Journal of Modern Researches in Islam and Iran History Studies

Journal of Modern Researches in Islam and Iran History Studies

Comparing the approaches of the Seljuks and Fatimids in the bureaucratic systems of Iran and Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Somayeh Rastinmanesh 1
Talat Dehpahlavan 2
Pouria Esmaeili 2
1 Master of Science in Islamic History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Razi University, KERMANSHAH, IRAN
2 Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Razi University, KERMANSHAH, IRAN
10.22034/nriihs.2026.2093155.1102
Abstract
The bureaucratic system in Seljuk-era Iran and Fatimid-era Egypt was of particular importance due to their political and social structure. The aim of the research is to answer the question of what were the most important similarities and differences between the bureaucratic systems of Seljuk Iran and Fatimid Egypt? The similarities of bureaucrats in both systems were the central position in the administration of the government, the division and separation of duties, as well as the control over administrative tools and having levers to exercise power. The differences were that the Fatimids ruled in a land where the majority of them were Sunnis, so this religious divide prevented them from relying solely on a specific ethnic or religious group. Therefore, in order to maintain stability, they selected bureaucrats from different classes and created ethnic diversity. While the Seljuk bureaucrats were mainly from the urban middle classes and literate families, and their employment was based on merit. In addition, Fatimid bureaucrats had a wide influence on foreign and military policy through direct involvement in major government decisions, but Seljuk bureaucrats played a more coordinating role between military power and the bureaucratic structure. This article examines the issue using a comparative method based on description and analysis of various dimensions. The findings show that in both systems, bureaucracy, despite ideological and social differences, was the main factor in consolidating central power and developing administrative, educational, and cultural institutions that helped strengthen these governments at the height of their power.
Keywords
bureaucracy
Fatimids
Seljuks
political system
social system
Subjects

  • Receive Date 01 July 2026
  • Revise Date 03 September 2026
  • Accept Date 03 September 2026
  • Publish Date 23 August 2026