Seljuk Empire

Tughril III

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Ruler in Turkic dress (long braids, fur hat, boots, fitting coat), in the Maqamat of al-Hariri, 1237 CE, probably Baghdad

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Bowl with Enthroned Figure and Horsemen (Late 12th, early 13th centuries, Iran), ruler detail

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Anonymous - The Seljuk Sultan Barkiaruq( r.1093–1104), the son of Malikshah (r. 1072–1092), from a Manuscript of Hafiz-i Abru’s Majma’ al-tawarikh - 1952.51.9 - Yale University Art Gallery

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Battle of Qatwan

Map of the Seljuks in 1180 CE

Seljuk Empire

The Seljuk Empire was a medieval Turko-Persian empire, originating from the Qiniq branch of Oghuz Turks. The empire was founded by Tughril Beg (1016–1063) and his brother Chaghri Beg in the 11th century after their conquest of Persia and later, parts of the Middle East including the Levant and the Anatolian Peninsula. The Seljuks played a pivotal role in the history of the Middle East during the medieval period, fostering the spread of Islam, the Persian culture, and the Islamic Golden Age.

History

The Seljuks emerged from the steppes of Central Asia, migrating into Persia in the 10th century where they adopted the Persian culture and language. Their rise to power began in earnest when Tughril and Chaghri consolidated their control over Persia and then expanded into the territories of the Byzantine Empire in the west and the Fatimid Caliphate in the east.

In 1071, the Seljuks achieved a landmark victory against the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert, which paved the way for Turkish settlement in Anatolia. This victory significantly weakened the Byzantine Empire and is often cited as a pivotal event leading to the eventual Turkish domination of Anatolia.

The empire reached its zenith under Sultan Alp Arslan and his son, Sultan Malik Shah I, during which the Seljuk territory stretched from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf. It was during Malik Shah's reign that the empire saw significant developments in architecture, science, and literature, much of which was attributed to the influence of the Nizamiyya schools.

Government and Society

The Seljuk Empire was characterized by a complex system of governance that integrated various cultures under its rule. The empire was divided into several provinces or Sultanates, each ruled by a Seljuk prince while acknowledging the supremacy of the Great Seljuk Sultan. The Persian bureaucracy played a crucial role in the administration of the empire, and the Nizam al-Mulk, a Persian vizier, is particularly noted for his contributions to the Seljuk administrative system.

The Seljuks were instrumental in the spread of Sunni Islam in the regions they controlled, often establishing madrasas that served both as educational and religious institutions. These madrasas helped to unify the Islamic world and facilitated the spread of Islamic scholars and ideas across the empire.

Culture

Under the Seljuks, Persian culture and language flourished, becoming the hallmark of the empire. The Seljuks were patrons of art and architecture, leading to the construction of numerous mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais that featured the distinctive Seljuk architecture. The Great Mosque of Isfahan and the Al-Nizamiyya of Baghdad are notable examples of Seljuk architectural achievements.

The Seljuks also contributed to the Islamic Golden Age, a period marked by significant advancements in science, medicine, philosophy, and literature. The works of Persian poets such as Omar Khayyam and scholars like Al-Ghazali were particularly influential during this time.

Decline

The Seljuk Empire began to decline in the late 12th century due to internal strife, succession disputes, and the rise of rival powers such as the Crusader States and the Khwarazmian Empire. The empire was further weakened by the Mongol invasions of the 13th century, which culminated in the fall of Baghdad in 1258. Despite their decline, the Seljuks left a lasting legacy on the Middle East, particularly in the realms of culture, architecture, and governance.

Legacy

The Seljuk Empire played a crucial role in shaping the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the Middle East. Their contributions to Islamic scholarship, architecture, and the Persianization of the Islamic world had a lasting impact on the region. The Seljuk legacy also paved the way for the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which would come to dominate the Middle East and southeastern Europe for centuries.