If so, you might be shocked to hear that it’s not! Turkey’s capital, Ankara, is actually located in Turkey, despite the misconception held by many that Istanbul is. But why is Istanbul not the capital given that it is the biggest city in Turkey and a significant cultural hub for Europe?
The decision to make Ankara the capital instead of Istanbul may come as a surprise, but it is based on historical and geopolitical considerations that have shaped Turkey’s contemporary identity. I’ll go over the various reasons why Istanbul was chosen to be the capital of Turkey in this article, as well as the strategic factors that affected the decision to choose Ankara.
Many people mistakenly believe that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey. However, the actual capital is Ankara, a city located in the central part of the country While Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and a major cultural hub, there are several historical and strategic reasons why Ankara was chosen as the capital instead.
A Brief History of Istanbul
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Founded in 667 BCE by Greek colonists, the city has served as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara has made it a crucial crossroads between Europe and Asia.
The Rise of Ankara
With the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the republic, made the strategic decision to move the capital from Istanbul to Ankara. This move symbolized a break from the Ottoman past and marked the birth of a new, modern, and secular Turkish nation-state.
Reasons for the Change
Several key factors influenced the decision to make Ankara the capital:
- Central Location: Ankara’s central location within Turkey offered more equitable access to different regions compared to Istanbul’s northwestern position closer to Europe. This facilitated balanced national development and reduced regional disparities.
- Economic Development: Atatürk envisioned Ankara as a catalyst for economic growth in the country’s interior. By relocating the capital, he aimed to stimulate economic activity and reduce the economic dominance of Istanbul.
- Geopolitical Considerations: Istanbul’s strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait made it vulnerable to international conflicts. Moving the capital to Ankara was seen as a measure to reduce the risk of foreign intervention in Turkish affairs.
- National Unity: Establishing Ankara as the capital reinforced the idea of a united Turkish identity, promoting national unity and cohesion, especially important for a newly formed nation emerging from a war of independence.
Istanbul Today
Despite not being the capital, Istanbul remains a vibrant and dynamic city, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its rich history, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace continue to captivate travelers from around the world.
Ankara: The Modern Capital
Ankara, once a relatively small city, has grown into a bustling metropolis since becoming the capital. It boasts a thriving cultural scene, numerous museums, and historical sites, including the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
While Istanbul holds a special place in history and remains a major cultural and economic hub, Ankara serves as the official capital of Turkey. The decision to relocate the capital was driven by strategic considerations, aiming to foster national unity, promote balanced development, and enhance Turkey’s position as a modern, independent nation.
Is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
No, Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey. Turkey’s capital city, Ankara, is situated in the nation’s center.
Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city and its cultural and economic center, despite not being the country’s capital. Istanbul’s historical significance as the former capital of the Ottoman Empire and its ongoing role in hosting a multitude of contemporary cultural events contribute to its international recognition.
Istanbul International Airport, the biggest airport in the world, is located in Istanbul, which is one of the reasons why many believe Istanbul to be the capital. Many tourists enter Turkey through this important international gateway and travel throughout the nation to well-known locations like Cappadocia and Antalya. In actuality, a lot of visitors to Turkey choose not to even stop in Ankara!
In addition to strategic and pragmatic reasons, the decision to designate Ankara as the capital of the Turkish Republic in 1923 was motivated by the desire to represent Turkey’s transformation into a contemporary, secular nation-state.
Brief History of Istanbul
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is a vast megacity that borders both Asia and Europe. The city is situated on both sides of the Bosphorus, with Istanbul’s European side to the west and its Asian side to the east. Its significance as a crossroads between Europe and Asia stems from its advantageous location along the Sea of Marmara and up to the Black Sea.
Not only is Istanbul the biggest city in the nation, but it also has the largest population in Europe.
The city’s roots extend deep into antiquity. The Greek colonists from Megara laid the groundwork for this ancient city in 667 BCE, naming it Byzantium after their king Byzas. Its history was significantly influenced by the Romans, who destroyed the city in 196 CE and then saw it rebuilt under Septimius Severus’ rule.
But Constantine the Great’s vision, which saw the Roman Empire move its capital to Istanbul in 330 CE and name the city the “new Rome,” was what really made Istanbul famous. He called it Constantinople in the process (after himself, of course)
Famous sites like the Hagia Sophia were built inside the city walls as the Roman and Byzantine empires broke apart over time, adding to the city’s significance. Up until the Ottoman Turks, under the leadership of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, took the city in 1453, Constantinople continued to be the political, cultural, religious, and economic hub of Europe in spite of external threats. Thus came the fall of Constantinople.
After being renamed Istanbul, the city rose to prominence as the Ottoman Empire’s capital. Istanbul was transformed from a Christian to a Muslim city by the sultan, and the Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque. Ankara was chosen as the capital of the newly established Republic of Turkey following the resignation of the last Ottoman Sultan. Although Istanbul is still a significant historical and commercial hub, it is no longer the capital.
Istanbul’s rich tapestry of history continues to attract people from around the world, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site status and unique geography along the Golden Horn and the Bosporus Strait. While it may not hold the title of capital, it remains one of the most important cities in history and one that’s uniquely European and Asian.
Why Istanbul Isn’t the Capital of Turkey
FAQ
Why people think Istanbul is the capital of Turkey?
Was Istanbul ever Turkey’s capital?
What is the capital of Turkey and why?
Why do you think Turkey did not choose Istanbul to be its capital what would be the benefits of it being the capital?
Why is Istanbul the capital of Turkey?
Many people think that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey because the largest airport in the world, the Istanbul International Airport, is in Istanbul. As a result, most travelers will start their travels in Istanbul instead of Ankara. Additionally, Istanbul is a more world-renowned city than Ankara.
What makes Istanbul a great city?
Istanbul is a city of many faces. It is the largest city in Turkey and the only city that straddles two continents, Europe and Asia. It is a city with a rich history and culture, and it is home to people from all over the world. Istanbul is a city that is constantly changing.
Why is Istanbul the largest city in Europe?
Istanbul is not only the largest city in the country, but the population of the city makes it the largest in Europe. The city’s roots extend deep into antiquity. This ancient city’s foundation dates back to 667 BCE when Greek colonists from Megara established it, naming it Byzantium after their king, Byzas.
What is the largest city in Turkey?
Istanbul [a] is the largest city in Turkey, straddling the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is considered the country’s economic, cultural and historic capital.