or SOLDAN, a title of appellation given to the emperor of the Turks.

Vattier will have the word Turkish, and to signify king of kings; adding, that it was first given to the Turkish princes Angrolipex and Mafgud, about the year 1055: others will have it originally Persian, alleging, in proof thereof, an ancient medal of Cohroe; others derive it from soldanus, quasi solus dominus; others from the Hebrew שָׁלֵט, schalat or sheleth, "to rule, reign."

It had its rise under Mahmoud, son of Sebecteghin, the first emperor of the dynasty of the Gaznevides, towards the close of the fourth century of the era of the Hegira: when that prince going to Segeltan 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 fortres, and owned him his Sultan, that is, his lord or commander. The title pleased Mahmoud so well, that he assumed it ever afterwards; and from him it passed to his descendants, and to other Mahometan princes. It is chiefly confined to the Turkish and Persian monarchs.