Uthman ibn Ibrahim

Uthman ibn Ibrahim was a Karakhanid ruler in Transoxiana from 1204 to 1212.

Biography

Uthman was the son of the Karakhanid Ibrahim ibn Hussein (1178-1202/1203). According to Karev, Uthman came to power in 1202/1203.

Uthman led a policy of maneuvering between the Qara Khitai and the Khwarezmshah Muhammad b. Tekish. He bore a high Turkic title (ulug sultan as-salatin). However, Uthman soon went over to the side of the Qara Khitans. Later he entered into an alliance with Muhammad Khwarezmshah as a vassal of the latter. In 1209-10, coins were minted in the name of these rulers. After the recognition of the power of the Khwarezmshahs by Uthman, other Karakhanids who ruled in Ferghana followed his example. Uthman married the daughter of Khwarezmshah Muhammad b. Tekish and went to live in Khwarezm. He returned to Samarkand, accompanied by the Khwarezm military. Uthman was dissatisfied with the Khwarezmians and revolted in 1211. In 1212 Muhammad b. Tekish invaded the Kara-Khanid Khanate, conquered Samarkand, and massacred the entire population. Uthman was executed following Samarkand's downfall.