The Turkish people converted to Islam and began founding new empires, starting with the Seljuks in the 10th century. The Seljuks rapidly conquered the Abbasid Empire and Byzantine lands, occupying most of Anatolia. Supported by the Persians, the Seljuks adopted Persian culture and language. However, the Seljuk Empire later fragmented and faced threats from the Crusaders and the Mongols, who eventually conquered Baghdad.