The modern history of Erzurum is closely tied to the territory on which the city is located. Since 1923, the western part of historical Armenia has been part of Turkey. Erzurum itself was founded in the early first millennium AD, and it is difficult to determine the exact date. The ancient Armenian city of Karin, which was inhabited by the Hayasa-Azzi tribes at that time, served as its predecessor.
Afterwards, the territory belonged to the Byzantine Empire, and Emperor Theodosius II fortified the city and renamed it Theodosiopolis. This was not the last name by which Erzurum was known. Kalikala, Arzen, Ardzn-Rum—each era and each ruling power bestowed its own name upon the region.
In 1472, it belonged to Persia, and since 1522, it has been part of Turkey. Today, the Turkish lira is the currency in use in Turkey.
