One of the Kindest People: Seldjukid Shihna of Baghdad Bihruz Al Khadim

Abstract

Within a short while after the Battle of Dandanakan, the Seljukids established their authority on a wide range of area stretching from the Middle East to Anatolia. The aim of creating a centralized state apparatus in line with this rapid conquest and expansion policy brought about several transformations on Seljukid state structure. In accordance with this, instead of Turcoman beys who had a great contribution on the establishment of the state, emirs with ghulam or khadim (service sector) background began to be employed in state cadres. In subsequent periods, emirs trained and employed in this way appeared in all echelons of the state administration. The main object of this study, Bihruz al Khadim, is one of the emirs stemming from khadim (service sector) background and taking part in significant posts in Seljukid state administration. Having an interesting life story, Emir Bihruz attracted Sultan Muhammed Tapar thanks to his meticulous and pro-discipline manners and rapidly rose to fame during his apogee. This article will focus on the political career and activities of Bihruz al Khadim who executed one of the most politically difficult posts of the time because of its mediatory position between the Seldjukid sultans and Abbasid caliphs' shihna of Baghdad.