Two important strengths of the Middle Ages: The law system and the understanding of law in the Seljuk and Byzantine State (X-XIII. centuries)

The existence of two important powers such as the Seljuk and Byzantine states in the Middle Ages increased the importance of these states. They had a significant impact on both their own period and the state structures that followed their period. The legal structure occupies a large place in the terminology of states. While creating its own legal structure, the Seljuk state was influenced by the Turkish states established before it and incorporated its legal structure. However, with the Turks choosing Islam, there were legal changes. Turks who converted to Islam implemented sharia law as well as customary law. Their understanding of law showed secular characteristics in the first Turkish states, and sharia characteristics were observed after they converted to Islam. The Byzantine state, on the other hand, made new structures for the survival of its state through legal reforms. These reforms, which were legally successful, were able to keep the state afloat for a long time. The fact that the Seljuk and Byzantine states lived in the same century brought about their relations with each other. Thus, legal structures have similar and different aspects. Seljuk state law influenced the Ottoman state. The Byzantine legal system influenced other states and today's Europe. Key Words: Seljuk, Byzantine, Law, State