Besides engaging in warfare and conducting offensive and defensive operations, the military forces in the History of Beyhaqi also played a significant role in political and ceremonial affairs. These roles were accompanied by specific objectives and messages, enacted through particular rituals and ceremonial instruments. Undoubtedly, understanding these rituals and their associated tools is crucial for gaining insight into the history and culture of Iran during the Ghaznavid era. To this end, the present study examines the ceremonial functions of the army and military affairs as depicted in the History of Beyhaqi.
The research methodology employed is descriptive-analytical, utilizing library resources and note-taking based on textual evidence. While the overall approach is inductive and qualitative, frequency and quantitative methods have been applied where appropriate to support the analysis.
Findings indicate that most military ceremonies detailed in the History of Beyhaqi pertain to the rites of bestowing robes of honor (khilʿat) and appointing military officials, as well as to review ceremonies. The text describes these ceremonies in considerable detail. Among the key military positions highlighted in the political and military ceremonies are those related to the palace servants (gholamsarai) and army commanders. Moreover, specific military instruments and sound devices were employed in various court ceremonies, some of which, such as the angushtvaneh and the bugh, primarily served ceremonial purposes.