In OTL, the Turkish, nomadic groups that would become Ottomans converted to Islam around the 8th and 9th century AD after continued interaction with the Abbasid Caliphate. These Turks would go on to become the Ottoman Empire, capture Constantinople, and conquer the Balkans.
But lets take a step back. Islam was not the only major religion in Anatolia. The Byzantine Empire was also a major power for a time, and was Orthodox Christian. What if the Turks who migrated to Anatolia embraced Orthodox faith, rather than Islam? What affects does this have on the eastern Mediterranean?
But lets take a step back. Islam was not the only major religion in Anatolia. The Byzantine Empire was also a major power for a time, and was Orthodox Christian. What if the Turks who migrated to Anatolia embraced Orthodox faith, rather than Islam? What affects does this have on the eastern Mediterranean?