Artuqids

The Artuqid dynasty was a Turkish principality that began in 1102. It was part of the larger Seljuk Empire and followed the Sunni Muslim faith. The Artuqids were a Turkoman group from the Oghuz Döger tribe.

They ruled areas in Northern Syria and Upper Mesopotamia from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries. The dynasty was named after its founder, Artuk Bey, who came from the Oghuz Turks.

Artuk Bey’s sons and their descendants led three separate branches. One branch, led by Sökmen, ruled around Hasankeyf from 1102 to 1231. Another branch, led by Ilghazi, ruled from Mardin and Mayyafariqin between 1106 and 1186, and also ruled Aleppo from 1117 to 1128. A third branch began in Harput in 1112 and was independent from 1185 to 1233.

History

The Artuqid dynasty began in 1102 as a Turkish principality under the larger Seljuk Empire. It was started by Artuk, a general who served under Seljuk leaders. After Artuk’s death, his sons Sökmen and Ilghazi took control but faced challenges from other groups.

Sökmen and Ilghazi settled in places like Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Hasankeyf. They sometimes fought with nearby powers, including groups known as the Crusaders. Over time, the Artuqids spread their influence but also had to obey stronger rulers. Eventually, their power lessened, and by 1409, the Artuqid rule ended when another group took control of their main city, Mardin.

Art

Even though they were often at war, the Artuqid leaders built many important structures for their people. They created mosques, markets, bridges, hospitals, and public baths. Their artists and craftsmen made beautiful works, especially in metal, like special doors for a big mosque that are still kept in a museum in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Artuqids also helped build strong city walls and towers in places like Diyarbakır. They built bridges and big inns for travelers, some of which people still use today. They improved and expanded many important mosques in cities such as Mardin and Silvan.

Literature

The Artuqids loved books and learning. They supported writers and scholars, especially those who wrote in Arabic. One famous book about stars, written by al-Sufi, was made in an Artuqid city in 1131. Another book about useful machines was created for an Artuqid ruler in 1206, and its pictures show what life was like at that time. Their support helped many important stories and ideas to be written down and shared.

List of rulers

The major branches of the Artuqid dynasty were based in Hasankeyf, Harput, Mardin, and Aleppo.

Hasankeyf branch

This branch started at Hasankeyf and later moved its capital to Diyarbakır in 1183. After a series of rulers, the area was taken over by the Ayyubids.

Harput branch

The Harput branch became independent from the Hasankeyf branch in 1185. Later, Harput was taken over by Kayqubad I, a Seljuk sultan, in 1234.

Mardin branch

The Mardin branch ruled Mardin and Mayyafariqin from 1101 to 1409. Eventually, Mardin was taken by the Qara Qoyunlu, a Turkoman tribe, in 1409.

Aleppo subbranch

The Artuqid rulers of Aleppo were part of the Mardin branch. Aleppo was later taken by Zengi in 1128 and ruled by the Zengid dynasty until 1183.

Genealogy of House of Artuq

The Artuqid dynasty began in 1102 as a small Turkish principality. It was part of the larger Seljuk Empire and was founded by people from the Oghuz Döger tribe. The leaders of this dynasty followed the Sunni Muslim faith.

Coinage

The Artuqids made coins with many pictures on them. These coins often looked like older Byzantine coins and had designs from classical times.