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The Seljuk Empire: Rise and Fall

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The Seljuk Turks, originating from the Oghuz tribes, established a vast empire after converting to Sunni Islam. Under leaders like Tughril Beg and Malik Shah I, they expanded into the Middle East, clashed with the Byzantines, and faced the Crusades. Despite their decline, the Seljuks left a legacy in Islamic education, art, and governance.

The Origins of the Seljuk Turks

The Seljuk Turks originated from the Oghuz, a confederation of Turkish nomadic tribes from Central Asia. These tribes settled near the Aral Sea and were known for their pastoral lifestyle, as well as raiding and mercenary activities. In the 10th century, the Oghuz began migrating to the region of Transoxiana, now part of modern-day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It was here that they came into contact with Muslim traders and gradually converted to Sunni Islam. The Seljuk dynasty is named after Seljuk, a tribal leader who was among the first of the Oghuz to convert to Islam around the end of the 10th century. His descendants would go on to establish a powerful empire in the Islamic world.
Ancient Seljuk-style stone mausoleum with central and flanking domes under a clear blue sky, surrounded by manicured greenery.

The Rise of the Seljuk Empire

The Seljuk Turks gained prominence after their decisive victory over the Ghaznavids at the Battle of Dandanaqan in 1040. This victory allowed them to establish a base in the province of Khorasan, which they used to expand their influence. The Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, seeking to counterbalance the power of unruly military governors, recognized the Seljuks as the legitimate rulers of Khorasan. Under the leadership of Tughril Beg, a grandson of Seljuk, the Seljuks then advanced into the heart of the Islamic world, including Iraq and Persia, and exerted significant influence over the Abbasid Caliphate, effectively becoming the protector of the caliph in Baghdad.

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00

The ______ Turks, originally from the Oghuz tribes, settled near the ______ Sea before moving to Transoxiana.

Seljuk

Aral

01

Seljuk base establishment post-Dandanaqan

Seljuks established base in Khorasan after defeating Ghaznavids in 1040.

02

Seljuk recognition by Abbasid Caliph

Abbasid Caliph recognized Seljuks as rulers of Khorasan to counterbalance military governors.

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