An Examination of Ambiguous Aspects of Sultan Sanjar's Character Based on Ancient Literary and Historical Texts

This research essay examines the historical and literary depiction of Sultan Sanjar through qualitative, analytical-descriptive methodology and textual analysis. While court poets typically praised kings as idealised figures in panegyric poetry, the author investigates whether alternative, unflattering portrayals of Sanjar existed in older historical and literary sources. The study draws on medieval Persian texts including Chaharmaqu'ala, Jahan­gusha, Selju­q­nama, Raha­t­ol­sodur, and the poetry collections of Anwari, Sanai, Amir Mo'ezzi, and Abdol­wa­se' Jebeli to uncover lesser­known and ambiguous dimensions of Sanjar's character and reign.