The Anatolian Beyliks were small principalities that emerged in Anatolia after the decline of the Seljuk Empire in the late 11th century. These independent states were established by various Turkish tribes and leaders, known as beys, who sought to control local territories. The Beyliks played a crucial role in the political and cultural landscape of the region, contributing to the spread of Turkish culture and the Islamic faith. Over time, many of the Anatolian Beyliks were absorbed into larger empires, most notably the Ottoman Empire, which began to consolidate power in the late 13th century. The Beyliks were characterized by their unique architectural styles, trade networks, and military organization, which laid the groundwork for the future development of Turkey.