SHAMS AL-DIN ELDENIZ'S POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND NAKHCHIVAN

Abstract The article discusses the political activities of Shams al-Din Eldiguz, the founder of the Atabey dynasty of Azerbaijan. It notes that during his time, he operated within the Seljuk Empire, which had already lost its power, and the Iraq Seljuk Sultanate, which was dependent on it. Sultan Mas'ud of the Iraq Seljuks valued him highly, entrusting him with the rule of Arran and the tutelage of Malik Arslan Shah. After being appointed as the Atabey of Arran, Shams al-Din Eldiguz tirelessly fought as a commander and ruler to thwart political processes and the Georgian invasions into Azerbaijan. He also influenced the political activities of the Iraq Seljuk sultans, establishing relations with the rulers of Rey and Maragheh as well as the Atabegs of Fars.