Al-Mutawakkil I of Cairo vs Mahmud I of Great Seljuk

Al-Mutawakkil I was installed as caliph by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sha'ban after the deposition of Al-Mutadid I. This began a tumultuous reign marked by multiple depositions and restorations.

Al-Mutawakkil I was deposed by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sha'ban, likely due to political intrigue. He was replaced by another Abbasid, but later restored, demonstrating the caliph's precarious position.

Al-Mutawakkil I was deposed again during the rebellion of Mintash against Sultan Barquq. After Barquq's victory, Al-Mutawakkil I was restored to the caliphate, but his authority remained purely ceremonial.

Al-Mutawakkil I was deposed for a third time by Sultan Faraj. He died in captivity shortly after. His multiple depositions highlight the caliph's role as a pawn in Mamluk power struggles.

Following the death of his father Malik Shah I, Mahmud I was proclaimed sultan at age five. His mother Terken Khatun acted as regent, but the succession was contested by his half-brothers Barkiyaruq and others, leading to civil war.

Forces loyal to Mahmud I, led by his mother Terken Khatun and general Kerbogha, fought against Barkiyaruq's army near Al-Ruhaymi in Iraq. Mahmud's forces were defeated, weakening his claim to the sultanate.

Mahmud I died at age seven, likely from illness. His death ended his brief reign and allowed Barkiyaruq to consolidate power as the sole Seljuk sultan, though the empire remained divided by ongoing succession conflicts.