Modern-day Turkey (Türkiye), which is one of the world's earliest continuously inhabited areas, was the location of significant Neolithic sites such as Göbekli Tepe. The history of Turkey dates back to ancient times, with the region being home to several important civilizations. One of the earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Hattians, who lived in central Anatolia around 2000 BCE. The Hittites, another ancient civilization, established a powerful empire in Anatolia around the 17th century BCE. Over time, the region was inhabited by several ancient civilizations, including the Hattians, Hittites, Anatolian people, Mycenaean Greeks, Persians, and many others.
During the Bronze Age, the Mycenaean Greeks settled along the western coast of Anatolia, while the Phrygians settled in the central part of the region. Later, the Lydians established a kingdom in western Anatolia, and their capital, Sardis, became an important city in the ancient world.
In the 6th century BCE, the Persian Empire conquered Anatolia, which led to the rise of several powerful cities in the region, including Miletus, Ephesus, and Halicarnassus. Alexander the Great later conquered the Persian Empire, and after his death, Anatolia became a battleground for various warring factions.
The Roman Empire later conquered Anatolia, and the region became a center of Christian culture during the Byzantine era. The Seljuk Turks, who were originally from Central Asia, conquered Anatolia in the 11th century, and their empire lasted until the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. After the Mongol invasion, the Ottoman Turks established a powerful empire in Anatolia, which lasted until the early 20th century when Turkey became a modern republic.
< Back to Asia / Anatolia
Constantinople was founded by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 324 CE as the new capital of the Roman Empire, replacing the historic city of Rome. The city was strategically located on the Bosporus Strait, which connected the Mediterranean and Black Seas and provided a natural defensive barrier against invaders. Over the centuries, Constantinople became one of the most important cities in the world. It was a center of trade and commerce, as well as of culture, learning and also a hub of religious activity. During the Middle Ages, Constantinople was repeatedly attacked by foreign powers, including the Persians, Arabs, and Crusaders. However, it was able to withstand these attacks and remain a powerful city. In 1453 CE, Constantinople was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks, led by Sultan Mehmed II. The city was renamed Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Explore >
The Mausoleum of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent is part of the Suleymaniye Mosque Complex. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, it was built in the 16th century CE. The complex was designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and is considered one of his greatest masterpieces. The mausoleum itself is a large domed structure with an octagonal base, built of finely carved white marble. The dome is supported by four large pillars and is covered in intricate calligraphy and geometric designs. The interior of the mausoleum is adorned with beautiful blue and white Iznik tiles, which are arranged in intricate patterns and designs. The walls of the main chamber are covered in intricate tilework and calligraphy, and the ceiling is decorated with beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows. The Mausoleum of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and design, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at its height. Explore >
The Lion's Gate is a notable architectural feature of the ancient Hittite city of Hattusa, located in present-day Turkey. This gate was built during the Hittite Empire's heyday in the 14th century BCE and served as the main entrance to the city's fortified inner citadel. The gate is named for the two large stone lions that flank the entrance and are believed to have been protective symbols of the city's gods. It is one of the several other gates bearing the carvings of the Lions. The gate features several architectural elements that were typical of Hittite architecture, such as the use of cyclopean masonry, where large, irregular stones are used to build walls, and the incorporation of relief carvings into the stonework. Overall, the Lion's Gate is a remarkable example of the Hittite Empire's architectural and artistic achievements. Explore >
The Lion's Gate is a notable architectural feature of the ancient Hittite city of Hattusa, located in present-day Turkey. This gate was built during the Hittite Empire's heyday in the 14th century BCE and served as the main entrance to the city's fortified inner citadel. The gate is named for the two large stone lions that flank the entrance and are believed to have been protective symbols of the city's gods. It is one of the several other gates bearing the carvings of the Lions. The gate features several architectural elements that were typical of Hittite architecture, such as the use of cyclopean masonry, where large, irregular stones are used to build walls, and the incorporation of relief carvings into the stonework. Overall, the Lion's Gate is a remarkable example of the Hittite Empire's architectural and artistic achievements. Explore >
