Abbasid

Abbasid Caliphate

The Abbasid Caliphate was the third of the Islamic caliphates to succeed the Islamic prophet Muhammad. It was founded by a dynasty descended from Muhammad's uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, from whom the dynasty takes its name. The Abbasid Caliphate ruled as caliphs from their capital in Baghdad, in modern-day Iraq, after assuming authority over the Muslim empire from the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE.

History

Rise to Power

The Abbasid revolution began in the region of Khorasan, a province in northeastern Iran and parts of Central Asia. The Abbasids capitalized on the discontent with the Umayyad rule, which was perceived as favoring Arab Muslims over non-Arab Muslims. The Abbasid movement gained support from various groups, including Persians, who were eager for a change in leadership.

In 750 CE, the Abbasids, led by Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah, overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate in the Battle of the Zab. Abu al-Abbas became the first Abbasid caliph, marking the beginning of the Abbasid dynasty.

Golden Age

The Abbasid Caliphate is often regarded as a period of cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing in the Islamic world, known as the Islamic Golden Age. The caliphs established Baghdad as their capital in 762 CE, which became a major center of learning and culture. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad was a renowned intellectual center where scholars of various backgrounds translated and preserved the works of ancient civilizations, including Greek, Persian, and Indian texts.

During this period, significant advancements were made in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. Notable scholars such as Al-Khwarizmi, who contributed to the development of algebra, and Ibn Sina (Avicenna), a prominent physician and philosopher, were active during this time.

Decline

The decline of the Abbasid Caliphate began in the 9th century due to internal strife, economic difficulties, and the rise of regional powers. The caliphs gradually lost control over distant provinces, which became autonomous under local rulers. The Fatimid Caliphate in North Africa and the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba in Spain were among the rival states that emerged.

In 1258 CE, the Mongols, led by Hulagu Khan, sacked Baghdad, effectively ending the Abbasid Caliphate's political power. However, the Abbasid family continued to hold a symbolic religious authority as caliphs in Cairo under the patronage of the Mamluk Sultanate until the Ottoman conquest in 1517 CE.

Legacy

The Abbasid Caliphate left a lasting legacy on the Islamic world and beyond. It was a period marked by significant cultural and scientific achievements that influenced later civilizations. The Abbasid era also saw the development of a more inclusive Islamic society, where non-Arabs played a prominent role in governance and intellectual life.

Also see

• Umayyad Caliphate
• Fatimid Caliphate
• Islamic Golden Age
• House of Wisdom
• Baghdad