Category Archives: Islam History C: the Abbasids

Greening Up Arid Spain with Arab Water Tech

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

Spain and Portugal share a peninsula that is mostly a high, arid plateau. Portugal’s western coast receives most of the rain. The capital cities of Muslim Andalusia were clustered on the arid plateau; Cordoba gets about 7 inches of rain … Continue reading →

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Christians in Early Muslim Spain (Andalusia)

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Ruth

One of the big questions people ask about the medieval years when Islam was ascendant is, “Is it true that they were much more tolerant of Christians and Jews? Was it a “golden age” of co-existence?” Part of the answer … Continue reading →

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Emirs of Cordoba, 756-822

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Ruth

“Emir” or “Amir” means prince in Arabic. It acted as a general title for a ruler who wasn’t claiming to be the successor (Caliph) to Muhammad. Abd al-Rahman was probably too busy actually winning a kingdom for himself to think … Continue reading →

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Charlemagne and the Caliph, 797

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Ruth

With Abd al-Rahman’s power increasing in Andalusia, the new Frankish kings, Pippin and his son Charlemagne, found that they had a common interest with the Caliphs in Baghdad. Baghdad was too far away to feel like a threat to Frankland. … Continue reading →

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Idris I of Morocco, 788-791

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Idris was one of the family members of Ali’s descendants who attempted to rebel against the Abbasid Caliphs. His great-grandfather was Hassan, the older son of Ali and Fatimah. His half-brother was al-Nafs al-Zakiyyah, the Pure-Hearted One, whose uprising against … Continue reading →

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Europe’s First Great Mosque, Cordoba 786

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Abd Al-Rahman, the half-Berber Umayyad prince, was firmly in control of the Iberian peninsula by the time Charlemagne became King of the Franks. He ruled until his death at age 58, which was long past the average life-expectancy of the … Continue reading →

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Cordoba, the new Umayyad Capital

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

Cordoba probably became the capital of Muslim administration because during the conquest years, around 711-715, it did not surrender. It was conquered militarily. When cities surrendered, their current officials could work out a deal to send tribute; when they didn’t, … Continue reading →

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Downfall of a Family: Who was Jafar? 803

Posted on December 16, 2021 by Ruth

The Barmakids were the wealthiest, most important family during early Abbasid years. “Barmak” may have been a hereditary title for the guardians of a Buddhist shrine in Balkh. The family converted to Islam very early and became part of the … Continue reading →

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Early Abbasid Queens, 754-809

Posted on December 14, 2021 by Ruth

The early Abbasid period was a time of unimaginable wealth. The empire was at its fullest extent, although tax and tribute from al-Andalus had dried up with going independent under Abd al-Rahman the Umayyad. Still, gold and jewels rolled in … Continue reading →

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Shi’ites: Imam Kazim, 745-799

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Ruth

Let’s review the Shi’ite Imam line that’s going on outside the spotlight, all this time. Ali is counted as the first Imam, since he claimed that title when he became Caliph—saying that “Caliph” had become corrupt, so he would be … Continue reading →

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