Kilij Arslan IV

Rukn ad-Dīn Qilij Arslān ibn Kaykhusraw, known as Kilij Arslan IV, was a prominent figure in the history of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rûm. Born in the year one thousand two hundred thirty, he ascended to the throne as Sultan in one thousand two hundred forty-nine, a position he held until one thousand two hundred fifty-four. His rise to power was marked by a jarlig issued by Güyük Khan, which confirmed him as sultan over his elder brother, Kaykaus II, in one thousand two hundred forty-eight. However, this endorsement quickly lost its significance following Güyük's death later that same year.

Arslan's reign was characterized by political intrigue and rivalry, particularly with his brother Kaykaus II. The tensions escalated when Arslan's supporters assassinated Shams al-Din Isfahani, a key ally of Kaykaus II. The power dynamics shifted again in one thousand two hundred fifty-seven when Kaykaus II, backed by the Empire of Nicaea, regained control, only to face defeat in one thousand two hundred sixty-two as Arslan found support from the Ilkhanate.

In the tumultuous decade of the one thousand two hundred sixties, Mu'in al-Din Parwana, a powerful figure in the Seljuk court, began redistributing crown lands among his followers to solidify his influence. This move sparked protests from Arslan, who opposed the redistribution. The conflict ultimately culminated in tragedy when Arslan was executed in one thousand two hundred sixty-five, a victim of the very political machinations he had navigated throughout his tumultuous reign.