Türkiye, with its rich history spanning thousands of years, holds some of the earliest traces of human civilization. The ancient land we now know as Türkiye is home to remarkable remnants of past civilizations, and the ruins of Catalhoyuk stand as evidence of a thriving society that flourished over 9,000 years ago. Together with neighboring regions like Iraq and Syria, it forms part of the renowned “birthplace of civilization,” where humans embarked on the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural and ultimately urban way of life.
Over the millennia that followed, various civilizations rose and fell, each leaving its indelible imprint on the land. Anatolia, in particular, was inhabited by diverse ancient peoples, including the Hittites, Greeks, and Iranian tribes, predating the advent of Christianity.
When the Romans embraced Christianity during the reign of Emperor Constantine, this region became pivotal in shaping the development of the faith. It hosted several councils that played a significant role in defining the belief system as we recognize it today.
Subsequently, Islam arrived, first through Arab incursions from the south and later through the invasion and settlement of Turkic tribes. Among these groups, the Ottomans, named after their patriarch Osman, reigned over the region for centuries. However, a hundred years ago, their rule came to an end, and a republic was established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal, later revered as Ataturk by the Turkish people.
Turkish History Quiz
Test your knowledge of Turkish history with the following questions. For exaple who led the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453?
- A) Suleiman the Magnificent
- B) Mehmet II
- C) Murad I
What does the honorific ‘Ataturk’ mean?
- A) King of the Turks
- B) The Great Turk
- C) Father of the Turks
Which Turkish sultan defeated the Eastern Roman Empire at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071?
- A) Ertugrul
- B) Alp Arslan
- C) Enver Pasha
The Council of Nicaea, held in the present-day Turkish city of Iznik, focused on what main subject of debate?
- A) Deciding whether to accept Roman patronage
- B) Creating a system of taxation for the Church
- C) Determining the nature of Christ
Which of these Mediterranean states was never ruled by the Ottomans?
- A) Greece
- B) Lebanon
- C) Spain
- D) Egypt
Nezihe Muhittin, a notable writer during the early republican period, is known for what achievement?
- A) Writing the republican constitution
- B) Forming the country’s first women’s political party
- C) Being Türkiye’s first female pilot
In what year was the Turkish Republic established?
- A) 1947
- B) 1923
- C) 1914
Which major civilization ruled Anatolia between the 17th and 12th centuries BCE?
- A) The Hittites
- B) The Babylonians
- C) The Phoenicians
When did Recep Tayyip Erdogan first become prime minister of Türkiye?
- A) 2003
- B) 1994
- C) 2014
Which of the following has not been found at the ruins of Catalhoyuk?
- A) Evidence of meat consumption
- B) Figurines
- C) Places of worship
Test your knowledge of Turkish history by answering these questions.
Questions About Türkiye
Türkiye, with its unique geographical position bridging two continents, has played a significant role throughout history. Its extensive coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas are adorned with remarkable sites like Göbekli Tepe, showcasing the country’s rich heritage that still thrives today. In addition to these historical sites, Turkish cuisine is worth mentioning. Let’s explore your knowledge about the country and its history. For example, what does a traditional Turkish breakfast consist of?
- A) Pancakes
- B) Cheese, black olives, tomatoes, butter, bread, tea
- C) Breakfast burrito and veggies
Which one of these renowned locations is in Türkiye?
- A) Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
- B) Blue Mosque
- C) Buddha of Bamyan
What is the style of coffee called that is prepared using very finely ground coffee beans?
- A) Turkish Coffee
- B) Americano
- C) Cortado
Do you know what a Hammam is?
- A) Sauna
- B) Type of steam bath or a place for bathing
- C) Hot water pool
- D) Cold water pool
Test your knowledge of Türkiye by answering these questions.
Questions about Türkiye and It’s History
If you have an interest in history and Turkish history, you may need to test it from time to time. Thus, you can see the level of your knowledge and understand your shortcomings. In this way, by completing them, you can expand your knowledge. You can answer all the above questions for this. If you are looking at different questions, you can also review:
During which empire was the city of Byzantium renamed Constantinople?
- A) The Eastern Roman Empire
- B) The Ottoman Empire
- C) The Roman Empire
- D) None of the above
During the 1500s and 1600s, which territories were controlled by the Ottoman Empire?
- A) Northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and western Europe
- B) Northern Africa, southeastern Asia, and southeastern Europe
- C) Southern Africa, southeastern Asia, and southeastern Europe
- D) Northern Africa, southwestern Asia, and Southeastern Europe
What is the largest city in Türkiye?
- A) Constantinople
- B) Istanbul
- C) Izmir
- D) Ankara
Which major crops is growing in Türkiye?
- A) Grains, tomatoes, almonds, and cotton
- B) Cotton, potatoes, olives, and sugar beets
- C) Pineapples, coconuts, sugar beets, and hazelnuts
- D) Grains, cotton, sugar beets, and hazelnuts
Test your knowledge of Türkiye by choosing the correct answers to these questions. If you are looking for detailed information about Turkish history in general, there is a lot of information you may want to learn. In addition, you can also examine the following states established by the Turks throughout history, so you can learn Turkish history in general:
- Asian Hun State
- Göktürk State
- Göktürk State
- Uighurs
- Karakhanids
- Seljuks
- Anatolian Seljuks
- Ghaznavids
In addition to these, there are different states established throughout Turkish history. Within the scope of Turkish history, these also have important topics that you should know. By examining these, it is possible to learn Turkish history more comprehensively. All of these states have their own unique history. In this respect, Turkish history has a very old and rooted structure. You can examine each of the states in question in more detail one by one.