Relations Between Azerbaijani Polities and the Seljuks in the 11th Century in Turkish Historiography

Authors : Zeynaddin Baydarov

Pages : 216-223

Doi:10.5281/zenodo.18096617

View : 61 | Download : 142

Publication Date : 2025-12-26

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :This article explores the historical relations between the Azerbaijani states and the Seljuks during the first half of the 11th century, based on Turkish historiography. The study focuses on the period between approximately 1030 and 1062, when political instability in Azerbaijan coincided with the initial Seljuk incursions and expansion into the region. During this time, the southern parts of Azerbaijan, located below the Araz River, were governed by the Ravvadids, while the northern areas were controlled by the Shaddadids and the Shirvanshahs. Turkish historians highlight that the intensification of external pressures—particularly the Byzantine military presence in neighboring regions and the Georgian-Kipchak attacks—led the Ravvadi ruler Vahsudan to align with the Oghuz Turks. This strategic partnership was a response to growing geopolitical threats and the absence of a unified Azerbaijani political authority. Drawing upon the works of key Turkish scholars, this article presents a historiographical analysis and offers comparative insight into how the Seljuk–Azerbaijani political dynamics were shaped during a transformative period in the 11th century.
Keywords : Azerbaycan devletleri, Ravvadîler, Oğuz Türkleri, Selçuklular, Şeddadîler, Türk tarihyazımı

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