Criticisms against sultans in Seljuk period sources and Giyâseddin Keyhüsrev II

ABSTRACT CRITICISMS AGAINST THE SULTANS IN THE SOURCES OF THE SELJUK PERIOD AND GIYÂSEDDIN KEYHÜSREV II Esra TURGUT History Graduate Program Samsun University, Graduate School, July 2025 Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Ali KOZAN This study examines the image of rulers criticized around the theme of 'debauchery' in Seljuk historiography through the criticisms directed at Seljuk sultans and Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev II (1237-1246) in period sources. As a matter of fact, Seljukid sources, in addition to the ideal image of the 'gazi sultan', also use a critical discourse against the sultans on the grounds that they indulged in debauchery and were incompetent in governance. The critical narratives in the sources claim that the weaknesses in the private lives of the sultans and their passive approach to governance led to the weakening of the state. In this context, the rulers of the early Turkish-Islamic period, the Qarakhanids, Ghaznavids, Great Seljuks, and some of the Seljuk rulers of Iraq, Kirman, Syria and Turkey are cited as examples of the type of ruler criticized. Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev II is a prominent example of the image of the 'debauched sultan' presented in the sources as an extension of this tradition and contrary to the ideal ruler type. During his reign, he was often the focus of criticism due to the influence of statesmen, his lifestyle and his attitude during the Mongol invasion. This study focuses on Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev II together with the related criticism narratives in the first Turkish-Islamic states. Keywords: Seljuks, Gıyâseddin Keyhüsrev II, Debauched Sultan, Historical narratives, Critical discourse.