Military Conquests:
1. Battle of Manzikert (1071): The Seljuk victory at Manzikert against the Byzantine Empire gave them control over much of Anatolia and paved the way for their expansion into the Abbasid territories.
2. Conquest of Baghdad (1055): The Seljuk leader, Tughril Beg, marched into Baghdad and assumed the title of Sultan. Although the Abbasid caliph retained his religious authority, he became a figurehead with political power transferred to the Seljuk rulers.
Political Influence:
1. Military Superiority: The Seljuk Turks established themselves as formidable military commanders. Their control over military forces within the Abbasid domain gave them considerable influence over political decisions.
2. Administrative Positions: Seljuk Turks were appointed to influential administrative positions within the Abbasid government. Over time, these roles enabled them to consolidate their control over various aspects of the state's affairs.
3. Marriages and Alliances: The Seljuk rulers formed strategic alliances with Abbasid princesses and other influential families. These marriage alliances further solidified their position and legitimacy within the political landscape.
4. Cultural Integration: The Seljuk Turks gradually adopted aspects of Islamic culture and civilization, promoting a blending of their nomadic traditions with the existing cultural heritage of the region.
As a result of these factors, the Abbasids became the nominal heads of the Islamic world while the real power rested with the Seljuk sultans. This shift had significant implications for the political, military, and cultural dynamics of the Middle East.