--- title: Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200 author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19415/map-of-the-seljuk-sultanate-of-rum-c-1200/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-10-11 --- # Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200 _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19415.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19415.png) ## Image Caption The Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm (1077–1308 CE) emerged in the aftermath of the Seljuk victory over [Byzantium](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantium/) at the [Battle of Manzikert](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1189/battle-of-manzikert/) (1071), which opened [Anatolia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/) to Turko-Persian expansion. The term Rûm (derived from the [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) *Rhomaioi*, “Romans,”) reflected both the legacy of the [Eastern Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/) and the Seljuks’ establishment of rule over its former territories. Founded as a branch of the Great Seljuk [Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/), the Sultanate declared independence under Suleiman ibn Qutulmish (reign 1077–1086), with its first capital at Nicaea and later at Iconium (modern Konya). The state combined Persian administrative traditions with Turkish military structures and Islamic institutions, creating a dynamic hybrid [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/) that helped reshape Anatolia’s demographic and political landscape. At its height in the 12th and early 13th centuries, the Sultanate of Rûm controlled much of central and western Anatolia, fortified [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) routes, and fostered alliances with [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) powers such as the Genoese. The sultans Kaykhusraw I (reign 1192–1211) and Kayqubad I (reign 1220–1237) presided over a period of prosperity, architectural growth, and vibrant commerce. Yet, persistent [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/) resistance, Crusader incursions, and internal rivalries weakened the state. The decisive [Mongol](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mongol_Empire/) victory at Köse Dağ (1243) reduced the sultanate to vassalage under the [Ilkhanate](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ilkhanate/), and by the late 13th century, its fragmentation gave rise to the Anatolian beyliks, among them, the Ottomans, who would inherit and transform the legacy of Rûm into a new imperial order. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## External Links - [Raiders and Neighbours: The Turks (1040–1304) (Chapter 19)](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-history-of-the-byzantine-empire-c5001492/raiders-and-neighbours-the-turks-10401304/8EBD7B875A29FE109BBB14E6796E302C) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2024, September 06). Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 06, 2024. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, c. 1200." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Sep 2024, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 06 September 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.