Karaman boasts an incredibly rich and ancient history, making it one of Anatolia's oldest continuous settlements. Its story stretches back to 8000 B.C., a span of millennia during which it has been a crucible for numerous powerful civilizations.
A Legacy of Diverse Civilizations in Karaman
Throughout its long existence, Karaman has served as a vital strategic and cultural hub, hosting a succession of influential empires and dynasties. Each left an indelible mark on the city's heritage, contributing to its unique historical tapestry.
The civilizations that have shaped Karaman's past include:
- Hittites: One of the great powers of the Late Bronze Age, the Hittite Empire expanded its influence across Anatolia, making Karaman part of its vast dominion.
- Phrygians: Following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, the Phrygians rose to prominence in Anatolia, controlling a significant portion of the region, including areas around Karaman.
- Lydians: Known for their pioneering use of coinage, the Lydian Kingdom exerted control over western and central Anatolia before being conquered by the Persians.
- Persians: Various Persian empires, most notably the Achaemenid Empire, ruled over Anatolia for centuries, integrating Karaman into their vast imperial network.
- Romans: As the Roman Republic and later Empire expanded, Anatolia became a crucial province. Karaman was incorporated into the Roman domain, benefiting from Roman infrastructure and administration.
- Byzantines: Following the division of the Roman Empire, Karaman remained under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, for many centuries.
- Seljuks: Beginning in the 11th century, various Seljuk Turkish groups established their presence in Anatolia, leading to the formation of the Sultanate of Rum. Karaman became an important city within the Seljuk realm, marking a significant shift in the region's cultural and ethnic composition.
- Karamanid Dynasty: A powerful Beylik (principality) that emerged in Anatolia after the decline of the Seljuks. The Karamanids established their capital in Karaman, giving the city its modern name and playing a pivotal role in Turkish Anatolian history before the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
This continuous succession of civilizations highlights Karaman's enduring importance as a center of human settlement and activity for thousands of years.
