Qutalmish

Qutalmish (died 1077) was a Seljuk prince who contested the succession to the Seljuk Sultanate in 1063. He was a member of the Seljuk dynasty, a cousin to both Tughril Beg, the first Sultan of the Seljuk Empire, and Alp Arslan, Tughril Beg's successor.

After Tughril Beg's death in 1063, Qutalmish believed he had a legitimate claim to the throne based on his lineage and military achievements. He challenged Alp Arslan for the Sultanate, leading to a power struggle. Qutalmish marched on Rey (modern-day Iran) to seize control, but Alp Arslan's forces intercepted him.

The decisive battle took place near Damghan. Despite initial successes, Qutalmish was defeated and killed in 1077. His death secured Alp Arslan's position as Sultan. Qutalmish's sons, including Suleiman I of Rum, later founded the Sultanate of Rum in Anatolia, a significant splinter state of the Seljuk Empire. Thus, despite his failure to secure the Seljuk Sultanate, Qutalmish's lineage played a crucial role in the expansion of Seljuk power into Anatolia.