EMÎR (MELİK) GAZİ (1104-1134) - Ameer (Malik) Ghāzī (1104-1134)

One of the first Turkish principalities established in Anatolia was the Danishmand Principality and it played an important role in turning the region into a Turkish homeland. The Danishmand Principality even succeeded from time to time in bringing the Turkish Saljuk State, the most powerful state in Anatolia, under its sway and it made significant contributions to the Turkification and Islamization of Central Anatolia. Upon the death in 1104 of Danishmand Gumushtegin A?mad Ghāzī, who is accepted as the founder of the principality, one of his sons, Ameer Ghāzī, took his place. During the reign of Ameer Ghāzī the Danishmand Principality rose to its greatest heights. In this period, Ameer Ghāzī married off his daughter to Sultan Mas'ūd I, whom he supported for the throne. As a result of the authority he exercised over Sultan Mas'ūd I, Ameer Ghāzī brought the Turkey Saljuk State under his purview. With his expeditions against the Byzantine Empire, Ameer Ghāzī extended his nation’s territory to the Sakarya River. Moreover, through his forays against the Armenians and the Crusaders, he tried to ensure the security of his southern lands. During his time the Danishmandids rose from a principality to a state. In consequence of his successes, Ameer Ghāzī was given the title of “Malik” by the Great Saljuk Sultan Ahmad Sanjar and the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustarshid. In this article, we will endeavor to examine the period of rule of Ameer Ghāzī, based on scientific data.