History and Culture of the Seljuqs of Rum

Course content

This course covers the history of the Seljuqs of Rum from their appearance in the 10 th century to the end of the Seljuqs state in Anatolia in the early years of the 14 th century. Among the topics that will be examined are the Central Asian origins of the Seljuqs; their conversion to Sunni Islam and its historical significance; the rise of the Great Seljuqs and their westward expansion through the time of Alp Arslan; the emergence of the Seljuqs of Rum; Seljuq relations with Byzantium, the Crusaders, the Danişmendler, and the Italian maritime republics; culture and religion in Anatolia under the Seljuqs; the decline of Seljuq power under the Mongols; the cultural and religious transformation of Anatolia; and the legacy of the Seljuqs of Rum.