A Seljuk Governor in Al-Jazira: Shams Al-Dawla Chokermish

Abstract

This article focuses on the life of Shams al-Dawla Chokermish, one of the most important figures of the Seljuk rule in al-Jazira, and the position of the umara class through his life. The region of al-Jazira has had an important place in the voluminous narratives of Islamic geographers. The climate, resources and various riches of the region were mentioned by scholars and travellers who were interested in geography, and many events recorded by historians took place in this region over the centuries. al-Jazira, which did not lose its importance in the historical process, maintained its value in the Seljuk era. From the time of Tugrul Beg, the Seljuks interest started to shift to this geography and the most significant gains in the region were achieved during the reign of Malik Shah. On the other hand, the expanding borders of the Seljuk Empire also created a strong administrative class to govern the new cities. The cities of al-Jazira that came under Seljuk rule were ruled by emirs dispatched from the centre or by local dynasties on condition of loyalty to the sultan. One of these emirs was Shams al-Dawla Chokermish, who first ruled Jazira Ibn 'Umar and later Mosul, Nusaybin, and Harran. Chokermish, who ruled al-Jazira for about 15 years, became especially powerful during the Berkyar & umacr;k-Muhammad Tapar conflict and lived his glory years. The life of Chokermish, who was a typical member of the umera class of his time, is not only important for the political history of the period, but also constitutes a good example of the position of landowning, wealthy emirs and their position within the weakening state.