The Language and Communication of the Byzantines and Turks

The history of the Byzantine Empire, an Eastern Roman Empire that lasted from the 4th to the 15th century, is deeply intertwined with the linguistic and cultural exchanges that occurred over the centuries. Among the key aspects of this rich history is the primary language used by the Byzantines and their interactions with the Turks over time.

The Primary Language: Byzantine Greek

The primary language of the Byzantines was Byzantine Greek, a form of Greek that evolved from the ancient Greek of classical times. This language played a crucial role in administration, literature, and the Orthodox Church, serving as a significant cultural and administrative tool throughout the Byzantine Empire's history.

Byzantine Greek retained a high degree of comprehensibility with ancient Greek but also incorporated elements of Koine Greek, the common form of Greek used in the New Testament and in the classical period. It was the language of government, literature, and daily life, emphasizing its cultural and historical continuity with the past.

Communication with the Turks: A Complex Interaction

Communication between the Byzantines and the Turks, particularly during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, was a multifaceted process that involved various linguistic, cultural, and practical elements. Several factors contributed to this complex interaction:

Bilingualism

Many individuals, especially in border regions and urban centers, were bilingual or multilingual. This dual proficiency was particularly evident in areas where Greek and Turkish cultures interacted closely. For instance, Greek speakers might learn Turkish, and vice versa, facilitating smoother communication and cultural integration.

Trade and Diplomacy

Trade relations necessitated a certain level of communication, leading to the development of a vocabulary that could handle the practicalities of commerce. Diplomatic missions often included interpreters to bridge the language gap, ensuring that important negotiations and discussions could proceed effectively.

Cultural Exchange

The prolonged interactions between the Byzantines and Turks led to a degree of cultural exchange, including the borrowing of linguistic elements. Over time, the Turkish language adopted many Greek words, particularly in areas related to administration, culture, and religion. This mutual borrowing reflects the enduring and complex relationship between the two cultures.

Byzantine Greek was the dominant and preferred language among the educated classes, including diplomats, sultans, and emperors, and likely many generals. Despite this, practical communication with the Turks involved a mix of language skills, practical knowledge, and cultural adaptation. Bilingual and multilingual individuals bridged the linguistic divide, ensuring that trade, diplomacy, and cultural interactions could continue.

Case Study: Koine Greek as the Lingua Franca

Koine Greek, a form of Greek that was the lingua franca of the Byzantine Empire, played a crucial role in communication. This form of Greek was particularly influential in West Anatolia, an area named after its orientation towards the sunrise. In East Anatolia, Armenian was more prominently used, while the Seljuk Turks established control over much of the region in the 1000s CE.

It is important to note that while Koyne Greek was the dominant language in the Byzantine Empire, the empire of the Rhomanoi, which was centered in the eastern Roman territories, still used Latin as the official government language. However, Greek was the common language among the populace and was likely used by the royal family outside of their official duties.

Following the death of Justinian I in 568, the last emperor to speak Latin, Emperor Heraclius recognized the need to change the official government language from Latin to Greek. This change was motivated by the reality that Latin was no longer the primary language of the empire, whether in the official sphere or among the general populace.

However, it is crucial to distinguish this from the situation in the western parts of the former Roman Empire, where Latin had been influenced by various Germanic dialects installed by the local governments of invading Germanic tribes. Over time, these influences led to a loss of Latin's recognizability as a single language in the centuries that followed.

In conclusion, the interactions between the Byzantines and Turks were marked by a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural exchanges. While Byzantine Greek remained the primary language, the practical and pragmatic need for communication between Greeks and Turks led to the development of a dynamic and adaptive communication strategy.

Keywords: Byzantine Greek, Turkish Communication, Linguistic Adaptation