The Conqueror Sultan of the Seljuk Empire Alp Arsalan:

Introduction:

Suleiman the wise was the second Sultan of Seljuk Empire that was in existence from 1063 to 1072 and was commonly known as the Heroic Lion or Alp Arslan. His reign represents a specific period in the Islamic and in the Middle Eastern history, particularly relevant for the military expeditions and the growth of Seljuk power and their interactions with the Byzantines.

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Alp Arslan was born in the year 1029 as Muhammad ibn Dawud Chaghri however Seljuk Turks dynasty, more into specifically his father Chaghri Beg who was one of the founders of the Seljuk Empire. Alp Arslan was great in the period of Greater Seljuk empire after the demised his father and he supported his uncle Tughril Beg to strengthen the Seljuk control over Persia or to gain more space. After this, the Tughril Beg died in the year AH 450/CE 1063 and Alp Arslan proceeded to take his throne, yet he also had to continue family civil wars they have but he was titled the Sultan of the Seljuk Empire.

Military Campaigns and Conquests:

Looking at the historical context of the Seljuk Empire one can highlight Alp Arslan as the most prominent personality of the empire since he focused on the military tactics and expansion. Some of these emergent themes may include; The preservation of empire borders and dealing with a number of rebellions from inside the empire. He expanded the regions consisted by Seljuk empire through Armenian and Georgian marches and strengthened the Seljuk influence across Syria. His greatest campaign was in the year 1071, this was during the first battle of Manzikert, it was against the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes. As such, this war became known as the decisive one, which resulted in the decline of Byzantine influence over Anatolia and the eventual rise of Turkish beyliks ruling the region.

The Battle of Manzikert:

The battle of Manzikert that was fought in fifth hundred of year 1071 was one of the most influential that had taken place with the victory of Alp Arslan. Thus, by using both of the tactics listed above and utilizing the special feature of the army, that is, cavalries, Seljuks were able to surround and subsequently eliminate the Byzantine armies. The Seljuk dynasty also succeeded in trapping Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes which also indicates the advancement of the cavalry. The consequence of this battle was to adversely affect the growth of the Byzantine Empire in the region of Anatolia and later open doors to Turkey and Turkish states including the Ottoman Empire.

Administrative and Cultural Contributions:

In addition to the military achievements, it is possible to state that the presence of Alp Arslan has a positive affect on further consolidation of the Seljuk administrative structure. He selected wise and worthy viziers – for example, Nizam al-Mulk who initiated revisions in the governmental structures and brought useful changes in education, as well as foundation of Nizamiyyah schools, which are the Islamic universities. Alp Arslan, who was the ruler of the Seljuk Empire also helped in expanding the Türkmen culture and identity in Turkey and Persia during his reign as Seljuk Sultan Among the changes he undertook in the empire or in the areas occupied by the Seljuk Turks, there was the Persianisation of the Seljuk Empire that entailed both Turkic and Persian characteristics.

Death and Legacy:

Alp Arslan’s rule only lasted for four years and was killed by a prisoner during one of the campaigns in the Transoxania in 1072 and that was the end of Seljuk dynasty rule. His death led to a monarchy change and Malik Shah I came to power whose guidance led to Seljuk Empire becoming the most superior of all. The records show Alp Arslan only in him within his military achievements and the lines that made for the Seljuk Empire to be successfully continue for the golden ages. For example, the battle of Manzikert for instance, has been written about and SUPPORTED for being the most important fight in the middle ages in Middle Eastern theater.

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