Turks in Syria at 10th-13th centuries according to historical sources

Turkish presence increased in Syria and its neighbourhood throughout the Middle Ages. In particular, the activities of the Turks in the region extending from the Sugur region, which covers the present-day Kahramanmaraş-Tarsus line, southwards to the Damascus province constitute the main subject of this study. As of the IXth century, the Umayyad and Abbasid migrations of Turks paved the way for the emergence of a significant Turkish presence in the region. The Hamdānid and Fatimid rule that followed this period did not create a major change in the situation. The fact that the Fatimids were centred in Egypt increased the movements of the Turks in the south. Unlike the states founded by Arabs, the Tolunids and the Ikhīdids were founded by Turks. This enabled them to carry out political, military and economic activities throughout Syria, including Egypt. This geography underwent many changes with the arrival of the Turks. The demographic change of the region is at the forefront of these changes. This thesis, on the other hand, tries to analyse the change according to the rulers. It does so through the biographies of the commanders.