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Ahmad Sanjar Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Ahmad Sanjar: Sultan of the Seljuk Empire

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Ahmad Sanjar: Sultan of the Seljuk Empire Study Guide

Origins and Early Life

What was the full regnal name of Ahmad Sanjar, as documented in historical records?

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical sources identify Ahmad Sanjar by his full regnal name: Muizz ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Adud ad-Dawlah Abul-Harith Ahmad Sanjar ibn Malik-Shah.

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According to historical accounts, was Ahmad Sanjar born in Baghdad on November 6, 1086?

Answer: False

Explanation: While born on November 6, 1086, Ahmad Sanjar's birthplace was Sinjar, located in Upper Mesopotamia, not Baghdad.

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The name 'Sanjar,' meaning 'he who pierces,' is of Arabic origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'Sanjar' is of Turkic origin, signifying 'he who pierces' or 'he who thrusts,' rather than Arabic.

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Ahmad Sanjar was the son of Malik-Shah I and Taj Safariyya Khatun.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar was the son of Malik-Shah I and Taj Safariyya Khatun.

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Ahmad Sanjar practiced Shia Islam throughout his life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar adhered to Sunni Islam throughout his life, not Shia Islam.

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What was the full regnal name of Ahmad Sanjar, as documented in historical records?

Answer: Muizz ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Adud ad-Dawlah Abul-Harith Ahmad Sanjar ibn Malik-Shah

Explanation: Historical sources identify Ahmad Sanjar by his full regnal name: Muizz ad-Dunya wa ad-Din Adud ad-Dawlah Abul-Harith Ahmad Sanjar ibn Malik-Shah.

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According to the source, when and where was Ahmad Sanjar born?

Answer: November 6, 1086, in Sinjar, Upper Mesopotamia

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar was born on November 6, 1086, in Sinjar, a city located in Upper Mesopotamia.

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What is the etymological origin and meaning of the name 'Sanjar'?

Answer: Turkic, meaning 'he who pierces'

Explanation: The name 'Sanjar' is of Turkic origin, signifying 'he who pierces' or 'he who thrusts,' rather than Arabic.

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Who were the parents of Ahmad Sanjar?

Answer: Malik-Shah I and Taj Safariyya Khatun

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar was the son of Malik-Shah I and Taj Safariyya Khatun.

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What was Ahmad Sanjar's primary religious affiliation?

Answer: Sunni Islam

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar adhered to Sunni Islam throughout his life, not Shia Islam.

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Consolidation of Power (Pre-Sultanate)

Before becoming Sultan, Ahmad Sanjar was appointed to govern the province of Azerbaijan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before assuming the role of Sultan, Ahmad Sanjar was appointed to govern the province of Khorasan, not Azerbaijan.

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In the Battle of Balkh in 1098, Ahmad Sanjar defeated the rebel Seljuk prince Devlet-Shah, who was subsequently blinded and imprisoned.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Battle of Balkh in 1098, Ahmad Sanjar defeated the rebel Seljuk prince Devlet-Shah, who was subsequently captured, blinded, and imprisoned.

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Ahmad Sanjar's victory at the Battle of Nushecan in 1100 resulted in the capture of Berkyaruq himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Nushecan in 1100 saw Ahmad Sanjar's forces defeat Berkyaruq's allies, resulting in the capture of Habeshi ibn Altuntaq, not Berkyaruq himself.

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Ahmad Sanjar secured control over Transoxiana in 1102 by defeating and killing the Kara-Khanid ruler Kadir Khan.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar secured control over Transoxiana in 1102 by defeating and killing the Kara-Khanid ruler Kadir Khan after Kadir Khan had taken advantage of Sanjar's absence.

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In the Battle of Ghazni in 1117, Ahmad Sanjar defeated Arslan, leading to Bahram succeeding to the throne as a vassal.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Battle of Ghazni in 1117, Ahmad Sanjar defeated Arslan, leading to Bahram succeeding to the Ghaznavid throne as a vassal of the Seljuks.

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Which province was Ahmad Sanjar initially appointed to govern before becoming the overall Sultan?

Answer: Khorasan

Explanation: Before assuming the role of Sultan, Ahmad Sanjar was appointed to govern the province of Khorasan, not Azerbaijan.

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In the Battle of Balkh in 1098, who did Ahmad Sanjar defeat, and what was the fate of this individual?

Answer: Devlet-Shah

Explanation: In the Battle of Balkh in 1098, Ahmad Sanjar defeated the rebel Seljuk prince Devlet-Shah, who was subsequently captured, blinded, and imprisoned.

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What was the outcome for Habeshi ibn Altuntaq in the Battle of Nushecan in 1100?

Answer: He was captured by Sanjar's army.

Explanation: The Battle of Nushecan in 1100 saw Ahmad Sanjar's forces defeat Berkyaruq's allies, resulting in the capture of Habeshi ibn Altuntaq.

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How did Ahmad Sanjar gain control over Transoxiana in 1102?

Answer: By defeating and killing the Kara-Khanid ruler Kadir Khan.

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar secured control over Transoxiana in 1102 by defeating and killing the Kara-Khanid ruler Kadir Khan after Kadir Khan had taken advantage of Sanjar's absence.

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Who succeeded to the Ghaznavid throne as a vassal of the Seljuks after the Battle of Ghazni in 1117?

Answer: Bahram

Explanation: In the Battle of Ghazni in 1117, Ahmad Sanjar defeated Arslan, leading to Bahram succeeding to the Ghaznavid throne as a vassal of the Seljuks.

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Sultanate and Major Campaigns (1118-1141)

For what duration did Ahmad Sanjar hold the title of Great Sultan of the Seljuk Empire?

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar reigned as the Great Sultan of the Seljuk Empire for an extended period, from 1118 until his demise in 1157.

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Ahmad Sanjar became Sultan of the Seljuk Empire on April 18, 1118, succeeding his brother Muhammad I.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar became the Sultan of the Seljuk Empire on April 18, 1118, succeeding his brother Muhammad I.

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The dagger incident involving Hassan-i Sabbah led Ahmad Sanjar to launch a full-scale invasion against the Nizari Ismailis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to initiating an invasion, the 'dagger incident' prompted Ahmad Sanjar to agree to a peace treaty with the Nizari Ismailis, acknowledging their territorial integrity.

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The Battle of Saveh in 1119 involved Ahmad Sanjar defeating Mahmud II, who was seeking protection from the Emir of Yazd.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Saveh in 1119 occurred when the Emir of Yazd sought protection from Ahmad Sanjar against Mahmud II. Sanjar defeated Mahmud II, not the other way around.

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After the Battle of Saveh, Ahmad Sanjar marched to Baghdad and agreed that Mahmud II would marry his sister and relinquish territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the Battle of Saveh, Ahmad Sanjar marched to Baghdad and agreed that Mahmud II would marry one of Sanjar's daughters and relinquish strategic territories in northern Persia.

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Sanjar besieged Samarkand in 1130 due to a plot by the Western Kara-Khanid ruler Arslan Khan to assassinate him.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sanjar besieged Samarkand in 1130 as a preemptive measure against a plot by the Western Kara-Khanid ruler Arslan Khan to assassinate him.

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In 1130, Sultan Sanjar defeated the Qara-Khitai army near Kashgar, but failed to defeat Oghuz and Karluk rebels.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1130, Sultan Sanjar successfully defeated the advancing Qara-Khitai army near Kashgar and also suppressed Oghuz and Karluk rebels.

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The Battle of Dinavar in 1132 saw Ahmad Sanjar defeated by an alliance including his nephew Mas'ud and Caliph Al-Mustarshid.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Dinavar in 1132 saw Ahmad Sanjar decisively defeat an alliance formed against him by his nephew Mas'ud, Seljuk-Shah, and Caliph Al-Mustarshid.

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During the 1135 campaign against the Ghaznavids, Ahmad Sanjar captured Ghazni and reinstated Bahram Shah after he paid taxes.

Answer: True

Explanation: During his 1135 campaign against the Ghaznavids, Ahmad Sanjar captured Ghazni and reinstated Bahram Shah upon receiving his apology and payment of taxes.

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Ahmad Sanjar defeated his governor Atsiz in the Battle of Hazorasp in 1138, capturing Khwarezm and appointing his brother Suleiman-Shah as governor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar defeated his rebellious governor Atsiz at the Battle of Hazorasp in 1138. Following the capture of Khwarezm, he appointed his nephew, Suleiman-Shah, as governor, not his brother.

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From which year did Ahmad Sanjar rule as the Great Sultan of the Seljuk Empire until his death?

Answer: 1118

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar ruled as the Great Sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1118 until his death in 1157.

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What event involving Hassan-i Sabbah prompted Ahmad Sanjar to agree to a peace treaty?

Answer: Finding a dagger with a threatening note left in his camp.

Explanation: The 'dagger incident,' where Sanjar found a dagger with a note from Hassan-i Sabbah, signified the Nizari Ismailis' reach and prompted Sanjar to agree to a peace treaty, avoiding further conflict.

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In the Battle of Saveh (1119), who sought protection from Ahmad Sanjar against Mahmud II?

Answer: The Emir of Yazd, Garshasp II

Explanation: The Battle of Saveh in 1119 occurred when the Emir of Yazd, Garshasp II, sought protection from Ahmad Sanjar against Mahmud II.

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What agreement was reached between Ahmad Sanjar and Mahmud II after the Battle of Saveh?

Answer: Mahmud II would marry one of Sanjar's daughters and relinquish strategic territories.

Explanation: After the Battle of Saveh, Ahmad Sanjar marched to Baghdad and agreed that Mahmud II would marry one of Sanjar's daughters and relinquish strategic territories in northern Persia.

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Why did Sanjar lay siege to Samarkand in 1130?

Answer: Due to a plot by the Western Kara-Khanid ruler Arslan Khan to assassinate him.

Explanation: Sanjar besieged Samarkand in 1130 as a preemptive measure against a plot by the Western Kara-Khanid ruler Arslan Khan to assassinate him.

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What was the outcome of the Battle of Kashgar in 1130 involving Sultan Sanjar?

Answer: Sanjar successfully defeated the Qara-Khitai army and rebels.

Explanation: In 1130, Sultan Sanjar successfully defeated the advancing Qara-Khitai army near Kashgar and also suppressed Oghuz and Karluk rebels.

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In the Battle of Dinavar (1132), who did Ahmad Sanjar defeat?

Answer: An alliance including his nephew Mas'ud and Caliph Al-Mustarshid

Explanation: The Battle of Dinavar in 1132 saw Ahmad Sanjar decisively defeat an alliance formed against him by his nephew Mas'ud, Seljuk-Shah, and Caliph Al-Mustarshid.

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What happened during Ahmad Sanjar's campaign against the Ghaznavids in 1135?

Answer: Sanjar captured Ghazni, pardoned Bahram Shah upon apology and tax payment, and reinstated him.

Explanation: During his 1135 campaign against the Ghaznavids, Ahmad Sanjar captured Ghazni and reinstated Bahram Shah upon receiving his apology and payment of taxes.

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Who was the Seljuk governor of Khwarezm defeated by Sanjar in the Battle of Hazorasp in 1138?

Answer: Atsiz

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar defeated his rebellious governor Atsiz at the Battle of Hazorasp in 1138. Following the capture of Khwarezm, he appointed his nephew, Suleiman-Shah, as governor.

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Which of the following titles did Ahmad Sanjar hold besides Sultan of the Seljuk Empire?

Answer: Malik of Greater Khorasan

Explanation: Besides being the Sultan of the Seljuk Empire, Ahmad Sanjar also held the title of Malik of Greater Khorasan.

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Who was the immediate predecessor of Ahmad Sanjar as Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire?

Answer: Muhammad I

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar succeeded his brother, Muhammad I, to become the Sultan of the Great Seljuk Empire.

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Challenges and Later Reign (1141-1157)

The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 resulted in a victory for Ahmad Sanjar, allowing the Seljuk Empire to retain territories east of the Syr Darya.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 was a significant defeat for Ahmad Sanjar, resulting in the loss of all Seljuk territories east of the Syr Darya river.

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Sanjar campaigned in Khwarezm in 1143 because his former governor Atsiz had attacked Khorasan and declared loyalty to the Kara-Khitans.

Answer: False

Explanation: Sanjar campaigned in Khwarezm in 1143 because his former governor Atsiz had attacked Khorasan and plundered cities, rather than declaring loyalty to the Kara-Khitans.

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During his 1147 campaign in Khwarezm, Sanjar forgave Atsiz after Atsiz killed an envoy and continued his disobedience.

Answer: False

Explanation: During his 1147 campaign, Sanjar initially punished Atsiz but ultimately forgave him after Atsiz begged for forgiveness, returned plundered goods, and scholars, reinstating him as governor.

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In the Battle of Nab in 1152, Ahmad Sanjar decisively defeated and captured the Ghurid leader Ala al-Din Husayn.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Battle of Nab in 1152, Ahmad Sanjar decisively defeated and captured the Ghurid leader Ala al-Din Husayn.

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In 1153, Ahmad Sanjar was captured by the Oghuz Turks, a tribe related to the Seljuks, and held captive until 1156.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1153, the Oghuz Turks rebelled, defeated Sanjar's army, and captured him. He remained their captive until 1156, a period that severely weakened the Seljuk Empire.

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What was the major consequence of the Battle of Qatwan in 1141 for the Seljuk Empire's territorial control east of the Syr Darya?

Answer: Loss of all territories east of the Syr Darya river.

Explanation: The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 was a significant defeat for Ahmad Sanjar, resulting in the loss of all Seljuk territories east of the Syr Darya river.

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Why did Ahmad Sanjar campaign in Khwarezm again in 1147?

Answer: Atsiz killed an envoy and continued his disobedience after Sanjar's previous campaign.

Explanation: During his 1147 campaign, Sanjar marched on Khwarezm again after Atsiz killed an envoy and continued his disobedience. Sanjar captured Hazorasp and besieged Urgench, leading Atsiz to beg for forgiveness.

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Who was the Ghurid leader decisively defeated and captured by Sanjar at the Battle of Nab in 1152?

Answer: Ala al-Din Husayn

Explanation: In the Battle of Nab in 1152, Ahmad Sanjar decisively defeated and captured the Ghurid leader Ala al-Din Husayn.

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What significant event occurred in 1153 that weakened the Seljuk Empire?

Answer: The Oghuz Turks rebelled, defeated Sanjar's army, and captured him.

Explanation: In 1153, the Oghuz Turks rebelled, defeated Sanjar's army, and captured him. He remained their captive until 1156, a period that severely weakened the Seljuk Empire.

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How long was Ahmad Sanjar held captive by the Oghuz Turks?

Answer: Three years (until 1156)

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar was held captive by the Oghuz Turks for three years, from 1153 until 1156.

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The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 was fought against which group?

Answer: Kara Khitans

Explanation: The Battle of Qatwan in 1141 was fought between Ahmad Sanjar and the Kara Khitans.

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What was the primary reason for Sanjar's campaign in Khwarezm in 1143?

Answer: To punish Atsiz for attacking Khorasan and plundering cities.

Explanation: Sanjar campaigned in Khwarezm in 1143 because his former governor Atsiz had attacked Khorasan and plundered cities, rather than declaring loyalty to the Kara-Khitans.

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Legacy and Cultural Impact

Ahmad Sanjar died in 1157 at the age of 70 and was buried in Nishapur.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar died in 1157 at the age of 70. He was buried in Merv, not Nishapur.

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Ahmad Sanjar's tomb in Merv was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar's tomb in Merv was destroyed by the Mongols in 1221 during their invasion of the Khwarezmian Empire.

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Ahmad Sanjar's death led to the complete dissolution of the Seljuk dynasty, with no branches continuing to rule.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar's death marked the end of the unified Seljuk Empire, but branches of the dynasty continued to rule in Iraq and Azerbaijan.

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Where was Ahmad Sanjar buried upon his death in 1157?

Answer: Merv

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar died in 1157 at the age of 70. He was buried in Merv, not Nishapur.

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What was the political consequence of Ahmad Sanjar's death for the Seljuk Empire?

Answer: It marked the end of the Seljuk dynasty as a unified empire.

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar's death marked the end of the unified Seljuk Empire, but branches of the dynasty continued to rule in Iraq and Azerbaijan.

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How is Ahmad Sanjar historically assessed regarding his reign and overall influence?

Answer: One of the most prominent Seljuk sultans and a legendary figure.

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Seljuk sultans and a legendary figure, known for his long reign and significant impact on the era.

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Which cultural domain experienced significant flourishing during Ahmad Sanjar's reign?

Answer: Persian literature and poetry

Explanation: Ahmad Sanjar's reign fostered a vibrant cultural environment, particularly supporting the flourishing of Persian literature and poetry at his court.

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Describe Ahmad Sanjar's relationship with religious scholars and his position on religious affairs.

Answer: He maintained close relationships with religious scholars and defended Sunni Islam.

Explanation: Sanjar maintained close relationships with religious scholars and was a staunch defender of Sunni Islam, actively combating heresy.

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In what context is Ahmad Sanjar depicted in the illustration from Walters Ms. W.676 Fa?

Answer: Seated on his throne, accompanied by courtiers.

Explanation: The illustration from Walters Ms. W.676 Fa portrays Ahmad Sanjar in a formal setting, depicted seated on his throne and accompanied by his courtiers.

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What does the 'Divisions of Seljuq dynasty' succession box following Sanjar's reign signify?

Answer: The fragmentation of the unified Seljuk Empire after Sanjar's death.

Explanation: The succession box indicating 'Divisions of Seljuq dynasty' signifies the fragmentation of the unified Seljuk Empire following Ahmad Sanjar's death, leading to various successor states.

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From which historical work is the illustration depicting Sultan Sanjar with courtiers sourced?

Answer: Majma' al-tavarikh by Hafiz Abru

Explanation: The illustration of Sultan Sanjar with courtiers is found within the historical work 'Majma' al-tavarikh' authored by Hafiz Abru.

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