The main sources of information about Alparslan's life and achievements are the chronicles written by his contemporaries or near-contemporaries, such as Ibn al-Athir, Rashid al-Din, Ibn Khallikan, al-Qazwini, al-Bundari, al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, and al-Sam'ani. These authors provide valuable insights into Alparslan's personality, character, policies, and actions. However, they also reflect their own biases, perspectives, and agendas, which sometimes contradict or embellish the facts. Therefore, modern historians have to critically examine and compare these sources to reconstruct a reliable account of Alparslan's career.
Early life and career
Alparslan was born in 1029 as Muhammad bin Dawud Chaghri, the son of Chaghri Beg, the ruler of Khorasan in Iran, and the nephew of Tughril Beg, the founder of the Seljuk Empire. His grandfather was Mikail bin Seljuk, who was a descendant of a Turkic tribal chief named Seljuk. Alparslan's name means "heroic lion" in Turkish , which reflects his courage and prowess as a warrior.
Alparslan accompanied his uncle Tughril on campaigns against the Fatimid Caliphate in Syria and Egypt while his father Chaghri consolidated Seljuk authority in Khorasan. After his father's death in 1060, Alparslan succeeded him as the governor of Khorasan. He also inherited his father's rivalry with his cousin Kutalmish, who claimed the right to succeed Tughril as the sultan. In 1063, Tughril died without leaving a son or appointing a successor. He had married Alparslan's sister Aka Khatun to secure his loyalty but had also favored Kutalmish as his heir. This led to a civil war between Alparslan and Kutalmish for the throne. Alparslan defeated Kutalmish at the Battle of Damghan in 1063 and became the undisputed sultan of the Seljuks.
Battle of Manzikert and its consequences
One of the most significant events in Alparslan's reign was the Battle of Manzikert, which took place on August 26, 1071 near Lake Van in eastern Anatolia. This battle was a turning point in the history of the Seljuk-Byzantine relations and the fate of Anatolia.
The background and context of the battle were as follows: The Seljuks had been raiding and conquering parts of Anatolia since the 1040s, taking advantage of the Byzantine weakness and disunity. The Byzantines, who considered Anatolia as their heartland and main source of manpower and resources, tried to resist and repel the Seljuk incursions. However, they were hampered by internal strife, civil wars, and rebellions. The Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, who came to power in 1068, was determined to restore Byzantine authority and prestige in Anatolia. He launched a massive campaign against the Seljuks in 1071, hoping to crush them once and for all.
Alparslan, who was busy with other matters in Syria and Iraq, was caught off guard by Romanos' invasion. He quickly gathered his forces and marched to confront the Byzantine army, which outnumbered his own. He also sent a message to Romanos, offering peace and friendship if he would withdraw from Anatolia. Romanos rejected the offer and continued his advance. The two armies met near Manzikert, a fortified town on the Murat River.
Alparslan prepared and executed his strategy against the Byzantine army with skill and cunning. He used his light cavalry to harass and provoke the Byzantine troops, while avoiding a direct confrontation. He also feigned retreats and ambushes to lure the Byzantines into traps. He exploited the terrain, the weather, and the morale of his soldiers to his advantage. He also took advantage of the dissension and treachery among some of Romanos' generals and allies, who deserted or betrayed him during the battle.
The outcomes and impacts of the battle were disastrous for the Byzantines and glorious for the Seljuks. The Byzantine army was routed and massacred by the Seljuk forces. Romanos himself was wounded and captured by Alparslan, who treated him with respect and generosity. He released him after making him sign a treaty that granted the Seljuks large territories and tributes in Anatolia. However, Romanos' rivals in Constantinople deposed him soon after his return and blinded him, leading to his death in 1072.
Later life and death
After the Battle of Manzikert, Alparslan consolidated his power and expanded his empire in all directions. He subdued the remaining Byzantine resistance in Anatolia and established Seljuk rule over most of the region. He also conquered Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Syria and Iraq. He made peace with the Fatimid Caliphate and recognized its authority over Jerusalem and other holy sites. He also maintained good relations with other Muslim states and leaders, such as the Abbasid Caliph, the Zengid Emir, and the Ismaili Imam.
Alparslan died on November 25, 1072 at the age of 43. He was assassinated by a prisoner named Yusuf al-Basasiri, who stabbed him with a poisoned dagger while he was inspecting his troops. Alparslan's death was mourned by his subjects and allies, who praised him as a just, generous, and pious ruler. He was buried in Merv, the capital of Khorasan, where his tomb still stands today. He was succeeded by his son Malik-Shah, who continued his father's legacy and achievements.
Legacy and influence
Alparslan is remembered and honored in history and culture as one of the greatest heroes of Islam and Turkey. He is regarded as a model of courage, wisdom, and leadership, who defended and expanded the Muslim world against its enemies. He is also credited with creating a stable and prosperous Seljuk Empire, which fostered a golden age of culture, learning, and religion.
Some of Alparslan's contributions and innovations in politics, administration, military, and religion are as follows: He reformed the Seljuk government and bureaucracy, appointing competent and loyal officials to various positions. He also delegated authority to his governors and vassals, who ruled their provinces with relative autonomy. He established a system of iqta , or land grants, to reward his soldiers and supporters. He also promoted trade, commerce, and agriculture, by building roads, bridges, caravanserais , and irrigation canals. He improved the Seljuk army, by introducing new weapons, tactics, and strategies. He also recruited Turkmen nomads , who formed the backbone of his cavalry. He supported the Sunni orthodoxy , by patronizing scholars, jurists, and theologians. He also favored the Hanafi school of law , which became the dominant legal tradition in Anatolia. He built mosques, madrasas , hospitals, and libraries , where he encouraged education and scholarship.
Alparslan shaped the future of Anatolia , the Middle East , and the Muslim world in many ways. He paved the way for the Turkish migration and settlement in Anatolia , which transformed its demographic , cultural , linguistic , and religious composition . He also weakened the Byzantine Empire , which facilitated its eventual collapse to the Ottoman Turks . He also strengthened the Seljuk Empire , which became a major force in the Muslim world until its decline in the 12th century . He also inspired later generations of Muslim rulers and warriors , who emulated his example and achievements.
Conclusion
In conclusion , Alparslan was a remarkable Sultan of the Seljuk Empire , who left a lasting impact on history and culture . He was a hero of Islam and Turkey , who fought against the Byzantines and other enemies . He was also a patron of culture , learning , and religion , who supported scholars , poets , artists , and jurists . His reign marked the peak of Seljuk power and prestige in the 11th century . His victory at Manzikert opened Anatolia to Turkish domination and changed its destiny forever . His legacy and influence are still felt today in Anatolia , the Middle East , and the Muslim world .
FAQs
What does Alparslan mean?
Alparslan means "heroic lion" in Turkish.
When did Alparslan become Sultan?
Alparslan became Sultan in 1063 after defeating his cousin Kutalmish at the Battle of Damghan.
What was Alparslan's greatest victory?
Alparslan's greatest victory was at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 against the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes.
How did Alparslan die?
Alparslan died on November 25, 1072 after being stabbed by a prisoner named Yusuf al-Basasiri with a poisoned dagger.
Where is Alparslan buried?
Alparslan is buried in Merv, the capital of Khorasan, where his tomb still stands today.
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