The Book of Government; or, Rules for Kings

Shortly before his assassination and at Malik-Shāh’s request, Niẓām al-Mulk wrote down his views on government in the Seyāsat-nāmeh. In this remarkable work, he barely refers to the organization of the dewan (administration) because he had been able, with the help of his well-chosen…

…of the Seljuqs, composed his Seyāsat-nāmeh (The Book of Government; or, Rules for Kings), a good introduction to the statesman’s craft according to medieval Islamic standards. The Seyāsat-nāmeh was heavily influenced by pre-Islamic Persian tradition. In the same period and environment, even a mystic such as al-Ghazālī felt disposed to…

…Turkish masters he wrote the Seyāsat-nāmeh (“Book of Government”), in which he urged the regulation of royal court procedures in line with Samanid models and the restriction of the arrogance and cupidity of the military fief holders. His book is the measure of the Seljuqs’ failure to provide enduring stability…