On the other hand, Atsiz who had heard of the news
about this defeat set off immediately in order to capture the regions pertaining to Seljuk
State. First of all, he established dominion in Serahs, and then, in the city of Merv
(1141). He took Sultan Sencer's treasure, several attendants and scholars who were in Merv
to Harezm. In the following year, Atsiz invaded the other regions of Nisabur, Beyhak and
Khorasan. Despite the crushing defeat in Katvan, Sultan Sencer was able to conscript and
reorganise his forces within a year. In order to obstruct the policy of expansion of
Atsiz, he set off for his expedition to Harezm for the second time. Sencer advanced
towards Gurgenc that was the centre of the region and then besieged this city (1143/44). Atsiz preferred to beg pardon once
again, and Sultan Sencer accepted his request. However, according to the agreement that
was concluded; Atsiz accepted that he would return the Seljuk treasure that he had
captured while he was in Merv and he would be submissive to Sultan Sencer. After a while,
it had been observed that Atsiz did not give up his old habit of rebellion. He had planned
to kill Sultan Sencer, and to this effect, he had assigned two Batini supporters.
Furthermore, he had killed Edib Sabir, one of the famous poets of the period who was the
envoy of Seljuk that had informed on this assassination. The murder of the envoy led
Sultan Sencer to organise his third military expedition towards Harezm (November 1147).
After a blockade that lasted nearly two months, Sultan Sencer captured the castle of
Hezaresb and advanced towards Gurgenc. Atsiz had to accept the defeat and beg pardon for
one more time. Sultan Sencer forgave him again (June 1148).
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