Salghurids facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Salghurids
سلغُریان
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1148–1282 | |||||||||
| Status | Atabegate | ||||||||
| Capital | Shiraz | ||||||||
| Common languages | Persian (official, court literature) Turkic (ruling dynasty) |
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| Religion | Sunni Islam | ||||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| Atabeg | |||||||||
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• 1148–1161
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Sunqur ibn Mawdud | ||||||||
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• 1264–1282
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Abish Khatun | ||||||||
| Historical era | Middle Ages | ||||||||
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• Established
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1148 | ||||||||
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• Disestablished
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1282 | ||||||||
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The Salghurids (Persian: سلغُریان), also known as the Atabegs of Fars (اتابکان فارس), were a powerful family of Turkmen origin. They ruled the region of Fars in what is now Iran. They were a "Persianate" dynasty, meaning they adopted much of the Persian culture and language.
The Salghurids first served as "vassals" (meaning they were loyal to and under the control of) the Seljuq Empire. Later, in the 13th century, they became vassals of the Khwarazm Shahs.
Contents
The Salghurid Dynasty: A Brief History
How the Salghurids Started
The Salghurid dynasty was founded by a leader named Sunqur in 1148. He took advantage of a time when the Seljuq Empire was facing many rebellions. This allowed him to gain power and establish his own rule in southern Persia.
The Salghurids grew strong enough to fight against local groups like the Kurds. They even got involved in who would become the next ruler of the Kirman Seljuqs. They briefly took control of Isfahan in 1203-1204. Later, in 1235, they captured Bahrain from another ruling family called the Uyunids.
Golden Age Under Sa'd I
Under the rule of Sa'd I ibn Zangi, the Salghurids enjoyed a time of great success and wealth. However, during his rule, Sa'd I had to accept the Khwarazm Shahs as his "overlords." This meant the Khwarazm Shahs were more powerful and had control over him.
A famous Persian poet named Saadi Shirazi dedicated his well-known books, Bostan and Gulistan, to Sa'd I and his son, Sa'd II. After Sa'd I passed away, his brother Zangi ibn Mawdud took over as ruler in 1161. Zangi's son, Tekele, became the next ruler after making sure that Sunqur's son, Toghril, would not challenge him.
Under Mongol Control
Towards the end of the reigns of Abu Bakr ibn Sa'd and Sa'd II, the Fars region came under the control of the powerful Mongol Empire. Later, it became part of the Ilkhanate, which was a Mongol kingdom led by Hulegu.
Under Mongol rule, Abu Bakr was given a special title, Qutlugh Khan. The later Salghurid rulers became "figureheads," meaning they had the title of ruler but very little real power. The Mongols were truly in charge.
Finally, Abish Khatun, the daughter of Sa'd II, was given the title of Atabegate of Fars. She ruled Fars on her own for one year. After that, she married Mengu Temur, who was the eleventh son of Hulegu. After their deaths, the Ilkhanate directly ruled Fars.
Salghurid Culture
During the 13th century, the Salghurids supported a rich cultural and intellectual environment. Many important scholars and artists lived during this time, including:
- Qadi Baydawi (a judge and scholar)
- Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi (a scientist and philosopher)
- Saadi Shirazi (the famous poet)
- Wassaf (a historian)
The Salghurids actively promoted themselves as an Iranian and Islamic dynasty. They even connected themselves to the ancient ruins of the pre-Islamic Achaemenid Empire (which existed from 550–330 BC). Because of their support, Shiraz, their capital city, became a very important center for Persian culture.
List of Atabegs
Here is a list of the main rulers, known as Atabegs, of the Salghurid dynasty:
- Sunqur ibn Mawdud (1148–1161)
- Zangi ibn Mawdud (1161–1178)
- Tekele ibn Zangi (1178–1198)
- Sa'd I ibn Zangi (1198–1226)
- Abu Bakr ibn Sa'd (1226–1260)
- Sa'd II (1260–1260)
- Muhammad I ibn Sa'd (1260–1262)
- Muhammad II ibn Salghur (1263)
- Saljuk Shah ibn Salghur (1263)
- Abish Khatun (1263–1282)
