Research Article

Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries

Number: 116 January 30, 2026
  • Aliya Almagambetova *
  • Aydın Usta
  • Gulnara Khabizhanova
EN TR

Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries

Abstract

Diplomacy was in its formative stages during the Middle Ages, and states used advanced diplomatic tools in their interactions. Diplomatic methods such as treaties, mediation, marriage alliances, and cooperation offered distinct advantages and reflected the role and position of a country in the international arena. Analyzing the interstate relations of the Qarakhanids and Saljuqs, we found that they initially had similar state structures, cultural and economic traditions, and religion, but evolved in different directions as a result of their interactions. This article argues that the diplomatic methods and tools used by a state reflect its level of internal development and affect the effectiveness of its actions. Moreover, the article offers a new holistic perspective on interstate relations in the Turkic world.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This article is based on the ongoing doctoral dissertation titled “Vneshnaja politika Karahanidskogo gosudarstva [Foreign Policy of the Qarakhanid State]”, prepared by Aliya Almagambetova under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Gulnara Khabizhanova and Prof. Dr. Aydın Usta.

References

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  2. Al-Bundārī, Alfatkh. Tārīkh-i dawlat as-Saljuq. Maktabat al’-Mausuat, 1900.
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  4. Al-Ḥusainī, Sadr ad-Din. Soobshcheniya o Sel’dzhukskom gosudarstve, slivki letopisey, soobshchayushchikh o sel’dzhukskikh emirakh i gosudaryakh. Perevod Z. M. Buniyatova. Vostochnaya Literatura, 1980, https://www.vostlit.info/Texts/rus/Selguk/frames4.html.
  5. Al’-Isfahāni, Muʿizuddin. Nuṣrat al-fatra wa ‘uṣrat al-fiṭra. I-II v. Al-Furkan, 2019.
  6. Al-Qarshy, Jamāl. al-Mulhaqāt bi-s-Ṣurāh. Dayk-Press, 2005.
  7. Al-Qorʾan al’-Karim. “Al-Mu’minun.” 23 surah, 5 ayat, https://Qorʾan.com/23?startingVerse=5.
  8. Ayan, Ergin. “Karahanlıların Selçuklu Egemenliğine Girme Süreci.” Manas Journal of Social Studies. vol. 4, no, 3, 2015, pp. 1-29, https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/577205.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

History of Seljuk, History of Muslim Turkish Countries and Societies

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Aliya Almagambetova * This is me
0000-0002-3168-6610
Kazakhstan

Gulnara Khabizhanova This is me
0000-0003-4997-5215
Kazakhstan

Publication Date

January 30, 2026

Submission Date

August 1, 2024

Acceptance Date

August 20, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 116

APA
Almagambetova, A., Usta, A., & Khabizhanova, G. (2026). Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries. Bilig, 116, 213-232. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8272
AMA
1.Almagambetova A, Usta A, Khabizhanova G. Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries. Bilig. 2026;(116):213-232. doi:10.12995/bilig.8272
Chicago
Almagambetova, Aliya, Aydın Usta, and Gulnara Khabizhanova. 2026. “Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy Toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries”. Bilig, nos. 116: 213-32. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8272.
EndNote
Almagambetova A, Usta A, Khabizhanova G (January 1, 2026) Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries. Bilig 116 213–232.
IEEE
[1]A. Almagambetova, A. Usta, and G. Khabizhanova, “Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries”, Bilig, no. 116, pp. 213–232, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.12995/bilig.8272.
ISNAD
Almagambetova, Aliya - Usta, Aydın - Khabizhanova, Gulnara. “Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy Toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries”. Bilig. 116 (January 1, 2026): 213-232. https://doi.org/10.12995/bilig.8272.
JAMA
1.Almagambetova A, Usta A, Khabizhanova G. Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries. Bilig. 2026;:213–232.
MLA
Almagambetova, Aliya, et al. “Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy Toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries”. Bilig, no. 116, Jan. 2026, pp. 213-32, doi:10.12995/bilig.8272.
Vancouver
1.Aliya Almagambetova, Aydın Usta, Gulnara Khabizhanova. Diplomatic Elements in Qarakhanid Foreign Policy toward the Saljuqs in the 11th–12th Centuries. Bilig. 2026 Jan. 1;(116):213-32. doi:10.12995/bilig.8272

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