Turkey Ankara History: A Look at the Ancient City and its Cultural Significance
Turkey has a rich and vibrant history that stretches back thousands of years, and the capital city of Ankara has played an important role in the development of the country. Ankara has been an important strategic location since the Hittite period, and it has been a capital city for several different empires and civilizations throughout its history. The city has a unique culture and is home to many important archaeological sites, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Turkey. In this article, we will explore the history of Ankara and its significance to the country's culture and development.
The history of Ankara dates back to the Hittite period, when it was known as Ankuwash. During this period, Ankara was an important trading center and a strategic city for the Hittite Empire. It was also a religious center, and the city was home to a number of temples dedicated to the gods of the Hittites. The city was destroyed by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC, but it was later rebuilt by the Phrygians in the 6th century BC.
The city was also an important center of power during the Roman period, and it became the capital of the Roman province of Galatia. During this period, the city was known as Ancyra and was home to a number of important monuments, including the Temple of Augustus and the Temple of Rome.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Ankara was conquered by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century. The city was then taken by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the city was home to a number of important monuments, including the Mosques of Sultanahmet and the Blue Mosque.
Today, Ankara is a modern city that is home to a number of important cultural and historical sites. The city is home to the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, as well as several other important monuments. The city is also home to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which houses a number of artifacts from the Hittite, Roman, and Ottoman periods.
Ankara is also home to a number of universities, including the Middle East Technical University and the Hacettepe University. The city is also home to a number of important cultural events, including the Ankara International Film Festival and the Ankara Jazz Festival.
Ankara is an important city in the history of Turkey, and it is a great place to visit for anyone interested in learning more about the country's past. The city has a unique culture and is home to a number of important archaeological sites, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Turkey. Whether you are interested in learning more about the history of Ankara or just want to explore the city's culture and attractions, Ankara is a great place to visit.