 The historical significance of the Atabeg of Azerbaijan lies in their firm control over north-western Persia during the later Seljuq period and also their role in Transcaucasia as champions of Islam against the Bagratids of Georgia.In 1136, Sultan Ghiyath ad-Din Mas'ud (1134–1152) appointed Shams ad-Din Eldiguz (1135/36–1175) to be an atabeg of Arslan-Shah, the juvenile successor of the throne and transferred Azerbaijan to his possession as iqta.Eldegiz chose Barda as his residence, and attracted the local emirs to his camp.