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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CURRENT LIFE SCIENCES
RESEARCH ARTICLE
ISSN: 2249- 1465
International Journal of Current Life Sciences - Vol.4, Issue, 11, pp. 11031-11035, November, 2014
RECESS ERA IN BAGHDAD
1Amir
Akbari and 2Abulhassan Mobayen
1Faculty
2 Fatima
of History, Bojnourd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran
Mortazavi, Senior Student Of Islamic History Of Islamic Azad University Bojnurd
AR TIC L E
I NF O
Article History
Received 11th, October, 2014
Received in revised form 17th, October, 2014
Accepted 12th, November, 2014
Published online 28th, November, 2014
Key words:
The Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad, Samarra,
Capital, Iranian, Turks.
ABS TR AC T
The capital in each rule is considered as its political and military forces and as
far as strategic location is concerned has to be away from alien invaders and
rather be closer to different parts of the country. Changing capital city may be
not realized in case of emergency, since it demands time and costs. However,
during the fifty hundred roles of Abbasids, capital was changed three times.
Their first was Capital Baghdad, then moved to Samarra and again returned to
Baghdad. One of the most outstanding aspects of these changes was the role of
Iranian and Turk influences in the social structure of the Abbasid caliphate. The
paper underway has attempted to investigate reasons of flaw in Baghdad after its
glory. The paper also touches upon the invasion of the Turks to Baghdad. The
principal question runs what factors pave the way for selection of Baghdad as a
capital and what factors relegate the capital to newly-built Samarra city.
© Copy Right, IJCLS, 2014, Academic Journals. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION
Choice the capital has always been as the most challenged
area in newly built government. Since it considered as
empire center and accumulation place for manpower and
military in a government and that’s why administrative
sector dominates on areas under rule. Geographical factor
is the principal factor in selecting the capital place;
because this center should be inaccessible of external
attacks and not easily captured by aliens. Furthermore,
comparison with the extent of under government lands has
relatively equal distance from its around for does not lead
to the ignorance of certain are and affect in durability and
stability of the rule. Abbasids were new dynasty who was
preparing themselves for Ruling over vast territories of the
Islamic caliphate. Initially, they have to select the city as
the capital of their realm not like Medina and Kufa, seems
to be abandoned and not like Damascus is dominated by
the Umayyad. Therefore, they were attracted to the
historical and ancient cities of Mesopotamia.
Mesopotamia had historically a long civilization and
climatically was fertile and ancient civilization home and
was building place of many cities. Baghdad is
geographically located in a desirable area and strategically
located in the heart of the Islamic civilization.
The Abbasid caliphate thanks to the properties of the
spoils and the tribute was poured tried in scientific and
economical flourishing of it. But the emergence of a new
element in the social texture of the Muslim's world led
Baghdad changed of Madinat- al- salam to the unsafe city.
The entrance of Turks into Baghdad that intensified in
Mo'tasam caliphate, cause chaos and insecurity in it. The
most obvious problem created by Turks in Baghdad was
first related to their inroads in the public places and
passages that harmed the people and then problems related
to economic of society and increase in the price of goods
for government and people to become a crippling burden.
The present paper intends to analysis the reasons which
led to choose Baghdad as capital, transfer to Samarra and
Back to Baghdad. Spatial scope of this article is Baghdad
and Samarra and around the times of Arab rule in
caliphate system to (278A.H/ 892A.D) year that capital
transferred again from Samarra to Baghdad. Caliphate
time after the prophet according to the influence and
domination of the various elements of the fourth century
AD was divided into 3 distinct periods
A) period of Arab domination
When prophet died, caliphs after him found using Arabs
militancy feature in conquest the land adjacent to the
Arabian Peninsula and soon after wards they captured the
large territories of Roman and Iran Empire.
Inhabitants of countries conquered by Arabs in the hope of
quality, social justice, left aside the privileged and racial
prejudice that was promised to them by Islam, gradually
turned to Islam. But the Umayyad converted the caliphate
to a monarchy which based on the principles of Arab royal
supremacy. They created a state of violent Arabic, all
important positions deposited to Arab relatives and NonArab population were called lord didn't account. Iranian
that since the beginning of the Umayyad state didn't see
social justice, their discontent was evident from the Arab
*Corresponding author: Amir Akbari
Faculty of History, Bojnourd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran
International Journal of Current Life Sciences - Vol.4, Issue, 11, pp. 11031-11035, November, 2014
domination and in many riots set of against the Umayyad
developed new prejudice in addition to the Arab and
caliphate have active participation.
Persian prejudice in Islam world. And mean while began
the intensive competition between these three elements
When Aboumuslim khurasani attached to Abbasi da'is and
that later converted Baghdad as the center of commanders
as regulators of Al-Abbas invitation go to khurasan, the
caliph’s conspiracy and traffickers. Mo'tasam trust to Turk
riot and dissatisfaction of Arab domination swept across
how extent that gave important positions and Authentic
khurasan. Soon after wards the Umayyad conquest of the
provinces to them. So gradually the caliph's power was
city went out and AbouMuslim with his Iranian Army
weakened. And the large number of provinces came out of
took the way of to Damascus (Dinouri, 1366: 376; Tabari,
caliph's rule and each of this rulers prepared a military for
1352: 5689; Daniel Elton, 1374: 31).
them that sometimes was stronger than the caliph's army
(Ibn Khaldoun, 1366: 3/545).
Finally, the year of the 132 Hijri, the Abbasid Flay was
raised over Damascus; Umayyad government's petition
Their arbitrary rule upset the Iranian and Arabs and
was nominated a saffah, as the first Abbasid caliphate sat
incited them against Mo'tasam (Tabari, 1356: 3/5803). But
on the throne of the caliphate.
Turks played a major role in the suppression of riots and
B) Period of Iranian Domination
persecution of Mo'tasam period.
Since the Abbasids came to fruition by Iranian Revolution
and Arabs hadn't any role in their power, the real power
went out of Arab's hands and Iranian gained the civilian
and military officials. They kept their conquest since the
beginning of Abbasids caliphate era to the end of Ma'mun
era (218 A.D); insofar except language and religion of
caliphate which was Arabic, All the political, social,
economical Affairs were under the supervision of persion
ministers and influential writers. This domination peaked
during Human- al- Rashid caliph. Because he had reached
to caliphate with Barmakian's help, deeply in depted he to
this dynasty and for this reason put their hands in all
aspects of affairs. After the death of Harun, Iranian protect
of Ma'mun that was of an Iranian Mother and after killing
Amin, appointed him to the caliphate (Maso'di, 1370,
2/400).
Among these oppression was Babak Khorramdin's
rebellion led by "Afshin Turk" and played a significant
role is suppressing the "Ztha" rebellion (Tabari, 1356:
10/317).
The thought of renewing old Iranian monarchy intensified
coinciding with the Ma'mun caliphate, until Taher
Zoulyaminin raised the flay of independence in Khurasan
in the year 205 Hijri Babak and Mazyar at the same time,
each trying to get rid of Arab dominion. (ya'ghoubi, 1356:
84; Ibn Tagh Taghi, 1373: 311).
Ma'mun that saw it, of the Iranian fears refuge to Arabs
but they sluggard in support him. Far, late in his life, he
sought to force the use of non-Arabs and Iranian but the
death did not bless him and he died in the year 218 Hijri
(Gordizi, 1347: 299; Ya'ghoubi, 1371: 5/812).
C) Period of Turks Domination after Ma'mun his brother
Mo'tasam (in 218 Hijri)-That had a Turk Mother- came to
power. The new caliph had not trust to Arabs and hadnot
safty from Iranian. So decided to bring the new element
and attended to Turks. He bring a large number of Turks
slaves from the lands of transo xiana such as Samarqand,
Kharazm, Turkestan, Qafqaz and Seghd by purchasing,
prisoner of war or gifts sending by home land governors
to calipha or minster. (Ya'ghubi, 1356: 29; Mas'odi, 1370:
2/465).
Turks strength and excesses in quest for wealth and
statues, when audacity, rudeness, violence be added to it,
the results will be devastating that its reflection can be
found in the sources of this period. As Mas'oodi writes:
"The Turks annoyed people in Baghdad and jocked in
Bazzar and Disturbed the poor and children, sometimes
when a woman or man or child or blind Hurt, Rioted and
killed one of them (Mas'oodi, 1370: 2/466).
Such events led the caliph to think about their capital to
reduce Turks rid of the people of Baghdad. in addition,
Afraid that one day people revolted against him and his
Turk slaves. Thus, Mo'tasam recruited his son, vasegh,
instead his in Baghdad and went into qatul and after along
search finally in ashore of the tigris river and in "Tirhan"
region, he found Samarra land.
The new capital played an important role in the path of
Arab civilization for over half a century. Mo'tasam's
interest to development and possession great wealth, it's
an easy feat for him and in a short time, Samarra became a
big, prosperous and overcrowded city. It was built in
seven milestone of Baghdad (Mostoufi, 1366: 134;
Nakhjavani, 1344: 176). Found many credit after that and
in the words of Ibn Khaldun, became "Darolmolk" of
Abbasids (Ibn Khaldun, 1366: 2/264).
Turks settlements, located away from the crowds and
Bazzars in board fields and long passways and was
prevented them from nearby ordinary people.
Turks were warrior and paladin people and also due to a
sense of alienation from national and ethnic prejudice,
were very obedient of caliph as Estakhri says: "No one are
obedient than Turks and in all the time Turk army were
preceded to another group and caliphs Have chosen Turk
army (Estakhri, 1347: 229).
Since, Mo'tasam entrusted the run of Baghdad to his son
and prince "vaseq" in the resources about this left city is
not found any subject. Since this time, views focused to
Samarra, the new capital. Nevertheless, as a result of the
domination of the Turks against the Abbasid caliphate,
knowledge guiding light in Islamic civilization fide away;
because they disregarded to science specially natural
sciences and in contrast have shown interested to
knighthood, shooting and Militarism. Turks disregard to
science and scientist caused in the period of their rule,
Baghdad and Samarra were empty of science and
technology lords.
Thus, by the presence of Turks in Kalipha's army,
Baghdad once was in domination of Iranian was the core
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of thoughts and incalculable donations of Iranian ministers
for avenge their father. Hence, pressured Montasar to
to scholars, scientific great movement of Muslims which
remove them from vlaythdy.
had formed, Became a conspiracy center of Turks emirs
While caliph didnet want, did not protest and forced his
and warlords after the death of Mo’tasam, his son Alvaseq
two brothers to disarm them. (ya'qoubi, 1371: 2/257) But
became caliph (232-227 Hijri) and Mored to his Past
this warned him of domination danger of Turks and hatred
position and only Mirkhand have a brief reference to that
of them he called them “Killre- caliph” and Turks that had
at this time there was development in city and has been
found out, because of physician “Teifouri” got rid of
farming (Mirkhand, 1373: 2/267).
caliph, as the physician killed him with cupping poisoned
It can be said that agriculture was flourishing in Baghdad
knife. (Ibn Taq Taqi, 1373:231).
despite the transfer of capital. The Turks in vaseq period
Turks should not have to choose one of Mutawakkil's
strengthened their foothold in the government and their
children, fear it would kill them to revenge their father,
heads gained prepotency. As a result, the Turks dominated
confused and decided to select “Ahmad Ibn Mohammad
on Samarra Daralkhalaph and expanded their real caliph is
Ibn Mo'tasam “to caliphate and entitled and entitled him “
power supply, dominated on him. They also interfered in
Mosta'in“.
the selection and election of caliphs. So that the Turk
leaders, become the solution and contract companions.
(248-252 HD/ 862-866 AD) in his era began picky unrest
They could not rule without the consent of them. They
to government. People and Turks fought in the streets and
spread their power over the affairs of caliphate. And
Turks defeated. As a result of their oppression, the people
affairs were done to their liking.
revolted in Baghdad and for ligitation rose, but Turks
overcome. Yet, unity did not last among the Turks. After
The caliphs also did not easily penetrate the Turk people.
they won, they were divided. Mosta'in used of this
At first they resisted and attempted release but hadn’t
differences to get rid of Turks leaders.
enough power to deal with tyrannical penetration.
Mutawakkil in (232-247 A.H/ 847-861 A.D) by Turks
Turks overthrew him and alleged with Mo'taz. In this
power reached to caliphate.
time, people from Baghdad and some Turk officers
(commanders) that had fled to the city supported Mosta'in
They thought Caliphate need to their services and this
caliph. War broken out between two sides and Baghdad
problem, lead them to more violence. (Taqtus, 1380: 166)
and its environs were the scene of war. But the Turks were
caliph immediately realized to the position of Turks in
able to recover their unity and Mosta'in position was
pressure on caliphate and flat their authoritarianism in
weakened.
affairs and their low respect to himself. Then decided to
reduce of their power. So, His three children prince and
Despite public support ، he relinquished the caliphate and
like the method of Harun-al- Rashid Abassid caliphate
was deported to Basra. The Turks feared of his living ، as
divided between them.
a result ، killed him. (Mas'oodi ، 1365:353-354).
After that alleged with Mo'taz (252-255 HD/866-869 AD).
He made Montaser the ruler of Morrocco and Mo'taz the
He comeback to Samarra and was under the influence of
ruler of all east land and gave Hooms, Damascus,
Turks.
Palestine as apanaje to Mo'ayyed and in year (240 HD/854
AD) gave him the Treasury official of all the country
On the other hand, increase Turks oppression and they
(Tabari, 1352: 9/175-180).
intensified their disturbance and financial asked. Caliph
stated inability to answer these questions that led to his
At this time, the Turks understood the dangerous aspects
deposal by them and his brother Mo'yyed but caliph
of this work and their hatred more toward caliph so much
forced his brother to remove him. Then he killed him.
that one of them had to be gotten rid of another. Turkhad
Turks that realized to caliph's goals, he began to work for
more movement and could by Montasar help killed the
protecting of their life and achievements. They attempt to
caliph، because Mutawakkal had attempted to forward
over throw him and deposited the caliphate to
Mo'taz instead of him, change the Prince! In addition,
(Mohammad Ibn Vasaq) and they dubbed him “Muhtadi”.
their political views in the sphere of relations with Alavian
And tortured Mo'taz unit he died. (Ibn Khaldoun, 1366:
varied together.
445)
Murder Mutawakkal, was the first Turks attack incident to
Up to this time, still flourishing Abbsids, whether
Abbasid caliphs. This problem was a warning for Abbasid
politically or economically, continued, it was busy the
who wanted to reach caliphate to choose one of two ways:
trade routes and Merchandise from Egypt, Syria and other
Accepting all their demand or killing.
countries and cities flowed into Baghdad.
Event of death sparked a wave of outrage against the
Mohtadi (255-256 HD/869-870 AD) attended to reform
dominance of Turk Troops.
and so started of himself: Enjoining the good and
In (248 HD/862 AD) civility movement occurred in
forbidding the evil, forbidden the wine, oversaw to court
Samarra that enplanatary public outrage of Turks abuse
and began to litigation.
from caliphate. (Tabari, 1352:9/256-258; Mas'oodi, 1370:
But his justice was heavy for them. While he expected his
2/52).
reform politic be fruitful, general condition inside and
Montasar (247-248 HD/ 861-862 AD) was obedient
outside the government, didn't allow to him. so that the
Turks. Because had reached him to caliphate and swore
people of Baghdad revolted against the rule and troops
allegiance with him. Turks fear of Mo'taz and Mo'ayyed
due to delay in obtaining regulatory ، disobeyed his
least one of them reach to caliphate and reprimanded them
command. (Isfahan, 1367:175).
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Alavian at the same time kindled the fire of revolution in
CONCLUSION
many areas and zangian revolution gained momentum.
Abbasids by choosing Baghdad as their capital transferred
The revolution which threatened Abbasid rule partly 14
this city to one of the legendry cities of the Middle Ages and
years. But the main weakness Muhtadi had rooted in the
built the bases of his five hundred governments on this city.
domination of Turks on rule and get rid of them needs
Baghdad introduced them to the world of those days. They
more reforms and Awe of the caliphate.
established Islamic civilization there and it reached to its
Caliph decided to suppress Turk officers with together,
zenith. However, due to the presence of Turks in Baghdad,
but Turks were united to get rid of him. they after her
the city was for a short time, which is actually a tenth of the
killing, alleged with “ AbolAbbas Ahmad Ibn
Abbasids caliphate era, were removed from the central and
Mutawakkal“ (256-279 HD/870-892 AD) and gave the
base of caliphate was transferred to Samarra , but with the
title “Al Mo'tamed Ali Allah” two years after beginning
passage of this short course, the caliphate again returned to
his rule in Baghdad cholera occurred According to the
Baghdad and this city resumed its glory days.
Hamza Isfahani, Daily between five or hundred people
Baghdad land was in the heart of Islamic world. This land
lost their lives. (Isfahani, 1367: 177) and according to
was the confluence of trade routes which by land or river
Yaqubi, in one day, 12,000 people were wasted, (Ya'qub,
route found their ways to it. Iraq was close to Syria and the
1371: 2/545). But the Multitade of the population to such
borders of Iran and Abbasid caliphates system was able to
an extent that this great plague of significant impact on
control both of them. These factors led to Abbasid's
door.
consideration to Iraq and then selected it as the capital, tried
Ya'qubi says: in the capital of Samarra, Baghdad does not
in its beauty and greatness as soon Baghdad was famous city
destroy. And its Bazzars had not any shortage, between
throughout Islam world. But the factor that undermined
Baghdad and Samarra in land and sea mean in tigris and
Baghdad, it's social structure which due to the presence of
it's two sides there were the buildings and homes.
Turks there and suffering caused by their presence and finally
(Ya'qubi, 1356: 26)
led to change the capital. No doubt the presence of Turks in
Islam world and their Turk invasion in Baghdad caused
However, as is clever, Baghdad lost its earlier flourish. In
indication of insecurity and disorganization in this city; in so
Mo'jamolboldan also denounced Baghdad: “a group of
far as, the social system fell apart and it's economical position
donor and pure pious, people of piety and worship, have
became disorganized and people complaint of Turk cruelty to
said scolding about Baghdad. It’s because of vice and
caliphs and only alternative way for him was to move his
injustice that they saw. People who were disgusted to stay
Turk Troops to another city and people get rid of their evil.
in Baghdad were apart from the present people. “(Hemavi ,
He was very careful in the selection of Samarra and even in
1347: 1/595)
organizing city plan so programmed that Turks habitat
in Mo'tamed era, position changed in Iran and Saffarian
separated from another people, in this respect he could partly
took Taherian position in east of Iran and khorasan. after,
keep people in safe from Turk invasion harm. But caliphs
Mo'tamed that spend hard caliphate period “Almo'tazed
who ruled in Samarra became captives by Turks that its
Bellah”) 279-289 Hijri) took the reins of commands. It is
suffering was move severe and the depth of its danger was
safe to say due to the relocation of Baghdad as capital,
more for caliphate.
detection of important political problems in Iran. Because
Thus it can be said that Transfer capital didn't solve any
Baghdad at that time was famous and creditable and was a
problem of caliphate. Later, with the advent of the Iranian
development, wealthy and overcrowded city and in terms
semi-independent governments which have claims
of strategic location and military installations were
autonomy, Caliphs were forced to return to Baghdad to be
unattainable. For this reason, it could find much more that
closer to the borders of Iran.
had encroached and advanced from the east. Almo'tazed
had more endeavor in flourishing and greatness of
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