How did Eastern Anatolia get out of the Mongol hold? Eastern Anatolia, like many other regions, experienced various historical events and changes over the centuries. The Mongol invasions and control over Anatolia were primarily associated with the Ilkhanate, a part of the Mongol Empire that ruled over the Middle East and parts of Anatolia during the 13th and 14th centuries.
The Mongol invasion of Anatolia took place in the aftermath of the Battle of Köse Dağ in 1243, where the Mongols defeated the Seljuk Turks. Following this victory, the Mongols established control over Anatolia, and the Ilkhanate emerged as a dominant force in the region. However, the Ilkhanate’s rule faced challenges due to internal conflicts, succession disputes, and external pressures.
Several factors contributed to the decline of Mongol influence in Eastern Anatolia:
Internal Conflicts:
The Ilkhanate faced internal conflicts among Mongol leaders and rival factions. These conflicts weakened the unity of the Ilkhanate and diverted its attention away from Anatolia.
Invasion of Timur:
In the late 14th century, Timur (Tamerlane), a Central Asian conqueror, invaded Anatolia and defeated the Ilkhanate forces. This invasion further weakened Mongol influence in the region.
Rise of Local Dynasties:
As Mongol authority waned, local Turkish and Turkoman leaders started to assert their independence and establish their own principalities. These local dynasties, such as the Beyliks, played a crucial role in filling the power vacuum left by the declining Mongol rule.
Ottoman Rise to Power:
The Ottoman Empire, founded in the late 13th century, expanded its influence in Anatolia during the decline of the Ilkhanate. The Ottomans, under Osman I and his successors, successfully absorbed Anatolian territories and emerged as a formidable power, eventually leading to the establishment of the Ottoman Empire.
In summary, a combination of internal conflicts within the Ilkhanate, external invasions, the rise of local dynasties, and the emergence of the Ottoman Empire contributed to the decline of Mongol influence in Eastern Anatolia.
