Seljuks Period in Türkiye: A Legacy of Architecture, Culture, and Power

The Seljuk period marks one of the most influential eras in the history of Anatolia and modern-day Türkiye. Dominating large parts of the region between the 11th and 13th centuries, the Seljuks of Rum (Anatolian Seljuks) left behind a vibrant cultural, architectural, and political legacy that still shapes the identity of central and eastern Türkiye. Their rule laid the foundation for Turkish-Islamic synthesis in Anatolia and prepared the ground for the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

A New Power in Anatolia

The Seljuks, originally a branch of the Central Asian Oghuz Turks, entered Anatolia after the pivotal Battle of Manzikert in 1071, where Sultan Alp Arslan of the Great Seljuk Empire defeated the Byzantine army. This battle marked the beginning of Turkic settlement in Anatolia. Soon after, the Seljuks of Rum established their own independent sultanate with Konya as their capital.

Over the next two centuries, the Seljuk sultans brought stability to the region, fostering trade, education, and Islamic art. They developed caravanserais to protect merchants and pilgrims, built monumental mosques and madrasas, and patronized scholars, poets, and architects, setting the stage for a golden age.

Architectural Marvels Across Türkiye

One of the most tangible legacies of the Seljuks in Türkiye is their architecture. Seljuk architecture is known for its intricate geometric motifs, monumental portals, stone craftsmanship, and use of turquoise tiles.

Konya, the Seljuk capital, remains the heart of this heritage. The Alaeddin Mosque, situated on Alaeddin Hill, is one of the oldest surviving mosques from this era. Nearby lies the Karatay Madrasa, now a museum displaying exquisite Seljuk tiles, and the Ince Minareli Madrasa, known for its tall, slender minaret and stone ornamentation.

Sivas and Kayseri are also rich in Seljuk monuments. The Çifte Minareli Madrasa in Sivas and the Gök Medrese in both cities stand out with their elaborate portals and twin minarets. In Erzurum, the Yakutiye Madrasa reflects the Seljuk passion for education and artistry.

The Seljuks also built caravanserais (known as han), vital roadside inns for travelers and traders along the Silk Road. The Sultan Han near Aksaray is the largest and best-preserved example, with a grand courtyard and a central mescit (small mosque). Others, like Zazadin Han near Konya and İnceğiz Han in Denizli, demonstrate the extent of the Seljuk trade network across Anatolia.

The Rise of Mevlana and Sufi Thought

Another enduring contribution of the Seljuk era in Türkiye is the promotion of Sufism, particularly through Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, who lived in Konya under Seljuk patronage. His teachings of love, tolerance, and divine unity became central to the Mevlevi Order, better known for the whirling dervishes. Today, the Mevlana Museum in Konya draws millions of visitors seeking spiritual insight and cultural connection with the Seljuk period.

Science, Culture, and Multiculturalism

Seljuk rule encouraged not only Islamic education but also astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Their cities housed libraries, observatories, and healing centers. While Islamic in their core, the Seljuks ruled over a diverse population including Greeks, Armenians, and Persians, incorporating various cultural influences into their administration and art.

This cultural fusion is visible in Seljuk decorative arts—stone reliefs of lions and dragons adorn religious buildings, combining Islamic symbolism with ancient Central Asian and Anatolian motifs. Calligraphy, especially the Kufic script, flourished during this time and embellished everything from buildings to manuscripts.

Legacy and Influence

Although the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum declined following the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, their legacy remained embedded in the cultural and architectural fabric of Türkiye. Their institutions, aesthetics, and traditions were later embraced and refined by the Ottomans.

Today, travelers exploring cities like Konya, Sivas, Erzurum, Kayseri, and Aksaray can step into a Seljuk past that feels remarkably alive. Whether through a tiled dome, a carved portal, or the sound of a ney flute drifting from a Mevlevi lodge, the Seljuk soul of Anatolia continues to inspire.