These nomadic people, originating from Central Asia, played a significant role in the Islamic world and Anatolia during the High Middle Ages. Their conversion to Islam and subsequent military prowess allowed them to establish a vast empire encompassing Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria, and parts of Anatolia. A key turning point in their rise was the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, which opened up Anatolia to Turkic settlement.
The rise of this group dramatically altered the political landscape of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. They defended the Abbasid Caliphate against internal and external threats, effectively becoming the protectors of Sunni Islam. This also led to conflict with the Byzantine Empire, weakening it significantly and paving the way for the eventual establishment of the Ottoman Empire. Their governance also fostered cultural exchange and artistic flourishing, especially in Persia.
