Seljuk Turks starting from
1071 A.D. entered Anatolia and mixed with the existing Indo-European
cultures. As they gained more control over the political structure
of Anatolia, because of the tolerance shown to the other cultures
and religions, Seljuks achieved to gain more trust of the Anatolian
people. Majority of the Anatolian population was from non-Seljuk
background. The natives, accepting the Islamic religion were regarded
as Turks during the 900 years of Turkish political dominance in
Anatolia. So, we can consider the contemporary Anatolian Turks
living in Turkey today, as the children of all Anatolian past
and present civilizations.
Seljuks developed a ronesans
period in Anatolia between the 9th and 12th centuries, based purely
on humanist values and thinking. Mevlana Celalettin Rumi from
Konya was one of the most important philosophers of this era.
They had advanced studies on medicine, architecture, astronomy and geography. On all Anatolian cities hospitals, observatories and schools were opened.
The road system was redeveloped during Seljuk era. Caravanserais were built and looked after properly. The safe commerce became the reality everywhere in Anatolia. An advanced judiciary system without any discrimination, regardless the social and religious background of the person, assured the people of Anatolia with a solid legal system which became the backbone of the social life quickly.
Although Seljuks were influenced by Arabic and Persian art and culture from the beginning, but they still protected and even developed a unique Anatolian art and culture with the cooperation of native Anatolian people.
They created unique forms at architecture. Architectural decoration on monumental gates became a great art form at the hands of Seljuks. The Gothic style brick buildings that we can see the examples at some north European countries today are influenced by Seljuks.
