The Nāṣirī Generations 44.1

44.1

Imam Abu-l-Fazl-i-Baihaki states that, during the reign of Abd-ul-Malik-i-Nuh, the Samani, there was a merchant named Nasr, the Haji [pilgrim], who purchased Sabuk- Tigin and brought him to Bukhara. Perceiving in his countenance evident signs of capacity and energy, the Amir-i-Hajib [Lord Chamberlain], Alb-Tigin, purchased him. He accompanied his master into Tukharistan when the government of that territory was entrusted to him; and subsequently, when the government of Khurasan was made over to Amir Alb-Tigin, Sabuk-Tigin attended him thither also. After some time had passed away, Alb-Tigin, through the vicissitudes of fortune, retired towards Ghaznin, and subdued the territory of Zawulistan, and wrested Ghaznin out of the hands of Amir Abu-Bikr-i-Lawik. Eight years subsequently to these events Amir Alb-Tigin died, and his son, Is-hak, succeeded to his father's authority. He entered into hostilities against Lawik, but was defeated, and retired to Bukhara, to the court of Amir Mansur, son of Nuh, Samani, and there continued until that ruler directed that aid should be afforded to him, when Is-hak came back again to Ghaznin and regained possession of it. After a year Is-hak died when Balka- Tigin, who was the chief or commander of the Turkish troops, was raised to the government. He was a just and pious man, and one of the greatest warriors of his time. He exercised the authority for a period of ten years, and died. Sabuk-Tigin was in his service.