SALGHURID DYNASTY

(11481270), Iranian dynasty that ruled in Fars in southwestern Iran as vassals of the Seljuq, Khwarezm-Shah, and Il-Khanid dynasties. The Salghurids were one of the several dynasties of atabegs (notables who acted as guardians and tutors of infant Seljuq princes) who were deputized to govern Iranian provinces on behalf of Seljuq kings. The Salghurids in origin belonged to the Salor (Salghur) Turkmen tribe and moved into Fars early in the 12th century. The founder of the dynasty was Muzaffar ad-Din Sonqur (reigned 114861), who took advantage of a disturbed state in Fars to expel his reputed uncle Boz-Aba, the local atabeg. Muzaffar ad-Din's son Zangi (reigned 1161c. 1175) was confirmed in his possession of Fars by the Seljuq ruler Arslan ibn Toghrl. With the decline of Seljuq power, the Salghurids enjoyed virtual autonomy. During the reign of the fifth Salghurid ruler, 'Izz ad-Din Sa'd (reigned 120331), however, the Salghurids were forced to acknowledge the suzerainty of the Khwarezm-Shah dynasty. With the eclipse of the Khwarezm-Shahs, the Salghurids transferred their allegiance to the Il-Khanid rulers of Iran. The last Salghurid ruler, Abish Khatun (reigned 126570), was a woman who married the son of the Il-Khanid ruler of Iran. With Abish Khatun's death in 1270, the Il-Khanids assumed direct control over Fars.