Distant Travels: The Tales of the Past

     Seljuqs: the great, powerful dynasty of Qiniq-Oguz Turkic descent, that emerged during 10th century, led by Sultan Tughril Beg.  After the victory of the Battle of Malazgirt his nephew, Alp Arslan would extend this empire, which was based in Central Asia, to Anatolia. However, after two centuries of rulership, their power would slowly diminish. The huge Mongol Empire, which was rapidly gaining power, would send the Seljuqs a nightmare: Baycu Noyan. The man who spread terror through all of Persia, Syria, Egypt, Bukhara, Iraq, and Anatolia. In this article, we will explain in detail; the attacks of Baycu Noyan, the end of the Seljuqs, and the struggle of the Ghazis.      Mongol Commander Baycu Noyan    Baycu Noyan belonged to the Besut tribe of the Mongols; which in turn, meant he had grown up in an environment that was surrounded by warrior-like nomads. Baycu was a relative of Jebe, who was one of Genghis Khan's most promin...

     On July 24, 2020, the Hagia Sophia structure was officially opened as the Grand Mosque of the Hagia Sophia. This decision given by the Directorate of Turkey's religious affairs would prove to be extremely controversial, receiving much criticism from Western states. However, it would ultimately bring the majority of the fellow Turkish inhabitants to full satisfaction. In this article, we will shed light on the history of the Hagia Sophia; the conquest & controversy surrounding it, and of course: whether or not it was right to make the structure a mosque. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque           The Hagia Sophia is an enormous architectural marvel in Istanbul, Turkey, which was originally built as a Christian Basilica nearly 1,500 years ago. This ancient structure has survived hundreds of earthquakes and attacks throughout history. It's age, size, architecture, atmosphere, and magnificence make it truly a very unique place in the wor...

    Konur Alp was a prominent commander who was known for his very commendable military skills during the early stages of the Ottoman Empire. He played a very important role in the conquest of the regions between Akyazi and Anadolu Kavagi. Konur Alp was among Osman Ghazi's closest companions, as well as Orhan Ghazi's greatest comrades. Nevertheless, what do we know about the life of of Konur Alp?       Prior to becoming the head of the Kayi Tribe, Osman Ghazi took part in many campaigns and expeditions. During this time, he had a couple of close friends who would accompany him to every place he would go. These close friends of his would be with him in every hardship that he was to face. And so, after decades in accompanying Osman Ghazi in all the raids and battles he would fight in; together, they would establish the Ottoman Empire. These close comrades of his were Turgut Alp, Samsa Cavus, Abdurrahman Ghazi, Aykut Alp, Saltuk Alp, Hasan Alp, Akca Koca, and ...

     Abdurrahman Ghazi was among Ertugrul Ghazi's most trusted, loyal alps. He was a renowned warrior who's prolonged life was spent in campaigning against enemies, and conquering vast regions. However, he had lived such a fascinating long life, that he was able to serve the Kayi Tribe for four different generations; Sulayman Shah, Ertugrul Ghazi, Osman Ghazi and Orhan Ghazi. However, what did he do during his incredibly long life to bring him to his greatness? Abdurrahman Ghazi      Abdurrahman Ghazi was an elite military commander who did great services during the establishment phase of the Ottoman Empire. Abdurrahman Ghazi was from the Kayi Tribe, the same tribe that had led to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. He had started out his role as an alp during the reign of Sulayman Shah, and had become one of Ertugrul Ghazi's most trusted companions. Abdurrahman Ghazi was also one of just 400 families to accompany Ertugrul Ghazi to the Byzantine bord...

     Dundar Bey was the son of Sulayman Shah, younger brother of Ertugrul Ghazi, and uncle of Osman Ghazi, the very founder of the Ottoman Empire. There was a time when Dundar Bey was also called Ghazi, meaning a heroic fighter who had fought against disbelievers. However, how did it happen? How would Dundar Bey possibly be the first to betray the Ottomans?   Dundar Bey      When Dundar was still a young child, his brother Ertugrul had parted ways with his older brothers, Sungurtekin and Gundugdu. However, Dundar, knowing the hardships of the path Ertugrul was to walk on, decided to join him and leave behind the rest of his tribe & family when he was still a child. Dundar was always dedicated to serving his brother Ertugrul Ghazi and devoted his whole life to serving the Kayi Tribe and his nation. He was also a brave and renowned warrior, who usually accompanied Ertugrul Ghazi and often fought with him in battle. However, despite his ...

     The year 1258 was the deadly year the Islamic world will never forget. By the command of Hulago Hun, the Abbasid was torn to pieces. The Mongols not only burnt and destroyed all the greatest books written by the greatest Islamic scholars, but also killed woman, children, young, old, anyone they found alive was immediately put to the sword. The only ones who were alive were those Christians and Jews who took refuge from them. As well as few Muslims who hid in unstable wells, forests, and barren lands, survived. However, those who could not save themselves were killed in such a way that there were streams of blood flowing in Baghdad. On the other hand, the byzantine Empire too was declining, as the Latin nights of the Fourth Crusade had taken the capital city, Constantinople. The fall of Constantinople was significant, as it had never before fell, and indicated that the fall of the Byzantines was soon to come. Then, after the battle of Kozadagh ended with victory ende...