The İmportance Of ANKARA İn World History

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, has a rich history that spans several millennia. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other historical cities, such as Rome or Athens, Ankara has played a significant role in world history for various reasons. Here are some key aspects of Ankara's historical importance:

1. Ancient Origins:
2. Ankara has a history dating back to ancient times. It was known as Ancyra in classical antiquity and served as a strategic location for several civilizations, including the Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, and Byzantines. The city's Hittite and Phrygian roots contribute to its ancient significance.

1. Roman Period:
2. During the Roman Empire, Ankara gained prominence as a commercial and administrative center. It became an important crossroads connecting different regions of the empire. The city was also the location where Roman Emperor Augustus defeated his rival Mark Antony and the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, in the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.
3. Byzantine Era:
4. Following the division of the Roman Empire, Ankara became part of the Byzantine Empire. The city continued to be strategically important and was a center for trade and culture during this period.
5. Seljuk and Ottoman Periods:
6. Ankara gained renewed importance during the Seljuk Turkish era in the 11th century and later as a key city in the Ottoman Empire. In 1923, following the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara was declared the capital of the newly established Republic of Turkey.
7. Modern Turkish History:
8. The decision to make Ankara the capital was strategic. Atatürk aimed to move away from the Ottoman past and establish a modern, secular, and westernized state. Ankara's central location in Turkey made it more defensible than Istanbul (the former capital), which was vulnerable to foreign influence.
9. Atatürk's Mausoleum (Anıtkabir):
10. Ankara is home to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Anıtkabir is a symbol of the country's commitment to its secular and nationalist principles. It attracts millions of visitors each year and is a place of national significance.

1. Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:
2. Ankara's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has made it strategically important throughout history. Today, as the capital of Turkey, it plays a crucial role in the country's political, economic, and cultural life. Turkey's geopolitical position, bridging the East and the West, adds to Ankara's significance in the contemporary world.

In summary, Ankara's historical importance lies in its role as a center for various civilizations, its strategic location, its significance in the formation of modern Turkey, and the presence of symbols like Anıtkabir that reflect the country's historical and ideological foundations.