Political, social and economic history of the Eastern Mediterranean (Antalya-Alanya-Misis-Tarsus-Anazarba-Lazkiye-Süveydiye) in the 13th Century

Mediterranean is a major basin of interaction that has hosted many civilizations andcultures throughout history. Eastern Mediterranean which is a part of this basin, is remarkable for its political, cultural and economic richness as well as being the place where three major Semitic religions; Judaism, Christianity and Islam were born and spread. Eastern Mediterranean has been the scene of various battles and major historical developments from the very beginning of history. This study deals with the political, social and economic history of Antalya, Alanya, Tarsus, Misis, Anazarba, Süveydiye and Lazkiye -located on the coasts of Turkey and Syria- within the 13th century.These Eastern Mediterranean cities examined in this study are centers affected by the major events of the Middle Ages, such as the Birth of Islam, the Crusades and the Mongolian Occupation. Appearance of Seljuks, Ayyubids, Mamluks and Mongols on the stage of history and the political struggles between them, shaped the history of the cities. Historical developments in the geography focused in the scope of the study, were between the Seljuk Turks, Cilicia Vassal Armenian Barony, Crusader Kingdoms established in Eastern Mediterranean, Ayyubids, Mamluks and Mongols. The impacts of other states and local forces involved in the field of work were also discussed where necessary. Throughout the 13th century, the political, economic and social history of Antalya and Alanya were largely shaped by the Seljuk Turks; and towards the end of this century karamanoğulları Principality became active. Cilician field where Tarsus, Misis and Anazarba were located, was under the rule of Cilicia Vassal Armenian Barony; however later; first the Seljuk Turks; and then the Mongols after the Battle of Kösedağ; and the Mamluks following the second half of the century, dominated the political situation in the area. The history of the territory of Syria where Süveydiye and Lazkiye were located, was shaped by the Crusaders, Ayyubids and then the Mamluks. Keywords: Medieval Mediterranean, Turkey Seljukids, Crusaders, Ayyubids, Mamluks, Mongols.