This dissertation is written as part of the MSc in the Black Sea and Eastern
Mediterranean at the International Hellenic University. It is set in the period of the
Seljuk conquests of Asia Minor, a time which almost coincides with the formation of a
general European policy. A brief discussion of the internal and external affairs of the
Byzantine Empire is attempted, before several degrees of cultural interaction and
integration are discussed with a special focus on artistic and architectural expression.
Due to its strategic geopolitical position, Asia Minor has always been a melting pot
for trends and elements of diverse provenance. The Seljuks, representing the cultural
“other”, have acted as living vehicles; their gradual settlement and incorporation has
eventually transformed Anatolia. Conduct of war, institutions and artistic features
derive from the steppes, where the turkic tribes descended from. A brief historical
introduction of the world of nomadic tribes, until their contact with the world of Islam
in Central Asia is thus, necessary and it is also expected to contribute to the semiology
of symbols inocculated into Iranian Art and Architecture, which the Seljuks have
disseminated.
None of this wouldn’t have been possible, without the support and guidance of my
supervisor, Professor P. Androudis, who started us with his inspirational courses on
Byzantium and Islam at the IHU. My gratitude to Professors, M. Manoledakis for his
panoramic courses on the Black Sea, G. Giannakopoulos and G. Aristodemou for the
enlightening courses on the Hellenistic Kingdoms and Roman Empire, S. Dimitriades for
the cosmopilitan view of the post Middle Ages Mediterranean, J. Michailidis and G.
Antoniou for population movements and research, Fl. Karagianni, who encouraged my
interests, assigning me the essay Byzantium and the Arabs, N. Akamatis and Dr
Kordosis for valuable advice; Professors H. Ahrweiler, K. Fotiades, P. Gordon, M.
Nystazopoulou- Pelekidou, P. Roilos and J. Rupnic for their encouragement and
orientation of my research interests; G. Roidouli and K. Xenitopoulou of the library for
their excellent help; The Ministry of Rural Development and Food for granting me the
scholarship for my studies. All errors and omissions are completely my own
responsibility.
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