The Ghurid Dynasty

medieval history · afghanistan · empire · islam

Mountain stronghold. The Ghurids ruled from the Ghor region, a hilly area in what is now central Afghanistan, where they started as local chiefs before becoming emperors.

Converted to Islam. After the Ghaznavid ruler Mahmud of Ghazni conquered their region in 1011, the Ghurids gradually became followers of Sunni Islam.

Defeated their rulers. The Ghurids eventually grew strong enough to overthrow the Ghaznavids, and Muhammad of Ghor led them to capture the important city of Lahore and drive the Ghaznavids out completely.

Vast empire. At their peak from 1175 to 1215, the Ghurids controlled a large territory and became one of the great empires of their time in Asia.

Persian culture. The Ghurids were known for their Persian culture and language, even though they were of Iranian Tajik origins from the eastern Iranian highlands.