← Explore on the interactive map

Aq Sunqur al-Hajib

Type Figure Region Mosul Time c. 1050–1094 Also known as Aq Sunqur (Chinese)

Aq Sunqur was an important Turkic military commander in 11th-century Seljuk Mosul, serving as governor (hajib);…

Timeline

  1. c. 1050–1080northern Mesopotamia · MesopotamiaAq Sunqur came from the Turkic military slave class and rose through the Seljuk army. Through valor and political skill he gradually gained military power around Mosul, becoming a strongman of northern Mesopotamia.
  2. 1080–1086Mosul · Nineveh ProvinceAq Sunqur formally controlled Mosul and its surrounding fortresses, becoming the de facto ruler of the upper Tigris-Euphrates confluence region. From this base he intervened in the Seljuk Empire's internal succession disputes.
  3. 1087–1090Euphrates valley · Euphrates RiverAfter the death of Malik-Shah, Aq Sunqur supported the Barkiyaruq faction and fought several battles against Tutush of Syria. Between 1087 and 1090 the two sides contested influence over Aleppo and control of the Euphrates crossing, plunging the northern Levant into sustained turmoil.
  4. 1091–1094Mosul · Nineveh ProvinceIn his later years Aq Sunqur continued to consolidate his rule of Mosul, dying there in 1094. His military legacy passed to successors, and on the eve of the First Crusade Mosul remained one of the most important Islamic military centers of northern Iraq.

Sources