Kahramanmaraş routes

History of Kahramanmaraş

Discover the memory of Maraş, from ancient settlements to the years of the National Struggle.

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A GENERAL HISTORY OF KAHRAMANMARAŞ

With its deep-rooted history, Kahramanmaraş has hosted numerous civilizations, from the Hittites and Romans to the Seljuks, Dulkadirids, and Ottomans. Its rich cultural heritage and heroic struggle for independence make it one of Anatolia’s ancient cities.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY OF MARAŞ FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE PRESENT DAY

From antiquity to the present day, Maraş has undergone various administrative transformations under the rule of different civilizations. Its administrative status evolved under ancient kingdoms, Roman and Byzantine rule, Islamic states, the Seljuks, the Dulkadirids, and the Ottoman Empire. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic, it became a province of Türkiye and was renamed Kahramanmaraş in 1973, preserving its historical identity.

THE NATIONAL STRUGGLE OF MARAŞ

The Maraş National Struggle was a heroic resistance by the local population against the occupations that began in 1919, driven by their determination for independence and love of their homeland. Symbolized by Sütçü İmam’s first shot, the struggle culminated in the city’s liberation on February 12, 1920. The courage of the people of Maraş inspired the Turkish National Struggle and earned the city the Medal of Independence, leaving an indelible mark on Turkish history.

MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES IN MARASH DURING THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

During the 19th and 20th centuries, American and European missionaries established educational, healthcare, and religious institutions in Marash, leaving significant marks on the city’s social, cultural, and historical development.