From ancient civilizations to modern day Republic

From the Hittites to the Romans and most recently, occupation forces during World War 1, ancient and latter day civilizations have all left their marks across the landscape of modern day, secular Turkey, once known as Anatolia and Asia Minor.

But, most people believe that the greatest influence on Turkish life today is due to one man, Mustapha Kemal Attaturk, who during the 1920's and 30's brought in equal rights for women, prohibition of the fez and veil, substitution of the Latin alphabet for Arabic and other radical reforms.

Turkish Timeline:

1900 -1300 BC
The Hittite Empire flourishes and in 1250 BC the Trojan War fought for control of trade passing through the Dardanelles Strait

547 BC
Cyrus of Persia invades and conquers most of Anatolia

129 BC
Anatolia becomes the Roman Province of Asia ('Asia Minor'), with its capital at Ephesus

1288
Foundation of the Ottoman state by a warrior chieftain named Osman

1520 -1566
The "Golden Years" of Ottoman Empire under rule of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The Empire now includes most of North Africa and Eastern Europe and all of the Middle East.

1914 -1918
The Ottoman Empire joins World War I in alliance with Germany. Defeat sees the loss of most of its territory and occupation by various foreign troops.

1919 -1923
Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk) organises an army of resistance, expelling the invading armies and establishing the Turkish Republic

1938 - 1945
Atatürk dies, one-party rule continues and Turkey remains neutral during World War 11

1946 -1950
Institution of multi-party democracy

Quick Facts:
* Some of the first humans lived in a cave at Karain in 23.000 BC
* Saint John, Saint Paul and possibly the Virgin Mary, spent time at Ephesus
* Turkey has two of the seven Wonders of the World; the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicamassus in Bodrum
* It is believed that King Midas, of the Golden Touch, was born in Turkey