If you look at a map of Turkey, you will see that a small part of this country is on the continent of Europe, but that most of it is on a peninsula, or piece of land that juts out from the continent of Asia. This peninsula is often called Asia Minor. It was given this name because it is a minor, or small, part of Asia.
It has also been called Turkey-in- Asia. Most of Asia Minor is a plateau- high, like a mountain, but level, like a plain. This plateau forms the central part of the region. Mountains lie around it on all sides except the western side. Many streams and small rivers crisscross the plains. Asia Minor has been the home of many different peoples in its long history.
Most of them have been nomads and shepherds on the high plains. Others have dwelt in seacoast towns and engaged in trading and shipping.Early in its history, it was home to one of the most advanced and powerful civilizations prior to the Bronze Age. The Hittites ruled the region from approximately 1900 to 1200 BC There were famous ancient cities on the shores of Asia Minor, including Troy, Ephesus, and Smyrna. Many ancient wars were fought in this region. Asia Minor was included in the empire of Alexander the Great, in the Roman Empire, and in the Byzantine Empire. For nearly a thousand years it has been part of Turkey. The people who live in Asia Minor today are descended from Turks, Greeks, Syrians, Armenians, Jews, and other peoples.
It has also been called Turkey-in- Asia. Most of Asia Minor is a plateau- high, like a mountain, but level, like a plain. This plateau forms the central part of the region. Mountains lie around it on all sides except the western side. Many streams and small rivers crisscross the plains. Asia Minor has been the home of many different peoples in its long history.
Most of them have been nomads and shepherds on the high plains. Others have dwelt in seacoast towns and engaged in trading and shipping.Early in its history, it was home to one of the most advanced and powerful civilizations prior to the Bronze Age. The Hittites ruled the region from approximately 1900 to 1200 BC There were famous ancient cities on the shores of Asia Minor, including Troy, Ephesus, and Smyrna. Many ancient wars were fought in this region. Asia Minor was included in the empire of Alexander the Great, in the Roman Empire, and in the Byzantine Empire. For nearly a thousand years it has been part of Turkey. The people who live in Asia Minor today are descended from Turks, Greeks, Syrians, Armenians, Jews, and other peoples.
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