خصائص العصر العباسي

The Abbasid Era Characteristics

• Domination of Commanders: The second Abbasid era began with the assassination of Caliph Al-Mutawakkil in 247 AH by Turkish commanders. Caliphs became subject to their whims and decisions. Commanders wielded significant power. Poets critiqued this subjugation, pointing out the Caliph's helpless position.
• Caliph Removal and Fate: The fate of Abbasid Caliphs progressively worsened. They were frequently deposed and, in some instances, assassinated, or forced to abdicate. The deposition of a Caliph often coincided with pillaging of the Caliphal treasury, demanding tributes from the new Caliph, and often leaving the deposed Caliph destitute.
• The Buwayhid Era: After the Turks, the Buwayhids assumed power, mimicking the Turks' approach. Buwayhid Emirs appointed and deposed Caliphs at will, causing humiliation and disgrace. The removal of Caliphs was celebrated, often marked by looting and demands of oaths from the newly-appointed Caliphs. The deposed Caliphs faced destitution and hardship. The fate of the Abbasid Caliphs during this period included assassination, forced abdication, and deposition with dishonor.
• Loss of Caliphal Power: From 248 AH to 487 AH (a span of 239 years), seventeen Caliphs experienced various forms of power loss, including 4 who were murdered and 3 deposed and humiliated.

Abbasid Era Characteristics (continued)

• Minister Dismissal and Confiscation: Ministers were as vulnerable to dismissal and wealth confiscation as the Caliphs. This was often at the whims of the Commanders or Emirs. Examples demonstrated ministers being punished through fines and imprisonment, in some extreme cases, assassination by commanders. The frequent appointments and dismissals of ministers were driven by the pursuit of wealth through bribes and the hope of influential positions, making the position a source of significant financial gain.
• Titles and Nicknames: Abbasid Caliphs, unlike their Umayyad predecessors, used additional titles reflecting their perceived qualities. Early Abbasid Caliphs took nicknames like 'Al-Saffah' (The Bloodshedder) and 'Al-Mansur' (The Victorious). This practice continued to later Caliphs. Even governors and important officials were given titles reflecting their status.
• Tax Collectors' Abuse: Tax collectors, known as 'Amal Al-Kharaj', were often oppressive. Their actions regularly exceeded the established taxes, inflicting suffering on those under their charge. The collectors often had a wide array of powers and could resort to harsh treatment to extract additional revenue beyond the established limits.
• Wealth Confiscation: The confiscation of people's wealth and, in particular, merchants' assets became a common practice. Caliphs and rulers would demand funds from merchants to support campaigns or their interests. Examples illustrate situations where Caliphs ordered confiscations of wealth to fund military efforts.
• Judicial Corruption: The judiciary, the crucial institution guaranteeing justice and fairness within the community, deteriorated. Judges were often motivated by personal gain or political pressure rather than upholding justice. The document provides historical examples highlighting this corruption at the hands of those in power.
• Religious and Political Conflicts: Various conflicts, including sectarian disputes between Shia and Sunni (especially Hanbali), frequently erupted during the second Abbasid era, causing significant destruction. These conflicts spanned decades, fueled by differing interpretations of religious texts. Commanders were often involved in escalating and maintaining disputes between religious groups.
• Military Uprisings: Military uprisings, and the frequent demands for payments from soldiers, prompted rebellions and the deposition of numerous leaders. These military uprisings, led by soldiers, often sought better remuneration and were a repeated problem throughout the era.
• Bandit and Outlaws' Activity: Bandit and outlaw groups gained influence, posing a threat to peace and security. These groups, organized and led by prominent militants, engaged in violent acts affecting both the populace and the authorities, causing concern and alarm.
• Divisions of Abbasid Territories: Multiple territories seceded from the Abbasid Caliphate during the Abbasid era. These included the establishment of independent states, leading to fragmentation and decentralization. This created a complex network of interactions and rivalries between various entities vying for influence.

يستعرض هذا الاختبار الخصائص البارزة للعصر العباسي الثاني، بدءًا من الصراعات على السلطة بين القادة وتأثيرها على الخلفاء، إلى دور البويهيدين في إدارة الحكم. تعرف على كيفية تراجع مصير الخلفاء وكيف أثرت هذه الأحداث على الاقتصاد والثقافة في ذلك الوقت.