French, Italian, Dutch, Armenian, Sephardi and Jewish) transformed the city into a cosmopolitan portal of trade. During this period, the city was famous for its own brand of music (Smyrneika) as well as its wide range of products it exported to Europe (Smyrna/Sultana raisins, dried figs, carpets, etc.).
Today, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and is nicknamed "the pearl of Aegean." It is widely regarded as the most Westernized city of Turkey in terms of values, ideology, gender roles, and lifestyle.
source: sacred-destinations(dot)com
Greek settlement is attested by the presence of pottery dating from about 1000 BC. In the first millennium BC Izmir, then known as Smyrna, ranked as one of the most important cities of the Ionian Federation. During this period, it is believed that the epic poet Homer resided here.
Lydian conquest of the city around 600 BC brought this golden age to an end. Smyrna was little more than a village throughout the Lydian and subsequent sixth century BC Persian rule. In the fourth century BC a new city was built on the slopes of Mt. Pagos (Kadifekale) during the reign of Alexander the Great. Smyrna's Roman period, beginning in the first century BC, was its second great era.
In the first century AD, Smyrna became one of the earliest centers of Christianity and it was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Both Revelation and the Martyrdom of Polycarp indicate the existence of a Jewish community in Smyrna as early as the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. The letter to the church at Smyrna in Revelation indicates that the Christians were spiritually "rich" and apparently in conflict with the Jews: "I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." (2:9)
The origins of the Christian community there, which was established in the 1st century, are unknown. Ignatius of Antioch stopped at Smyrna on his way to martyrdom in Rome in 107 AD, and he sent a letter back to the Christians there from later in his journey. Smyrna's bishop, Polycarp, was burned at the stake in Smyrna's stadium around 156 AD.
Byzantine rule came in the fourth century and lasted until the Seljuk conquest in 11th century. In 1415, under Sultan Mehmed Çelebi, Smyrna became part of the Ottoman Empire.
The city earned its fame as one of the most important port cities of the world during the 17th to 19th centuries. The majority of its population were Greek but merchants of various origins (especially Greek, French, Italian, Dutch, Armenian, Sephardi and Jewish) transformed the city into a cosmopolitan portal of trade. During this period, the city was famous for its own brand of music (Smyrneika) as well as its wide range of products it exported to Europe (Smyrna/Sultana raisins, dried figs, carpets, etc.).
Today, Izmir is Turkey's third largest city and is nicknamed "the pearl of Aegean." It is widely regarded as the most Westernized city of Turkey in terms of values, ideology, gender roles, and lifestyle.
source: sacred-destinations(dot)com
Thursday, July 23, 2009
History of Ankara
The history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti civilisation of the Bronze Age. Two thousand years
Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistence which followed World War I. It was declared the capital of the new Turkish Republic on October 13th 1923 when the National War of Independence freed Turkey from foreign occupation.
Occupying one of the most prominent parts of the city is Anitkabir, the magnificent mausoleum constructed to commemorate Atatürk. This structure, which was completed in 1953, is a synthesis of antique and modern architectural themes, and proves the elegance and strength of Turkish architecture.
Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous.
source: ankaracityguide(dot)com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
History of Istanbul
What is now called Asian Istanbul was probably inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Eventually, in the 7th century, Greek colonists led by King Byzas established the colony of Byzantium, the Greek name for a city on the Bosphorus. Byzas chose the spot after consulting an oracle of Delphi who told him to settle across from the "land of the blind ones." Indeed, Byzas concluded, earlier settlers must have been deprived of their sight to have overlooked this superb location at the mouth of the Bosphorus strait. This proved an auspicious decision by Byzas, as history has shown Istanbul's location important far beyond what these early Greek settlers might possibly have conceived. Byzas gave his name to the city: Byzantium.
In the early 100's BC, it became part of the Roman Empire and in 306 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great made Byzantium capital of the entire Roman Empire. From that point on, the city was known as Constantinople.
The attribute that made the city so desirable, its incomparable location for trade and transport between three continents, was also its nemesis. For the next several hundred years Persians, Arabs, nomadic peoples, and members of the Fourth Crusade (who for a time governed the city) attacked Constantinople.
Finally, weakened by almost constant battle, the Ottoman Turks lead by Sultan Mehmet II conquered Constantinople in 1453. Renamed Istanbul, it became the third and last capital of the Ottoman Empire. It was the nerve center for military campaigns that were to enlarge the Ottoman Empire dramatically. By the mid 1500's, Istanbul, with a population of almost half a million, was a major cultural, political, and commercial center. Ottoman rule continued until it was defeated in WWI and Istanbul was occupied by the allies.
When the Republic of Turkey was born in 1923 after the War of Independence, Kemal Ataturk moved the capital to the city of Ankara. But Istanbul has continued to expand dramatically; today its population is approximately 13 million and increases at an estimated 700,000 immigrants per year. Industry has expanded even as tourism has grown. It continues to be a city that creates its own history at the intersection where both Continents meet.
There are many interesting museums, castles, palaces, mosques, churches, and historic hammams. Some of the interesting districts of the city are: Haydarpasa, Uskudar, Eyup, Galata, Perapalas, Ortaköy, Bosphorus, Taksim, Eminönü and Sultanahmet. Princess Islands are a popular summer resort for local people.
source: allaboutturkey(dot)com
Hi there!
In my first English blog, I will try to introduce Turkey in every aspects. I won't write just about Istanbul or Antalya. I will mention about all cities with their videos and photos. Thats all for today. Just enjoy!
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