The History of Sogut
History is the cornerstone of Turkey, aside from the beautiful weather and beaches that is! Whilst you will find infinite amounts of history no matter where you go around the country, there are certain spots which offer more than you probably bargained for.
Most people tend to focus their attention spots like Bursa, Istanbul, Izmir, or Ankara, and whilst those places certainly have a lot of history to explore, none of them can claim to be the starting point of the Ottoman Empire. That title belongs to the Sogut District, close to Bursa, in the Marmara Province.
Where is Sogut, And Why is it Important in History?
The problem with Sogut is that it is often a little under the radar these days, and it gets overshadowed by the huge cities that aren’t too far away from it. The thing is, Sogut was one of the most important towns of its age back in the 1200s, and you could argue that it helped to shape Turkey into what it is today.
As we mentioned, Sogut is located near the city of Bursa, close to the Sea of Marmara. You can easy reach Sogut from Bursa, and just as easily from Istanbul too. Road links are much improved and fast highways will get you to and from in a matter of hours. During the winter months however, do be aware that the Bursa region does experience quite heavy snowfall, so add some time onto your journey.
The reason Sogut and the history of Sogut is so important is all down to the Ottoman Empire. The founder of the entire Empire, Ertugrul Gazi is buried in Sogut, and it was the first capital of the entire Empire itself. Many history fans visit Sogut to pay homage to the founder and to enjoy the beautiful natural landscape that is everywhere you turn in the Sogut district. Sure, there’s not a lot else to see there aside from the tomb and the stunning natural sights, but surely that’s enough?
Sogut is a great spot for a couple of days away from the big cities that surround it. The picturesque hills seem to roll into the ever lasting distance, and the area is becoming very popular for eco-travel, with hiking and camping some of the top activities to enjoy, aside from history chasing.
Whilst Sogut lost its title of capital when bigger cities began to be developed around the area, and the final title went to Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, it was always considered to be the real birthplace of one of the most powerful Empires in the entirety of history.
There are several places to stay in Sogut, so you can easily dedicate a few days to visiting the area, and as we mentioned, camping during the summer months is a fantastic experience. June to September is very warm in this area, with very little chance of rain. The winter months can be quite chilly, and it’s not unusual to see snow, so if you like your temperatures above single figures, perhaps stick to hotels, or keep your visit for the summer months!
Sogut really does show that history in Turkey isn’t just about Istanbul. Of course, this is a city which you simply have to have on your list at least once or twice, but smaller, lesser well known places, such as Sogut and Edirne, are both very important spots in Ottoman History, and if you really want to get to the real crux of the history of this fascinating country, this is a historic Empire you need to study very closely indeed.
