Turkish States in History

Turkish States in History
Turkish States
Great Huns
Western Huns
European Huns
Ak Huns
Gokturks
Avars
Hazars
Uygurs
Karahanlis
Gaznelis
Seljuks
Harzemsahs
Altinordus
Timurs
Baburs
Ottomans
Republic of Turkey
Turks have a long background dating back to the 3rd millennia BC, when they lived as nomads in the great Chinese steppes and on the Mongolian highlands. But first historical written references to the Turks appear in Chinese records of about 200 BC, when Turks liberated themselves from the Chinese autonomy and moved towards west to establish their own Empires and States mainly within the intersection of 3 continents; Asia, Europe and Africa. Their economy was based on shepherding and stockbreeding, especially sheep and horse, latter having a great importance in the Turkish social and cultural life. With the contact of Arabs around 9th century AD, Turks started to become Muslims in large groups especially in the 10th century AD. Totemism and Shamanism were the main religions of Turks before Islam.

There were 16 Turkish States in the history, before the foundation of Republic of Turkey. The rulers of these States were called mainly as Tarkan, Tanhu, Kagan (Kaan), Han (Khan), Yangu, Bey, Shah, Sultan, and so on. Generally the eldest son was appointed as the crown prince. In case the crown princes were at a very young age, than their uncles were enthroned until they grow up. The capital city of the ruler was called as "Ordu".



Great Hun Empire (204 BC - 216 AD)
Buyuk Hun Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: METE HAN

Territory: Siberia to the North, Tibet and Kashmir to the south, Pacific Ocean to the east, and Caspian Sea to the west (approximately 18 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Yabgu Teoman - Karahan (Tou-Man Tovman) (? - 209 BC)
Mete Bagatir (209 - 174 BC)
Lao - Shang (174 - 161 BC)
Chun - Chen Yabgu (Kun) (161 - 126 BC)
I-Chin-Hsien (Icihise) Yabgu (126 - 114 BC)
Wu-Weri (Uvey) Yabgu (114 - 105 BC)
Wu-Shih-Lu-Erh (U-Su-Liu-Usilu) Yabgu (105 - 102 BC)
Chu-Li-Hu (Hiu-Li-Hu-Guylihu) Yabgu (102 - 101 BC)
Chu-Ti-Hu (Tsie-Ti-Heu-Tsuydiheu) Yabgu (101 - 96 BC)
Hu-Lu-Ku-(Hu-Lo-Ku = Hulugu) Yabgu (96 - 85 BC)
Khuandi Yabgu (85 - 68 BC)
Khuyluy Yabgu (68 - 60 BC)
Uven-Guydi Yabgu (60 - 58 BC)
Khukhasie Yabgu (58 - 56 BC)
Chichi Yabgu (56 - 36 BC)
Joti Yabgu (31 - 20 BC)
Seuse - Joti Yabgu (20 - 12 BC)
Cheya - Joti Yabgu (12 - 8 BC)
Uchjolu - Joti Yabgu (8 BC - 13 AD)
Uluyjoti Yabgu (13 - 18 AD)
Shikao-Joti Yabgu (18 - 46)
Vutatiho Yabgu (46)
Panu Yabgu (46 - 83)
Sanmuldutzu Yabgu (83 - 84)
Yuliu Yabgu (84 - 89)
Yuchukien Yabgu (89 - 93)
Ankuo Yabgu (93 - 94)
Tingtoshi - Suyheuti Yabgu (94 - 98)
Vanshichi - Suyti Yabgu (98 - 124)
Vuchihu - Shihcho Yabgu (124 - 127)
Tejoshi - Suytsieu Yabgu (127 - 140)
Chenieu Yabgu (140 - 143)
Hulanjoshi Suytsieu Yabgu (143 - 147)
Ilingshi - Suytsieu Yabgu (147 - 172)
Totejoshi - Suytsieu Yabgu (172 - 177)
Huching Yabgu (177 - 179)
Kiangkiu Yabgu (179 - 188)
Techishi - Suyheu Yabgu (188 - 195)
Huchutsiuen Yabgu (195 - 216)


Western Hun Empire (48 - 216 AD)
Bati Hun Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: PANU

Territory: Western Turkistan provinces

Emperors:

Unknown


European Hun Empire (375 - 469 AD)
Avrupa Hun Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: OKTAR

Territory: Southern Russia, Romania, northern ex-Yugoslavia, Hungary, Austria, ex-Czechoslovakia, Southern and mid-Germany. Basically stretching from eastern France to Ural mountains, and from northern Hungary to Byzantine lands (approximately 4 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Balamir (375 - 395)
Karaton(395 - 415)
Muncuk (415 - 425)
Oktar (425 - 430)
Ruga (430 - 434)
Bleda (434 - 445)
Attila (445 - 453)
Ilek (453 - 454)


Ak (White) Hun Empire (420 - 552 AD)
Ak Hun Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: AKSHUVAR (AKSUNGUR)

Territory: half of northern India, Afghanistan, a part of Turkistan (approximately 3.5 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Toraman Akhsunvar (420 - 470)
Toraman (496 - 502)
Mihirakula (502 - 530)
Un-identified between 530 - 567


Gokturk Empire (552 - 745 AD)
Gokturk Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: BUMIN KAGAN

Territory: Altai (Ergenekon) valleys, mainly stretching between Pacific Ocean and Black Sea (approximately 18 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Bumin Kagan (552 - 553)
Istemi Kagan (553 - 576)
Tapar Kagan (576 - 581)
Baga Ishbara Kagan (581 - 587)
Chur-Baga Kagan (587 - 588)
Tunga Turan Kagan (588 - 600)
Bilge Tardu Kagan (600 - 603)
Kimin Ture Kagan (603 - 609)
Shibi Kagan (609 - 619)
Chulluk Kagan (619 - 621)
Kara Kagan (621 - 630)
Shirbe Kagan (630 - 646)
Chibi Kagan (646 - 647)
Ipi Tulu Kagan (647 - 653)
Chenku-Yabgu (653 - 659)
Echine Turche Kagan (659 - 679)
Echine Kur Pur Chur Kagan (679 - 682)
Ilterish Kutlug Kagan (682 - 693)
Kapagan Kagan (693 - 716)
Bilge Kagan (716 - 734)
Ichen Bilge Kagan (734 - 739)
Bilge Kutlug Kagan (739 - 741)
Penge Kagan (741 - 742)
Suyen Kagan (742)
Uzmush Kagan (742 - 744)
Peymen Kagan (744 - 745)


Avar Empire (565 - 835 AD)
Avar Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: BAYAN KAGAN

Territory: between Volga and Hungary, Southern Russia and Eflak Bogdan area

Emperors:

Bayan Kagan (565 - 602)
Un-identified between 602 - 791
Tudun I (791 - 803)
Zodan (803 - 805)
Thedorus (805 - ?)
Abraham (? - ?)
Tudun II (? - 835)


Khazar (Caspian) Empire (651 - 983 AD)
Hazar Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: Unknown, but its greatest ruler was HAKAN YUSUF

Territory: between Crimea, Caucasia, Dinyeper, Don, Volga areas

Emperors:

Unknown


Uygur State (745 - 1368 AD)
Uygur Devleti in Turkish

Founder: KUTLUG BILGE KUL KAGAN

Territory: Central Asia and northern Mongolia

Emperors:

Kutlug Bilge Kul-Kagan (745 - 746)
Il-Etmish Bilge Bayinchur (Moyunchur) Kagan (746 - 759)
Il-Tutmush Alp Kulug Bilge Kagan (759 - 780)
Alp-Kutlug Bilge Kagan (780 - 789)
Taras Kulug Bilge Kagan (789 - 790)
Ochur Kutlug Bilge Kagan (790 - 795)
Alp-Ulug Kutlug Bilge Kagan (795 - 805)
Kut-Bulmush in Ay-Tengri
Kut Bulmush Kuchlug Bilge Kagan in Tengri
Alp-Kulug Bilge Kagan
Uge Kagan (839 - 845)
Bilge Bayinchur (Moyunchur II) Kadir Han (845 - 885)
Tafgach Ogulchak Kadir Han (885 - 940)
Un-identified rulers


Karahanli State (940 - 1040 AD)
Karahanlilar in Turkish

Founder: SATUK BUGRA HAN

Territory: between Aral lake to Mongolia

Emperors:

Satuk Bugra Abdulkerim Han (940 - 955)
Baytash Musa Han (955 - ?)
Ali Han (? - 998)
Ahmed Han I (998 - 1017)
Mansur Han (1017 - 1024)
Ahmed Han II (1024 - 1026)
Yusuf Han (1026 - 1032)
Suleyman Han (1032 - 1040)


Gazneli Sultanate (962 - 1183 AD)
Gazneliler in Turkish

Founder: ALP TEKIN

Territory: stretching between Maveraunnehir to Ganja, and from Caspian shores to Pamir highlands (approximately 4.7 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Alp Tekin (Tigin) (962)
Ebu - Ishak Ibrahim (963 - 966)
Bilge Tekin (966 - 972)
Piri Tekin (972 - 977)
Sebuk Tekin (977 - 997)
Ismail (997 - 998)
Gazneli Mahmud (998 - 1030)
Celalu'd - Devle & Cemalu'l-Ebu-Ahmed Muhammed (? - 1041)
Sultan Mes'ud I (1030 - 1040)
Sultan Mevlud (1040 - 1048)
Sultan Mes'ud II (1048 - 1049)
Sultan Ali (1049 - 1051)
Sultan Abdurreshid (1051 - 1052)
Sultan Tugrul (Mutegallibe) (1052 - 1053)
Sultan Ferk-Zad (1053 - 1059)
Sultan Ibrahim (1059 - 1099)
Sultan Mes'ud III (1099 - 1115)
Sultan Shir-Zad (1115 - 1116)
Sultan Arslan-Shah (1116 - 1117)
Sultan Behram-Shah (1117 - 1152)
Sultan Husrev-Shah (1152 - 1160)
Sultan Husrev-Melik (Melik Shah) (1160 - 1187)


Greater Seljuk Empire (1040 - 1157 AD)
Buyuk Selcuk Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: SELCUK BEY

Territory: Balkash to the east, Aegean & Mediterranean shores to the west, Aral Lake, Caspian Sea and Caucasia to the north, Amman Sea to the south including Arabia (approximately 10 million sq kilometers). Please click here for more information.

Emperors:

Tugrul Bey (1040 - 1063)
Sultan Alp Arslan (1063 - 1072)
Sultan Melik Shah I (1072 - 1092)
Sultan Mahmud (1092 - 1093)
Sultan Rukneddin Beryaruk (1093 - 1104)
Sultan Melik Shah II (1104 - 1105)
Sultan Mehmed Tapar (1105 - 1118)
Sultan Mu'izzeddin Sancar (1118 - 1157)


Kharzem Shah State (1097 - 1231 AD)
Harzemsahlar in Turkish

Founder: K. MUHAMMED HARZEMSAH

Territory: Area between Iran, southern Caucasia, Dagestan, Amman Sea, Afghanistan, Maveraunnehir, Harzem, Balkash and Aral Lake (approximately 5 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

K. Muhammed Harzemshah (1097 - 1128)
Un-named Harzemshah (1128 - 1156)
Il-Arslan Harzemshah (1116 - 1172)
Alaeddin Tekish Harzemshah (1172 - 1200)
Aleddin Muhammed Harzemshah (1200 - 1220)
Celaleddin Harzemshah (1220 - 1231)


The Golden Horde (1236 - 1502 AD)
Altinordu Devleti in Turkish

Founder: BATUR (BATU) HAN

Territory: Eastern Europe, Idyll (Volga) area, and area between western Urals and northern Volga

Emperors:

Cuci-Han (1223-1227)
Batu (Batur) (1227-1256)
Sartak Han (1256-1257)
Olakci Han (1257)
Berke Han (1257-1266)
Mengu - Timur Han (1266-1280)
Tuda - Mengu Han (1280 -1287)
Tula - Buga Han (1287-1290)
Tokta Han(1290-1312)
Ozbek Han (1312-1341)
Tini Bek Han (1341)
Cani - Bek Han I (1341-1357)
Berdi - Bek Han (1357- 1360)
Kulpa Han (1360)
Nevruz - Bek Han (1360-1361)
Hizir Han (1361)
Timur - Hoca Han (1361)
Avdul Han (1361-1362)
Kildi - Bek Han (1362)
Murut Han (1362-1363)
Aziz Han (1363-1367)
Cani Bek Han II (1367)
Pulad - Demir Han (1367)
Bulak Han (1367-1370)
Tulun - Bek Hanim (1370-1372)
Ilban Han (1372-1374)
Ala Hoca Han (1374)
Urus Han (1374-1376)
Timur - Melik Han (1376-1377)
Toktamish Han (1377-1395)
Timur- Kutlug Han (1395-1400)
Sadi - Bek Han (1400-1408)
Pulad Han (1408-1410)
Timur Han (1410-1411)
Celaleddin Han (1411-1412)
Kerim - Berdi Han (1412-1417)
Kepek Han (1414-1415)
Kaadir - Berdi Han (1415-1416)
Cebbar - Berdi Han (1416-1419)
Ulug - Muhammed Han (1419-1435)
Seyid - Ahmed Han I (1435-1465)
Seyyid - Ahmed Han II (1465 - 1481)
Seyyid - Ahmed Han III (1481)
Mutuza Han (1481 - 1499)
Seyh - Ahmed Han (1499 - 1502)


Greater Timur Empire (1368 - 1501 AD)
Buyuk Timur Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: TIMUR GURKAN

Territory: Balkans in the west, Volga shores in the north, Indian Ocean in the south, Central Asia in the east

Emperors:

Timur Gurkan (Kuregen) (1368 - 1405)
Sultan Halil (1405 - 1409)
Sultan Shahruh (1409 - 1447)
Sultan Ulug - Beg (1447 - 1449)
Sultan Abdullatif (1449 - 1450)
Sultan Abdullah (1450 - 1451)
Sultan Ebu - Said (1451 - 1469)
Sultan Ahmed (1469 - 1494)
Sultan Mahmud (1494 - 1495)
Sultan Baysungur (1495 - 1497)
Sultan Babur (1497 - 1498)
Sultan Ali (1498 - 1500)


Babur Empire (1526 - 1858 AD)
Babur Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: BABUR SAH

Territory: India and Afghanistan (approximately 2.7 million sq kilometers)

Emperors:

Babur Shah (1483 - 1530)
Nasireddin Muhammed Humayun Shah (1530 - 1540)
Ekber Mirza Shah (1556 - 1605)
Cihangir Shah (1605 - 1627)
Shah-i Cihan I (1627 - 1658)
Alemgir Shah I (1658 - 1707)
Bahadir Shah I (1707 - 1712)
Cihahgir Shah (1712 - 1713)
Ferruh - Siyer Shah (1713 - 1719)
Refiudderecat Shah (1719)
Shah-i Cihan II (1719)
Muhammed Shah (1719 - 1748)
Ahmet Shah (1748 - 1754)
Alemgir Shah II (1754 - 1759)
Shah-I Alem (1759 - 1806)
Ekber Shah (1806 - 1837)
Bahadir Shah II (1837 - 1858)


Ottoman Empire (1299 - 1923 AD)
Osmanli Imparatorlugu in Turkish

Founder: OSMAN BEY

Territory: Please click here for more information (approximately 20 million sq kilometers)

Emperors: Please click here for more information



Republic of Turkey (1923 - today)
Turkiye Cumhuriyeti in Turkish

Founder: MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATURK

Territory: Please click here for more information (approximately 780 thousand sq kilometers)

Government: Please click here for more information



In the modern world today, there are other Turkic originated countries apart from Turkey: Azerbaijan, Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. Beside these independent countries we can also count autonomous Turkic States: Republic of Nahchevan, Republic of Tuva, Republic of Tataristan, North Osetya (Alanya) Federal Republic, Crimean Autonomous Republic Tatar Autonomous Administration, Adige Federal Republic, Altai Republic, Bashkiria Federal Republic, Saha (Yakutistan) Federal Republic, Karakalpak Turks and Karakalpakistan, Karacay-Circassian Republic, Kabardey-Balkar (Malkar) Republic, Sincan/Uighur Autonomous Region (Eastern Turkistan), Republic of Chechnya, Chuvashistan, Dagestan Republic, Gagavuz (Gokoguz), Hakas People and Hakasia (Hakas Republic), and Hakas Federal Republic. And finally, as some of the Turkish Communities around the world we can point: Western Thrace Turks, Bulgaria Turks, Kosovo Turks, Macedonian Turks, Afghanistan Turks, Ahiska Turks, Derbent Turkmens, Khazar and Karay people, Turks living in Idyll-Ural Region, Caucasus Turkmens, Kaskay Turks, Sanjak Turks, Kumuk Turks, Meluncan People, Turks in Mongolia, Oryat People (Altai Turks), Nogay Turks, Turks living in Romania, Turks living in Iraq, Iranian Turks, and Turks living in Syria. They all share the same roots of Turks.



Source: Presidency of Republic of Turkey

Turkish origins

The first historical references to the Turks appear in Chinese records of about 2000 B.C. These records refer to tribes called the Hsiung-nu, an early form of the Western term Hun, who lived in an area bounded by the Altai Mountains, Lake Baikal, and the northern edge of the Gobi Desert and are believed to have been the ancestors of the Turks. Specific references in Chinese sources in the sixth century A.D. identify the tribal kingdom called Tu-Küe located on the Orkhon River south of Lake Baikal. The Khans (chiefs) of this tribe accepted the nominal suzerainty of the Tang dynasty. The earliest known example of writing in a Turkic language was found in that area and can be dated from about A.D. 730.

Other Turkish nomads from the Altai region founded the Göktürk Empire, a confederation of tribes under a dynasty of Khans whose influence extended during the sixth to eighth centuries from the Aral Sea to the Hindu Kush in the land bridge known as Transoxania, i.e., across the Oxus River. The Göktürks are known to have been enlisted by a Byzantine emperor in the seventh century as allies against the Sassanians. In the eighth century some Turkish tribes, among them the Oguz, moved south of the Oxus River, while others migrated west to the northern shore of the Black Sea.

Turks came into Asia Minor in 1071 AD after the victory of Malazgirt by the Seljuks.

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Culture

Folk culture:
Turkish folklore, Folk dances of Izmir, Horon folk dance, Karagöz and Hacivat, a Turkish shadow play, Nasreddin Hodja, Whirling Dervishes, Nomads (Yoruks)
Arts:
Turkish arts, Carpets and kilims, Nazar Boncuk beads, Mother of pearl inlay (Sedef), Nargile (waterpipe), Meerschaum (Luletasi), Musical instruments of Turkey
Turkish cuisine:
Traditional Turkish drinks, Turkish coffee, Turkish tea, Turkish soups , Traditional mezes 1, Traditional mezes 2, Traditional mezes 3, Traditional mezes 4, Turkish meat dishes 1, Turkish meat dishes 2, Turkish desserts, Turkish dessert recipes, Mesir paste
Sport:
Camel wrestling, Turkish oil wrestling, Turkish Jereed (Javelin), Skiing in Turkey, Sports in Turkey, Mountaineering in Turkey
Literature & Entertainment:
Turkish writers and poets 1, Turkish writers and poets 2, Turkish writers and poets 3, Novelist Orhan Pamuk, Film director Ferzan Özpetek
Architecture:
Turkish architecture, Turkish bath (hamam), Turkish Baths in Istanbul, Mimar Sinan, Safranbolu and traditional Turkish houses
Government:
Political parties in Turkey, Prime Ministers, Presidents of the Republic, Grand National Assembly, Turkish National Anthem, The Constitution, Turkish economy, New Turkish Lira, New Turkish Lira law, Tax system, Banking system, Health Care in Turkey, Turkish Education System, Turkish Universities, Turkish Agriculture
Animals:
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Other:
European Capital of Culture, Marriage in Turkey, Marriage for Foreigners in Turkey, Turkish language, Cultural and natural heritage, Turkish Armed Forces, Savarona Yacht, The Jews of Turkey

History

History
Historic Ages of Anatolia
Paleolithic Age (Early Stone Age) 60,000 - 10,000 B.C.
Mesolithic Age (Mid Stone Age) 10,000 - 8,500 B.C.
Neolithic Age (Late Stone Age) 8,500 - 5,000 B.C.
Chalcolithic Age (Copper Age) 5,000 - 3,000 B.C.
Bronze Age 3,000 - 2,000 B.C.
Hatti and Hurrian Civilization 2,500 - 2,000 B.C.
Troy - II Settlement 2,500 - 2,000 B.C.
Hatti and Hittite Principalities Period 2,000 - 1,750 B.C.
Great Hittite Kingdom
Hurri Civilization 1,750 - 1,200 B.C.
Troy - VI Civilization 1,800 - 1,275 B.C.
Aegean Migration and Invasion From Balkans 1,200 B.C.
The Anatolian Principalities during the Iron Age 1,200 - 700 B.C.
Urartu Civilization 900 - 600 B.C.
The Civilization of Phrygia 750 - 300 B.C.
Lydia, Caria and Lycia Civilizations 700 - 300 B.C.
Ionian Civilization 1,050 - 300 B.C.
Persian Conquest 545 - 333 B.C.
Hellenistic And Roman Age 333 B.C. - 395 A.D.
Byzantine Civilization 330 - 1453 A.D.
Seljuk Civilization 1071 - 1300 A.D.
Ottomans 1299 - 1923 A.D.
The Turkish Republic 1923 - present
General
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Early Antiquity
The Hittites, Assyrian civilization, Urartu civilization, Hatti civilization, Hurrian civilization, Battle of Kadesh (c.1275 BC)
Later Antiquity
Alexander the Great, Herodotus, Homer, Strabo, Seven Wonders of the ancient world, Greek gods, Amazons, Ionian civilization, Phrygians, Ancient Caria, Lycia and the Lycians, Lydia, King Croesus, Commagene, Persian Empire, Roman Empire
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Byzantium
Byzantine Empire, Constantine the Great, Byzantine Emperors, Theodosius I, II and III, Justinian I, The Nika Revolt, The Crusades
Turkish Origins
Turkish origins, Turkish States, The Seljuk Turks, The Medieval madrasa
Ottoman Turkey
The Ottoman Empire, The Ottoman state and government, Ottoman sultans, Sultan Osman Gazi, Sultan Murad I, Sultan Yildirim Bayezit, Sultan Murad II, Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror, 1453: Conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, Sultan Selim II, Architect Sinan, Barbarossa, Sokollu Mehmed, Janissaries, The Ottoman harem, Ottoman women, Florence Nightingale and the Museum
Ataturk and the birth of modern Turkey
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ataturk’s life, Ataturk’s reforms, Turkish War of Independence, Kemalism, Ataturk’s quotes and speeches, Gallipoli campaign
Modern Turkey
Treaties of Sèvres and Lausanne, Military interventions in Turkey, GAP Project, Presidents of the Republic, Prime Ministers of Turkey, Ismet Inönü, Tansu Çiller, Necmettin Erbakan, Bulent Ecevit, Mesut Yilmaz, Devlet Bahçeli, Abdullah Gül, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ali Babacan, Adnan Menderes, Cemal Gürsel, Celal Bayar, Fahri Korutürk, Süleyman Demirel, Kenan Evren, Turgut Özal, Ahmet Necdet Sezer
See also
History of Istanbul, The Orient Express

Top Tourist Sites

Top Tourist Sites
See also:
Regions of Turkey
Marmara:
Istanbul, Bursa, Iznik (Nicaea), Troy, Abydos, Alexandria Troas, the region…
Aegean:
Ephesus, Bodrum (Halicarnassus), Kusadasi, Izmir, Aphrodisias, Marmaris, Datca, Cnidos, Caunos, Nyssa, Pergamum, Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Colossae, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Sardis, Teos, Aizanoi, Pygale, Interactive Map, the region…
Mediterranean:
Antalya, Kas, Kalkan, Aperlai, Isinda, Olympos, Chimaera, Phaselis, Kekova, Simena, Patara, Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Tlos, Cilicia, Pamphylia, Termessos, Selge, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Alanya, Demre, Sagalassos, Fethiye, Hatay, Interactive Map, the region…
Black Sea:
Sinop, Trabzon, Amasya, Safranbolu and Traditional Turkish Houses, the region…
Central Anatolia:
Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Catalhoyuk, Gordion (Gordium), Hattusas, Interactive Map, the region…
Eastern Anatolia:
Mount Ararat, Akdamar, Kars, Ani site, Van, Interactive Map, the region…
Southeast Anatolia:
Nemrut Dag (Mount Nemrut), Commagene, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Gobeklitepe, Zeugma, Hasankeyf, Interactive Map, the region…

Regions of Turkey

Regions of Turkey

Marmara, Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea, Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia, Southeast Anatolia
The 1st Geography Congress held in Ankara between 6-21 June 1941 divided Turkey into seven regions after long discussions and work. These geographical regions were separated according to their climate, location, flora and fauna, human habitat, agricultural diversities, transportation, topography and so on. At the end, 4 side regions and 3 inner regions were named according to their neighborhood to the four seas surrounding Turkey and positions in Anatolia. Most of the cities' borders are within the territory of a single region, but sometimes can be within two, even three regions (such as Sivas, Afyon, Kahramanmaras).

Approximate Real land occupied by the regions within the total of Turkey's whole territory, based on (approximately) Real 814.000 km2 considering the topographical formations instead of Projected 780.500 km2 (301,353 square miles):

Eastern Anatolian...... 171.000 km2 (66,023 sq mi)
Central Anatolia......... 162.000 km2 (62,548 sq mi)
Blacksea................... 146.178 km2 (56,439 sq mi)
Mediterranean............ 122.100 km2 (47,143 sq mi)
Aegean....................... 85.000 km2 (32,818 sq mi)
Marmara...................... 67.300 km2 (25,984 sq mi)
Southeastern Anatolia... 61.000 km2 (23,552 sq mi)
Note: In today's maps, Real Area is computed after the calculations of the topography (elevations for example) of a country or region. Meanwhile Projected Area of a country or region is calculated on a birds' eye view without considering elevations. Projected Area and Real Area point to the same value for lakes and seas, but on the mountainous regions or countries the Real Area value will be greater than Projected Area value. So, greater value difference between these two mapping techniques means that country or region has many elevations (mountains).

To learn more about the provinces and historic sites of each region, please click the appropriate links or on the map above.

Home

Welcome to Virtual Turkey Tour
On this site I explain Turkey's history, tourist sites, regions, culture and Islam, the religion of most Turks. You can also find useful the interactive Turkey Maps section.

All the major cities are covered, including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Konya, Bursa, Canakkale, Edirne and others. I also introduce such important figures as Ataturk, Mehmet the Conqueror, Suleyman the Magnificent, architect Sinan, Mevlana Rumi, Ottoman sultans, prime ministers and presidents of the Turkish Republic. Other sections detail Turkey's holidays and fairs, events calendar, national parks, archaeological sites, food, art, architecture, folklore, sports, even camel wrestling !