Cities of Turkey

Cities of Turkey

Turkey is distinguished by an incredibly rich history. Located between Europe and Asia, it has absorbed the mysteries and treasures of the ancient world, which continue to stir the minds of historians and archaeologists to this day. Interestingly, in the 21st century, a series of coins called "Ancient Cities" was released in Turkey, which unveils the fascinating history of the ancient world. In our collection "Cities of Turkey" we have gathered these and other coins and are ready to slightly lift the veil of mystery of this distant period of civilization development.

Ephesus

One of the most notable and well-known cities of antiquity, which stands out for its high cultural significance, is the city of Ephesus - one of the most significant and wealthy cities of the ancient world, an important trading and cultural center.
It was founded in the 11th century BC by Ionians, although its territory was settled long before that. During the Greek period, Ephesus was one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world. In 129 BC, Ephesus became part of the Roman Empire and was considered the second most important city in the empire after Rome. Ephesus was known for its monumental buildings, including the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the seven wonders of the world, a theater capable of accommodating up to 25 thousand spectators, and the impressive Library of Celsus.

The Library of Celsus is one of the most notable and impressive structures in the archaeological park of Ephesus. The Library of Celsus was built between 114 and 117 AD in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a former governor of the province of Asia. The construction of the library was funded by Celsus's son, Gaius Julius Aquila.
The library was destroyed as a result of an earthquake around 262 AD, however, its facade partially survived and was restored in the 1970s.

The facade of the Library of Celsus is a vivid example of architecture from the late Roman art period. It is two-stories high, decorated with statues and reliefs. In front of the library was a marble square.
Originally, the library could accommodate up to 12,000 scrolls, which made it one of the largest libraries of antiquity. The Library of Celsus was not only a place to store books, but also a public space where lectures and discussions were held.

Ephesus also played an important role in the spread of Christianity. According to the Bible, the Apostle Paul preached here, and the episcopal church of Ephesus was one of the seven churches mentioned in the Revelation of John the Theologian. It is also believed that the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life in Ephesus.
Over time, due to siltation, Ephesus lost its commercial significance, and by the 15th century it was practically abandoned. Today, the archaeological park of Ephesus is one of the most visited attractions in Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Van and Agri

The cities of Van and Agri are no less interesting, with coins depicting them available. Van is a city located in eastern Turkey, near the border with Iran. Van is an ancient city with a rich history spanning thousands of years. It was founded by the Urartians in the 9th century BC and served as the capital of the Urartian Kingdom under the name Tushpa. There are many archaeological monuments from this era in and around Van, including the Van Fortress and a necropolis with numerous tombs and monuments.

At different times, Van was part of the Persian Empire, the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and other states. Today, it serves as a major center for Turkey's Kurdish population.

Van is also known for its lake — Lake Van, which is the largest lake in Turkey.

Agri, or Ararat, is a city and a district of the same name located in eastern Turkey. It is primarily known due to Mount Ararat, which is located near the city.
Mount Ararat is a dual-peaked volcanic system that stands as Turkey's highest point, with its tallest peak reaching 5,137 meters. It is the subject of numerous myths and legends, the most famous of which is the biblical story of Noah, who, according to legend, landed his ark on Mount Ararat after the Great Flood.
Today, the city of Agri and the surrounding district serve as a major center for tourism and mountaineering. The region is renowned for its natural beauty and rich history.

Troy

Famous thanks to Homer's epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", which describe the legendary Trojan War, as well as numerous films, the city of Troy is also located in modern-day Turkey, on the southwestern tip of the Anatolian Peninsula. According to ancient Greek myths, Troy was founded by the god Apollo and King Ilus, from whose name one of Troy's names, Ilium, originates. Many well-known heroes of ancient Greek mythology, including Achilles, Odysseus, and Hector, were involved in the Trojan War, according to mythology.

Archaeological excavations, which began in the 19th century, uncovered nine different cities layered upon one another, attesting to Troy's multi-century history. The oldest layer, Troy I, dates back to around 3000 BC. In 1998, the archaeological site of Troy was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Troy continues to attract researchers and tourists from around the world who wish to learn more about this famous city and its history.
While the historical reality of the Trojan War and its heroes is still a matter of discussion and debate, Troy has undoubtedly left a significant mark on global culture and history.

Ankara and Nevsehir

Of course, the Turkish Mint did not overlook the country's capital, Ankara, and the city of Nevsehir, featuring them on one coin. Nevsehir is a city in central Turkey, known for its proximity to the unique region of Cappadocia. Nevsehir is famous for its ancient churches, monasteries, and dwellings carved into the rocks.

In ancient times, this region was home to many civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It also served as a refuge for early Christians who were hiding from persecution, creating a complex system of underground cities.
Today, Nevsehir and Cappadocia attract tourists from around the world with their amazing landscapes, underground cities like Goreme and Derinkuyu, and opportunities for hot air balloon trips. In 1985, the Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The capital of Turkey, Ankara, also has a rich history spanning more than two millennia. It is the second-largest city in Turkey, located in the central part of the country.
In ancient times, Ankara was known as Ancyra and was an important trade center. During the Roman Empire, the city was famed for its marble craftsmen. In the mid-15th century, after being conquered by the Ottoman Empire, Ankara became an important trade and craft center.

In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as the capital of the new Turkish Republic instead of Istanbul. Since then, the city has evolved into a modern administrative and political hub of the country.

The Cities of the Turkish Republic collection includes 20 coins, each of which has historical value and immense significance. We invite you to download the Numisnipe App and explore these fascinating pieces of art. Our smart chatbot Numi, developed using the latest technology, will help you unravel the secret of each coin and its history.