Mahmud of Ghazni (971 A.D.) was the founder and Sultan of Ghaznavid Empire. He was a Sunni Muslim who brought Islam to the Indian subcontinent, though he did it through destruction and conquest so he is both loved and hated by different people. He was educated and a patron of fine arts.
He was in love with Malik Ayaz, a Turkish slave and later a general in Mahmud's army.
Malik Ayaz was, it was said, not very good looking, but he was loyal and intelligent and found his way into Mahmud's heart and the top of Mahmud's government. He was given the throne of a city and under his rule it became a cultural and academic center.
Many stories were told about their love. One of them states that the Sultan asked Ayaz who the most powerful man in his kingdom was. Ayaz said it was himself. When Mahmud asked for proof, Ayaz replied "Because even though you are king, your heart rules you, and this slave is the king of your heart."
Their relationship became the epitome of idealized love in Islamic legend and Sufi literature and “slave to a slave” became a favorite trope in Persian literature.
My favorite thing about this story is this one line: It is said that in old age "Sultán Mahmúd spent his whole time in the society of Malik Ayáz, neglecting the business of the state."
Because what that means is that they grew old together.
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