Kutahya history

Birth of the City and Ancient Roots

The history of Kutahya stretches back into deep antiquity, spanning several millennia. The first traces of human habitation in this territory date back to the Chalcolithic era; however, the settlement formed as a significant urban centre during the time of Phrygian rule (first millennium BC).

• Ancient Name: In ancient sources, the city is mentioned as Kotiaeon. It is believed that this name derives from the name of Kotys, a mother goddess worshipped by the Thracians and Phrygians.
• First Mentions: The city features in the works of ancient geographers, including Strabo, as one of the important centres of Phrygia Epictetus ("Acquired Phrygia").

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by a fortunate combination of geographical advantages and natural wealth, which determined its destiny for centuries to come.

• Geography and Logistics: The city is situated at the junction of mountain ranges and fertile valleys, controlling strategic trade routes linking Central Anatolia with the Aegean coast.
• Natural Resources: The presence of rich deposits of clay and kaolin became a decisive factor for the economy. It was here that the traditions of pottery art were born, which subsequently made this region famous not only throughout modern Turkey but also beyond its borders.
• Military Significance: A high hill with steep slopes provided natural protection, becoming the ideal location for the construction of an acropolis, and later, a powerful fortress.

Early Culture and Economy

During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the city experienced a golden age. It held the rights of a polis and even minted its own bronze coins, indicating a high degree of economic autonomy. Cultural life was vibrant: temples, thermal baths, and public buildings were constructed here, and with the spread of Christianity, the city became an important religious centre and the residence of a bishop.

Key Dates in the History of Kutahya

• Around 3000 BC — Foundation of the first Phrygian settlements; the city receives the name Kotiaeon.
• 334 BC — The city is conquered by Alexander the Great during his campaign against Persia.
• 133 BC — Kotiaeon becomes part of the Roman Empire and receives the Latinised name Cotyaeum.
• 443 AD — Appointment of a bishop to the city during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, testifying to its role as an important centre of early Christianity.
• 1078 — The city is captured by the Seljuk Turks for the first time, marking the beginning of the Turkic era in the region.
• Around 1300 — Kutahya becomes the capital of the powerful Anatolian beylik (principality) of Germiyan.
• 1429 — Following the death of the last ruler of Germiyan, Yakub II, the city and surrounding territories are definitively incorporated into the Ottoman Empire.
• 16th–18th Centuries — Kutahya experiences a flourishing period as the main centre for the production of famous Ottoman ceramics and tiles, eventually surpassing Iznik in importance.
• 1833 — The city is temporarily occupied by the Egyptian forces of Ibrahim Pasha, and the Convention of Kutahya is signed here.
• 1850–1851 — The leader of the Hungarian revolution, Lajos Kossuth, spends his exile in Kutahya before departing for the USA.
• July 17, 1921 — During the Greco-Turkish War, the city is occupied by the Greek army.
• August 30, 1922 — The Turkish army under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk liberates the city following the decisive Battle of Dumlupinar.
• 1992 — Dumlupinar University opens in the city, named in honour of the historic battle.

The development of Kutahya is a journey from a strategic outpost of ancient civilisations to a modern industrial centre of Turkey. The city has passed through several key stages, each of which radically changed its economic structure and architectural appearance.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

• Capital of the Germiyan Beylik (14th Century)
  During this period, the city took shape as an important administrative and cultural centre of Anatolia. The status of a principality capital promoted rapid urban development: key architectural monuments were erected, including the commencement of the Grand Mosque, and the foundations of the urban layout preserved in the historic centre were laid.
• Golden Age of Ottoman Ceramics (16th–17th Centuries)
  The city's economy reoriented towards the mass production of tiles and tableware. Kutahya became the second centre of ceramic art after Iznik, supplying tiles to mosques and palaces throughout the empire. This formed a unique craft specialisation that sustains the city to this day.
• Launch of Railway Connections (End of 19th Century)
  Connection to the railway network (Eskisehir — Kutahya line) opened new horizons for trade. This allowed for cheaper transportation of raw materials and finished products, integrating local artisans into wider markets and stimulating the influx of goods from Istanbul.
• Industrialisation of the Republic (Mid-20th Century)
  The transition from artisanal production to heavy industry was marked by the opening of large state enterprises, such as the sugar factory and the nitrogen fertiliser plant. These giants created thousands of jobs, causing an influx of population from villages and the expansion of city boundaries.
• Creation of the "Kütahya Porselen" Brand (1970s)
  A turning point in the city's economic history: traditional pottery craft was scaled up to the level of global industrial production. Today, porcelain from Kutahya is exported to dozens of countries around the world, acting as the main driver of the local economy.
• Foundation of Dumlupinar University (1992)
  The opening of the university transformed a conservative artisan city into a youthful educational hub. The influx of tens of thousands of students revitalised the service sector, stimulated the construction of new housing and modern shopping areas, and changed the social profile of the population.
• Development of Thermal Tourism (21st Century)
  In recent decades, the city has been actively capitalising on its geothermal resources. The modernisation of the Yoncali and Ilica resorts attracts tourists, contributing to economic diversification and the development of the hospitality sector beyond the industrial zone.

The architectural appearance of Kutahya is a multi-layered mosaic reflecting the city's long and rich history. Here, one can trace the influence of several great civilisations, each of which left its unique mark in stone, wood, and ceramics.

Byzantine Heritage

The foundation of the city's urban structure is the monumental Kutahya Fortress, rising atop the hill. Originally built in the Byzantine era (estimated to be in the 5th or 8th century), it was rebuilt and fortified multiple times during the reigns of the Seljuks, Germiyanids, and Ottomans. The fortress consists of three sections and features 72 bastions, making it one of the largest structures of its kind in Turkey. It served not only defensive purposes but also as an administrative centre, and today it is the main symbol of the city, offering panoramic views over the old quarters.

Architecture of the Seljuk and Ottoman Periods

With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, Kutahya's architectural landscape was enriched with classic Islamic structures. This period gifted the city with iconic mosques, madrasas, and public buildings.

• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami): This is one of the most significant religious structures in the city, the construction of which began in the late 14th century under the future Sultan Bayezid I. Completed in the early 15th century, the mosque is a vivid example of early Ottoman architecture. In the 16th century, it was restored by the famous architect Mimar Sinan.
• Madrasas and Museums: Many historical madrasas (religious schools) have been repurposed as museums today. For instance, the Archaeological Museum is housed in a historic 14th-century madrasa building, preserving artefacts ranging from the Roman to the Byzantine periods.

Civil Architecture and Traditional Houses

A special charm is lent to Kutahya by the preserved examples of civil architecture, particularly in old districts such as Germiyan Street. Here, one can see traditional Ottoman mansions of the 19th century, which are fine examples of Anatolian wooden architecture. These two- and three-storey houses are characterised by a stone ground floor and wooden upper floors with projecting bay windows (cumba), a specific arrangement of windows, and wide eaves. Such houses not only form the historic look of the streets but also reflect the lifestyle of that time.

Modern Development

In the 20th and 21st centuries, the city continues to develop. One interesting example of modern architecture is the Tiled Mosque (Çinili Cami), built in 1973. Its facade and minaret, completely adorned with the famous Kutahya blue tiles, are a modern interpretation of traditional art and imitate the Central Asian architecture of Samarkand. Projects to create new cultural centres are also being implemented in the city, demonstrating Kutahya's aspiration to combine rich heritage with modern needs.

Distinguished Figures Linked to Kutahya

Throughout its rich history, Kutahya has been the birthplace or temporary refuge for many outstanding figures who left a mark on culture, politics, and science. Here are some of them:

• Aesop (6th century BC) — Semi-legendary Ancient Greek fabulist. Although his birthplace is a subject of debate, many ancient sources, noting the city's ancient name Kotiaeon (Cotyaeum), link him specifically to Phrygia, and particularly to Kutahya. His short, instructive stories are known throughout the world.
• Hayme Ana (13th century) — Mother of Ertugrul Ghazi and grandmother of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Her mausoleum is located in the village of Carsamba in the Domanic district (Kutahya province), which is considered the "cradle" of the Ottoman state. She is revered as one of the matriarchs of the great dynasty.
• Yakub II of Germiyan (died 1429) — The last ruler of the Germiyan beylik (principality) with its capital in Kutahya. He was known as a patron of arts and architecture. Upon his death, leaving no heirs, the principality peacefully joined the Ottoman Empire, marking a new era for the city.
• Evliya Celebi (1611 – c. 1682) — Famous Ottoman traveller and writer. Although born in Istanbul, his family originated from Kutahya, and he deeply identified with the city. His monumental work "Seyahatname" ("Book of Travels") is an invaluable source of information about the Ottoman Empire and neighbouring lands in the 17th century.
• Komitas (Soghomon Soghomonian, 1869–1935) — Armenian composer, musicologist, folklorist, and choral conductor. Born in Kutahya, he is considered the founder of modern Armenian classical music. Komitas dedicated his life to collecting and arranging thousands of folk songs.
• Lajos Kossuth (1802–1894) — Hungarian statesman, revolutionary, and leader of the struggle for independence. After the defeat of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848–1849, he found refuge in the Ottoman Empire and spent about two years (1850–1851) in exile in Kutahya. The house where he lived is now a museum.
• Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (1881–1938) — Founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Although not a native of the city, his name is inextricably linked to Kutahya due to the decisive Battle of Dumlupinar (August 30, 1922), which took place nearby and led to the liberation of the city and victory in the War of Independence.