Malatya history

The history of Malatya is rooted in deep antiquity, and its surroundings have served as a cradle for numerous civilisations over millennia. The city, known in various eras by names such as Melid, Melitene, and finally Malatya, has changed its location several times but has always remained a vital centre at the crossroads of cultures.

Foundation and first mentions. The first settlements in the area of modern Malatya appeared around 6,000 years ago. In the Bronze Age, the city of Melid was located here—the administrative centre of the Isuwa kingdom, which was conquered by the Hittites in the 14th century BC. The city's name presumably derives from the Hittite word "melit", meaning "honey", indicating the wealth and fertility of these lands. After the fall of the Hittite Empire, the city became the centre of one of the Neo-Hittite states. Later, these lands became part of the Assyrian, Median, and Persian empires.

Key factors of formation. The geographical location and strategic importance of the city played a key role in its development. Its position at the intersection of important trade routes linking Anatolia with Mesopotamia contributed to economic prosperity. In the Roman era, the city, named Melitene, became a significant military base on the empire's eastern frontier, where the famous Twelfth Thunderbolt Legion (Legio XII Fulminata) was stationed. Under Emperor Justinian, the city walls were rebuilt, turning Melitene into one of Byzantium's largest fortresses. In different historical periods, Malatya also served as the capital of provinces and administrative entities, for example, as the centre of the Byzantine province of Second Armenia.

Early cultural and economic features. Since ancient times, the region has been known for its fertility. Agriculture flourished here, especially the cultivation of grapes and olives. However, over time, apricots became the main symbol and economic foundation of Malatya. Today, the region is one of the world leaders in the production of dried apricots, earning it the title "World Capital of Apricots". The city's cultural life was rich and diverse due to the blending of Hittite, Assyrian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine traditions.

Chronology of Key Events

• 4th millennium BC — Emergence of a settlement at the Arslantepe Mound, which became the historical predecessor of the city.
• Circa 1350 BC — The Hittite King Suppiluliuma I conquers the region, incorporating it into the Hittite Empire.
• 12th century BC — After the collapse of the Hittite Empire, the city of Melid becomes the capital of an independent Neo-Hittite kingdom.
• 712 BC — The Assyrian King Sargon II captures the city, ending the existence of the local royal dynasty.
• 70 AD — Roman Emperor Titus stations the Twelfth Thunderbolt Legion here, transforming the settlement into the fortified camp of Melitene.
• 532 — Byzantine Emperor Justinian I rebuilds the city walls, making the city a key fortress on the eastern border.
• 1101 — The city comes under the control of the Turkic Danishmendid dynasty, becoming an important cultural and trade centre.
• 1243 — The Mongol invasion affects the region, leading to a temporary shift in the political landscape.
• 1515 — Sultan Selim I definitively annexes these lands to the Ottoman Empire, ensuring a period of stability.
• 1838 — Residents massively abandon the old city and found modern Malatya on the site of the Aspuzu summer gardens.
• 1923 — With the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, the city receives the status of the administrative centre of the province of the same name.
• 1931 — The first railway arrives in the city, opening opportunities for the mass export of local apricots.
• 1975 — İnönü University is founded, becoming one of the largest scientific and educational centres in Eastern Anatolia.
• 2014 — Malatya receives metropolitan status (Büyükşehir), significantly expanding the boundaries and powers of the municipality.
• 2021 — The archaeological site of Arslantepe is officially included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Key Milestones in the Development of Malatya

The modern history of Malatya is a journey of transformation from a provincial Ottoman town into a major economic and cultural hub of Eastern Anatolia. The key events that defined its current appearance are linked to urban planning, the development of transport infrastructure, and the consolidation of its status as the "Apricot Capital of the World".

• Foundation of the modern city (1838). The most critical event in the city's history was its relocation to a new site. In 1838, the Ottoman army used the old city (today known as Battalgazi or Eski Malatya) as its base, prompting residents to move a few kilometres south to the location of their summer pastures. This marked the beginning of modern Malatya, which grew rapidly and by the late 19th century had turned into a bustling centre with thousands of homes, mosques, and hotels.
• Construction of the railway (1930s). The laying of the railway line connecting Malatya with major cities such as Sivas and Ankara in 1931-1937 provided a powerful impetus for economic growth. This event drastically improved logistics, allowing for the mass transport of agricultural products, primarily the famous local apricots, to domestic and international markets.
• Rise of the "Apricot Capital". Although apricots have been grown in the region for centuries, it was in the 20th century that their production reached industrial scales. Today, Malatya provides about 85% of the world's dried apricot exports. The creation of specialised markets, the hosting of the annual Apricot Festival since 1978, and the product receiving geographical indication status have cemented the city's reputation as the global centre for this fruit.
• Opening of İnönü University (1975). The founding of one of the largest universities in Eastern Turkey was a turning point in the city's cultural and social life. The university transformed Malatya into an important educational and scientific centre, attracting thousands of students and academics from across the country and abroad, which also stimulated the development of the service sector and urban infrastructure.
• Creation of organised industrial zones. As part of state policy to industrialise the regions, two large industrial zones were established in Malatya. The main specialisation of these zones became textile production, which allowed for the diversification of the city's economy, traditionally dependent on agriculture.
• Inclusion of Arslantepe in the UNESCO List (2021). The recognition of the ancient Arslantepe Mound, located in the city's vicinity, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was a landmark cultural event. This not only confirmed the exceptional historical significance of the region as one of the cradles of early statehood but also significantly increased its appeal to tourists.

The architectural appearance of Malatya, like many ancient cities in Anatolia, represents a multi-layered tapestry woven from the heritage of successive civilisations. The development of the city can be broadly divided into several key stages, each of which has left its mark on its urban structure and the appearance of its buildings.

Roman-Byzantine Heritage

The foundations of monumental architecture in the region were laid during the Roman and Byzantine eras. The main monument of this period is the ruins of the city walls in Eski Malatya (Old Malatya), known today as Battalgazi. The construction of the fortress began under the Roman Emperor Titus, and the powerful fortifications acquired their final form under the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. These walls testify to the strategic importance of the city of Melitene as a major military outpost on the empire's eastern borders.

The Era of the Seljuks and Ottomans

With the arrival of the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century, a new style was established in the region's architecture, combining Central Asian, Persian, and local Anatolian traditions. The brightest example of Seljuk architecture in Malatya is the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) in Battalgazi, built in the 13th century. It is distinguished by a plan unique to Anatolia with an inner courtyard and the use of Persian-style tile mosaics. During this same period, caravanserais were built, such as the Silahtar Mustafa Pasha Caravanserai (17th century, Ottoman period), which highlighted the city's commercial significance on trade routes. Numerous mosques and mausoleums from the Ottoman era have also been preserved in the city and its surroundings.

Traditional and Modern Urban Development

The modern city of Malatya was founded in 1838, leading to the formation of a new architectural look. Traditional buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries are characterised by two-storey mansions built of stone, wood, and adobe (mudbrick). These houses, with their thick walls and small windows, were adapted to the local climate. In the 20th century, especially after the construction of the railway, the city began to develop actively in accordance with the principles of republican urban planning: wide streets, public buildings, and residential quarters in a more functional style appeared. Today's Malatya is a dynamically growing city where modern residential complexes, shopping centres, and university campuses coexist with historic districts and traditional houses, reflecting all stages of its rich history.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Malatya

The city of Malatya and its surroundings have for centuries been the birthplace or an important centre of activity for many iconic figures in history, politics, and culture. These individuals have left a deep mark not only on the life of their region but on the entire country.

Battal Gazi (8th Century)

Role: Legendary Muslim warrior and saint.

Significance: Battal Gazi is an epic hero whose life and deeds are closely tied to ancient Melitene (now Eski Malatya, or Battalgazi). He is a central figure in Turkish folklore, a symbol of the struggle for the faith during the Arab-Byzantine wars. His image inspired the creation of numerous literary works and films, and the old city of Malatya is named in his honour, highlighting his enduring significance for the region's identity.

Saint Polyeuctus of Melitene (3rd Century)

Role: Christian martyr, soldier.

Significance: Saint Polyeuctus was a Roman soldier who suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith in the city of Melitene around the year 259. He is considered the first martyr of this city. His story of loyalty to his convictions, despite the threat of death, inspired many, and his veneration spread in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions. The saint's story formed the basis of Pierre Corneille's famous tragedy "Polyeucte".

Turgut Özal (1927–1993)

Role: 8th President and 26th Prime Minister of Turkey.

Significance: A native of Malatya, Turgut Özal is one of the key figures in the modern history of Turkey. As Prime Minister and President, he implemented massive economic reforms, transitioning the country's economy to market principles and opening it up to international trade. His policies contributed to Turkey's rapid modernisation and economic growth in the 1980s.

İsmet İnönü (1884–1973)

Role: 2nd President of Turkey, Prime Minister, comrade-in-arms of Atatürk.

Significance: Although İsmet İnönü was born in Izmir, his family hailed from Malatya, and he always maintained a close connection with the region. As one of the founders of the Republic of Turkey, he played a decisive role in the War of Independence and led the Turkish delegation at the Lausanne Conference. After Atatürk's death, he succeeded him as President. The city's main university bears his name—İnönü University—testifying to the deep respect for him in Malatya.

Kemal Sunal (1944–2000)

Role: Actor and comedian.

Significance: One of the most beloved and recognisable actors in the history of Turkish cinema, Kemal Sunal was born in Malatya. He became famous for his role as Şaban in the "The Chaos Class" (Hababam Sınıfı) film series and dozens of other comedies, where he played simple-hearted and charming characters. His films became classics, and he became a true folk hero whose work still enjoys immense popularity in Turkey.

Ahmet Kaya (1957–2000)

Role: Singer, poet, and composer.

Significance: Born in Malatya, Ahmet Kaya became one of the most influential and simultaneously controversial musicians in Turkey in the late 20th century. In his songs, he raised acute social and political themes, combining folk motifs with protest lyrics. His work had a huge influence on the development of Turkish music and still resonates with millions of listeners.