Ankara: The heart of the Republic of Türkiye
Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, is first on our list of city names and their historical influences. Research shows that settled life in the region started during the Neolithic and Copper Ages. The Hittites governed the area for a period, but the Phrygians, under the command of King Midas, eventually took control. It is widely agreed that the name of the area, “Ankyra (ship’s anchor)”, was bestowed by the Phrygians, though some accounts claim that the name came from another ancient civilization, the Galatians, who arrived from Central Europe after the Phrygians. Following the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071, the city was taken by the Turks from the Byzantines. The Malazgirt Victory opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turkish people, and the city’s name eventually evolved into Ankara.
Rome: A city that made its mark in history
Rome, one of history’s most important centers, has been home to many over the centuries, including the Latins and Etruscans. The city also has a colorful history and a legend: Allegedly, Rome was established in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were nurtured by a she-wolf. The brothers fought, and Romulus ended Remus’ life. His first action after killing his brother was to name the city after himself.
The historical evolution of the name Barcelona
Another city-name story from the Mediterranean. Barcelona, a thriving port city and prominent trading hub, was known to the seafaring civilizations of Phoenicia and Carthage, as well as Romans and the Andalusian Umayyads at various times throughout history. At the end of the first century BC, the Roman colony known as “Feventia Julia Augusta Pia Barcino” acquired the region and the city came to be known as “Barcino”. During the Andalusian Umayyad period, the city’s name evolved into “Barcelona,” a name it still holds.
From Byzantion to Istanbul
We now come to Istanbul on our list of historical city names. Known by various names over the centuries, Istanbul was called Byzantion by the ancient Greeks; it is believed that the name originated from Byzas, the Megaran leader who established the city. When the Roman Empire took over the region in the fourth century, Constantine the Great relocated the Roman capital to Byzas and it was called “Constantine’s City (Constantinople)”. This new name not only demonstrated that the city was the new capital of Eastern Rome, but it also paid homage to the emperor. Although Istanbul has historically served as an important crossroads and center for both the western and eastern worlds, the capture of Fatih in 1453 marked the start of a new era. As the Ottoman Empire established itself, the city became known as “Islambol,” which means “the center of Islam.” This term eventually evolved into the name “Istanbul,” which is assumed to be derived from the Greek word “stinpolis,” meaning “towards the city.”
London: ‘Flowing river’
A discussion of the origins of geographical names is incomplete without mentioning London. The name of the city, one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises, originated with the Romans; after the Roman incursion into Britain, Londinium was established along the River Thames. It is believed that “londinium” meant “flowing river”. In any case, the settlement quickly expanded, becoming one of the most important port cities in the Roman Empire. Under the Anglo-Saxon influence, the name Londinium evolved to Lundenwic and then ultimately to London.
Paris, the city of Parisians
The story of Paris, the city of lovers, begins with the Parisii, a Celtic tribe living on the banks of the Seine River. At that time, the city was called “Lutetia.” After coming under the dominion of the Roman Empire, the city was named “Civitas Parisiorum (city of the Parisii).” The name “Civitas Parisiorum” evolved over time and was shortened to “Paris.”
The mythological story of Athens
When it comes to city names and myths, Athens is a stellar example. According to legend, the city was named after Athena, the goddess of reason and combat. In the myth, Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea, contended for the role of city protector. During the battle, Poseidon hit a rock with his pitchfork, and water began to flow from the location. Then, Athena softly tapped her gilded spear to the earth, and a lovely olive tree with silver leaves and branches full of luscious fruit emerged from the ground. The inhabitants saw Athena’s olive tree as a sign of peace and wealth, and thus named the city for her.
