SOAS Research Online

Abstract

After an introductory chapter on the territorial structure of the Great Seljuq Empire, the thesis aims at describing various Seljuq institutions, and the conditions under which they developed. The functions of the central government, the military organisation and the position of the Turkish aimirs to the state are discussed. An outline is given of provincial government and local administration, and some aspects of urban life are briefly examined. The last chapter deals with the attitude of the Great Seljuqs towards the caliphate. In giving a general outline of some of the most important features of the Great Seljuq period, an attempt has been made to present a more detailed account of these institutions than has been hitherto available.