*
Turkey
is often called "the cradle of civilization," as it
has been home to a rich variety of tribes and nations of people
since 7500 B.C. Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians,
Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians,Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks
and Ottomans have all held important places in Turkey's history.
Ancient sites and ruins throughout the country attest to each
civilization's unique character.
*
One of most known empires is "Romans" ,in 4th
century A.D after Roman empire was divided into two as Western &
Eastern, it was the first time "Istanbul" was made the capital of
Eastern Roman empire eventhough "Asia minor"
(That was the name given to Turkey by Romans) was under Roman
rule for many centuries before. After Rome was destroyed by the
barbarian tribes from north Europe in the 6th century. The eastern
Roman empire which was always under Greek influence was totaly
taken over by Greeks and even the title of Roman empire was
converted into "Byzantine" which became the centre
of civilizations & wealth for over 800 years untill the
Ottoman state expanded and became a serious threat for
Byzantine in 15th century A.D.The Ottoman state which was one of
the Turkish tribes settled in "Asia Minor" in 13th century
invaded "Byzantine empire" in 1453 A.D.
*
Istanbul became the capital of Ottoman Turks which expanded &
ruled a huge empire covering Northern Africa,eastern Europe and
Asia minor till the end of 19th century and collapsed by the end
of WW1.
*Today,"Asia
Minor" is the land of "Turkish Republic"
which was founded under leadership of ATATURK in
1920 as a democratic modern state.
* As you can see,"Asia
Minor"(Turkey) has been the settlement for many states,
kingdoms and empires. The first settlement dates back 7500 B.C
which is the oldest discovery everknown by the world..
....Today,Turkey offers the ruins of the first settlement of the
world,best preserved ancient cities such as Ephesus ,Pergamum,Priene,Milet
and legendary city of Troy, Assos,Likya,Pamphilia
... Almost everywhere you step on the soil of "Asia Minor" you
come accross an ancient remain as well as biblical remains such as
The house of Virgin Mary, seven churches of
revelation,St.John's basillica,prison of St.Paul,
the tomb of Santaclause (St.Nicholas)..And two of the
seven wonders of the world are in Turkey(Artemission temple &
mosselium)..................
