Melikes of Rum Origin in the Anatolian Seljuc State

Abstract

Marriages in the Anatolian Seljuk State were based on religious, social and political reasons. Based on this, marriages were made as a result of interstate relations. Since the marriages of some Queens took place as a result of political events, limited information was obtained from the sources reached about their lives. Melike Hatun, daughter of Melike Izabella and Meavrozomes, is an example of this situation. These marriages were not made only with Turkish and Muslim persons. Marriages with people of different religions show that state interests are at the forefront. The Greek Princesses who came to the Anatolian Seljuk State as brides had the title of Melike. There was no pressure to change their religion during their marriage, and they lived their own religion as they wished. The Melikes, who adhered to their own beliefs, became Muslims after a while. In an environment of freedom of belief, their adoption of the religion of Islam facilitated the acceptance of the Melikesby the society. In particular, it is stated in the sources that Mahperi Hatun and Georgian Hatun accepted Islam. Both their works and Georgian Hatun's relations with Mevlâna, one of the scholars of the period, support this idea. Although they were active in social and cultural fields, it is seen that they intervened in political events for their own children. Melike, who played the most active role in this struggle in the Anatolian Seljuk State, is Mahperi Hunad Hatun. Mahperi Hatun was influential in the enthronement of her son, I. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. In addition, she struggled for her grandchildren to ascend to the throne after her son. It is certain that especially Berduliye Hatun remained in the Christian faith among the Greek Queens. When she came to the Seljuk palace as a bride, it is seen that her Christian brothers were also influential in the Anatolian Seljuk State. Berduliye Hatun took refuge in the Byzantine Empire with her son Izzeddin Keykavus II and her entourage at a time when the Mongol oppression was increasing. Berduliye Hatun spent her next life here. Apart from this, many people in her entourage were forced to become Christians.