977–1186 CE
The Ghaznavids coexisted for some time with the Buyids but ultimately succeeded them by 977 CE, establishing themselves as the dominant dynasty of Turkic origin.
The Ghaznavid state, known as the Emirate or Sultanate of Ghazni, emerged after seceding from the territories that had belonged to the Samanids.
The capital of the emirate was the city of Ghazni, located within what is now Afghanistan.
However, due to foreign policy failures — specifically wars with the Oghuz Turks and the advance of the Seljuks — during the last 30 years of the Ghaznavid state’s existence, the capital was relocated to Lahore.
Although the Ghaznavids were relatively weak as politicians and military commanders, they had a deep appreciation for the arts in all their forms.
A constellation of Persian-origin scholars, historians, and poets lived and worked during the Sultanate, including:
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Ferdowsi;
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Al‑Biruni;
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Beyhaqi;
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Sistani.
Despite their Turkic origins, the Ghaznavids contributed to the development of Islamic culture perhaps more than all the preceding Arab rulers.
