Konya's 926th Anniversary as the Capital

The Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate moved its capital to Konya on June 26, 1097, after losing Iznik during the Crusades. Konya, which quickly became one of the most developed cities in Anatolia, served as the capital for 211 years until 1308.

Konya, one of the cities in our beloved homeland whose name has remained unchanged since ancient times, has always been an important city throughout its history and has truly deserved the title of "capital" city. Today, June 26, marks the anniversary of Konya becoming the "CAPITAL." When the calendar showed June 26, 1097, the Sultanate of Anatolian Seljuks moved the capital of the state to Konya after losing the capital Iznik during the Crusades. Konya, for a total of 211 years, hosted the state's dignitaries and served as the capital.

Konya has been a settlement since around 7,000 BC and has hosted numerous civilizations. Considering that writing began to be used around 3,500 BC, it can be said that Konya is among the oldest settlements in our country. Cumra Catalhöyük, not only in our country but on a global scale, is recognized as the center where the culture of cooking first emerged, agriculture began, the fire was utilized, a sedentary lifestyle was adopted, and collective defense against wild animal attacks was practiced.

Catalhöyük is a Neolithic center, while Erbaba and Karahöyük are Chalcolithic centers. In different historical periods, Konya and its surroundings were ruled by various civilizations. The Hittites and Lydians were present during the 6th century BC, followed by the Persians in the 4th century BC. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great, the Seleucids, and the Kingdom of Pergamon had control. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans gained dominance, which lasted until AD 395. In the early 7th century, the Sassanians briefly occupied the city, and in the mid-7th century, it was temporarily taken over by the Umayyads under the command of Muawiya.

Until the 10th century, Konya was a Byzantine province, and it was exposed to raids by Muslim Arabs. The first Turkish raiders to arrive in Konya before the Battle of Manzikert were the Seljuks.

The Great Seljuq Sultan Alp Arslan achieved a decisive victory over the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. This victory opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turks, allowing them to establish their presence and pave the way for further Turkic migrations and the eventual establishment of the Sultanate of Rum in Anatolia.

After the victory at the Battle of Manzikert, Sultan Alp Arslan assigned his commanders with the task of fully conquering Anatolia. Konya, the "Conqueror of Anatolia," was captured by Sultan Süleyman Shah, also known as Kutalmışoğlu, of the Seljuk dynasty.

Indeed, different sources provide varying views on the exact date of the conquest. Some mention 1072, 1074, and other years. However, one fact remains certain: after the conquest of Konya, Kutalmışoğlu Süleyman Shah I turned westward and established the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate in 1074, choosing İznik as the central city. Therefore, the conquest of Konya undoubtedly predates the year 1074. The conquest marked the beginning of the era of Turkish-Islamic rule in our city.

Konya, being among the few cities with significant historical monuments, is adorned with architectural wonders that are considered prime examples of Turkish craftsmanship. Due to serving as the capital for the Seljuks for over two centuries, Konya surpassed Bursa, Edirne, and Istanbul in terms of being the "Most Magnificent Turkish City" during the Seljuk era.