Bitcoin was introduced in 2008 through the publication of a whitepaper titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" by an individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. This document proposed a decentralized electronic payment system enabling direct digital transactions without intermediaries. The Bitcoin network became operational on January 3, 2009, with the creation of the first block, known as the Genesis Block. On January 12, 2009, Nakamoto conducted the first Bitcoin transaction by sending 10 bitcoins to programmer Hal Finney.
In its early years, Bitcoin garnered interest primarily among technology enthusiasts and cryptography experts. On May 22, 2010, programmer Laszlo Hanyecz made the first real-world commercial transaction using Bitcoin by purchasing two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins; this event is celebrated annually as "Bitcoin Pizza Day."
Over time, Bitcoin gained acceptance among investors and financial institutions. In 2013, its value surpassed $1,000, attracting significant attention. In 2017, Bitcoin's price reached approximately $20,000, marking a substantial increase in value. Throughout this period, the underlying blockchain technology of Bitcoin inspired innovative applications across various sectors.
Today, Bitcoin is utilized as a digital store of value and an investment instrument. Additionally, some businesses and online platforms accept it as a payment method. Bitcoin's decentralized structure offers users independence from intermediaries in financial transactions and a certain level of anonymity. However, factors such as high price volatility and regulatory uncertainties limit its widespread use in daily transactions.