WHI-Chap18-SeljukTurks
The Seljuk Turks were a group of Islamic nomadic peoples. They lived mostly on the borders of the Abbasid empire. By the mid- to late tenth century, great numbers of Seljuk turks served in the Abbasid armies and lived in the actual empire. After gradually "encroaching in" on their society, the Abbasid caliph recognized to Seljuk leader Tughril Beg as sultan, which means Islamic ruler. Tughril Beg and his successors eventually extended Turkish rule to Syria, Palestine, and other parts of the Abbasid empire. Seljuk Turks also challenged the Byzantines in the Battle of Manzikert. After winning the battle Seljuk Turks displaced Byzantine authorities and set up their own political and social institutions. They placed taxes on the Byzantine church and restricted its activities. They welcomed converts to Islam and made political, social, and economic opportunities available to the converts.
Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Manzikert
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created by: Allie Robinson
