Alp Arslan
1029–1072 · Seljuk Turkish · Byzantine-Seljuk Wars
Known for: Defeated the Byzantine Empire at Manzikert, opening Anatolia to Turkish settlement and eventually the Ottoman Empire
Alp Arslan was the Seljuk Turkish sultan whose victory at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 was one of the most consequential battles in world history. He shattered Byzantine military power and opened Anatolia to Turkish settlement—a process that eventually produced the Ottoman Empire and modern Turkey.
He was reportedly tall with an extraordinarily long mustache that he tied behind his head when shooting a bow. He was killed by a captured enemy fortress commander who lunged at him with a dagger—a death unworthy of a conqueror.
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