Revision paper for 7 years – 2023 – 2024 for the first endterm exam

1. The rise of Seljuks

Azerbaijan is one of the territories inhabited by Turkic tribes since ancient times. This country
was the homeland of the Oghuz Turks, along with other Turkic tribes. During the period when
the caliphate weakened, the Islamic-Turkish ethnic-political factor became stronger in
Azerbaijan. At that time, a single Christian bloc was formed, consisting of the Byzantine Empire,
Armenian and Georgian feudal lords. The fate of the struggle against this bloc was decided on
the Azerbaijani front. Since the caliphate was divided, the main role in the struggle of the Islamic
world against Byzantium belonged to the Turks.
For a long time, various Turkic tribes tried to strengthen themselves in Anatolia. Azerbaijan was
the rear for those tribes. The Seljuk Turks also chose Byzantium as their main attack target. The
name of this tribe is related to the name of Seljuk Bey. The founder of the Seljuk state was his
grandson Togrul Bey (1038-1063). Seljuk's grandson Cagri Bey went on a scouting campaign
and defeated the Byzantine troops. The Seljuks occupied the Lake Van basin. Thus, the security
of Nakhchivan and its surrounding Azerbaijani-Turkish lands against the attack of Byzantine and
Armenian feudal lords was ensured.
In 1038, the Seljuks chose the city of Nishapur as their capital and created a state. Togrul Bey
was proclaimed Sultan in 1040. Not long after, the Seljuks, who strengthened themselves in the
north of our country, united with the Shaddadis in the fight against Byzantine, Armenian and
Georgian aggression. The combined Turkish military forces inflicted heavy blows on the
Byzantine, Armenian and Georgian feudal lords.
The establishment of the Seljuk Empire had a great impact on world history, including the course
of political events in Azerbaijan. He played an important role in solving the fate and historical
destiny of our people and preserving the traditions of independent statehood.
The southern provinces of Azerbaijan came under the control of the Seljuk general Hasan. Seljuk
- Azerbaijani Turkish troops defeated the combined forces of Byzantine, Armenian and Georgian
feudal lords in 1048. Byzantium was forced to make peace with the Seljuks.
In 1054, the military forces of Sultan Togrul approached Tabriz. The ruler of Rawvadi declared
his allegiance to the Seljuk sultan. Sultan Togrul attacked Ganja. The ruler of Shaddadi,
Abulaswar Shavur, submitted to the Seljuks. Both rulers agreed to fight together against the
common threat - Byzantine, Armenian and Georgian invaders.
Seljuk Turks also marched to Shirvan. They encountered serious resistance here. Shirvanshahs
resisted for 12 years. In 1066, the Seljuks defeated the resistance of the Shirvanshah state with
great difficulty. Shirvanshah Fariburz was deprived of the title "Shirvanshah".
The Seljuk sultans tried to strengthen the central authority. For this purpose, they created
military-political supports for themselves: they distributed lands among the Seljuk emirs in the
form of iqta in exchange for military service. As a result, iqta became the main form of land
ownership in Azerbaijan. This strengthened the military and political power of the Seljuk Turks
in the territories they settled. Over time, iqta lands were inherited, passed from generation to
generation, and almost did not differ from estate lands.
One of the forms of land ownership that appeared during the Great Seljuk Empire was uc lands.
This was the name given to the generals who guarded the borders of the Seljuk Empire. Both the
Iqta and Uc lands created conditions for the permanent settlement of the Turkic tribes who came
to our country again and again.
2. Atabeks (Ildenids) state
Seljuk state did not last for long time. At the first half of 12 th century, Seljuk empire lost their
influence in ocuppied territories. Azerbaijani Atabegs Ildenizds state declared its independence
during the period of decline Seljuks.
Starting from XII century the empire was crumbling into sultanates that were not dependent on
each other. These sultanates established completely new type of states that were ruled by former
slaves (memluks) of Seljuq sultans. The rulers of these states usually were the tutors of Seljuq
princes who had the title of atabeys (father-lords). As time went by, the atabeys strengthened and
turned into the rulers of independent states. Seljuq sultans only had symbolic control. For
example, their names were coined in local money or they were remembered during Friday
prayers. There were several atabey state formations: the Atabeys of Azerbaijan (Ildenizids), the
Atabeys of Mosul, the Atabeys of Persia, the Atabeys of Kirman, the Atabeys of Luristan and
others.
The state of Atabeys was one of Azerbaijani states established after the collapse of the Great
Seljuq Empire. According to different historical sources this state is also known as “Ildegizids”,
“Eldiguzids”, “Ildenizids”. The territory of Atabeys of Azerbaijan was included into Irag Seljuq
Sultanate when the Great Seljuq Empire started declining.
According to legend, there was an old tradition if any merchant bought 40 slaves, then the owner
of slaves would take money only for 39 of them and one slave was gifted to the merchant. So
during the reign of Sultan Mahmoud (1118-1131) one merchant bought 39 slaves and Eldeniz
who was unattractive and coarse was gifted as the 40th slave. The merchant took his slaves to
Irag. It was very hot during that time, so Caravan was moving only at night. Eldeniz was the
youngest and the weakest of slaves and during the journey he fell from the carriage thrice. He
was picked up twice, but when he fell third time, the merchant ordered to leave him since he did
not even pay for him. When Eldeniz woke up, the caravan was gone. To everyone’s surprise, by
night he reached caravan.
In Irag, the slaves were purchased by Sultan’s vizier. However, vizier refused to buy Eldeniz.
Eldeniz started crying and begged vizier to buy him as well. Vizier bought him and soon Eldeniz
revealed all strength of his character.
Eldeniz began to serve in the sultan's palace. Seeing that he was a very smart and talented child,
they taught him military training, Arabic and Persian languages, and various sciences. After a
while, Eldeniz drew the attention and sympathy of Seljuk sultan(king) with his diligence and
skills. He was included in the sultan's bodyguard and became military commander. He soon
became the atabey of the sultan's son. "Atabey" was called the tutor of the sultan's eldest son,
that is, his future success. Eldeniz won the sympathy of the sultan and his family with his loyalty.
Shamsaddin Eldeniz reigned from 1136 to 1175.
3. Renaissance in Azerbaijan in XI – XII centuries
Starting from IX century, culture, science, art and literature made progress in Azerbaijan. This
was partly a result of the collapse of Arabic Caliphate and emergence of new independent states
in the territory of Azerbaijan – Shirvanshah, Sajids,Salarids, Ravvadids, Shaddadids and
Atabeys. These states all shared the same language, culture, and traditions. During this period,
the Azerbaijani language became a single language of communication between the people. It was
the greatest achievement of the Renaissance. The cultural development in Azerbaijan reached its
peak in the 12th century. A great number of cultural achievements were made. Thus, the culture of
this period is called Renaissance culture.
Madrasah is an Arabic term for school. Madrasah generally refers to Islamic type of educational
institutions (any type of educational institutions) with core emphasis on Islamic studies and
Arabic literacy. Beside religious subjects, secular subjects were also taught in madrasahs. This
type of education system also existed in Azerbaijan in the Middle Ages. Madrasa was the place
where the students were taught Koran, Sharia, Logic, Eastern languages, and Science. In the late
11th century, the Seljuk vizier Niẓām al-Mulk created one of the first major official academic
institutions known in history as the Madrasah Niẓāmīyah.
Turkish tribes constituted majority of the population. Therefore Azeri-Turkish language became
the central language of communication. Arabic and Persian languages did not dominate over
Azerbaijani lands and were only second after Azeri language. X-XI centuries were the times
when, the influence of “Palace Literature” languages such as Arabic and Persian declined, and
Azeri language dominated the literature. It was a renaissance of Azerbaijani culture.
Literature developed in two different directions: written literature and folklore. Poets and writers
in XI-XII centuries were divided into two groups. The first group of poets lived and worked in
palaces and dedicated their poems to the glorification of Sultans and Shahs. The second group of
poets was independent and was free to choose whatever to write about. They usually wrote about
hardships of life, justice, love and human nature.
Azerbaijani Renaissance literature reached its peak in the works of Nizami Ganjavi. His five-
poem "Khamsa" is considered one of the most valuable works of world literature. Nizami
Ganjavi's works can also be considered a historical source. Because his works provide valuable
information about the ancient past of our people. For example, in one of his poems he gives
information about the Barda tragedy in 944 A.D.
During the Renaissance, architecture also developed in Azerbaijan, beautiful palaces,
buildings, castles, mosques, and tombs were built. Architecture of given period was mostly
influenced by Islamic religion. It brought new style. mansions, mosques, minarets, tombs,
Fortresses and Towers were built all over Azerbaijan. The Khudaferin bridge, built on the
Araz river in the 11th century, Maiden Tower, Mardakan Castle and Momine Khatun tomb
was built so on.
4. Mongolian attacks to Azerbaijan and Establishment of Mongolian state – Hulakus in
Azerbaijan
The Mongols were pastoral and nomadic tribes of the Asian steppes. The Mongol Empire
emerged from the unification of these several nomadic tribes in the Mongol homeland under the
leadership of Genghis khan (Temüjin). In 1206, Genghis Khan brought together the Mongol and
Turkic tribes and proclaimed himself the ruler of Mongols. The Empire grew rapidly under his
leadership. When he died in 1227 AD, he had conquered Central Asia, North China and parts of
eastern Persia. Later his grandson Kublai Khan would go on to expand the empire ruling whole
China. The Mongol Empire stretched from Eastern Europe to Western Asia, including Central
Asia and the Middle East.
Beginning from the 20-30s of XIII century Azerbaijan also underwent the Mongol invasion. The
reason why Mongols easily occupied Azerbaijan was that there was no strong and united state in
Azerbaijan in the beginning of XIII century. The country was still split into Atabeys state and
Shirvanshahs State. In the south, Maragha city was under the control of Agsungurids
(Ağsunqurilər dynasty) who ruled the city indepdendently. Atabeys State was very weak under
the leadership of their last ruler Ozbek (1210-1225). Because of the weak and disorganized
central authority in Atabeys state, it was difficult for Atabey rulers to fully regulate the feudal
lords who were so powerful that they ruled their lands without consulting to ruler. This meant
that Azerbaijani people were not prepared to face Mongol invaders.
For the first time, Mongols attacked Azerbaijan in 1220. It was an intelligence operation by
nature. It was an important strategic element employed by the Mongolian army to use spies
extensively to understand what they were facing before ever deciding on battle or occupying a
new territory. Mongol warriors Jebe and Subotai had to explore the situation, find out whether
Azerbaijani States or Khwarezmshah state had enough military power to resist. Mongol army
was led by Jebe and Subotai.
During the first invasion of Azerbaijan by the Mongols in 1220–1223, cities such as Zanjan,
Qazvin, Maragha, Ardebil, Bailagan, Barda, Ganja, which were the territory of the Atabegs of
Azerbaijan, were destroyed. At that time, there was a political disintegration in the state of
Atabegs of Azerbaijan. However, Mongols faced a strong resistance from the people in some
cities such as Tabriz. Even though they attacked to the city twice, they failed to occupy the city.
Therefore, Mongol leaders decided to negotiate with Atabey leader Uzbek. Mongols were
satisfied by getting a ransom from the city in 1221 and left here.
Mongols “rushed to the cities of Azerbaijan and Arran, destroyed them and killed most of their
inhabitants. Only a few of them survived, remaining homeless. And all this in less than a year!
This has never been known. Having finished with Azerbaijan and Arran, they went to Derbend of
Shirvan and captured its (Shirvan’s) cities. Only one fortress survived, where the king of Shirvan
was.
Therefore, Jalal-ad-Din started the occupation of Azerbaijan from Maragha. To win support of
the local population, he helped them to restore and rebuild their city. Next in line was the city of
Tabriz. People of Tabriz resisted the invaders for 7 days, but the resistance was broken and soon
Tabriz fell under the control of Khwarezmwshah state. In 1225, he dethroned the Uzbek, ruler of
the Atabegs Ildenizids state. The last ruler of Ildenizids state - Uzbek fled to Ganja and soon
died. Thus, in 1225 Atabeys state fell. Shirvanshahs State escaped plundering only by paying
contribution of 100 thousand dinars.
In 1231, the Mongol army led by Chormagun Noyo attacked the lands of Azerbaijan. This was
their second march. The population, suffering from severe conditions, was powerless to protect
itself. But despite this, the people took up arms. Maragha, who seriously resisted the enemy, was
captured by the Mongols. Then the Mongols besieged Tabriz. Tabriz again entered negotiations.
The Mongols, who entered the city by trick, captured the famous artists of Tabriz and sent them
to the capital Karagorum.
The next attack target of the Mongols was the city of Ganja. Ganja, weakened because of a long
struggle, was captured by the Mongols in 1235. The Mongolian gangs that plundered the country
had to face the people of Shamkir city. The enemy has won. The population was put to the
sword. Later, the Mongols who captured Baku occupied the whole of Azerbaijan in 1239 by
occupying Derbend.
The Mongols, who came for the purpose of invasion, strengthened themselves in the South
Caucasus. Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus were ruled by the viceroys of the Mongol Empire.
All the useful lands were transferred to the nomadic Mongol nobles. Local feudal lords had to
get a special permission document, called a yarlik, to use the land.
Local feudal lords, who took advantage of the strife in the Mongol court, were gaining
independence. The Mongolian khagan, who did not agree with this, gave instructions for the next
march. Under the leadership of Hulaku Khan, the Mongols invaded Eastern Asia. Hulaku Khan,
who organized a march to Iran, Arab Iraq, Syria, and other countries, brought many local judges
under his command. This invasion, known in history as the third campaign of the Mongols,
covered large areas. In 1256, after resubjugating Azerbaijan, Hulaku Khan marched on Baghdad.
In 1258, ending the existence of the Baghdad caliphate, he created the state of Hulakus. The
rulers had the title "Elkhan". The state of the Hulakuls, which existed in Azerbaijan for a century,
began to be known as the Elkhanis.
5. Gazan khan reforms, Tokhtamish and Timur`s plans towards Azerbaijan
The death of Hulaku Khan intensified the struggle for power. After a long struggle, Ghazan Khan
(1295-1304), who came to the throne of Elkhani, put an end to this conflict. Gazan Khan, who
declared himself the king of Karabakh, immediately began to take measures. He declared Islam
the state religion and took the name Mahmud. He suppressed the uprisings in the country. In
order to save the Hulaku state, which was in a difficult economic situation, he carried out a series
of reforms. In this work, he was closely assisted by his vizier, Fazlullah Rashideddin.
 • Ghazan Khan, who planned to carry out reforms in the fields of land, taxation, judiciary,
communication, and trade, took a number of steps. First, he started to give iqta to the
people who served in the army by carrying out land reform. Iqta lands could not be sold
or donated.
• After the death of the owner of the iqta, the iqta was given to whoever continued the
military work. According to the decree issued in 1303, it was forbidden for the peasants
to move from one place to another. The main goal of this reform was to develop
agriculture and settle the peasants on the lands where they lived. Because because of the
Mongol invasions, the fertile lands of Azerbaijan turned into pastures and pastures for
nomadic herders.
• Measures were also taken to cultivate unused land called Bayrat. Derelict lands were
placed under the control of the Diwan. New entrepreneurs were identified for their use.
• A reform was carried out regulating tax collection. The list of taxpayers was captured.
The amount of tax to be paid by each city and locality and the time it will be collected
were specified, written on special boards, and posted in central places. Illegal tax
collection was banned. The tax was collected in the form of money or products.
• Measures were also taken for the development of trade. By creating a single system of
money, weights and measures, opportunities for the development of trade were opened.
Special detachments were allocated for the protection of trade centers and caravan routes.
All these reforms improved the situation of the population. Economy revived in Hulaku
state.
Azerbaijan became the battlefield of the Red Army and Timurid empires. In 1385, Amir Teymur
marched to Azerbaijan with his army, but he could not stay here for long and returned. Sultan
Ahmed, who fled to Baghdad, could not rule the country. Taking advantage of the opportunity,
the Khan of the Red Army, Tokhtamysh, began a march to Azerbaijan. Having conquered Tabriz
and other territories, Tokhtamysh returned to his country after capturing a lot of booty.
In 1386, Timur again attacked Azerbaijan and captured Tabriz. During this invasion, named
"Triple March", Timur's troops advanced to Nakhchivan.
Teymur, who entrusted the management of Azerbaijan to his son Shiranshah, returned to
Samarkand. In 1392, Timur again marched to Azerbaijan and entered Tabriz. The Jalairis, who
took refuge in the Alinja fortress, did not want to obey Teymur. The troops of Amir Teymur, who
tried to take the fortress, attacked repeatedly, but failed. After being under siege for 14 years, the
fortress of Alinca weakened and fell in 1400.
The reason for the fall of the fortress was the lack of unity among the defenders. Teymur, who
conquered the last fortification in Azerbaijan, returned after some time. The news of the death of
Amir Teymur, who died in 1405, led to the resumption of the struggle to capture Azerbaijan. The
Jalairis and their allies, the Karakoyunuls, who wanted to recapture the kingdom, advanced
towards Tabriz. These marches, which weakened the power of the Timurids, opened
opportunities for the creation of another new state.