Harem Slaves in the History of Bayhaqi

Many people believe that the terms “slave” and “Harem slaves” have merely referred to the servants who were responsible for the works at the court, and were allowed into the privacy of the kings. The following paper seeks to show that not only is this idea totally wrong, but also, based on the information found in the History of Bayhaaqi and the its close sources, harem slaves were one of the most important elements in Ghaznavid court; and as a special military source they could change the fate of many wars. Obedience and rebellion of these slaves led Mas’oud Ghaznavi to the throne, and brought about his defeat in Dandānqān in Marv.