Policies of attrition and subversion of the Seljuk state of Türkiye until the Mongol invasion

The Seljuk State of Türkiye has been subjected to attrition and subversion activities by many Muslim and non-Muslim dynasties from inside and outside Anatolia since its foundation. It is observed that the Christian dynasties in Anatolia, especially the Byzantine Empire, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, and, as of 1204, the Greek Empire of Trabzon and the Greek Empire of Iznik played an active role in the attrition and subversion activities. Nevertheless, the initial Turkish beyliks that emerged in Anatolia also engaged in these detrimental and damaging actions occasionally as they struggle for dominance in the region alongside the Seljuks of Türkiye. Among these beyliks, especially the Danishmendids were more involved in political and military struggles with the Seljuks of Türkiye, with whom they were in competition in Anatolia. While the Principality of Mengüjek tried to exhaust the Seljuks of Türkiye through alliances, the Saltukids indirectly participated in some events. On the other hand, the Artuqids tried to wear down and subvert the Seljuks of Türkiye by allying with the Ayyubids, who were an effective power outside Anatolia. European states and the Church outside Anatolia tried to harm the Seljuks of Türkiye through the Crusades. The Crusade of 1097, in particular, resulted in the Seljuks of Türkiye losing their capital İznik, and being forced to withdraw to the Central Anatolia region, and causing the state to lose ground. However, it is understood that the Great Seljuk State, which came from the same lineage as the Seljuks of Türkiye as Turks and Muslims from outside Anatolia, and the Zengid Dynasty and Ayyubid State, which were also Muslim Turkish states, tried to wear down and subvert this state with the idea of dominating Anatolia. Turkish and Muslim dynasties fought against the Seljuks of Türkiye because they wanted to dominate Anatolia alone. It is not the case that they were uncomfortable with the Turkish and Muslim presence in Anatolia. However, the Christian dynasties' activities of attrition and subversion, on the other hand, aimed to put an end to the Turkish and Muslim presence in the region. To weaken and undermine the Seljuks of Türkiye, the aforementioned dynasties organized various events by engaging in military conflicts, employing political strategies, forming alliances, and intervening in power struggles within the state. Their activities of attrition and subversion also have social, economic, and cultural dimensions. This study focuses on how the Seljuk Sultans, from the foundation of the Seljuk State of Türkiye, managed to preserve their survival by countering the attrition and subversion activities of other dynasties with their smart politics, strategic moves, military tactics and farsightedness. In addition to their military and political struggles in this process, the importance they attached to institutionalization and the activities they carried out within the scope of economic, social, and civilizational struggles were also evaluated.