Etnik Ve Dinsel Dönüşüm Çağında Anadolu: Halklar, İnanışlar Ve Kültürel Etkileşim (XII.-XIII. Yüzyıllar)

Abstract

Anatolia witnessed an intensive Turk immigration during the following years of the Battle of Manzikert and underwent a process of ethnic transformation. This process was unveiled by the new wave of the immigrations which occured in the 13th century. Undoubtedly, the change of the ethnic structure of Anatolia brought about cultural change as well. Consequently, Anatolia became a part of the Islamic cultural sphere. There were definitely conflictual relations with the Byzantine subjects of Anatolia at the beginning of this process. After then the political formations such as beyliks that founded by Turks, notably the Sultanate of Rum ensured stability among people. Thus, the conflict between the peoples of Anotolia was resolved gradually and a long-lasting cultural interaction process started in Anatolia. The native people of Byzantine that were under the protection of the sultans against the probable damages from nomad Turks, developed relationships with both nomads and settled Turks at various stages. Trade was one of the most relevant aspects of creating relationship among them. Bazaars and marketplaces were the most vibrant places and played major role while contacting with local people. Besides that, the early places of worship were established in the previous worship areas so these places provide chances to the people to communicate with each other too. There were other communication channels that were created as a result of the relationships between the clergymen of both sides, personal friendships, and the qualified native people that worked at state jobs or various fields. An appropriate environment for intercultural relation was constituted in Anatolia, where a successful example of coexistence could be seen. There occured many areas that the Turks and the local Byzanstines influenced each other. The most intercultural interaction was seen in the field of religion, urban life, architecture, art, governance and millitary. Hence, as a result of the inter-religious interaction, the common practices and cults occured in the following years in Anatolia. In other respects, the teachings and the practices of the Futuwwa had significant impact on the Armenian Ahi-type city confraternities, that was called the “brotherhood” by them. Also, Armenian and Greek masters’ traces could be found in many architectural works and ornaments in Anatolia. The functions of those who were worked at administirative and millitary positions might be seen as other examples of interaction.