What is the Seljuk Empire?
The Seljuk Turks were originally nomads that came from the Central Steppes of Asia. From the 8th to 10th Century, these nomadic Turks lived on the outskirts of the Abbasid Empire were they had many opportunities to trade. From around the 10th century many Turks were taken as slaves called Mamluks into the Abbasid army. Eventually, these slaves would take over a weakening Abbasid empire.
The Seljuks would take over the Anatolian peninsula from the Byzantines, expand the influence of Islam to new areas, be defeated by the Mongols but eventually become the Ottoman Empire. |
Governing Techniques
Large Standing ArmySeljuk Turks were nomads that originated from an areas somewhere between the Caspian Sea and the Aral Seas. They began to move south and interact with the Abbasid. They were great riders and warriors similar to the Mongols. They captured Baghdad in 1055 from the Ghaznavids. The Caliph of Baghdad was so impressed with their strength and skill that he made their leader, Tugrul Bey his deputy. The Seljuks however assumed they were the rightful owners of all land conquered during the time of Prophet Mohammed and were keen to extend their kingdom. So a contingent of around 5000 moved into eastern Anatolia and conquered it from the Byzantines even capturing the Byzantine emperor.
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The Sultan and Centralized RuleThe Seljuk leader called himself Sultan making him political leader. Eventually these sultans began to rule reducing the Abbsid Caliph to only be a religious leader. Its government was inspired by Abbasid concepts of centralized authority and was largely staffed by Persian bureaucrats who used Persian as the language of administration. Turkmen tribesmen formed the major arm of the military.
The Seljuk rule was modeled after the tribal organization common in Turkic and Mongol nomads and resembled a 'family federation.'Under this organization, the leading member of the family assigned family members portions of his domains. |
The CrusadesMerv served as the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate but Baghdad remained the capital for the Abbasids. The sultan lived in Merv and was protected by their large standing military. The sultans used their military to conquer territory into Eastern Europe.
The Abbasids had allowed Christians to travel to and from the Holy land freely. The Seljuk Turks however, did not. They limited Christian travel. Christians began to organize the Crusades to take the Holy Land for the Seljuk Turks. |
Controlling Access to the Silk Road the Anatolian Peninsula
Since the 8th Century Baghdad was one of the major centers of trade. Gradually, it lost its place and Constantinople became one of the main cities for trade along the Silk Roads, North Africa and Mediterranean as well as the Caspian Sea. The Turks wanted to take over Constantinople. They never did but they did take over other areas of trade. The Seljuks conquered important ports, signed agreements with foreign trade agencies, introduced an insurance system for merchandise and founded caravanserais on different trade routes. Trade took place on land and on sea .
Local manufacture of goods was highly encouraged by the Seljuks. The Christian Greek and Armenian businessmen and merchants and craftsmen present in Anatolia at the arrival of the Turks were allowed to continue working in their towns. You will learn more about the the trade routes in the next unit.
Local manufacture of goods was highly encouraged by the Seljuks. The Christian Greek and Armenian businessmen and merchants and craftsmen present in Anatolia at the arrival of the Turks were allowed to continue working in their towns. You will learn more about the the trade routes in the next unit.
The Cultural Impact of Islam in Anatolia
Although Sufi missionaries also helped convert people in Anatolia to Islam, the bulk of the conversion happened because of the military conquest, to avoid discrimination and wanting business opportunities. In Anatolia, like in India, the Turks invaded and caused major damage. Massacres, famine and enslavement led to a decline in the population. Christians and Jews were not forced to convert, but they had to pay special taxes, wear special clothing and were forbidden from carrying swords or riding horses. Many people would convert to avoid this terrible treatment.
The new Turkic rulers rulers gave privileges for conversion. People converted to get business opportunities, to avoid special taxes and or to be part of the government. It was easier for Jews and Christians to convert to Islam, unlike in India, because of the common beliefs.
Sufis in Anatolia taught that Islam was just a different version of those religions. Sufis also opened schools, mills, orchards, hospices and rest places for travelers.
The Turkic culture dominated the peninsula after the conquest of the Seljuk Turks. The Turkic language was used by Sufis and the government not Persian, Greek, or Arabic. Sufi turning dances that come from Central Asia became popular. There was a bit more equality for women. By 1500, 90% of the population was Muslim and speaking the Turkic language.
The new Turkic rulers rulers gave privileges for conversion. People converted to get business opportunities, to avoid special taxes and or to be part of the government. It was easier for Jews and Christians to convert to Islam, unlike in India, because of the common beliefs.
Sufis in Anatolia taught that Islam was just a different version of those religions. Sufis also opened schools, mills, orchards, hospices and rest places for travelers.
The Turkic culture dominated the peninsula after the conquest of the Seljuk Turks. The Turkic language was used by Sufis and the government not Persian, Greek, or Arabic. Sufi turning dances that come from Central Asia became popular. There was a bit more equality for women. By 1500, 90% of the population was Muslim and speaking the Turkic language.