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Seljuk Empire

Capital: 1043 AD Rayy / 1073 AD Isfahan

History

The Seljuk Empire (1037โ€“1194) was a medieval Turko-Persian Sunni Muslim empire that originated from the Qynyq branch of Oghuz Turks. Spanning from Central Asia to the Levant and Anatolia, the Seljuks revived the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate and acted as a major barrier against Christian crusaders and rival regional powers.

Historically, the Seljuks played a key role in spreading Islamic culture and establishing the 'Sultanate' (rule by a military leader with political authority, while the Caliph remained the religious head). Their victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 broke the Byzantine frontier and opened the gate for Turkish settlement in Anatolia.

Legend surrounds the ancestor of the dynasty, Seljuk. It is said his father, Dukak, was nicknamed 'Iron Bow' for his strength.

When Seljuk was born, the ruling Khan envied his charisma and plotted his murder. To protect himself and his tribe, Seljuk shot three sacred arrows into the sky as a sign of divine guidance and migrated to Persia, where he embraced Islam.

Another famous legend recounts Sultan Alp Arslan before Manzikert: he wore a simple white shroud and tied his horse's tail, declaring: 'If I die, this shall be my burial robe,' inspiring his soldiers to a miraculous victory.

Territory

Related Wars

The First Crusade

Explore War โ†’

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Related People

Godfrey of Bouillon

Leader of the First Crusade and Defender of the Holy Sepulchre

Pope Urban II

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