The First Turkish Principalities; One of the important turning points in Turkish history is the period when the Turks migrated from Central Asia to the west and established political organizations in various geographies. These migrations and established political structures created significant effects in the historical process and laid the foundations of today’s Turkish world. “The First Turkish Principalities” are of great importance in this context.
The first Turkish principalities played an important role in the process of the Turks entering Anatolia and establishing permanent settlements there. In this article, the establishment processes of the first Turkish principalities, their geographical distribution, social and cultural structures and their effects on history will be discussed in detail. It represents an important period in terms of Turkish history and the examination of this period is of great importance in terms of understanding the place of the Turks in the historical scene. The establishment and development processes of the principalities, the leaders of these principalities and the lifestyles of their people will also be evaluated in detail in this article.
The Entry of the Turks into Anatolia
The first entry of the Turks into Anatolia coincides with the period of the Great Seljuk Empire. Sultan Alp Arslan’s defeat of the Byzantine Emperor Romanos Diogenes in the Battle of Manzikert (1071) opened the gates of Anatolia to the Turks. After this victory, the Turkish tribes began to raid Anatolia and established the first principalities there.
Establishment of the First Turkish Principalities
The first Turkish principalities were generally established after the Battle of Manzikert, in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The establishment of these principalities was influenced by beys and commanders who acted independently of the Seljuk State. Here are some important principalities:
- Saltukids (1072-1202): The Saltukids, centered in Erzurum, are one of the oldest Turkish principalities in Anatolia. Founded by Ebulkasım Saltuk, the principality formed an important defense line against the Byzantine and Georgian threats in the region.
- Danishmends (1071-1178): Founded by Danishmend Gazi, this principality included cities such as Sivas, Tokat, Amasya and Niksar. The Danishmends played important roles during the Crusades.
- Mengüjeks (1080-1228): It was founded by Mengüjek Gazi in the Erzincan, Kemah and Divriği regions. Mengüjeks left behind important works of art and architecture.
- Artuqids (1102-1409): Founded by the sons of Artuk Bey, this principality ruled over regions such as Diyarbakır, Mardin and Hasankeyf. The Artuqids made significant advances in architecture and urban planning.
- Çaka Principality (1081-1093): Founded by Çaka Bey in İzmir and its surroundings, this principality is known as the first Turkish sea principality. Çaka Bey waged important naval wars against Byzantium.
Social and Cultural Structures of the First Turkish Principalities
The first Turkish principalities also attract attention with their social and cultural structures. These principalities played an important role in the spread and rooting of Turkish-Islamic culture in Anatolia. Here are some important characteristics of this period:
- Spread of Islam: The first Turkish principalities ensured the spread of Islam in Anatolia and increased the influence of this religion in cultural and social life. Islamic culture was strengthened by the construction of mosques, madrasahs and social complexes.
- Art and Architecture: During this period, Turkish principalities left behind various works of art and architecture. The Twin Minaret Madrasa in Erzurum, the Great Mosque of Divriği and the Artuqid works in Hasankeyf are among the important architectural structures of this period.
- Education and Science: During the period of the first Turkish Principalities, madrasahs were established and scientific studies were encouraged. The Danishmends made important studies especially in the field of education and established a madrasah in Niksar.
- Social Structure: During the period of the first Turkish Principalities, the social structure was shaped by the Turkmen tribes adopting a settled life. During this period, villages and towns were established and agricultural activities developed.
The Effects of the First Turkish Principalities on History
The first Turkish principalities played a critical role in the process of Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia. These principalities ensured that the Turkish presence in Anatolia became permanent and laid the foundations of the later Ottoman Empire. Here are some of the effects of these principalities on history:
- Turkification of Anatolia: The first Turkish principalities contributed to the establishment of permanent settlements by Turks in Anatolia and the Turkification of the region.
- Military Successes: These principalities established Turkish military power in Anatolia through their struggles against the Byzantines and the Crusades.
- Cultural Unification: The first Turkish Principalities ensured the unification of Central Asian Turkish culture and Islamic culture in Anatolia, and this unification continued during the Anatolian Seljuk State and Ottoman Empire periods.
- Architectural and Artistic Developments: These principalities left behind important architectural and artistic works and left permanent marks in Anatolia.
The first Turkish principalities have great importance as an important period in Turkish history. These principalities played a critical role in the process of Turkification and Islamization of Anatolia. The expression in question is frequently used to emphasize the place and importance of these principalities in the historical scene. It allowed the Turks to establish permanent settlements in Anatolia and to carry their cultural heritage to this geography.
These principalities have made great contributions to the strengthening of Turkish existence and culture in Anatolia throughout history. They have great value in terms of understanding Turkish history and transferring it to future generations. In this article, the establishment processes of the principalities, their social and cultural structures, their effects on history and important events are discussed in detail. As an important part of Turkish history, they played a major role in making Turkish existence and culture permanent in these lands. As one of the most important turning points in Turkish history, they are of great importance in understanding Turkish culture and history.