atabë

Atabeg (or atabë) was a noble title originating in the Seljuk Empire. It was initially granted to military leaders who were responsible for the upbringing and education of young princes, hence the meaning of the word, which translates roughly to "father of the prince." These atabegs often wielded significant political power, acting as regents and governors while the princes were underage.

Over time, the title evolved and became a hereditary position in many regions of the Middle East and Anatolia. Atabegs increasingly ruled their territories as de facto independent rulers, though they still nominally acknowledged the suzerainty of the Seljuk Sultan or later rulers. This led to the formation of powerful atabegates, such as those of Azerbaijan, Fars, and Luristan. These dynasties played a crucial role in the political landscape of the 12th and 13th centuries, often engaging in conflicts with each other and with neighboring powers like the Crusader states. The atabegate system gradually declined with the rise of new dynasties and the Mongol invasions.