The Turks had been pressing forward against the imperial frontier in western Asia Minor early in the reign of John Komnenos, and he is determined to drive them back.

In 1119, the Seljuqs had cut the land route to the city of Antalya on the southern coast of Anatolia.

John II, and Axouch the Grand Domestic, had recaptured Laodicea and Sozopolis, thus reopening land communication with Antalya.

This route is especially important as it also led to Cilicia and the Crusader states of Syria.

Following the end of hostilities with Hungary, John is able to concentrate on Asia Minor, which is to become the focus of his attention for most of his remaining years.

Beginning in 1130, he undertakes a campaign against the Danishmendid emirate in Malatya on the upper Euphrates.