THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION PROCESS OF THE GREAT SELJUK STATE: POLITICAL, MILITARY AND SCIENTIFIC STRUCTURING

Abstract

The Great Seljuk Empire (1040–1157) became a major power in the medieval Islamic world and established deep-rooted institutions during its process of institutionalization in political, military, and scholarly domains. Politically, the sultan became the symbol of central authority, and state affairs were organized through the vizierate, various councils (divans), and provincial administrations. The administrative system was significantly shaped by Nizam al-Mulk's reforms. Militarily, the iqta (land-grant) system played a central role, providing resources for the army while ensuring efficient land management. The cavalry forces (spahis) and the slave-soldier system (ghulams) were also key components of the military structure. In the scholarly realm, madrasahs (Islamic schools) were prominent. The Nizamiyya Madrasahs offered education in both religious and secular sciences, producing scholars and strengthening Sunni Islam doctrine. Institutional development in these three areas enabled the Seljuks to build a stable and influential imperial structure that left a lasting legacy.