Abbasid Caliphate ( 750-1258)

The Abbasid Caliphate was established in 750 CE and marked a golden age in Islamic history known for advancements in science, culture, arts, and political influence.  The Abbasid era witnessed significant advancements in various sciences. Baghdad was founded in 762 CE by Caliph Al-Mansur. It became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It served as a political, cultural, and economic center, attracting scholars, artists, and merchants from across the Islamic world.

In this article, we are going to learn about the Abbasid Caliphates – Capital, History, Their Rise, Achievements, and Facts. Let’s get started.

Abbasid Caliphate – Overview

Key Points	Discription
Founding Year	750 CE
Overthrown	1258 CE
Predecessor	Umayyad Caliphate
Capital City	Baghdad (founded 762 CE)
Founding Caliph	Al-Saffah
Rise to Power	Overthrew the Umayyads due to growing discontent within the empire.
Significant Achievements	Center of knowledge (House of Wisdom, scientific advancements) .Flourishing literature and art (poetry, calligraphy) .Economic prosperity (trade, Silk Road) Expansion of the Islamic world
Wars & Conflicts	Involved in various conflicts with neighboring empires like the Byzantine and Sassanid empires. – Faced internal rebellions and power struggles.
Religion & Culture	Promoted Islam and Islamic scholarship. Fostered a diverse and inclusive cultural environment.

About Abbasid Calipahte

The Abbasid Caliphate was a dynasty that ruled over the majority of the Islamic world from 750 CE to 1258 CE. It succeeded the Umayyad Caliphate and marked a significant period in Islamic history. They served as the center of both political and religious authority within the Islamic world. The Caliph, the leader of the Caliphate, was considered the successor to Prophet Muhammad and held immense power.

• The Abbasid revolution marked a shift from Arab dominance in the Umayyad era to a more inclusive empire incorporating individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• They faced threats from emerging forces like the Seljuq Turks, contributing to the eventual fragmentation of the Caliphate. They inherited a big empire from the Umayyads and continued to expand it, reaching into parts of Central Asia and North Africa.

• Harun al-Rashid played a crucial role in promoting the golden age of the Abbasid Caliphate where they excelled in trade, culture, literature, arts, Quran translation, science, and technology advancement.

Abbasid Caliphate – History

Abbasid Caliphate rise to power in 750 CE: Overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate, claiming they were closer relatives of Prophet Muhammad.They Fought with neighboring empires and faced internal rebellions and their  size of their empire and diversity made it difficult to manage.

In 1258 CE that was the time when they started declining and lose their power and overthrown by the Mongols. They laid the foundation for future scientific and cultural advancements.

Abbasid Caliphate Historical events Timeline

• 632 CE: Death of Muhammed, Prophet, and founder of the Islamic faith.
• 7th – 11th centuries CE: Arab-Byzantine Wars.
• 750 CE: The Umayyad Dynasty was defeated by the Abbasid Revolution, marking the beginning of the Abbasid Caliphate.
• 751 CE: The Abbasid Caliphate emerged victorious in the Battle of Talas against the Chinese Tang Dynasty.
• 775 CE: Beginning of the Abbasid Golden Age.
• 861 CE: End of the Abbasid Golden Age.
• 1258 CE: Baghdad’s Siege, marking the Abbasid Caliphate’s end.

Founder of Abbasid Caliphate

The Abbasid Caliphate was founded by Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah. He became the first caliph of the Abbasid dynasty after overthrowing the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE. The victory of the Abbasids marked the start of a new era in Islamic history, with the capital moving from Damascus to Baghdad.

Capital of Abbasid Caliphate

The capital of the Abbasid Caliphate was initially established in Baghdad, Iraq, in 762 CE under the second Abbasid caliph, Al-Mansur. Baghdad remained the capital and a significant cultural, commercial, and intellectual center of the Islamic world throughout much of the Abbasid period.

List of Abbasid Caliphate

Below is a list of the Abbasid caliphs from the founding of the caliphate in 750 CE to the fall of Baghdad in 1258 CE, marking the end of the Abbasid Caliphate as a political power due to the Mongol invasion:

1. Abu al-Abbas as-Saffah (750–754 CE)
2. Al-Mansur (754–775 CE)
3. Al-Mahdi (775–785 CE)
4. Al-Hadi (785–786 CE)
5. Harun al-Rashid (786–809 CE)
6. Al-Amin (809–813 CE)
7. Al-Ma’mun (813–833 CE)
8. Al-Mu’tasim (833–842 CE)
9. Al-Wathiq (842–847 CE)
10. Al-Mutawakkil (847–861 CE)
11. Al-Muntasir (861–862 CE)
12. Al-Musta’in (862–866 CE)
13. Al-Mu’tazz (866–869 CE)
14. Al-Muhtadi (869–870 CE)
15. Al-Mu’tamid (870–892 CE)
16. Al-Mu’tadid (892–902 CE)
17. Al-Muktafi (902–908 CE)
18. Al-Muqtadir (908–932 CE)
19. Al-Qahir (932–934 CE)
20. Ar-Radi (934–940 CE)
21. Al-Muttaqi (940–944 CE)
22. Al-Mustakfi (944–946 CE)
23. Al-Muti (946–974 CE)
24. At-Ta’i (974–991 CE)
25. Al-Qadir (991–1031 CE)
26. Al-Qa’im (1031–1075 CE)
27. Al-Muqtadi (1075–1094 CE)
28. Al-Mustazhir (1094–1118 CE)
29. Al-Mustarshid (1118–1135 CE)
30. Ar-Rashid (1135–1136 CE)
31. Al-Muqtafi (1136–1160 CE)
32. Al-Mustanjid (1160–1170 CE)
33. Al-Mustadi (1170–1180 CE)
34. An-Nasir (1180–1225 CE)
35. Az-Zahir (1225–1226 CE)
36. Al-Mustansir (1226–1242 CE)
37. Al-Musta’sim (1242–1258 CE) – The last Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad before the Mongol invasion.

Religion in Abbasid Caliphate

The predominant religion in the Abbasid Caliphate was Islam, which served as the foundation of the state’s legitimacy and governance. The Abbasids were Muslims who claimed descent from Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, which they used to justify their right to rule over the Islamic world. Under the Abbasid Caliphate, Islam experienced significant intellectual, theological, and jurisprudential development, leading to the Golden Age of Islamic culture.

The Abbasid period was marked by religious diversity and a degree of tolerance towards non-Muslim communities, known as “dhimmis,” including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, who were allowed to practice their religions and participate in the caliphate’s social and economic life under certain conditions and in exchange for paying a tax (jizya).

The Abbasids played a crucial role in the consolidation of Sunni Islam by supporting the ulama (Islamic scholars) and the madrasas (Islamic schools) that promoted Sunni jurisprudence and theology. However, they also witnessed the emergence and spread of various Islamic sects and movements, such as Shi’ism, which at times led to political and social tensions within the caliphate.

Additionally, the Abbasids were instrumental in the translation and preservation of knowledge from ancient civilizations, including Greek, Persian, and Indian cultures, into Arabic. This contributed to significant advancements in science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, which were often facilitated by the multicultural and interfaith interactions within the caliphate’s territories.

Abbasid Caliphate – Golden Age

The Golden Age of the Abbasid Caliphate is traditionally said to have begun during the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid (786-809 CE).They established institutions like the House of Wisdom, and reated an environment that encouraged knowledge translation and dissemination.The strategic location of the Abbasid lands along trade routes like the Silk Road facilitated economic prosperity and cultural exchange.

Founded Baghdad: Became a center of learning and culture.

• House of Wisdom: Translated ancient texts, sparking scientific advancements.
• Flourishing Arts and Literature: Poetry, calligraphy, and other art forms thrived.
• Economic Growth: Trade flourished along the Silk Road and beyond.

Rise of the Abbasid Caliphate

Non-Arab Muslims, known as mawali, faced discrimination under Umayyad rule, fueling resentment.The empire had become more diverse, with non-Arab populations playing a significant role.Some questioned the legitimacy of the Umayyad dynasty, claiming they deviated from Islamic principles.

The Abbasids, descendants of Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, capitalized on these grievances.They take support from mawali and presented themselves as champions of justice and Islamic ideals.Their message resonated with various groups seeking change within the empire.

• The rebellion began in the eastern province of Khorasan, gathering momentum among discontented groups.
• The Abbasid forces, led by Abu Muslim, defeated the Umayyad army in several key battles.
• In 750 CE, the Abbasids captured Damascus, the Umayyad capital, marking the end of their reign.
• Al-Saffah, the first Abbasid Caliph, established the new dynasty.
• The capital shifted eastward, eventually settling in Baghdad, a newly founded city.
• The Abbasids aimed to create a more inclusive and just empire, addressing the concerns that had fueled their rise.

Abbasid Caliphate – Achievements

Baghdad served as a vibrant center for translation and scholarship. Scholars translated countless Greek, Persian, and Indian texts, preserving and disseminating knowledge across various disciple.

New era started with groundbreaking discoveries in mathematics (al-Khwarizmi and algebra), medicine (al-Razi and contributions to surgery and pharmacy), astronomy (development of sophisticated instruments and observations), and other fields.

The Abbasid Caliphate’s period is recognized as a golden age of Islamic civilization, highlighting their significant contributions to various fields and cultural development.

Literary and Artistic

• Poetry: Renowned poets like Abu Nuwas and Mutanabbi emerged, leaving an enduring mark on Arabic literature with their diverse styles and themes.
• Art: Calligraphy and miniature painting developed unique styles, becoming prominent forms of artistic expression within the Islamic world.

Economic Prosperity

• Trade and Commerce: The Abbasids fostered a flourishing economy, strategically positioned along trade routes like the Silk Road. This facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences.
• Technological Advancements: The introduction of papermaking from China and advancements in agriculture and irrigation further boosted economic activity.

Expansion and Administration

• Expansion of the Islamic World: While not as extensive as the Umayyads, the Abbasids continued territorial expansion, extending into parts of North Africa and Central Asia.
• Inclusive Administration: They incorporated individuals from diverse backgrounds into their administration, reflecting the changing demographics of the vast empire.

Conclusion

The Abbasid Caliphate was established in 750 CE and marked a golden age in Islamic history known for advancements in science, culture, arts and political influence.  The Abbasid era witnessed significant advancements in various sciences. They overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE, claiming they were closer relatives of Prophet Muhammad. This shift in power marked a move from primarily Arab leadership to a more inclusive empire.

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FAQs on Abbasid Caliphate: Achievements, Capital & Facts

What was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate?

Baghdad (Modern day Iraq) was the capital of Abbasid Caliphate .

What were the achievements of Al-Mansur?

He is known for founding the “Round City” of Madinat Al-Salam which was to become the core of imperial Baghdad. Modern historians regard al-Mansur as the real founder of the Abbasid Caliphate, one of the largest polities in world history, for his role in stabilizing and institutionalizing the dynasty.

Why did Caliph Al-Mansur build Baghdad?

Al-Mansur moved the capital of the Arab Muslim kingdom from Damascus in Syria to Kufah and then to Baghdad in Iraq. He selected Baghdad because it lay on major trade routes and Al-Mansur wanted to get as far away from Umayyad influence as possible and to create some distance between them and the Byzantines.

Who is the father of Al-Mansur?

Al-Mansur father ,Muhammad was a great-grandson of al-Abbas (an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad and for whom the Abbasid dynasty is named). His mother was an enslaved Berber woman. Before the Abbasid caliphate came to power, the Umayyads ruled.

What was the Nick name of Sultan Ahmad Al-Mansur?

“The Victories” (al-Mansur) and “The Golden” (Eddahbi) where monikers for the sixth sultan of the Saadi dynasty, from whom Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi takes its name.