Interactions between Byzantine-Seljuk civilizations in art and cultural heritage in Twelfth and Thirteenth century Asia Minor (Anatolia)

This dissertation focuses on Christian and Muslim architecture defined by the cultural exchange of Byzantine-Seljuk (peripheral) interactions during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in Anatolia. While Konya and the Christian periphery represent the core territories; buildings, construction material, techniques, and decorations are assessed by comparing and contrasting Byzantine and Seljuk architecture. When the Seljuks settled in Anatolia in the late 11th century, master builders, artisans, and materials were abundant in the region. Local Christians and Turkish newcomers – be they Muslims, Nestorians, Orthodox Christians, or people with other pre-Islamic beliefs - contributed to Rūm Seljuk architecture. Although confrontations and conflicts of interest were inevitable, local production revived. Moreover, they shared sacred spaces, celebrated their feasts, and prayed in churches and mosques under Seljuk rule. The new sultanate embraced this heritage and gradually adapted to current circumstances. However, this formation was a complex and lengthy process involving local culture, surrounding regions, and mobility. Anatolia not only demonstrated multiformity but also nested diversity and rivalry. Byzantines, Armenians, and Georgians were Christians and inhabitants of Anatolia, each with distinct traditions. The architecture and decoration of the sultanate of Rūm evidence these elements. However, the features are integrated into the Seljuk architectural tradition, which at last composed the art of the new sultanate.