Anatolia, the land of Turkiye, where the Euphrates River flows and the plains of Mesopotamia spread out!
From Gaziantep, the center of southeastern Türkiye, to Şanlurfa, the city of the prophets, to the golden city of Mardin, to Cappadocia, a work of art created by nature with strangely shaped rocks,
Gaziantep, the largest city southeast of Turkye, the home of gastronomy. A city that has been cultivating pistachios for 2,000 years and is the home of the world-famous dessert baklava.
Visit places where history and tradition are alive, such as Bakirjilar, a market for copper artisans that has been around since the Ottoman Empire.
Southeast of Turkiye, where the Euphrates River and the Mesopotamian Plain begin. There, we visit Gobekli Tepe, the site of humanity’s first civilization, which is believed to be 7,000 years before the pyramids.
Check out Abraham’s holy site in Shanlurfa, the ‘City of Prophets’, and look for the beard of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, in Mardin, the ‘Golden City’.
A city is a hieroglyph that testifies human history and a space of life where the past, present, and future coexist. Gods and humans, life and death, history and culture breathe in the city. The ‘Walking into the World’ broadcast looks at various cities around the world from the perspective of a traveler and captures their history, culture, and life. Episode 835, ‘The Beginning of Civilization, Anatolia – Southeast Turkiye’ will be broadcast on KBS 1TV at 9:40 am.
Economy Queen reporter Kim Kyeong-eun photo KBS ‘Walking into the world’
Title: Tracing the Roots of Civilization in Anatolia: An Interview with Expert Dr. Elif Çelik
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment, where we uncover the hidden gems of world history. Today, we’re diving into the ancient land of Anatolia, known as the cradle of civilization. Joining us is Dr. Elif Çelik, an esteemed archaeologist and historian specializing in the history of Anatolia. Thank you for being here, Dr. Çelik!
Dr. Elif Çelik (EC): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important and fascinating topic.
TNE: Anatolia is often referred to as the beginning of civilization. What makes this region so historically significant?
EC: Anatolia is incredibly significant for several reasons. Firstly, its unique geographical location served as a bridge between East and West. It has hosted a variety of civilizations, from the Hittites to the Byzantines, making it a melting pot of cultures. Secondly, archaeological sites such as Göbeklitepe, one of the oldest known temples, date back to around 9600 BC. This indicates that complex religious practices and societal structures began here long before the advent of agriculture.
TNE: Fascinating! Göbeklitepe is often highlighted in discussions about ancient structures. Can you explain its importance in understanding human history?
EC: Absolutely! Göbeklitepe challenges our traditional understanding of civilization. It suggests that humans could engage in large-scale construction and come together for communal purposes, even before they adopted agricultural lifestyles. This implies that spirituality and social organization were central to human societies long before we imagined.
TNE: That’s a game-changer in our perceptions of early societies! Moving on to the Euphrates River, how has it influenced the development of civilizations in Anatolia?
EC: The Euphrates River is essential for agriculture, trade, and transportation. Its fertile banks allowed for the growth of crops, providing sustenance for large populations. Early civilizations flourished in its basin, relying on its resources. Over time, it became a vital artery for cultural exchange, connecting different communities and fostering trade across regions.
TNE: Given its rich history, how has modern-day Turkey preserved and honored this legacy?
EC: Turkey has made significant strides in archaeological preservation and education. Numerous sites have been protected, and museums have been established to showcase artifacts and educate the public about Anatolian history. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on promoting tourism as a way to encourage appreciation for this cultural heritage.
TNE: That’s encouraging to hear! Yet, with modern development, there’s always a concern about preserving historical sites. How can we balance progress with preservation?
EC: It’s certainly a challenge. Sustainable development practices are essential. Involving local communities in preservation efforts helps raise awareness and ensure that they benefit from tourism economically. Governments and organizations must collaborate with archaeologists and historians to establish protective laws for sites at risk.
TNE: Dr. Çelik, your insights are invaluable. As we wrap up, what can our audience do to engage with Anatolia’s history?
EC: I encourage everyone to explore this remarkable region, whether through travel or virtual tours. Reading books, watching documentaries, or even participating in local history programs can deepen your understanding. Every little effort helps keep the story of Anatolia alive for future generations!
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Elif Çelik, for sharing your knowledge with us. Anatolia is indeed a treasure trove of history, and we look forward to learning more as research and exploration continue.
EC: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this monumental topic with you. Let’s keep the conversation going!