History of Islam: Türkiye

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Türkiye, a land bridging East and West, has a deep-rooted Islamic history that spans over a thousand years. From the arrival of Islam during the early caliphates to the glorious Ottoman Empire, the country remains one of the most significant Islamic hubs in the world. This article delves into the rich Islamic history of Türkiye, highlighting its Islamic heritage, famous mosques, scholars, and the impact of Islam on Turkish culture and society.

Early Introduction of Islam in Anatolia

Islam found its way into Anatolia (modern-day Türkiye) during the 7th century when Muslim forces, primarily from the Umayyad Caliphate, began their expeditions into the region. However, it was not until the 11th century with the arrival of the Seljuk Turks that Islam became firmly established in the area. The Seljuks, a powerful Turkic dynasty, played a crucial role in shaping Anatolia as an Islamic land.

The Role of the Seljuks

The Seljuks were instrumental in spreading Islam across Anatolia. Under the leadership of Alp Arslan and later Sultan Malik Shah, they established Islamic governance, built magnificent mosques, and introduced Islamic scholarship to the region. The establishment of the famous Great Mosque of Divriği and the Alâeddin Mosque in Konya are testaments to their contributions.

The Rise of the Ottoman Empire: A Golden Age of Islam

The Ottoman Empire (1299-1922) marked the pinnacle of Islamic civilization in Türkiye. Under Ottoman rule, Islam flourished as the empire expanded its territory from Anatolia to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Ottomans not only spread Islam but also made significant contributions to Islamic architecture, law, and culture.

Ottoman Contributions to Islamic Civilization

1. Architectural Marvels – The Ottomans built some of the most iconic mosques in the world, including the Süleymaniye Mosque, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), and the Hagia Sophia, which was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

2. Islamic Law and Governance – The Ottomans implemented Sharia law and developed an Islamic judicial system that balanced religious and state affairs.

3. Centers of Islamic Learning – Istanbul became a hub for Islamic scholarship, attracting theologians, jurists, and scientists from across the Muslim world. Institutions like the Fatih Madrasah played a key role in preserving and spreading Islamic knowledge.

Islam in Modern Türkiye

The collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century led to significant changes in the role of Islam in Türkiye. With the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the country underwent a period of secularization. Many Islamic institutions were destroyed, and the government sought to modernize Türkiye by reducing religious influence in public life.

The Revival of Islamic Identity

Despite the secular policies, Islam continued to play a crucial role in Turkish society. Over the years, there has been a revival of Islamic identity in Türkiye. The conversion of the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque in 2020 symbolized a renewed emphasis on the country's Islamic heritage. Today, Türkiye is known for its halal tourism, Islamic education centers, and Muslim-friendly travel destinations.

Türkiye's history is deeply intertwined with Islam, making it a remarkable destination for Muslims worldwide. From the legacy of the Seljuks and the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire to the modern Islamic revival, Türkiye continues to be a beacon of Islamic culture and civilization. Whether exploring its historical mosques, experiencing Sufi traditions, or enjoying halal-friendly travel, Türkiye remains a must-visit for every Muslim traveler.

Top 10 Mosques: Türkiye

Top 5 Halal Foods to Try in Türkiye

Top 10 To Do : Türkiye

Best Cities: Istanbul

Best Cities: Fatih

Best Cities: Üsküdar

Best Cities: Ismail Aga

Please see our list of blogs to learn more, and you can contact us directly at muslimfamilynomad@gmail.com for any questions and even set up a consultation.

Nomad Links

Flights:Google Flights

Stays: Trip.com

VPN Routers: GL.iNet GL-MT6000 - GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 - Tenda AX3000 WiFi Router

VPN Services: SurfShark, NordVPN

Temu: Temu App Download

Esim: AloSIM

Airport Transfers: Trip.com

Car Rental: Qeeq.com

** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels!