THE INSTITUTION OF THE HAJIB AND THE ISSUE OF THE TURKIC ELITE IN THE HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE SAMANID PERIOD

Abstract

The article examines the history of the hajib institution and the Turkic elite in the Samanid state from a source-study perspective, using written records from the 9th to 15th centuries. Through a comparative analysis of local historical chronicles, bio-bibliographical dictionaries, and historical-geographical literature, the study evaluates their scientific significance. Relying on the works of scholars such as as-Sallami, Narshakhi, Gardizi, Ibn Khallikan, and Ibn Hawqal, the author highlights the role of Turkic ghulams and hajibs within the court hierarchy, their involvement in provincial administration, and their direct impact on the decline of the dynasty. The systematic analysis demonstrates that the hajibs were not merely court officials but a powerful military and administrative force.