We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
This is actually WAD - you clan has subjugated an Empire and has therefore gone independent. If you take a look at the first save you've got an empire in the Khiva region (Arslan) which your clan is at war with.
This is how it's always been, vassals with claims to titles the same rank/higher than yours will always go independent if they manage to usurp one of those titles in any way (wars/inheritance). I agree the the information could be made more clear though.