The place, Role and Importance of the Amir al-haji in the Seljuk Period

Throughout the history of Islam, organizing Hajj ceremony and ensuring the security of the pilgrims were among the important concerns and plans of the Islamic states. In this regard, the Amir al-hajj who was in charge for this ritual had the most important responsibility. The present study tried to examine the position and the responsibilities of the Amir al-hajj in performing Hajj in the Seljuk Period. The Seljuks like the previous governments such as Ghaznavian, Buwayhid and Fatimids had come to the conclusion that the best way for dominating the Islam world was maintaining the moral authority and seeking legitimacy through dominance over Mecca and launching hajj and its related matters. Therefore, they paid particular attention to organizing Hajj convoys and providing travel facilities and accommodations for the pilgrims on the route to Makkah and Madinah. To ensure the fulfillment of their goals and programs, from the beginning they assigned Turk military rulers who had good military position as well as social and religious legitimacy as the Amir al-Hajj. This was very effective for their policies.