The Ottoman Conquest
During the 14th century, the Ottoman Principality emerged as a formidable force, challenging the dominance of the Karamanogullari principality. For nearly 150 years, these two powers clashed in a series of wars. However, it was Sultan Mehmet II, famously known as the conqueror, who ultimately brought an end to the Karamanogullari reign in 1467, integrating it into the Ottoman State.
Transformation into Karaman Province
Following its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, the city of Larende, a former stronghold of the Karamanogullari, underwent significant administrative changes. Initially serving as a sanjak center under the province of Konya, it later attained the status of a county center during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Lawmaker. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, Larende was officially renamed Karaman through Act No. 3589 on June 15, 1989, becoming the 70th province of Turkey Exploring Historic Mosques in Karaman.
Preserving Cultural Heritage Karaman Museum
To safeguard and showcase the rich archaeological and ethnographic heritage of Karaman and its environs, efforts were initiated in 1961 to collect and preserve various artifacts. In 1980, the current museum building was inaugurated, situated in the heart of the city on Turgut Ozal Avenue, adjacent to the Hatuniye Madrasah, a masterpiece from the Karamanoglu era.
Exploring History Museum Exhibits
The Karaman Museum boasts a diverse collection of artworks spanning from the Epipaleolithic period to more recent epochs. With two dedicated exhibition rooms, visitors can explore archaeological and ethnographic treasures. The museum’s display cabinets showcase artifacts in chronological order, ranging from the Neolithic and Calcolithic periods to the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republican eras. Additionally, four cabinets exhibit coins from various historical epochs, providing a comprehensive overview of Karaman’s rich cultural legacy Private Guide Turkey.
Karaman Castle A Testament to Resilience
Perched atop a tumulus in the heart of Hisar District, Karaman Castle stands as a testament to the region’s tumultuous history. Constructed in the late 11th to early 12th centuries, the castle played a strategic role during the Seljuk, Karamanogullari, and Ottoman periods. Despite facing destruction by the Ilkhans in the 13th century and the Ottomans in 1468, the castle was rebuilt, with remnants of its exterior, middle, and interior walls still visible today. The castle features nine towers, each with distinct architectural characteristics, serving as a tangible link to Karaman’s storied past.
