Palace churches of the Anatolian Seljuks: tolerance or necessity?

Author: Tekinalp, V. Macit

Source: Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, Volume 33, Number 2, September 2009 , pp. 148-167(20)

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Abstract:

The edifice in Konya known as Eflatun and the church in the citadel of Alanya, both of which were maintained during the Anatolian Seljuk period, are discussed and interpreted. Architectural and historical information indicates that both structures were used during this period by the Christian spouses of the sultans as well as other Christians living and serving at court. Contrary to the common argument that the Seljuks retained churches near their palaces as a sign of their tolerance toward their Christian subjects, the paper presents evidence supporting the view that the sultans kept these structures for tactical and social reasons, for the use of their spouses and other Christian associates and servants of the Seljuk court.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174962509X417645

Publication date: 2009-09-01

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