Google Workspace - Professional Emails
Protect your Lenovo Server
Contact WhatsApp

Rum (Rûm) Dynasty: Era, Founder, and List of All Sultans

📅 09 Feb 2026 📂 General 👁 0 views

The Rum Dynasty—also called the Sultanate of Rûm—was a Turkic Muslim kingdom that ruled large parts of Anatolia (modern Turkey).
This easy knowledge-base article explains what the Rum Dynasty was, who started it, its era, and the names of its sultans, using plain language for non-technical readers.

Why it matters: the Rum Dynasty shaped Anatolia before the Ottomans and helped spread Islamic culture, law, and architecture in the region.

What Is the Rum (Rûm) Dynasty?

The Rum Dynasty was a Seljuk state officially known as the Sultanate of Rum.

  • “Rûm” means Roman lands (former Byzantine territory)

  • Ruled by Sultans from the Seljuk family

  • Capital cities included Nicaea and later Konya

  • Existed roughly from 1077 to 1308

Who Started the Rum Dynasty?

The dynasty was founded by:

  • Suleiman ibn Qutalmish

  • A Seljuk prince who settled in Anatolia after the Battle of Manzikert (1071)

? He established Seljuk rule in former Byzantine lands, calling it Rûm.

Rum Dynasty Era (Time Period)

The Rum Dynasty can be understood in three simple phases:

1. Foundation (1077–1156)

  • Seljuks settle in Anatolia

  • Power slowly increases

2. Peak & Stability (1156–1243)

  • Strong rulers and administration

  • Konya becomes a cultural center

3. Decline (1243–1308)

  • Defeat by Mongols

  • Power weakens

  • Ends before Ottoman rise

Names of All Rum (Rûm) Sultans

Early Rulers

  1. Suleiman ibn Qutalmish

  2. Kilij Arslan I

  3. Malik Shah (brief rule)

  4. Mesud I

Strong & Stable Period

  1. Kilij Arslan II

  2. Suleiman II

  3. Kilij Arslan III

  4. Giyaseddin Keyhusrev I

  5. Izz al-Din Kaykaus I

  6. Alaeddin Keykubad I

Decline Period

  1. Giyaseddin Keyhusrev II

  2. Izz al-Din Kaykaus II

  3. Rukn al-Din Kilij Arslan IV

  4. Kaykhusraw III

  5. Masud II

? After Masud II, real power faded and local beyliks (small states) appeared.

Achievements of the Rum Dynasty

The Rum Sultans are remembered for:

  • Establishing Muslim rule in Anatolia

  • Building mosques, caravanserais, and madrasas

  • Promoting trade between East and West

  • Creating stability before Ottoman rise

Why People Search About the Rum Dynasty

People usually look for this topic when they:

  • Study Seljuk or Ottoman history

  • Watch historical series

  • Research Anatolia’s past

  • Prepare school or college projects

Simple Timeline (Step-by-Step)

  1. Seljuks defeat Byzantines (1071)

  2. Rum Sultanate founded (1077)

  3. Capital moves to Konya

  4. Peak under Alaeddin Keykubad I

  5. Mongol invasion weakens rule

  6. Dynasty ends (1308)

Example Explanation (Text-Based)

Think of the Rum Dynasty as a bridge:

  • It connected Seljuks to Ottomans

  • Without Rum rule, Ottoman state may not have formed

Common Problems & Easy Fixes

  • Rum vs Rome: Rum means Roman lands, not the city of Rome

  • Ottoman confusion: Rum Dynasty came before Ottomans

  • Different spellings: Rum, Rûm, Rome—context matters

✔ Fix: Always check time period and location.

Important Notes

  • Dates can vary slightly by source

  • Some sultans ruled jointly

  • Mongol control reduced real authority later

Best Practices for Learning This Topic

  • Learn in chronological order

  • Use maps and timelines

  • Start with founder and strongest ruler

  • Compare Seljuks and Ottomans

Short Conclusion

The Rum Dynasty ruled Anatolia for over 200 years, starting with Suleiman ibn Qutalmish. It laid the cultural and political foundation that later allowed the Ottoman Empire to rise. Understanding it helps explain how Islamic civilization grew in Turkey.


#rumdynasty #romdynasty #sultanateofrum #seljuk #seljukhistory #islamichistory #turkishhistory #anatoliahistory #muslimrulers #rumempire #romempire #historyexplained #simplehistory #learnhistory #knowledgebase #plainlanguage #historicalarticle #beforeottoman #seljukturks #rumseljuk #konya #islamiccivilization #historyguide #easyhistory #factsnotfiction #worldhistory #middleagehistory #dynastyhistory #seljuks #rumera #heritage #culture #education #beginnersguide #historylearning #timelinehistory #muslimhistory #anatolia #empirehistory #seljuksultan #rumstate

rum dynasty rom dynasty sultanate of rum seljuk of rum rum sultanate rom sultanate seljuk sultans rum dynasty history rom history rum rulers list seljuk empire anatolia rum sultan names founder of rum dynasty suleiman ibn qutalmish alaeddin
Was this article helpful?
Sponsored
Web Hosting Affiliate Ad
Insurance Affiliate Ad
Insurance Affiliate Ad