The establishment of the civil order by Sultan
Berkyaruk did not last for a long time. He suffered from the rebellion of his brother,
Mohammed Tapar who was the governor of Gence. Muhammed had been particularly instigated
for a rebellion by Mueyyed el-Mulk who was the vizier of Berkyaruk before. First of all,
he captured Azerbaijan and then, advanced to the environs of Rey and he was able to
penetrate into this city (20th September 1099). Berkyaruk's soldiers changed sides and
took the part of Muhammed. Upon this change, Berkyaruk had understood that he could not
resist any more and he retreated to Huzistan as a result. Meanwhile, Zubeyde Hatun who was
Berkyaruk's mother was strangled by Mueyyed el-Mulk who was the vizier of Muhammed. When Iraq emirs took side with him,
Berkyaruk organised a new army and delivered prayers in his name in Baghdad again. The
first war that took place between the two sides resulted in favour of Berkyaruk (16th May
1100). Although Berkyaruk went to Khorasan in order to provide support and help, the ruler
of this region, Sencer had preffered his brother, Muhammed Tapar. Berkyaruk came to
Huzistan again and found supporters in this region. The two parties fought again around
Hamedan (April 1101). Muhammed Tapar was defeated in this war and he had to go to
Khorasan, to the side of his brother, Sencer. Furthermore, his vizier, Mueyyed el-Mulk was
taken as prisoner by Berkyaruk and he was killed. Berkyaruk who had lots of soldiers at
the end of the war came to Baghdad, but he could get use of that big force due to probably
financial deficiencies. Muhammed and Sencer advanced towards Baghdad with an army that
they established. Berkyaruk had to leave Baghdad and retreat to Huzistan. The armies of
both sides encountered in Rudraver for the third time. But the new war was prevented
through te mediation of Mustahzir and the scholars.
The two brothers made
an agreement (23rd December 1101). According to this agreement; Berkyaruk was entitled as
"sultan" and Muhammed Tapar as "ruler". Muhammed would dominate in
Erran, Azerbaijan, Diyarbekir, el-Cezire and Mosul. Berkyaruk would dominate the rest of
the regions. Muhammed Tapar who was not contented with this agreement had five
"trumpets" be blown as the symbols of his domination again after two-three
months and he declared his sultanate. Sultan Berkyaruk advanced onto him and he won the
fourth war that took place in Rey. Muhammed ran away and took shelter in Isfahan. Although
Berkyaruk had besieged him for a period of nine months, he could not attain any success.
Muhammed fled from Isfahan (1103), and conscripted a new army in Azerbaijan. The fifth and
the last war between the two sides took place in front of the city of Rey (March-April
1103).
Muhammed was defeated
in this war and he preferred to run away. However, Berkyaruk was infected by an illness
and he got sick of the wars. Therefore, he proposed an agreement to Mohammed Tapar.
According to this agreement, the Great Seljuk State was divided into to sections providing
that Sefidrud in Azerbaijan would form the borders. Mohammed was entitled as
"sultan" in the regions given to him such as Azerbaijan, Diyarbekir, el-Cezire,
Mosul and Syria, etc. Berkyaruk dominated in the other important cities and regions such
as Rey, Cibal, Taberistan, Fars, Huzistan, Baghdad, Mecca and Medina, etc. (1104).
The peaceful life of
Sultan Berkyaruk that was far away from the rebellions lasted for a short period and he
died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty-five (23rd December 1104). His sultanate that
reigned for twelve years was spent in a continuous struggle and he had subdued those who
rebelled against him under difficult conditions. Despite these efforts, the civil turmoils
of interregnum caused the Seljuk State to get into the period of standstill. The
historians have praised him as a very virtuous and judicious man.
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