Day 2 al-Mustazhir billah would ascend the caliphal throne at the ripe old age of 16 . . .

In the span of two years-- so many of the key players (Nizam al-Mulk, Malikshah, al-Muqtadi) in the region were dead, Malikshah's brothers (Arslan Arghun, Tutush) would soon follow...
I guess at this point it should be important to mention that Urban II was planning for that fateful conference at Claremont in 1095, but .. .seriously folks, "the Crusades" were 'paraochial politics' to al-Mustazhir, and the plethora of candidates vying for the Saljuq throne
Ironically, al-Mustazhir (r. 487-512/1094-1118) had to best chance of making headway for the 'Abbasids in light of ensuing civil war between Barkyaruq and his half-brothers (Muhammad Tapar and Sanjar) (Tarkan Khatun and Mahmud died of smallpox in 487/1094)
And while al-Mustazhir did attempt to take part in the back and forth b/w the Saljuq princes (the khutbas changed so much over the following years, at one point a khatib is said to have thrown up his hand w/o naming any Saljuq), but he was rebuffed by the Saljuqs.
Simply put, while the Abbasids and their city of Baghdad were considered a great prize sought after by any would-be ruler, the caliphs had yet to acquire any military capability. To that end, al-Mustazhir was largely a spectator to events around him...in retrospect-a smart move
As it's late--Will leave it at that and continue tomorrow--will touch on Sectarian issues or lack thereof if time... In reviewing my threads though, I'm realizing that my narrative as opposed to thematic-based approach had its merits--to see the ebb and flow is essential.
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