SULTAN, or SOLDAN, a title or appellation given the emperor of the Turks.
Vattier will have the word Turkish, and to signify king of kings; adding, that it was first given the Turkish princes Angrolipex and Masgud, about the year 1055; others will have it originally Persian, alleging, in proof hereof, an ancient medal of Cosroe; others derive it from soldanus, quasi solus dominus; others from the Hebrew שולט, schalat, "to rule, reign."
It had its rise under Mahmoud, son of Sebehteghin, the first emperor of the dynasty of the Gaznevides, towards
Summit. wards the close of the fourth century of the era of the Hegira: when that prince going to Segestan to reduce Kalaf governor of that province, who affected the sovereignty, Kalaf was no sooner advertised of his coming, than he went out to meet him, delivered the keys of his fortrefs, and owned him his sultan, that is, his lord or commander. The title pleased Mahmood so well, that he assumed it ever afterwards; and from him it passed to his descendants, and to other Mahometan princes.