Manuchihr III of Shirvan

Shirvanshah Manuchehr III The Great was the nineteenth independent Shah of Shirvan.^[1]

Reign

He was in position of power shifting between Georgia and Seljuks. He lost many castles to David IV of Georgia and his son Demetrius I of Georgia in 1117 and 1120. After decisive victory of Battle of Didgori Shah again began negotiations with Georgia. Seljuk Sultan Mahmud attacked to Shirvan and took Shah as hostage contrary to Manuchehr's betrayal. David attacked and defeated Sultan again. Although his armies devastated Shirvan. Manuchehr restored his own power upon David's death in 1125 and started friendly relations with his brother-in-law Demetrius.

Rebellion of Kipchaks

Contemporary poet Falaki Shirvani notes about his victories on suppressing rebellious Kipchak tribes and county of Arran. He postponed invasion of Syria and Iraq next years.^[2]

Death

Near last years of his rule Manuchehr exposed a conspiracy and defeated a coup d'état against him and his 60 notable members of palace including Khaqani. He suddenly died in 1160.

Family

He was married to daughter of David IV of Georgia - Tamar with whom he had issue:

1. Shirvanshah Akhsitan I
2. Shirvanshah Farrukhzad I
3. Shirvanshah Shahanshah
4. Shirvanshah Afridun II 'the Lionheart' ^[3] - was designated heir.
5. Prince Fariburz - didn't survive infancy, died around 1137/8.
6. Princess Alchichek - didn't survive infancy, died around 1137/8..

Gates of Baku is one of major legacies of III Manuchehr.

Legacy

His reign is mostly known from works of his court poets - Khaqani, Falaki Shirvani, Mujiraddin Baylaqani, etc.

References