- The Seljuk Dynasty was a Sunni Muslim Turkish dynasty that ruled over much of Central Asia and the Middle East from the 11th to the 14th centuries CE.
- The Seljuks were originally a nomadic tribe from the steppes of Central Asia.
- The Seljuk Empire was founded by Tughril Beg, who became the sultan in 1037 CE.
- Tughril Beg established his capital in Baghdad, where he was recognized as the ruler of the Abbasid Caliphate.
- Under Tughril Beg’s leadership, the Seljuks conquered much of Iran and Iraq, including the cities of Isfahan and Rayy.
- Tughril Beg was succeeded by his nephew, Alp Arslan, who became the sultan in 1063 CE.
- Alp Arslan led the Seljuks to victory against the Byzantine Empire in the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 CE, which opened up Anatolia to Turkish conquest.
- Alp Arslan was succeeded by his son, Malik Shah I, who became the sultan in 1072 CE.
- Under Malik Shah I’s leadership, the Seljuks continued their expansion, conquering Syria, Palestine, and parts of Egypt.
- Malik Shah I was known for his support of the arts and sciences, and his court in Isfahan was a center of learning and culture.
- Malik Shah I was succeeded by his son, Muhammad I Tapar, who became the sultan in 1105 CE.
- Muhammad I Tapar faced several rebellions during his reign, but he was able to maintain the unity of the Seljuk Empire.
- Muhammad I Tapar was succeeded by his brother, Ahmad Sanjar, who became the sultan in 1118 CE.
- Ahmad Sanjar faced several challenges during his reign, including the invasion of the Khwarezmian Empire and the Crusades.
- The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 CE marked a significant defeat for the Seljuks at the hands of the Khwarezmians.
- Ahmad Sanjar died in 1157 CE, and his death marked the beginning of the decline of the Seljuk Empire.
- The Seljuk Empire began to fragment into smaller states, including the Sultanate of Rum in Anatolia and the Seljuks of Khwarezm in Central Asia.
- The Seljuks of Rum were able to maintain their independence and rule over Anatolia until the 13th century CE.
- The Seljuks of Khwarezm were conquered by the Mongols in the early 13th century CE.
- The decline of the Seljuk Empire paved the way for the emergence of new Islamic powers, including the Ayyubid Dynasty and the Ottoman Empire.
- The Seljuks were known for their military strength and their contributions to Islamic architecture and art.
- The Seljuk Empire saw the development of a unique style of Islamic architecture, including the use of intricate tile work and geometric patterns.
- The Seljuks also played a significant role in the spread of Islam in Central Asia and the Middle East.
- The Seljuks established a system of governance based on the principles of sharia law and Islamic jurisprudence.
- The Seljuks also promoted the study of Islamic theology and philosophy, with the establishment of madrasas and other institutions of learning.
- The Seljuk Empire was known for its trade and commerce, with the Silk Road connecting the Empire to the rest of the world.
- The Seljuks saw significant advancements in technology, including the development of new agricultural techniques and the use of gunpowder in warfare.
- The legacy of the Seljuk Empire continues to influence the Islamic world today, with its contributions to culture, art, and architecture