Khwarazmian Empire

Quick Facts: Who was Khwarazmian Empire?

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Khwarazmian Empire

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A powerful Sunni Muslim empire ruling Central Asia from 1077 to its fall in 1231.

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Origins & Early Life

The Khwarazmian Empire (English: ), or simply Khwarazm, was a culturally Persianate, Sunni Muslim empire of Turkic mamluk origin, ruled by the Anushtegin dynasty. The Khwarazmian Empire ruled large parts of present-day Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran from 1077 to 1231; first as vassals of the Seljuk Empire and the Qara Khitai (Western Liao dynasty), and from circa 1190 as independent rulers up until the Mongol invasion in 1219–1221. The date of the founding of the state remains debatable. The dynasty that ruled the empire was founded by Anush Tigin (Gharachai), initially a Turkic slave of the rulers of Gharchistan, later a Mamluk in the service of the Seljuks. However, it was under Ala ad-Din Atsiz (r.

Career & Major Achievements

1127–1156), a descendant of Anush Tigin, that Khwarazm became independent from its neighbors. The Khwarazmian Empire eventually became the most powerful state in and around Persia, defeating the Seljuk Empire and claiming territory from the western regions of the Ghurid Empire, and even threatening the Abbasid Caliphate. It is estimated that the empire spanned an area of 2.3 to 3.6 million square kilometres. The empire, which was modelled on the preceding Seljuk Empire, was defended by a huge cavalry army composed largely of Kipchak Turks. In 1219, the Mongols under their ruler Genghis Khan invaded the Khwarazmian Empire, conquering most of it in just two years.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Mongols exploited existing weaknesses and conflicts in the empire, besieging and plundering the richest cities, and putting its citizens to the sword in one of the bloodiest conquests in human history. A Khwarazmian rump state survived in western Iran until 1231; it was conquered by the Mongols only after the death of Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the last Khwarazmshah. The title of Khwarazmshah was introduced in 305 by the founder of the Afrighids and existed until 995. After a short interval, the title was reinstated. During the uprising in Khwarazm in 1017, rebels killed Khwarazmshah Ma'mun II and his wife Khurra-ji, the sister of Ghaznavid sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1017: 1017 Milestone — During the uprising in Khwarazm in 1017, rebels killed Khwarazmshah Ma'mun II and his wife Khurra-ji, the sister of Ghaznavid sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.
2. 1077: 1077 Milestone — The Khwarazmian Empire ruled large parts of present-day Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Iran from 1077 to 1231; first as vassals of the Seljuk Empire and the Qara Khitai (Western Liao dynasty), and from circa 1190 as independent rulers up until the Mongol invasion in 1219–1221.
3. 1127: 1127 Milestone — 1127–1156), a descendant of Anush Tigin, that Khwarazm became independent from its neighbors.
4. 1219: 1219 Milestone — In 1219, the Mongols under their ruler Genghis Khan invaded the Khwarazmian Empire, conquering most of it in just two years.
5. 1231: 1231 Milestone — A Khwarazmian rump state survived in western Iran until 1231; it was conquered by the Mongols only after the death of Jalal al-Din Mangburni, the last Khwarazmshah.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Khwarazmian Empire

True or False: “The Khwarazmian Empire was entirely independent of the Seljuk and Qara Khitai powers throughout its existence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The empire initially operated as vassals to both the Seljuk Empire and the Qara Khitai dynasty before achieving greater independence.

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