Timeline of Turkey

Chronology

32 events spanning the history of Turkey. BCE/CE dating.

1. 7500 BCE

   Earliest known human inhabitants of Turkey

   The earliest known human inhabitants of Turkey are believed to belong to the Neolithic period and the remains of their settlements still exist in a place called Catal Hoyuk which is near the modern day Turkish city of Konya. Archaeological artifacts from these people include statues, pottery and wall paintings.

2. 1900 BCE – 1300 BCE

   Hittite Empire

   The Hittite Empire flourishes, battles Egypt. Patriarch Abraham, who has been dwelling in Harran, near Sanliurfa, leaves for Canaan (Israel).

3. 563 BCE

   The Buddha born in Lumbini, in Tarai Region of Nepal

   The Buddha born in Lumbini, in Tarai Region of Nepal.

4. 547 BCE

   Cyrus of Persia invades and conquers most of Anatolia

   Cyrus of Persia invades and conquers most of Anatolia.

5. 334 BCE

   Alexander the Great

   Alexander the Great of Macedon marches through Anatolia on his way to India.

6. 47

   St. Paul travels to the Christian and Jewish communities in Anatolia.

   St. Paul travels to the Christian and Jewish communities in Anatolia.

7. 330

   Dedication of Constantinople as the New Rome

   Emperor Constantine the Great dedicates Constantinople as the “New Rome,” which becomes the empire’s center of government.

8. 1097

   The Seljuk Turks were defeated by Christian Crusaders

   The Seljuk Turks were defeated by Christian Crusaders.

9. 1288

   Foundation of the Ottoman era near Bursa

   Foundation of the Ottoman era near Bursa.

10. 1453

    Conquest of Constantinople

    Conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) by Sultan Mehmet II, “the Conqueror”.