Ribats and socio-cultural and economic functions in the Great Seljuk period

Ribats and Socio-Cultural and Economic Functions in the Great Seljuk Period In this thesis, the ribats of the Great Seljuk period and the social, cultural, economic and military functions of the ribats are discussed. It is aimed to determine the ribats of the Great Seljuk period and to reveal that these ribats are a versatile structure serving in the social, cultural, religious, economic and military fields. It has been prepared using qualitative research methods in the light of contemporary and other sources of the period and modern academic studies. Ribats, shaped within the framework of Islam's understanding of jihad, was initially used to express the places where jihad volunteers waited. Ribats, which became an important part of the border defense system of Muslim states in the historical process before the Great Seljuks, became the general name of the structures that served as outposts, madrasahs, khankahs and caravanserais over time. During the Great Seljuk period, ribats were a functional building that served as a caravanserai, a khankah and an outpost. The ribats of the Seljuk period were generally built by sultans and statesmen within the framework of the understanding of service to the society. The ribats built on the road routes both ensured the security of the region and met the needs of passengers. Ribats played an active role in the realization of religious, scientific and commercial travels. The ribats of the Seljuk period were the centers where cultural interaction was most intense, as well as the centers where commercial activities were carried out. The khankah ribats of the period both served as a bridge in the state-society rapprochement and operated as an educational institution. The military importance of the ribats was not limited only to the defense of the borders, but the armies preferred the area around the ribats to stay during their campaigns. Ribats in the Seljuk period; it has existed as institutions that directly affect social, economic, religious and military life. Keywords: Ribat, Caravanserai, Khankah, Outpost, Trade, Travel, Great Seljuk State.