Map of Anatolia and its Surroundings by Ethnicity Through Time

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Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, is a large peninsula in Western Asia, constituting the majority of present-day Turkey. It has been a cradle of civilization for millennia, with a rich and diverse history. Anatolia has been home to numerous ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It served as a vital crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas. The region’s strategic significance has made it a battleground for various empires and civilizations throughout history.

From 750 to 2000, the ethnic landscape of Anatolia and its surroundings underwent significant transformations driven by a multitude of historical, political, and social factors. Initially, Anatolia was inhabited by various Turkic and Iranian peoples, with the Seljuks and later the Ottomans exerting considerable influence over the region. During this time, Turkic tribes migrated from Central Asia, leading to the Turkification of Anatolia. Despite this, Anatolia remained ethnically diverse, with notable populations of Greeks, Armenians, Kurds, and others residing in the region.

The rise of the Ottoman Empire from the 14th to the 19th century further shaped Anatolia’s ethnic makeup. Ottoman policies of assimilation and incorporation facilitated the Islamization and Turkification of many indigenous populations. However, the empire also encompassed a mosaic of ethnic and religious groups, including Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and others, coexisting with varying degrees of autonomy or under Ottoman rule.

The decline of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and the emergence of nationalist movements brought about significant ethnic tensions and conflicts. The Armenian Genocide during World War I and subsequent population exchanges between Greece and Turkey resulted in the expulsion or massacre of millions of Armenians, Greeks, and other non-Muslim populations, fundamentally altering Anatolia’s demographics.

The establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk ushered in a new era characterized by secularism and Turkish nationalism. The republic pursued policies aimed at creating a homogenous Turkish nation-state, resulting in the forced assimilation of Kurds and other minority groups. Despite these efforts, Anatolia remained ethnically diverse, with sizable Kurdish, Armenian, Greek, and other minority populations.

The Kurdish issue, in particular, has been a persistent challenge for the Turkish state, leading to periods of conflict and unrest. Throughout the centuries, the ethnic composition of Anatolia and its surroundings has continuously evolved, shaped by conquests, migrations, political developments, and social dynamics. Despite attempts to homogenize the population, ethnic diversity and identity continue to play a significant role in shaping the region’s social, cultural, and political landscape.

The map below shows Anatolia and its surroundings by ethnicity from the years 750 to 2000.

These maps intriguingly depict migrations over time, with a particular focus on the Turks.

Originally hailing from the steppes, Turks gradually expanded their rule into various regions, leading to the gradual Turkicization of the local populations, who adopted Turkish culture and Islam. What’s most striking is that, according to available data, approximately 85% of the Turkish population has non-Turkic admixture, with the remaining portion being descended from pre-Turkic Anatolians. Consequently, modern-day Turks, based on recent genetic studies, exhibit similarities to their neighboring populations while differing from Central Asian Turkic groups, at least in terms of Y-DNA.

Interested in delving deeper into the history of Anatolia? Explore the following books for an enriching journey.

• Ancient Anatolia: A Captivating Guide to Ancient Civilizations of Asia Minor, Including the Hittite Empire, Arameans, Luwians, Neo-Assyrian Empire, … Romans, and More
• Warriors of Anatolia: A Concise History of the Hittites