Tekirdag history

The history of Tekirdag dates back to ancient times. The city was founded on the coast of the Sea of Marmara and originally bore the name Bisanthe, while in the Byzantine era, it was known as Rhaedestus. These lands, which were an important part of ancient Thrace, were mentioned in the works of ancient historians. Over its centuries-old history, the city has changed names several times: in the Ottoman period, it was called Rodosçuk, and later Tekfurdağı, which eventually transformed into the modern Tekirdag. Its further development was facilitated by several key factors.

• Geographical Location: Its location on the northern shore of the Sea of Marmara, just 135 km from Istanbul, made Tekirdag a strategically important port and trade hub. This ensured its control over the maritime routes connecting the Aegean and Black Seas.
• Trade: Thanks to a convenient harbour, the city flourished through maritime trade. It served as an important centre for the export of agricultural produce from fertile Thrace.
• Political Influence: The city was part of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. In 1357, it was conquered by the Ottomans led by the future Sultan Murad I, which became a significant milestone in its history and strengthened the Ottoman position in the region.

In the early periods of its history, Tekirdag was not only a trading centre but also a cultural one. In the Byzantine era, it held the status of an important bishopric. After the Ottoman conquest, the city became a significant administrative centre within the Vilayet of Edirne. The city's economy was traditionally linked to the sea, agriculture, and viticulture. Over time, Tekirdag also became known as the place where the Hungarian national hero Ferenc II Rákóczi lived in exile, adding another chapter to its rich history.

Key Milestones in the History of Tekirdag

The history of the city of Tekirdag, located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, spans millennia. During this time, it has changed several names and played an important role in the lives of various civilisations and empires.

• Approx. 4000 BC — The first settlements appear, confirmed by archaeological findings in the region.
• 7th Century BC — Greek colonists from the island of Samos found a city named Bisanthe.
• 400 BC — The city is mentioned in the work "Anabasis" by the ancient Greek historian Xenophon as a possession of the Thracian king Seuthes II.
• 1st–4th Centuries AD — In the Roman period, the city is known as Rhaedestus and becomes an important port.
• 6th Century AD — In the Byzantine era, known as Rodosto, the city was fortified under Emperor Justinian the Great.
• 813 — The city is looted by the troops of the Bulgarian Khan Krum.
• 1206 — Rodosto is captured and looted again by the Bulgarian Tsar Kaloyan.
• 1357 — The city is conquered by the Ottomans led by Murad I, the future Sultan, and receives the name Rodosçuk.
• 1720–1735 — The Hungarian national hero and leader of the war of independence, Ferenc II Rákóczi, lives in exile in the city.
• 1840 — Namık Kemal, the famous Turkish poet and public figure, is born in Tekirdag.
• October 23, 1912 — During the First Balkan War, the city is occupied by Bulgarian troops.
• July 1, 1913 — The city returns to the control of the Ottoman Empire.
• 1919–1922 — Under the Treaty of Sèvres, the city is handed over to Greece, but after the Greco-Turkish War, it is returned to Turkey.
• 1927 — Following the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, the city officially receives its modern name — Tekirdag.

Stages of Tekirdag's Development

The development of Tekirdag as an important economic and cultural centre was largely determined by its strategic position and historical events. The city has journeyed from an ancient port to a modern industrial hub while preserving its cultural heritage.

• Port and Trade Development: For centuries, the port of Tekirdag has been a key factor in its economy. During the Ottoman period and the early years of the Turkish Republic, it served as the main trade gateway for the entire Thrace region. Modernisation and privatisation of the port in the late 20th and early 21st centuries allowed it to once again become a vital logistics hub on the Sea of Marmara, handling cargo, container, and Ro-Ro transport.
• Agricultural Centre: The fertile lands around Tekirdag have made it the agrarian heart of the region. The city and province are among the leaders in Turkey for sunflower and wheat cultivation, which has stimulated the development of the food industry and agricultural exports.
• Centre of Rakı Production: Tekirdag is inextricably linked to the production of the traditional Turkish beverage – rakı. The launch of large-scale production facilities here in the 20th century not only created jobs but also turned the city's name into a brand known throughout the country and beyond.
• Industrial Growth: Starting from the second half of the 20th century, thanks to its proximity to Istanbul and developed transport infrastructure, organised industrial zones began to be actively established in the vicinity of Tekirdag. Today, the region is one of Turkey's largest industrial centres, specialising in textiles, the food industry, and mechanical engineering.
• Establishment of Namık Kemal University: The opening of the university in 2006, named after the poet and thinker Namık Kemal who was born in Tekirdag, became a major event for the cultural and social life of the city. This attracted young people to Tekirdag and fostered the development of education, science, and the service sector.
• Cultural Heritage and Tourism: The preservation of historical Ottoman houses and the conversion of the house where the Hungarian figure Ferenc II Rákóczi lived in exile into a museum highlighted the city's tourism appeal. Tekirdag became known as the "Land of the Three Kemals," strengthening its cultural identity.
• Urban Expansion: Tekirdag's transformation into the capital of a province with "büyükşehir" (Metropolitan Municipality) status in 2012 gave a powerful impetus to the development of urban infrastructure, the construction of new residential areas, and the improvement of the transport network connecting it with other parts of the country.

The architectural appearance of Tekirdag represents a blend of various eras, where Ottoman heritage harmoniously coexists with buildings from the Republican period and modern developments. The urban development of the city has been closely linked to its status as an important port and administrative centre on the coast of the Sea of Marmara.

Ottoman Era: Classicism and Tradition

The Ottoman period left the most significant mark on the city's architecture. Buildings from this era are distinguished by the functionality and elegance characteristic of classical Ottoman architecture. The historic city centre still preserves the atmosphere of those times.

• Rüstem Pasha Complex: The jewel of Ottoman architecture in Tekirdag is the complex built in 1553, designed by the great architect Mimar Sinan. It includes the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a madrasa, and a covered market (bedesten) with six domes. This ensemble is a striking example of the imperial architectural style transposed to a provincial city.
• Traditional Ottoman Houses: In the old quarters, especially on the streets descending towards the sea, numerous wooden and stone-brick houses from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved. These two- and three-storey structures with characteristic bay windows (protruding sections) reflect the traditional lifestyle and construction techniques of that time. One of the best examples is the restored mansion housing the Rákóczi Museum.

Architecture of the Republican Period

With the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, new trends began to appear in architecture, reflecting ideas of modernisation and national identity. In Tekirdag, this period is represented mainly by public buildings executed in the styles of neoclassicism and early functionalism.

• Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography Building: Originally built in 1927 as the governor's residence, this building is a characteristic example of early Republican architecture. Its strict forms and symmetrical facade reflect the aspiration to create a new state style.
• Martyrs' Monument (Şehitler Abidesi): Erected in 1949, this monument is an example of memorial architecture from the mid-20th century.

Modern Urban Development

From the second half of the 20th century to the present day, Tekirdag has been actively developing as an industrial and logistics centre. This is reflected in its modern architecture: new residential complexes, shopping centres, and industrial zones are appearing, and port infrastructure is being modernised. The city is expanding along the coast and inland, gradually changing its historical silhouette, yet preserving key monuments as testaments to its rich history.

Prominent Figures Connected to Tekirdag

The city of Tekirdag, which bore the names Rodosto and Bisanthe throughout its history, became the birthplace or an important place in the lives of many famous figures. These people left a mark on politics, literature, and art, bringing fame to their city far beyond its borders.

• Namık Kemal (1840–1888) — A famous Turkish poet, writer, journalist, and public figure of the Tanzimat era. He was born in Tekirdag and is considered one of the pioneers of modern Turkish literature and drama. His patriotic works, such as the play "Motherland or Silistria" (Vatan yahut Silistre), had a huge influence on the formation of national consciousness.
• Ferenc II Rákóczi (1676–1735) — A Hungarian national hero, Prince of Transylvania, and leader of the war of independence against Habsburg rule. After the defeat of the uprising, he received asylum in the Ottoman Empire and spent the last 15 years of his life in exile in Tekirdag (then Rodosto), where he passed away. His house was turned into a museum, becoming a symbol of Hungarian-Turkish friendship.
• Henri Verneuil (Ashot Malakian) (1920–2002) — A world-renowned French film director and screenwriter of Armenian descent. He was born in Rodosto (Tekirdag). His family emigrated to France when he was a child. Verneuil directed over 60 films, worked with stars such as Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, and Jean-Paul Belmondo, and was awarded an honorary César Award for his contribution to cinema.
• Yahya Kemal Beyatlı (1884–1958) — One of the greatest poets in the history of 20th-century Turkish literature. Although born in Skopje, his political and public activities were closely linked to Tekirdag, which he represented in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey during the early years of the republic. His connection to the city is so significant that his name is included in the unofficial title "Land of the Three Kemals" (together with Namık Kemal and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk).
• Anthimus V (1782–1877) — Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in 1841–1842. He was born in Rodosto (Tekirdag). Before his election to the patriarchal throne, he held various high posts in the church hierarchy, serving as Metropolitan of Agathopolis, Anchialos, and Cyzicus.
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938) — The founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. Although he was not born in Tekirdag, his life and work are inextricably linked to the city. It was in Tekirdag in 1928 that he introduced the new Turkish alphabet based on the Latin script, which became one of the key moments in the country's cultural revolution.