The Seljuk Turks established a vast empire known as the Great Seljuk Empire during the 11th century. This empire played a critical role in the history of the Middle East and was a precursor to the later Ottoman Empire. Stretching from Central Asia through Persia and into the Middle East, the Seljuk Turks significantly influenced the Islamic world. Their empire facilitated trade and cultural exchange, especially during the Crusades, and they were pivotal in the spread of Sunni Islam. Additionally, they established the political framework that would shape regional dynamics for centuries.