Prelude to the Generals: A Study of Some Aspects of the Regn of the Eighth Abbasid Caliph, Al-Mutasim Bi-Allah

by Osman Sayyid Ahmad Ismail Al-Bili

The son of Al-Rashid of The Arabian Nights and a great grandson of Al-Mansur, founder of Baghdad and the architect of the Abbasid state, Al-Mu'tasim was destined to succeed to the caliphate. Inheriting a troubled and fragmented empire, Al-Mu'tasim was to be the last caliph not only of the illustrious Abbasid dynasty, which could be traced to Abbas, the Prophet Muhammed's uncle, but also the last to exercise such absolute - and inherited - power. Following his reignthe power of the caliph dwindled as various military generals gained the ascendancy. After civil war between Al-Mu'tasim's brothers Al-Amin and Al-Ma'mun divided the caliphate in two, Al-Ma'mun's policy of doctrinal intolerance shook the foundations of the Abbasid Caliphate and further weakened the state. Thus coming to power during a critical period, Al-Mu'tasim also had to contend with serious rebellion at home and a growing threat from Byzantium. His reign was, perhaps inevitably, a military one, and his widely-acknowledged valour and genius as a commander stood him in good stead. His garrison capital, Samarra, on the banks of the Tigris in present-day Iraq, is now a pilgrimage destination for many.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ian McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant scholarly work on a much-neglected caliph of the 'Abbasid period. The book is gripping and tells the story of all facets of al-Mutasim's reign in an accessible way. Most impressive was the marshaling of primary and secondary sources to establish the chronology of the reign. Wonderful cross-referencing alongside clear analysis and judgement. Different from most books on the 'Abbasid empire as its focus is on one caliph and the biographical nature of the work gives it an authority and detail which allows for clear rational conclusions to be drawn.