The Roots of Istanbul: From Thracian Settlements to the Arrival of Turks

Istanbul, a city that has seen many names and rulers throughout history, has a rich and complex past. From the arrival of the Thracians to the establishment of Constantinople, and ultimately to the rise of Turkish rule, this article explores the various ethnic groups and periods that shaped the city.

The Predecessors: Thracians

Archaeological finds have revealed Thracian artifacts in the city that predate the arrival of the Greeks. Thracians, an ancient Indo-European ethnic group, inhabited the region around the Bosphorus as early as 6700 BC. The city of Byzantium, as Istanbul was once known, was founded by the Greek colonist Byzas or Vyzas in 657 BC. According to legend, Byzas received guidance from an oracle, which he interpreted to mean that he should found his city across from a settlement of the blind. Beyond Thracians, prehistoric Neolithic Anatolians had also settled and farmed the peninsula around 6700 BC.

The Byzantine Empire and Roman Rule

Byzas' vision of a strategic location on a peninsula proved spot-on, leading to the development of what would later become Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. However, long before the rise of the Byzantine Empire and Roman rule, the region was home to different ethnic groups and cultures. The Jews, Christians, and various pagan groups were already present, contributing to the religious and cultural tapestry of the area.

The Arrival of Turks

While the foundation of Constantinople traces back to the 7th century BC, the last known significant establishment of a Turkish state in the region dates far more recently, approximately 4000 years later. The state was known as Astan-Bolq:stambul, with Bolq signifying "city" or "town." The notion that Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, renamed Constantinople to Istanbul was merely a coincidence.

Archaeological Evidence

Excavations around Istanbul have unearthed evidence of a Turkish presence dating back to the 11th century. For instance, in the 1930s, archaeologists discovered Kurgan structures in the vicinity of Istanbul, which belonged to the Astan-Bolq:stambul state. If the ancient Turkish place names had not been altered by the Ottoman Empire, Ermeni (Armenian) and other Byzantine or Roman rulers over the past 600 years, many of the current place names in Turkey would still be exclusively of Turkish origin.

Historical Context and Cultural Tapestry

Further historical evidence comes from the accounts of the Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II, who invaded Anatolia. His campaign reported the presence of the Saka and Skit (Sarmatian) confederacy in the region. Even the Hysterians, mentioned in the works of early Christian writers, are believed to be a continuation of the Sarmatians or Scythians who had established themselves in the area centuries before.

Conclusion

The story of Istanbul is a blend of various ethnic and cultural influences that have shaped its history. From the Thracians to the Turks, each group contributed in its unique way. The archaeological and historical evidence support the notion that the region was never devoid of a Turkish presence, despite the continuous political changes that affected the region over the millennia. Understanding these layers of history is key to appreciating Istanbul's cultural richness and diversity.