In respect of its results, Manzikert victory has a very
important place in both the Turkish history and the world history. As a result of
Manzikert victory, the doors of Anatolia were definitely opened to Turks. Therefore, the
greatest step was taken in the way of the restoration of Anatolia into an eternal homeland
of Turks. Pursuant to the victory, there were large and small several states founded in
Anatolia, and the history of Turkey was initiated that extended until the Republic of
Turkey. Upon this victory, the prestige and leadership of Turks in the Islam world were
reinforced. Manzikert victory had had deep effects in Europe. Upon the defeat of the
Byzantine, the Christian Europe considered them at risk and then, they made alliances
against the Turks. Actually, the alliance of the Crusades emerged as a reaction to this
victory. The Crusades had aimed to stop the advance and progress of Turks. The doors of
Anatolia were wide open to Turks upon the Manzikert victory. Therefore, the stage in which
Anatolia became a Turkish region was initiated and within a short term, Turks had had the
majority in Anatolia. There were various large and small Turkish states founded in the
miscellaneous region of Anatolia.
What were the causes for these rapid changes in the equilibrium
of Anatolia in favour of Turks?
a- Situation of Anatolia under the
Byzantine domination: The people who lived under the domination of the Byzantine were not
contented with their lives since the Byzantine had burdened heavy taxes particularly for
the villagers and they imposed pressure on the people who were not the members of the
Orthodox sect. Furthermore, the raids of Iranians, Arabians and Turks that continued
intermittently led the people to immigrate to more wests. In brief, the population had
decreased due to the pressure of the administration and the epidemics.
b- Migrations of Turks: The crowded
Turkmen (Oguz) groups beyond the Seyhun River were oriented towards Anatolia by the Seljuk
State. The Anatolian lands that were nearly evacuated by the native population were
suitable for agriculture and stockbreeding. Therefore, Turkmen people came and settle in
the Anatolian plateaux together with their families and animals. Due to the Mongolian
pressure in the century XIII, the second wave of migrations had occurred. Therefore, the
period in which Anatolia became a Turkish land was completed.
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