Ma'munids

The Ma'munids were a Persian dynasty of Central Asian origin that ruled Khwarazm from 1017 to 1097. They were named after Ma'mun I ibn Muhammad, a Turkic commander in the service of the Samanids who became the autonomous ruler of Khwarazm in the late 10th century.

The dynasty rose to prominence during the reign of Ma'mun II ibn Ma'mun (997-1017), who brought the renowned scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni to his court. His reign also saw increased political instability, culminating in his assassination by rebellious Turkish troops in 1017.

Following Ma'mun II's death, Khwarazm was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni. While Mahmud initially appointed a governor, Altuntash, he effectively incorporated Khwarazm into the Ghaznavid Empire. Altuntash and his successors, although nominally Ghaznavid governors, maintained considerable autonomy and are sometimes considered part of the Ma'munid line, continuing to promote Persian culture and learning.

The line of semi-independent Ma'munid governors under Ghaznavid rule continued until 1097, when Khwarazm was conquered by Anushtegin Gharchai, the founder of the Anushteginid dynasty (also known as the Khwarazmian dynasty), which would eventually eclipse the Ghaznavids and establish a vast empire in Central Asia.