Exploring Turkey’s Rich History- What Was Turkey Called Before Its Modern Name-
What was Turkey called before? This intriguing question delves into the rich history of a country that has been known by various names throughout the ages. Turkey, a nation located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has a fascinating past that has seen it pass through different eras and empires, each leaving its mark on the land and its inhabitants. In this article, we will explore the various names that Turkey has been called before its current name.
Turkey’s ancient history dates back to the Neolithic period, and the region has been inhabited by various civilizations. One of the earliest known names for the region was Anatolia, which is the Greek name for the region that corresponds to modern-day Turkey. The term “Anatolia” is derived from the Greek words “Anatolē,” meaning “eastern land,” reflecting the location of the region in relation to the Aegean Sea.
Another ancient name for the region was Asia Minor, which is a Latin term used to describe the region that is now known as Turkey. The name Asia Minor was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to refer to the western part of Asia, which included Anatolia. The term “Asia Minor” is still used in some contexts today, particularly in historical discussions.
During the Hellenistic period, the region was known as the Kingdom of Pergamon, named after the city of Pergamon, which was one of the most prominent cities in the region at the time. The Kingdom of Pergamon was a Hellenistic kingdom that lasted from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century BC and was known for its cultural and architectural achievements.
In the following centuries, the region was under the control of various empires, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Seljuk Turks. During the Roman Empire, the region was known as Asia Province, reflecting its status as a province of the empire.
The Seljuk Turks, who were a Muslim Turkic people, arrived in Anatolia in the 11th century and gradually expanded their control over the region. During this period, the region was known as the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, which means “Seljuk Sultanate of the Romans.” The name “Rum” was a term used by the Turks to refer to the Byzantine Empire, which was also known as the Roman Empire in the Middle Ages.
In the 14th century, the Ottoman Empire was established in Anatolia, and the region was known as the Ottoman Empire for the next four centuries. The Ottoman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history and left a lasting impact on the region, including the adoption of the Turkish language as the official language.
In the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and the Turkish Republic was established in 1923. Since then, the country has been known as Turkey, a name derived from the Turkish word “Türk,” meaning “Turk.”
In conclusion, Turkey has been called various names throughout history, reflecting the diverse cultures and empires that have shaped the region. From Anatolia and Asia Minor to the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and the Ottoman Empire, Turkey’s rich history is a testament to its unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
