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Iraq / History / Abbasid Dynasty

The Abbasid dynasty ruled from 750 to 1258, a period during which Arab-Muslim culture and scholarship merged with Persian administration and arts. This was also a period when many Greek and Roman philosophical and scientific works were translated into Arabic and at times synthesized with Islamic values and concepts.

The stories of Scheherazade as told in the Arabian Nights give an idea of life in the court of one of the most famous Abbasid rulers, Caliph Harun ar-Rashid. The tales include those about Sinbad the sailor, 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves, and Aladdin and his magic lamp. They describe the clothing, court life, and government of the period. They show that the role of the grand vizier, or royal minister, in directing state affairs came from Persian administrative practices. (see also Arabian Nights in "Iraqi Mythology: Arabian Nights" in Site Index or run a search for "Arabian Nights" in Iraq Homepage search engine)

The splendor of the Abbasid period began to dim as it came under the influence of the Seljuq Turkish empire, centered at Esfahan (now in Iran). Turks in the court at Baghdad assumed powerful administrative positions. The role of the grand vizier also grew, and by the beginning of the 12th century the Abbasid caliph was often only a figurehead. Although the Turks took authority from the caliph, they held his empire together until the Mongols conquered Baghdad in 1258. The Abbasid caliphate then ended, though a member of the Abbasid clan continued to reign in Egypt. Iraq became a land of small kingdoms.

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