A Journey Through Time: Afyonkarahisar

Located in the heart of Anatolia, Afyonkarahisar is an ancient city whose history stretches back thousands of years. It is a place where the past is carved into stone — a timeless epic in physical form. The first traces of settlement date back to around 3000 BCE. The Phrygians, one of the early Anatolian civilizations, left behind their beliefs, myths, and rock-cut monuments. Today, sites like Ayazini and the Phrygian Valley still whisper their stories to those who listen. During the Roman and Byzantine periods, Afyon became a critical military stronghold. The iconic Karahisar Castle, towering over the city, is a powerful legacy of that era. More than a fortress, it stands as a symbol of endurance through centuries. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Afyon entered a new chapter with the arrival of the Seljuks. The city flourished with mosques, madrasas, and dervish lodges. Structures like the Grand Mosque and the Mevlevihane reflect the spiritual and artistic soul of the time. Under the Ottoman Empire, Afyonkarahisar became an important hub on the trade routes of Western Anatolia. Caravansaries, public baths, and thermal springs made the city a vibrant resting point. Its marble, poppy fields, and healing waters also brought economic prominence. Then came 1922… Afyonkarahisar took center stage in Turkey’s War of Independence. From the hills of this city, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk launched the Great Offensive. That night in Kocatepe, not only military plans were drawn — but also the blueprint of a free and independent nation. Today, Afyonkarahisar proudly preserves its past while embracing the future. In every street, every stone, you can find a different layer of history waiting to be discovered.

TARIH