Ankara

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. Here is a detailed history of the city, highlighting significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Ancient and Classical Periods

• Hatti and Hittite Periods: The earliest known settlements in the Ankara area date back to the Hatti civilization during the Bronze Age. It later became part of the Hittite Empire.
• Phrygian Rule: Around the 10th century BCE, the Phrygians established control over the region. Ankara (known as Ancyra) became one of their key settlements.
• Lydian and Persian Periods: Ancyra was later ruled by the Lydians and then became part of the Persian Empire.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

• Alexander the Great: Ancyra came under the control of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE.
• Galatians: Post-Alexander, the region was settled by the Galatians, a Celtic tribe, who made Ancyra their capital around 278 BCE.
• Roman Empire: Ancyra was absorbed into the Roman Empire in 25 BCE. It became a significant Roman city and was known for its strategic location.

Byzantine Period

• Ancyra remained an important urban center during the Byzantine era. It was a key military and administrative center.

Seljuk and Ottoman Periods

• Seljuk Turks: The Seljuk Turks conquered the area in the 11th century, introducing Islam and Turkic culture.
• Ottoman Empire: Ankara became part of the Ottoman Empire in the 14th century. It was a relatively small town but noted for its production of mohair wool.

20th Century and the Republic of Turkey

• War of Independence: Ankara played a pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as the base for the national resistance movement against occupying forces after World War I.
• Capital of Turkey: On October 13, 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of the newly founded Republic of Turkey, replacing Istanbul. This was significant for strategic and symbolic reasons, as it represented a shift from the Ottoman past to a modern, secular republic.

Significant Figures

• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: The founder of modern Turkey, Atatürk led the War of Independence and established Ankara as the capital. His mausoleum, Anıtkabir, is a prominent landmark in the city.

Important Landmarks

• Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, a major symbol of modern Turkey.
• The Roman Temple of Augustus: Also known as the Monumentum Ancyranum, it contains the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, an inscription of the deeds of Emperor Augustus.
• Hacı Bayram Mosque: A significant religious site built in the early 15th century, located near the Temple of Augustus.
• Ankara Castle: An ancient fortification with foundations dating back to the Galatians and Romans, offering panoramic views of the city.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Houses artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the present, showcasing the rich history of Anatolia.
• Kocatepe Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Turkey, completed in 1987, reflecting modern Islamic architecture.

Modern Era

• Ankara has grown into a modern, vibrant city, serving as the political, administrative, and cultural heart of Turkey. It is home to numerous government buildings, foreign embassies, and educational institutions.

Ankara's history is a testament to its enduring significance through different civilizations and its key role in the formation of modern Turkey.