Brief History

Central Anatolia, often considered the heartland of Turkey, has been a cradle of civilization since ancient times. The Hittites, whose capital was located at Hattusa, were one of the first major civilizations to dominate the region. Their empire played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the Near East during the second millennium BCE. After the fall of the Hittites, the region saw the rise of the Phrygians, known for their distinctive culture and myths, such as the legend of King Midas. Central Anatolia was later conquered by the Lydians and then the Persians before the arrival of Alexander the Great, whose campaigns introduced Hellenistic culture to the region.

During the Roman period, Central Anatolia became an integral part of the empire, with cities such as Ankara (ancient Ancyra) flourishing. The region remained significant during the Byzantine era, acting as a buffer zone between the empire and the expanding Islamic Caliphates. After the Seljuks and then the Ottomans gained control of the area, it remained a vital hub for trade and agriculture, linking the coastal regions with the interior.