Turkish Migration and Imperial Expansion The Turks were a nomadic group of clans who spoke a similar language and roamed the regions of central Asia from China to Persia. The eventually dominated Persia, Anatolia, and India.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Nomadic Economy and Society The Asian steppes are primarily high grasslands without rain and rivers to sustain settled communities, so peoples of central Asia followed a nomadic life. Drove herds of sheep, horses, cattle, goats, and camels searching for adequate forage. Lived primarily off of goods from their herds. Eagerly sought trade with settled people to obtain commodities they did not have.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Nomadic Economy and Society Class Structure Many small clans Consisted of Nobles and Commoners Nobles – Won nobility through military leadership Commoners – Everybody else Each clan governed according to its own needs during times of peace Some clans formed large confederations with alliances to one Khan.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Military success and Imperial Expansion Horses were the backbone of nomad’s military success Skilled in cavalry warfare, which minimized the impact of their small numbers Great military tactics Allows Turks to begin to expand into settled regions in the tenth century.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Women in nomadic society Rights comparable to African Women Had some status and autonomy Sometimes engaged in military actions and tactical planning Served as advisors for husbands Could own property and divorce Polygamy (more than one wife) was still the norm and interclan conflict often brought brides through kidnapping.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Turkic Religion Shamanism – Religious leaders were believed to possess supernatural powers to divine the will of deities and nature as well as intercede on behalf of people. Some Turks later adopted Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, and Manichaeism. Eventually developed written script to facilitate trade and bring new religious beliefs to conquered areas.

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Turkish Empires in Persia, Anatolia, and India The Turkish nomads were adept at expansion in settled regions of southwest Asia. 10 th Century – Turkish armies moved into the Middle East initially as mercenaries of the Abbasid caliphate. Eventually Turkish sultans became powerful. In Anatolia, they defeated the Byzantines and welcomed converts to Islam at the same time that they took on political administration of the region. Mahmud of Ghazni – Raided regions of northwest India for treasure, but later groups of Turks established themselves as the sultanate of Delhi. After Hindu and Buddhist sites had been plundered, many were abandoned so that later Turks for the region ripe for conversion to Islam.