The title 'Ghazi' refers to a warrior who participates in Ghazw (military expeditions or raids) for the sake of Islam. Alp Arslan used this title to bolster his legitimacy and to frame his wars against the Byzantines as a religious duty.
1692
Who was the famous historian who recorded the history of the Seljuk dynasty in his work 'Zubdat al-Tawarikh'?
Zahir al-Din Nishapuri wrote the 'Seljuk-nama,' which is one of the most important primary sources for the history of the Great Seljuks. His work was later used as a basis for several other major Persian chronicles.
1693
Which Seljuk ruler defeated the Georgian Kingdom at the Battle of Didgori?
The Battle of Didgori (1121) was actually a catastrophic defeat for the Seljuks. The Georgian King David IV the Builder defeated a much larger Seljuk coalition army, which led to the liberation of Tbilisi and the end of Seljuk dominance in the Caucasus.
1694
What was the significance of the 'Insha' department in the Seljuk administration?
The Divan-i-Insha (Chancellery) was responsible for drafting official state documents, diplomatic letters, and maintaining royal records. It was staffed by highly educated scribes (Munshis) who were masters of the Persian and Arabic languages.
1695
Which event is traditionally considered the start of the decline of the Sultanate of Rum?
The Babai Revolt (1239–1241) was a massive socio-religious uprising of Turkmen tribes in Anatolia. It severely weakened the Sultanate's military and economy, making it an easy target for the Mongol invasion that arrived just a few years later.
1696
The tomb of which Seljuk Sultan is a massive landmark in Merv, Turkmenistan?
The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar in Merv is one of the most significant monuments of Seljuk architecture. Its massive brick dome was once covered in blue tiles and could be seen from a day's journey away. It survived the Mongol destruction of the city in 1221.
1697
Which European term is often used to describe the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum's territory?
Anatolia, also known as Asia Minor, corresponds to the modern-day Asian portion of Turkey. The Seljuks of Rum derived their name 'Rum' because the region was previously part of the 'Roman' (Byzantine) Empire.
1698
Which Seljuk Sultan survived an assassination attempt by the Assassins in his own camp?
Sultan Sanjar had several brushes with the Assassins. Legend tells that he once woke up to find a dagger pinned to his bed with a note from Hasan-i Sabbah, warning him that the power that could place the dagger there could just as easily have plunged it into his heart. Sanjar thereafter sought a truce with the group.
1699
The 'Divan-i-A'la' was the supreme administrative council of the Seljuk state. Who headed it?
The Vizier was the head of the Divan-i-A'la (Grand Council) and acted as the chief administrator of the empire. He managed the state's finances, bureaucracy, and judicial appointments, often wielding power almost equal to that of the Sultan.
1700
What was the main reason for the Seljuk conversion to Islam in the late 10th century?
The Seljuks converted to Sunni Islam around 985 CE. This was largely a strategic and political move to integrate into the Islamic world of Transoxiana and to distinguish themselves from their pagan and Jewish rivals in the Oghuz Yabgu State and the Khazar Khaganate.
