Who established the great Seljuk Empire?

           Toghril Beg was the founder of the Seljuk dynasty, which ruled in Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Anatolia during the 11th – 14th centuries. He belonged to a tribe called the Seljuks, who came from Central Asia. Toghril Beg was crowned tribal sultan in 1038, and began building an empire at once. By 1040, Toghril Beg had conquered all of the Persian Plateau, defeating every Arab or Persian force sent against him. He also conquered Armenia, a Roman territory. He was smart enough to study the Persian administration, and employ the same procedure to govern his empire.

           In 1055, Toghril Beg and his army entered the city of Baghdad. He took over the city, and freed the Caliph who was being held a prisoner by local strongman. Toghril Beg was then recognized in Baghdad at ‘Sovereign of the East and West’. He will always be remembered as the ruler who changed the history of the Middle East by establishing the great Seljuk Empire.