Anatolian Seljuk State
Who Were the Anatolian Seljuks?
The Anatolian Seljuk State was established in 1077 in Anatolia as a continuation of the Great Seljuk State. This state enabled the Turks to make Anatolia their homeland and spread Turkish-Islamic culture by building major cities mosques and madrasas. The Anatolian Seljuk sultans who were both warriors and art lovers placed great value on scholars and artists.
Where and When Were They Established?
The Anatolian Seljuk State was founded in 1077 by Süleyman Shah of the Kutalmışoğlu line. Its initial capital was Nicaea and later it became Konya. The state expanded to encompass a large part of present-day Türkiye. It reached its golden age during the reign of Alaeddin Keykubad I.
How Did They Live?
During the Anatolian Seljuk period most of the population engaged in agriculture trade and crafts. In cities markets bathhouses madrasas and mosques were constructed. People lived both in cities and villages. Nomadic Turkmen tribes lived in tents and sustained themselves through animal husbandry. During this period Turkish Arabic and Persian languages were all used.
Science Art and Architecture
The Anatolian Seljuks placed great importance on art and science. Madrasas and libraries were established in cities such as Konya Sivas and Kayseri. In architecture ornate stone doorways and minarets are particularly notable. The Double Minaret Madrasa the Thin Minaret Madrasa and the Alaeddin Mosque are among the important works of this period.
Trade and Caravanserais
The Anatolian Seljuks placed great emphasis on trade. Caravanserais which served as lodging places were built to ensure the safety of merchants. In these caravanserais merchants rested and protected their goods. One of the most famous caravanserais is the Sultan Han.
Powerful Sultans
- Süleyman Shah: Founder of the state.
- Kilij Arslan I: Defended Anatolia against the Crusades.
- Kilij Arslan II: Expanded the state and fought against the Danishmendids.
- Alaeddin Keykubad I: Oversaw its golden age.
Mongol Pressure and Decline
After their defeat by the Mongols at the Battle of Köse Dağ in 1243 the Anatolian Seljuks began to weaken. With the Mongols bringing Anatolia under their control the era of the beyliks began. One of these beyliks would later found the Ottoman State.
Why Are They Important?
The Anatolian Seljuk State ensured the permanent presence of the Turks in Anatolia and spread Turkish-Islamic culture through the construction of major cities and architectural works. Their efforts in education science and art laid the cultural foundations of Anatolia.
References
- Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı. “Anadolu Selçukluları.” https://www.diyanet.gov.tr
- Osman Turan. Türkiye in the Seljuk Era. Ötüken Neşriyat.
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism. “Seljuk Heritage.” https://www.ktb.gov.tr
- Ahmet Cevdet Paşa. Tarih-i Cevdet. (Excerpts)
