Artuq ibn Aqsab (1), the Turkmen (2), forefather of the Artuqid kings who today rule Mardin, was a gallant, courageous man of lofty ambition who gained control over many lands. Ibn Khallikān includes his biography and records his death in this very year.
[Then came the year 485 AH.]
Among its events: The sultan Malikshāh ordered the construction of the wall of the city market known as Tughrulbeg, beside the Dār al-Mulk. He renewed its caravanserais, bazaars, and dwellings, and commanded the renovation of the congregational mosque that had been completed by Hārūn the chamberlain in 524 AH. He personally supervised the setting of its qiblah while his astrologer Ibrāhīm stood by, and the timbers of the Samarra mosque were brought for the work. Niẓām al-Mulk likewise began building an imposing residence for himself, [and Tāj al-Mulūk Abū al-Ghanāʾim also set about erecting a magnificent house] (3); they took up permanent residence, and Baghdad delighted them.
In Jumādā I a great fire broke out in Baghdad at several locations. It was not extinguished until much of the people’s property had perished; what they rebuilt did not equal what had burned, nor did what they paid cover the loss.
In Rabīʿ I the sultan set out for Isfahan, accompanied by the caliph’s son Abū al-Faḍl Jaʿfar. [While on the road, on the day of ʿĀshūrāʾ, a Daylamite youth—after breaking the fast—attacked the vizier Niẓām al-Mulk with a dagger. The vizier died an hour later, the Daylamite youth was seized and killed, and thus perished one of the greatest ministers and noblest amirs. We shall say more of his life under his separate entry] (4).
The sultan then returned to Baghdad in Ramaḍān with an ill intention; Allah visited upon him what he had wished for his enemies. Once his baggage had settled in Baghdad and the people came to greet him, [and the caliph sent his congratulations] (5), he sent word to the caliph: “You must vacate Baghdad for me and move to whatever land you please.” The caliph asked for a month’s respite. He replied, “Not even an hour.” The caliph then begged for ten days, and after great reluctance he consented. [Before the term had expired] (6) the sultan went out hunting on the day of ʿĪd al-Fiṭr; he was struck by a violent fever, was cupped, and never rose from it—he died before the ten days were up. Praise belongs to Allah. His wife Zubayda Khātūn then took possession of