25 Facts About Fariburz I

Fariburz I's reign saw many major political balance changes in Caucasus, including expansion by the Seljuqs.

Fariburz I was considered a ruler with great diplomatic skills, and his kingdom extended from Mughan to Kumuk and Alania.

However, unfortunately for the rebels, Mansur was a cousin of Fariburz I and had good relations with him, which made him raise an army and attack Derbent in order to avenge him, destroying many villages around the city.

Fariburz I later returned to Derbent and began raiding around the city, encamping on the shores of Samur River.

Some time later, Mufarrij, with an army which included his own men and some Saririans, went forth to besiege the city of Shabaran, but was shortly defeated by Fariburz I, who managed to capture him.

The people of Derbent then finally surrender to Fariburz I, who had the city rebuilt.

However, Fariburz I soon faced problems with a rising power - the Turks, who had raided his domains and the territories of the Kurds, taking much booty.

Fariburz I tried to make the Turks leave by paying them, but this did not work, and the Turkic warlord Qara-tegin arrived to Shirvan for the second time, this time being followed by Fariburz I's paternal uncle Mamlan ibn Yazid a claimant to throne of Shirvan.

The situation became so hard that Fariburz I had to send his studs to Masqat.

However, Fariburz I did not fall for the bait and remained in his residence.

Meanwhile, Fariburz I secretly sent a messenger to the chamberlain of the Seljuq ruler Alp Arslan, who was the overlord of Qara-tegin and the Turks who had been raiding Caucasus.

The messenger gave 6,000 dinars to the chamberlain in return that he should give Mamlan to Fariburz I, who wanted to kill him.

The Turks then withdrew back to their territories, while Fariburz I agreed to pay the Turks led by Erbasgan a yearly tribute of 30,000 dinars.

Later in 1068, Fariburz I aided Alp Arslan during one of his campaigns.

Furthermore, the brother of Fariburz I, Guzhdaham, fled to Lakz, carrying the tribute which Fariburz I had to pay Alp Arslan.

Some time later, Fariburz I found out that Guzhdaham, who still carried the tribute he had to pay Alp Arslan, had left Lakz and arrived to Derbent, where he took refuge with the chiefs of the city.

Fariburz I thus returned to his encampment, while the supporters of Guzhdaham returned to the city.

The forces of Fariburz I almost managed to overcome the forces of Guzhdaham, but due to the bravery of some of Guzhdaham's men who were from Kaitag and Tawig, Fariburz I was in the end defeated.

Fariburz I raided Arran using the opportunity of Ashot ibn Shavur ruling as regent in name of his brother Fadl II in 1068.

When Yaghma arrived to the city, he read the letter which stated that he was appointed by the Seljuq ruler to rule Derbent, and thus Fariburz I was unable to do anything; he evacuated his son and men out of the city.

Furthermore, Yaghma demanded Fariburz I to cede Masqat, which he did.

Fariburz I tricked him by giving gifts and money, which made Arghar feel comfort with him.

Unexpectedly, Fariburz I suddenly had him imprisoned, but later changed his mind due to his fear of Malik-Shah; he freed Arghar with his own hands, made a pretext and gave him gifts .

Fariburz I was forced to cede Derbent again, fearing the fate of Fadl III, whose territories were directly annexed by the commander.

Fariburz I's vizier was a Daylamite named Baha al-Din Muhammad b Hussayn al-Kakuyi, whose family was descended from the military leader Makan ibn Kaki and held the vizier office for several centuries and for whom Masud ibn Namdar was working for in Baylaqan.