SELCUKS, OTTOMANS AND THE TURKISH REPUBLIC: Through the years of severe drought, that ruined their homeland, Central Asia, several nomadic Turkic tribes and clans came in waves from the east, in the search for a new land to settle down. The vast fertile lands of Anatolia witnessed a most fascinating cultural synthesis in the history of mankind as they integrated with the . locals and adopted their culture. They created the two great empires of Asia Minor; The Seljuk Empire was sovereign from the second half of the 11thcen. till the invasion of the Mongolian armies (late 13th cell.); The Ottomans founded a huge world empire, that ruled from 14thcen. till the end of the 19th. They both adorned Anatolia with astounding works of art and architecture.

Anatolian Seldjuks founded the earliest Turkish state that ruled in Asia Minor. With a tolerant approach, they never interfered with the religious beliefs of the natives. Furthermore, they provided the internal peace and created a sophisticated social structure, far beyond their time, as they gave an end to the strict feudal sanctions and civil disputes. The Ottomans, with the same approach, had their own contribution to the inner peace and brotherhood; it is for this reason, the unique mosaic of diverse cultures could last for centuries.

Anatolia has always been a cross roads of the major trade routes, even before the arrival of the Turks; such as the Silk Road, Marco Polo's route, etc.. With the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the increasing anarchy and the unstable administration gave way to a stagnation in the commercial activities on the trade routes. In order to reestablish commerce, the Seldjuk Turks built several Caravanserais throughout the Asia Minor and provided all that was essential. The Ottomans created a unique architectural style, as the traditional nomad life style was replaced by urban societies.

The Ottoman architecture can be observed at its zenith in numerous mosques, baths, madrasahs, libraries, bridges, etc., in Istanbul and many other Anatolian cities . The Ottoman Empire collapsed at the end of the World War I. and replaced by the young Turkish Republic, in 1923, after a legendary war for independence. As the only democratic and secular state among the Islamic countries, Turkey, with a very stable foreign policy and a fast growing economy since 1923, became part of the western world. This is clearly stated by the Customs Union Treaty with the European Council.