Discovery of Oil and Its Importance in Human History

Oil is considered one of the most important energy sources of the modern world. However, no one could have predicted that its emergence on the stage of history would play such a critical role in meeting today's energy needs. The discovery and first use of oil heralded major transformations in human history and became one of the cornerstones of the industrial revolution.

First Discoveries and Natural Oil Seeps

The realization of oil by humanity actually dates back to ancient times. According to historical records, ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and China used oil that naturally seeped to the surface of the earth for medical and practical purposes. Especially in Mesopotamia, petroleum derivatives known as bitumen (tar) were used in construction materials for waterproofing, shipbuilding and even religious rituals. It is known that natural gas and oil were extracted in China in the 4th century BC using simple drilling methods. However, these early uses were quite limited compared to the development of the modern oil industry.

The 19th Century and the Birth of the Oil Industry

The commercial discovery of oil took place in the United States in the 19th century. In 1859, an American named Edwin L. Drake opened the first successful oil well in the state of Pennsylvania. This event led to the birth of the modern oil industry worldwide. Drake's well proved that oil could be extracted from the surface to depths and used commercially. In a short time, oil replaced kerosene in lamps used for lighting, and there was a huge explosion of demand.

The Strategic and Economic Importance of Oil

By the beginning of the century, oil had become a vital resource in the world economy and politics. The discovery of large oil reserves in Iran in 1908, in particular, increased the strategic importance of the Middle East. During and after World War I, oil became the main fuel source of the war industry. Airplanes, tanks and warships were propelled by the power of oil, which further increased countries' interest in oil reserves.

The strategic importance of oil increased even more after World War II and gained a global dimension. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of large oil fields in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran and Kuwait transformed these regions into the world's energy hub. At the same time, oil has become one of the cornerstones of the world economy, revealing the political and economic effects of energy crises and oil embargoes.

Oil in the Modern World

Today, oil is an indispensable energy source in many areas such as electricity generation, transportation, industry and agriculture worldwide. It also plays an important role in the production of plastics, fertilizers and chemical products. However, the environmental effects of oil, global climate change and discussions on the transition to renewable energy sources have also become one of the biggest issues in the modern world.

The discovery of oil is not only the discovery of an energy source for humanity, but also a major turning point that shaped world history. With its effects on energy, technology, economy and politics, oil has ceased to be just a substance and has become one of the most important forces determining global balances.