Trade and Urban Development in Seljuk Anatolia

ABSTRACT The face of Anatolia started to change after the Seljuks and accompanying Turkish tribes gradually adopted these lands subsequent to the Manzikert War in 1071. The Seljuk rulers were aware of the significance of economic power to support and sustain their military and political assets. In the Middle Ages, in order to take part in the international trade arena and to strengthen the economy of the state, conquest policies were shaped, international relations were developed and public improvements were put into practice. By the beginning of the 13th century, Anatolia began to prosper and Anatolian cities under the Seljuk rule gradually became crowded and turned into prosperous settlements that hosted increasing trade activities. In this article, the revived trade, trade activities and relations in Anatolia during the Seljuk era and the transformation and development of the built environment associated with these are explored. In this context, the urbanization process in the Seljuk period, the development and variety of Seljuk cities are analyzed through the variety of trade and trade activities. Thus, in addition to previous studies on the physical and social structuring of individual Anatolian cities, Anatolian Seljuk city models, and studies on trade roads and road network passing through Anatolia, this study aims to evaluate the Seljuk cities based on trade and trade road network.