The term 'Seljuk Autumn' refers to the long and relatively stable reign of Sultan Sanjar, which saw a final revival of Seljuk culture and power in the East. However, beneath the surface, the empire's foundations were crumbling, leading to a swift collapse after his death.
1682
Which of the following was a key feature of Seljuk mosque design in Iran?
The Seljuks standardized the 'four-iwan' mosque plan. This involved a central open courtyard with a large vaulted hall (iwan) on each of its four sides. This layout became the classic model for Persian mosque architecture for centuries to come.
1683
What was the name of the Turkish chieftain who captured Jerusalem in 1071 on behalf of the Seljuks?
Atsiz ibn Uvak was a Khwarazmian Turkish commander who conquered Palestine and Jerusalem from the Fatimids in 1071. His rule over the city was often harsh, and it was the reports of his treatment of Christian pilgrims that partly contributed to the call for the First Crusade.
1684
Which Seljuk official was known as the 'Nizam al-Mulk' of Anatolia?
Pervane Mu'in al-Din was the powerful grand vizier of the Seljuks of Rum during the period of Mongol suzerainty. He wielded immense power and tried to balance the interests of the Seljuk Sultans, the Mongols, and the Mamluks of Egypt.
1685
The Seljuk 'Kumbet' is a term referring to what kind of structure?
Kumbets are characteristic Seljuk funerary monuments. They are typically cylindrical or polygonal towers with a conical or pyramidal roof. They were often decorated with elaborate brickwork and served as the burial place for royalty or high-ranking officials.
1686
Which Seljuk Sultan had to deal with the rebellion of his own brother, Qawurd Beg?
Shortly after Malik Shah I ascended the throne, his uncle Qawurd Beg (the ruler of Kerman) rebelled, claiming the seniority right to the throne. Malik Shah defeated him in battle and later had him executed, setting a precedent for fratricide and internal conflict over the succession.
The Tughra was a calligraphic monogram, seal, or signature of an Oghuz Turkic ruler. It was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. This tradition was highly developed by the Seljuks and later became extremely elaborate under the Ottoman Sultans.
1688
Which city's siege in 1070 by Alp Arslan preceded the Battle of Manzikert?
Before confronting the Byzantines at Manzikert, Alp Arslan was engaged in campaigns in Syria. He besieged Edessa and Aleppo to secure his southern flank and expand Seljuk influence into the Levant before moving north to meet the Byzantine threat.
1689
Which Seljuk princess was married to the Abbasid Caliph al-Muqtadi to cement political ties?
Mah-i Mulk Khatun, the daughter of Malik Shah I, was married to Caliph al-Muqtadi in 1087. Marriage alliances between the Seljuk house and the Abbasid Caliphs were common strategies used to legitimize Seljuk rule and ensure the Caliph's support.
1690
The Seljuk Empire was eventually replaced in the heartlands of Iran and Iraq by which dynasty?
The Khwarazmian Empire, which started as a vassal state of the Seljuks, gradually expanded and eventually overthrew the last Seljuks in Iran. By the late 12th century, the Khwarazm-Shah had replaced the Seljuk Sultan as the dominant power in the Islamic East.
