Afterwards, Terken Hatun instigated Ismail b.
Yakuti who was Verkyaruk's uncle and the governor of Azerbaijan for a rebellion against
him. Ismail was defeated by Berkyaruk in the war that took place near Kerec (August 1093)
and he drew back to the side of Terken Hatun. However, Ismail could not get along well
with the emirs that were her attendants, so he went to his sister, Zubeyde Hatun who was
Berkyaruk's mother. However, he was killed by the emirs since his ill-intentions about
Berkyaruk were understood (September-October 1093). Terken Hatun did not give up her greed
about the capture of sultanate. As a result, she called the ruler of Syria, Tutus who was
another claimant for the throne to Isfahan. When Tutus had heard the news about the death
of his brother, Melikshah, he captured the city of Rakka and declared his sultanate in
this region (Frbruary 1093). He had subdued and provided the submissions of Bozan who was
the governor of Urfa, Aksungur who was the governor of Aleppo and Yagi-basan who was the
governor of the Antioch. He invaded Rahbe, Habur region and Nuseybin and captured Mosul
(April 1093).
Then, he advanced towards Azerbaijan in order to
capture the throne of the Seljuk State. However, Emir Aksungur and Bozan took side with
Berkyaruk. Therefore, he lost most of his forces. Then, Tutus had to return to Damascus in
order to reinforce his army again (December 1093). Meanwhile, Berkyaruk had penetrated
into Baghdad and had delivered prayers in his own name (May 1094). Tutus arranged a new
army and set in motion again. Firstly, he took revenge from the Emir Aksungur and Bozan
whose treacheries were not forgotten by him. These two emirs who were caught were killed
(May 1094). Tutus advanced over Ahlat towards Azerbaijan and established dominion in this
region and then, he advanced towards Hamedan. The attempt of Terken Hatun to join him
could not be realised due to her illness and she died in Isfahan (September-October 1094).
On the other
hand, Berkyaruk who had brought few soldiers with him was defeated by the vanguard forces
of Tutus and he took shelter in Isfahan. Upon the news about this defeat, the Abbasi
caliph Mustahzir Billah delivered prayers in the name of Tutus in Baghdad. Berkyaruk was
caught in Isfahan upon the orders of his brother, Mahmud. At the same time, Mahmud was
infected by the smallpox disease and he died (October-November 1094). Upon his death, his
emirs within his retinue recognised Berkyaruk as the sultan. The firm war between
Berkyaruk and Tutus took place around the city of Rey (26th February 1095). Most of the
emirs and soldiers who were disappointed with Tutus due to his ill treatments changed
sides and took side with Berkyaruk. As a result, Berkyaruk won this struggle and Tutus was
killed in the battlefield.
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