THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF AHIS IN THE EXPANSION OF ISLAM AND TURKISHNESS IN ANATOLIA DURING THE ANATOLIAN SELJUKS

Abstract

Turks have come to Anatolia in various times and in various ways. Here we will specify the role and importance of Akhism in the spread of Islam and Turkishness in Anatolia at the time of Anatolian Seljuks.
The first time the Turks started to be seen in Anatolia was during the Abbasid period, later as a result of the Battle of Manzikert in 1071and after 1225 due to the Mongol invasion.
The Turks felt compelled to establish some organisations in order to face the dangers that may come from foreign and ethnic groups in times of expansion. One of these organisations is the Akhism Community. Akhism has based on a brand new understanding of brotherhood, hospitality, valour and generosity by bringing together the old Turkish culture, Islamic moral principles and Sufism ideas in Anatolia that have been going on for thousands of years.
Akhism was emerged in Anatolia in order to make the Turkish Nation economically independent, to instil art ethics in artists, to help those in need, to create and sustain the consciousness of Turkishness in art, language, literature, music, traditions and customs, to provide hospitality with the feelings of justice and fairness and to help foreigners.
It is known that during the Anatolian Seljuk period in addition to the military conquests, some tribes and lineages, warriors, veterans, Dervishes, Sisters and Ahis especially after the Mongol invasion played a major role in the Turkish settlement and consequently in the spread of Islam in Anatolia.

During the Seljuk period, Akhism enabled the transition of a settled life by providing Turkish immigrants a job. Thereupon, Turkish urbanization in Anatolia increased very rapidly. Turkish tradesmen and craftsmen, by virtue of mutual solidarity and trust, gradually became a privileged force in their regions and gained the urban economy. The Turks started to own, participate and thus revitalize the art and trade businesses that were under the monopoly of mostly non-Turkish until the mid-13th century.
Akhism emerged as a result of the necessities developed by historical events in Anatolia in the 13th century. It has been developed and organized in order to ensure social, economic and cultural balance in Anatolia. Akhism is a Turkish organisation that has important services in the Turkification and thus Islamization of Anatolia during the Anatolian Seljuks period