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Forgotten Ankara: Do you know how this city played a key role in history?
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the central Anatolia region, has a metropolitan population of over 5.1 million and is the second largest city in Türkiye. The city's history spans thousands of years, from the ancient Hittites to the modern Republic of Turkey, and Ankara has played an important role in each period.
Ankara has been influenced by many ancient civilisations, including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, and the city's history is an important part of the history of Turkey and the wider region.
Ancient Ankara
Ankara's history dates back to the Bronze Age Hittite civilization, which was then absorbed by the Indo-European Hittites between 2000 and 1700 BC. The city flourished with the rise of the Phrygians around 1000 BC and became a major trade center, especially in Anatolia.
Ankara's name comes from the Ancient Greek word "Ἄγκυρα", which means "anchor". The name evolved over time and eventually became the current "Ankara".
Seljuk and Ottoman periods
In 1071, with the victory of the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuk Turks began to occupy Anatolia. Ankara was later controlled by the Ottoman Empire, and by 1356 the city had developed into a transportation hub. As the Ottoman Empire expanded, Ankara became the center of several administrative regions, including Angora Eyalet and Angora Vilayet.
Modern Ankara
On October 29, 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of the Republic of Türkiye, replacing Istanbul, which had been the capital for generations. Ankara is not only politically important, but also increasingly prosperous due to its unique commercial and industrial base.
Ankara is considered a green city, with an average of 72 square meters of green space per resident, which is a considerable number compared to other dry areas.
The trajectory of history
Ankara's history is full of twists and turns, from its ancient Hittite and Phrygian roots, through to its later Roman and Byzantine influences, and ultimately to its status as the modern capital of Turkey. The city has witnessed countless wars, political struggles and cultural integration, and has left behind rich historical relics, including buildings from the ancient Roman and Ottoman periods.
Conclusion
The city of Ankara has a rich history filled with cultural and diverse influences, playing a key role at different stages of history, whether as a commercial center, cultural intersection, or political capital. How will Ankara’s story be witnessed over time and forever remembered by future generations?
