and Muhammed Tapar, started disputes and clashes between them, and that led to the establishment and independence of the new small states. Only during the reign of Soltan Sanjar did the state manage to reorganize itself and to keep its coherence and vitality till his death. Soltan Sanjar’s reign remained limited to Horasan. However, other Seljuks states continued their existence in Kirman, Irak, Syria and Anatolia as independent states.

The Ottoman Empire

(The Ottoman Türkmen’s State in Turkey)

Islamic Calendar 699                        Gregorian 1299

In 1299 Osman Ghazi founded the Ottoman State, which lasted 622 years, during which 36 Soltans reigned. He was born in 1258, the third son of ErTogrul Ghazy, who was one of the Turkmen Begs (principals). Due to external, hostile pressures, the Turkmens who settled in Sogut, Anatolia, in 1277 asked for help from ErTogrul Ghazi, who lived in their homeland, Horasan. As a result of meetings held in Merw, ErTogrul Ghazi decided to go to Anatolia and to support Turkmens there with his 400 horsemen. These 400 horsemen were composed of the atabegs and the cavalry who had completed their fighting and commanding training with flying colours and who were able to fullfill the will of Oguz Han, who had said, “Each and every Turkmen soldier is equal to one thousand enemies.”

Osman Ghazi was one of the atabegs who received training in fighting and commanding and would establish a very powerful state in Turkey after 20 years.