v1.1 Updated 07 October 2007

 

 

west asia &
north africa (1)

 

RETURN TO CONTENTS

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

INTRODUCTION. 1

Chapter 1.            ORIGINS. 2

Chapter 2.            UMAYYAD DYNASTY. 3

Chapter 3.            IDRISSID DYNASTY in MOROCCO. 8

Chapter 4.            FATIMID DYNASTY in EGYPT. 8

Chapter 5.            ABBASID CALIPHS of BAGHDAD. 13

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

This document sets out the families of Arab rulers from the 7th to 11th centuries, which claimed descent from the Prophet Mohammed.  Later Arab and Turkish rulers in western Asia and north Africa, from about the 11th century, are shown in the separate document WEST ASIA & NORTH AFRICA (2). 

 

This document is incomplete as insufficient primary sources have so far been consulted to confirm the relationships.  The principal Arabic sources so far consulted in the compilation of this document are: the Chronicle of Ibn-el Kouthya, in French translation[1], and the extracts of the chronicles of Abu'l-Feda, also known as Bar Hebræus[2], and Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle[3] in their French translations included in the 19th century compilation Receuil des historiens des croisades, although they translate no material dealing directly with events before the end of the 11th century.  Further Arabic sources are being identified and studied as they come to light. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1.    ORIGINS

 

 

1.             ABDULLAH .

a)             MOHAMMED (570-632).  m firstly KHADIJA, daughter of ---.  m secondly AISHA, daughter of ABU BAKR.  Mohammed & his first wife had three children:

i)               RUQAYYA .  m OTHMAN bin Affan al-Quraishi, son of --- ([571/72]-murdered 16 Jun 656).  He succeeded as Caliph in 644. 

ii)             KULTHUM .  m OTHMAN bin Affan al-Quraishi, son of --- ([571/72]-murdered 16 Jun 656).  He succeeded as Caliph in 644. 

iii)            FATIMA .  m her father’s first cousin, ALI, son of ALI Talab (-murdered 27 Jan 661).  He succeeded as Caliph in 656. 

2.             ALI Talab . 

a)             ALI (-murdered 27 Jan 661).  First cousin of Mohammed.  He succeeded in 656 as Caliph.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "le gendre de Mahmed" succeeded after "les Hagaréniens tuèrent leur roi Othman" and became "maître de Babylone et de la Syrie" while "Maui régna sur l'Egypte"[4].  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "un serviteur de Maui" killed "Ali"[5].  m FATIMA, daughter of Mohammed.  Two children: 

i)               Al HASAN (-670). 

-         Chapter 3. IDRISSID DYNASTY in MOROCCO. 

ii)             Al HUSSEIN (-680).  Murdered.  m --- daughter of the last Sassanid King. 

-         Chapter 4. FATIMID DYNASTY in EGYPT. 

3.             ABBAS . 

a)             ABDULLAH ibn Abbas (-Taif [687/90]). 

-        Chapter 5. ABBASSID DYNASTY in BAGHDAD. 

 

 

1.             ABU Bakr ([570/71]-23 Aug 634).  He was chosen as leader of the Muslim community after the death of Mohammed in 632, and is considered as the first Caliph.  He completed the conquest of Arabia with the expulsion of the Persians from Bahrein[6]. 

a)             AISHA .  m as his second wife, MOHAMMED, son of ABDULLAH (570-632). 

 

 

1.             OMAR ([583]-Nov 644).  He succeeded Abu Bakr as Caliph in 634.  His army defeated Theodoros, brother of Emperor Heraclius, at Gabatha [Ajnadain] south-west of Jerusalem, before capturing Damascus in Aug 635.  He defeated a Christian army 20 Aug 636 at the River Yarmuk south-east of the Sea of Galilee, captured Jerusalem and Antioch in 638[7].  The Arabs defeated a Persian army at Kadesiah in 637, capturing present-day Irag, and at Nekhavend after which the Iranian plateau was conquered.  Egypt was invaded in Dec 639.  Alexandria capitulated in Nov 642, was briefly recaptured by the Christians, but was restored to the Muslims in 645[8]. 

 

 

1.             OTHMAN bin Affan al-Quraishi ([571/72]-murdered 16 Jun 656).  He succeeded Omar as Caliph in 644.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "les Hagaréniens tuèrent leur roi Othman"[9].  m firstly RUQAYYA, daughter of MOHAMMED.  m secondly KULTHUM, daughter of MOHAMMED. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2.    UMAYYAD DYNASTY

 

 

The primary sources which confirm the relationships of the members of this family have not yet been identified, unless otherwise stated below. 

 

 

1.             ABD SHAMS ibn Abd Manaf al-Quraishi . 

a)             UMAYYA ibn Abd Shams . 

i)               HARB ibn Umayya . 

(a)          ABU SUFYAN ibn Harb .  Umayyad chief, member of the Quraysh tribe and a distant cousin of Mohammed.  He was one of the leading opponents of the new religion in the early days. 

(1)          MUAWIYA (-680).  He was appointed Governor of Syria.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "le gendre de Mahmed" succeeded after "les Hagaréniens tuèrent leur roi Othman" and became "maître de Babylone et de la Syrie" while "Maui régna sur l'Egypte"[10].  He succeeded in 660 as Caliph, the first of the Umayyad dynasty, with his capital at Damascus.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "un serviteur de Maui" killed "Ali" and that "toute la nation arabe se soumit à Maui" who transferred "le siege de l'empire…d'Athrab à Damas" and ruled for 20 years[11].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "Moawiah, fils d'Abou-Sofyan" was the first of his family to rule in Baghdad, but that authority passed to "aux enfants de Merwan, ses cousins paternal" instead of his own descendants[12].  The Ummayad Caliphate was tolerant of Christians, encouraged commercial activity and the development of Hellenistic culture[13].  

a.             YAZID (-683).  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "Izid son fils" succeeded after the death of "Maui chef des Arabes", but reigned only 4 years[14].  He succeeded his father as Caliph YAZID I.  A bitter civil war followed his death, which resulted in the caliphate being seized by his second cousin Marwan. 

(i)             son .  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that, after the death of Yazid, "Moukhther" rebelled "à Babylone et se prétendait prophète", "Aptela" reigned "à Athrab", while Damascus was held by "le fils d'Izid"[15]. 

(2)          ZIAD bin Abu .  Ziadites, who briefly controlled Egypt in the late 9th century. 

ii)             ABU al-As . 

(a)          al-HAKEM . 

(1)          MARWAN (-685).  Following the death of his second cousin Caliph Yazid I in 683, he started a bitter civil war with the supporters of the first Umayyad dynasty, emerging victorious in 684 as Caliph MARWAN I, thus founding the second Umayyad dynasty sometimes known as the Marwanids. 

-         see below. 

 

 

MARWAN, son of al-HAKEM (-685).  Following the death of his second cousin Caliph Yazid I in 683, he started a bitter civil war with the supporters of the first Umayyad dynasty, emerging victorious in 684 as Caliph MARWAN I, thus founding the second Umayyad dynasty sometimes known as the Marwanids.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that the Arabs chose "un vieillard" who reigned for one year[16]. 

1.             ABD-el-MALIK ibn Marwan (-705).  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "Aptelmelek fils de Merouan" succeeded[17].  He succeeded his father in 685 as Caliph ABD al-MALIK.  He completed the Dome of the Rock at Jerusalem 691.  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "Aptelmelek" made peace with Emperor Justinian II, under which the latter agreed to send "mille tahégans, un esclave et un cheval" each year and the island of Cyprus would be shared between the Arabs and the Byzantines, but that Justinian raided Cyprus and broke the treaty[18].  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that the Arabs defeated the Byzantines "à Pouschérig" in 694[19]. 

a)             WALID (-715).  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "Velith" succeeded "Aptelmelek" and reigned for 9 years[20].  He succeeded his father in 705 as Caliph WALID I.  Ibn-el Kouthya records that "Tharik, fils de Ziad" invaded Andalucía "sous le règne de Walid, fils d'Abd-el-Malek khalife de Damas" and that the caliph ratified the treaty signed by Tarik with "les fils de Witiza"[21]. 

i)               ABBAS .  Ibn-el Kouthya records that "Hicham, fils d'Abd-el-Malek" assigned the place of "son frère Maslama" in the State Council to "son frère El-Abbas, fils de Walid"[22]. 

ii)             YAZID (-744).  He succeeded his cousin in 744 as Caliph YAZID III. 

b)             SULEIMAN (-3 Oct 717).  Ibn-el Kouthya names "Soleiman" as brother of Caliph Walid, when recording that he tried unsuccessfully to persuade "Mouça fils de Noçair", who had arrived after the conquest of Spain, to delay his arrival in Damascus until after the death of the caliph, revenging himself after his accession by requiring Musa to pay a large fine and ordering the death of his son Abd el-Aziz[23].  The Chronicle of Michael the Syrian records that "Souliman" succeeded "Velith" and reigned for 2 years, during which time the Arabs conquered "la Galatie"[24].  He succeeded his brother in 715 as Caliph SULEIMAN.  Ibn Abd-el-Hakem records that "Suleyman Ibn Abd El-Malik" died "ten nights before the end of Safar" in A.H. 99 (3 Oct 717)[25]. 

i)               AYUB .  Ibn Abd-el-Hakem records that "Aiyub Ibn Suleyman" interceded with his father Caliph Suleiman to spare the life of "Musa Ibn Nosseyr"[26]. 

c)             YAZID (-29 Jan 724).  Ibn-el Kouthya records the accession of "Yezid fils d'Abd-el-Malek" as caliph[27].  He succeeded as Caliph YAZID II.  Ibn-el Kouthya records that Caliph Yazid appointed "Biebr, fils de Safouan" as viceroy in Africa[28].  Ibn Abd-el-Hakem records that Caliph Yazid died "four nights before the end of shaban of the year 105" (29 Jan 724)[29]. 

i)               WALID (-744).  He succeeded his uncle in 743 as Caliph WALID II. 

d)             HISHAM (-743).  Ibn-el Kouthya names "khalife Hicham, fils d'Abd-el-Malek"[30].  He succeeded in 724 as Caliph HISHAM at Damascus.  Ibn-el Kouthya records the accession of "Hicham, fils d'Abd-el-Malek" as caliph after Yazid[31].  During his reign, the caliphate lost control of Morocco as a result of various Berber uprisings.  He launched a military expedition against the Berbers, led by Kulthum bn Iyad, which was defeated on the River Sebou in northern Morocco [Sep/Oct] 741.  Konstantinos V Emperor of Byzantium defeated the Umayyads, reconquering northern Syria including Germanicea in 746, and routing their fleet at Alexandria the following year.  These victories contributed to the weakening of the Umayyad dynasty, which was supplanted by the Abbassids in 750 following a lengthy civil war. 

i)               MUAWIYA .  m ---, from the Nafza Berbers. 

(a)          ABD-er-RAHMAN ([729]-7 Oct 788).  One of the few survivors of the Umayyad dynasty after the Abbasid revolution 750, he fled to North Africa seeking refuge with his mother's Berber family.  He sent Badr, his chief supporter, to make contact with the Umayyad supporters in Andalucía.  He crossed to Almuñecar in early Autumn 755, marching on Córdoba next Spring where he defeated the Qaysi army and entered the capital in May 756.  Ibn-el Kouthya records the installation in Andalucía of "Abd-errahman, fils de Moawia, fils de Hicham"[32].  He was proclaimed ABD al-RAHMAN I Emir of Córdoba 14 May 756, founding the Umayyad Emirate of Cordoba. 

-         EMIRATE of CÓRDOBA. 

(b)          daughter .  Ibn-el Kouthya records that Abd er-Rahman sent "Moawia-ben-Saleh du Hadramaut" to Hadramaut to bring "ses deux sœurs germains" back to Córdoba but they refused[33]. 

(c)          daughter .  Ibn-el Kouthya records that Abd er-Rahman sent "Moawia-ben-Saleh du Hadramaut" to Hadramaut to bring "ses deux sœurs germains" back to Córdoba but they refused[34]. 

ii)             --- . 

(a)          ABD el-GHAFAR .  Ibn-el Kouthya records that "son cousin Abd-el-Ghaffar, gouverneur de Libla" rebelled against Abd er-Rahman at Córdoba[35]. 

2.             ABD el-AZIZ . 

a)             OMAR (-720).  He succeeded in 717 as Caliph OMAR II at Damascus.  Ibn-el Kouthya records that Caliph "Omar, fils d'Abd-el-Aziz" appointed "Al-Sameh, fils de Malek le Khaulani" as wali in Spain at the same time as appointing "Ismail ben Abd-Allah seigneur des Beni-Makhzoum" as viceroy in Africa[36]. 

3.             MOHAMMED . 

a)             MARWAN (-750).  He succeeded in 744 as Caliph MARWAN II.  Last Ommayid Caliph, the Umayyad dynasty was swept from power by the Abbasids. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3.    IDRISSID DYNASTY in MOROCCO

 

 

The Aghlabides of Kairouan (ruled 801-909), Zirides of Algeria (ruled 971-1167), Almoravides in North Africa (1061-1163), and Almohades in North Africa (1147-1269) all claimed descent from Hasan, son of Ali and his wife Fatima.

 

 

Al HASAN, son of ALI & his wife Fatima (-670). 

1.             ….

a)             IDRISS (-791).  He fled westwards in 786 after a failed rebellion against the Abassids.  He founded the Dynasty of the Idrissids in Morocco 788.  m KENZA, a Berber. 

i)               Moulay IDRISS (791-828).  Morocco was divided between his 10 sons. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4.    FATIMID DYNASTY in EGYPT

 

 

Between 870 and 904, Egypt temporarily freed itself from the domination of the Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad and was ruled by the Tulunid dynasty, who descended from Ahmed Ibn Tulun, the son of a Turkish slave.  After their overthrow, the Abbasids reasserted control until 945 when Ikhshid governor of Egypt established a dynasty which ruled in Egypt and Syria until 969, when it was overthrown by the Fatemid dynasty.  The Fatimid monarch in Egypt was accepted as the true caliph by Shia Muslims after the Baghdad caliphate fell under the influence of Turkish invaders from Central Asia[37]. 

 

 

Al HUSSEIN, son of ALI & his wife Fatima (-680).  Murdered.  m --- daughter of the last Sassanid King. 

1.             …

 

2.             OBEID Allah el-Mehdi .  He claimed descent from Ali and Fatima, daughter of the prophet.  He founded the Fatemid dynasty in Kairouan in 908. 

 

3.             El-MOEZ .  Great grandson of Obeid, he overthrew the Ikshid dynasty in Egypt in 969, and in the following year conquered southern Syria centred on Damascus. 

a)             AZIZ .  In Spring 975, Emperor Ioannes Tzimisces captured Damascus, Tiberias, Nazareth, Acre, Caesarea, Beirut and Sidon from the Fatimid dynasty[38].  Aziz conquered Aleppo in 987.  The Fatimid monarch in Egypt was accepted as the true Caliph by Shia Muslims after the Baghdad Caliphate fell under the influence of Turkish invaders from Central Asia[39]. 

i)               HAKIM (-[murdered] 1021).  He was the son of a Christian mother.  Caliph.  He persecuted the Christians 1004-1014, ordering the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 1009.  He proclaimed himself divine in 1016, but persecuted Muslims as well, forbidding the Ramadan fast and pilgrimage to Mecca.  He disappeared in 1021, probably murdered by his sister Sitt al-Malik[40]. 

ii)             ---. 

(a)          Ed-DAHER . 

-         see below. 

 

 

Ed-DAHER, son of --- . 

1.             El MOSTANCER Billah (-19 Dec 1094).  He was recognised as caliph in Baghdad in 1058.  The Seljuk Sultan Malik Shah conquered large parts of Syria in 1075/76.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 487 (1094/95) of "El-Mostancer Billah", having occupied the caliphate of Egypt for 60 years and 4 months, and the accession of "son fils El-Mostali-Billah"[41].  Caliph. 

a)             El MOSTALI Billah (-[1101/02]).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 487 (1094/95) of "El-Mostancer Billah", having occupied the caliphate of Egypt for 60 years and 4 months, and the accession of "son fils El-Mostali-Billah"[42].  Caliph.  Abul-Feda records that "les troupes du khalife égyptien" captured Jerusalem from "Ilhghazi et Sokman…fils d'Ortok" in A.H. 489 (1096)[43].  Abul-Feda records that "El-Mosta'li-Bi-Amr-Illah khalife d'Egypte" died in A.H. 495 (1101/02) and was succeeded by "son fils El-Asmir-Bi-Akkam-Illah" who was aged 5 years, one months and some days[44]. 

i)               El ASMIR Bi-Akkam-Illah ([1095/96]-murdered 5 Oct 1130).  Abul-Feda records that "El-Mosta'li-Bi-Amr-Illah khalife d'Egypte" died in A.H. 495 (1101/02) and was succeeded by "son fils El-Asmir-Bi-Akkam-Illah" who was aged 5 years, one months and some days[45].  Caliph.  He fell under the influence of his grand vizier al-Afdal[46].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records the death "le 2 de doulcada" in A.H. 524 (5 Oct 1130) of "le khalife d'Egypte, Amer Bi-akham-Allah", specifying that he had been killed by "quelques Bathéniens" and was aged 34[47].  Abul-Feda records that "El-Amer-bi-Ahkam-Illah, le khalife alide qui régnait en Egypte" was assassinated "par des Baténiens" in "le mois de doul-ka'ada" in A.H. 524 (Oct/Nov 1130), without children, and the accession of "El-Hafed Abd-el-Medjid" but waited until one of the wives of his predecessor gave birth before installing him as caliph[48]. 

b)             ABUL KASSIM .  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle names "l'émir Aboul-Cassem, fils de Mostanser Billah" when recording the accession of his son as caliph[49]. 

i)               El HAFED Abul-MAYMUN Abd-el-Medjid [El-Haded li-Din-Illah] (Ascalon mid-May 1074-Oct 1149).  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "son cousin Aboul-Maymoun Abdalmadjyd, fils de l'émir Aboul-Cassem, fils de Mostanser Billah" succeeded on the death of "le khalife d'Egypte, Amer Bi-akham-Allah", specifying that he took the title "Hafedh Lidin-Allah" and was born at Ascalon "au milieu du mois de ramadan" in A.H. 466 (mid-May 1074)[50].  Abul-Feda records that "El-Amer-bi-Ahkam-Illah, le khalife alide qui régnait en Egypte" was assassinated "par des Baténiens" in "le mois de doul-ka'ada" in A.H. 524 (Oct/Nov 1130), without children, and the accession of "El-Hafed Abd-el-Medjid" but waited until one of the wives of his predecessor gave birth before installing him as caliph[51].  Abul-Feda records the death of "Abou Ali, fils d'El-Afdal", vizir of "El-Hafed-li-Din-Illah l'alide" whom he had imprisoned, in A.H. 526 (1131/32) and the appointment by the caliph of "son fils Hacem" as vizir[52].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records the death "au mois de djoumada second" in A.H. 526 (Oct 1149) of "le khalife d'Egypte Al-Hafedh Lidyn-allah", aged 77 years[53]. 

(a)          HASHIM (-murdered 1135).  Abul-Feda records the death of "Abou Ali, fils d'El-Afdal", vizir of "El-Hafed-li-Din-Illah l'alide" whom he had imprisoned, in A.H. 526 (1131/32) and the appointment by the caliph of "son fils Hacem" as vizir[54].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "le khalife d'Egypte Hafedh Lidyn-Allah…son fils Hassan…héritier présomptif" was poisoned in A.H. 529 (1135)[55]. 

(b)          El-DAFER bi-amr-Allah ABU-MANSUR ISMAEL (-murdered Mar 1154).  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "son fils Abou-Mansour Ismael, qui prit le titre de Al-Dhafer-bi-amr-allah" on the death in A.H. 526 (Oct 1149) of "le khalife d'Egypte Al-Hafedh Lidyn-allah"[56].  He succeeded his father as Caliph.  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "Al-Dhafer-Billah souverain de l'Egypte" was murdered "au mois de moharram" in A.H. 549 (Mar 1154)[57].  Abul-Feda records the assassination "au mois de moharrem" in A.H. 549 (Mar/Apr 1154) of "Ed-Dafer-Billah l'Alide" at "Hamadan", his murder arranged by his vizir Abbas, whose son Nasar was his lover Nasar[58]. 

(1)          El-FAIZ bi-NASER Illah ABU'L-KASIM EISSA ([1148/49]-1160).  Abul-Feda records that vizir Abbas installed "El-Faizbi-Nasar-Illah Abou'l-Kacem Eissa…[qui] n'avait que cinq ans" as caliph after the death of his father in A.H. 549 (Mar/Apr 1154), adding that the vizir fled in a palace revolution[59].  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 555 (1160) of "El Faiz-bi-Nasr-Illah khalife d'Egypte"[60]. 

(c)          YUSUF (-murdered [Mar/Apr] 1160). Abul-Feda records that "vizir…Abbas" killed "deux frères du khalife Ioussef et Djébrail" in A.H. 555 (1160)[61].  Abul-Feda records that vizir Abbas killed "les princes Youssof et Djibrail…deux frères d'Ed Dafer" after the death of the caliph in A.H. 549 (Mar/Apr 1154)[62]. 

(1)          El ADED il Din Illah [Abu Mohammed Abd-Allah] ([1147/49]-13 Sep 1171).  Abul-Feda records that "Abou Mohammed Abd-Allah, fils de l'émir Youssouf et petit-fils d'El-Hafed", who had just reached the age of puberty, was proclaimed caliph by "Es-Saleh Ibn Rozzic" after the death in A.H. 555 (1160) of "El Faiz-bi-Nasr-Illah khalife d'Egypte" and took the title "El-Aded-li-Din-Illah"[63].  Abul-Feda records that "Salah ed-Din" deposed El Aded in A.H. 566 (1170/71), proclaimed the caliphate of Baghdad in Egypt, and that the ex-caliph died "le 10 moharrem" (13 Sep 1171), the last caliph in Egypt[64].  m ---, daughter of Es SALEH Ibn Rozzic.  Abul-Feda records that "Abou Mohammed Abd-Allah, fils de l'émir Youssouf et petit-fils d'El-Hafed… El Faiz-bi-Nasr-Illah" married the daughter of "Es-Saleh Ibn Rozzic" after being proclaimed caliph in A.H. 555 (1160)[65]. 

(d)          JEBRAIL (-murdered [Mar/Apr] 1154).  Abul-Feda records that vizir Abbas killed "les princes Youssof et Djibrail…deux frères d'Ed Dafer" after the death of the caliph in A.H. 549 (Mar/Apr 1154)[66]. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5.    ABBASID CALIPHS of BAGHDAD

 

 

All the dynasties which ruled in western Asia recognised the authority of the caliphs at Baghdad, who formally invested the rulers and received tribute from them.  However, by the mid-10th century the caliph's own territory was reduced to the city of Baghdad itself and the surrounding districts.  The ruling caliphs were weak and entrusted the government of their lands to their grand vizirs.  Their authority in Egypt was challenged by the Fatimid dynasty whose rulers were recognised as sole caliph by the Shiites.  In Baghdad, the caliphs continued to rule only because of the protection of the Seljukid sultans.  The Mongols captured Baghdad in 1258 and killed the caliph and his family. 

 

 

ABDULLAH ibn Abbas, son of ABBAS (-Taif [687/90]). 

1.             ALI ibn Abdullah . 

a)             MOHAMMED ibn Ali . 

-        see below. 

 

 

MOHAMMED ibn Ali, son of ALI ibn Abdullah . 

1.             IBRAHIM (-747). 

2.             ABU al-ABBAS as-Saffah ABDULLAH (-754).  He defeated the Ummayad Caliphs of Damascus 750, succeeding as Caliph ABUL-ABBAS, first Caliph of the Abbasid Dynasty, based at Baghdad.  Konstantinos V Emperor of Byzantium temporarily recaptured Melitena and Theodosiopolis in 752.  The transfer of the capital of the Caliphate from Damascus to Baghdad by the Abbasids reduced the pressure felt by Byzantium from their Arab neighbours.  The Abbasid dynasty was less tolerant of Christians, promoted Persian rather than Hellenistic culture, but took a greater interest in intellectual matters than its predecessor Ummayad dynasty, with scientists and mathematicians encouraged to establish themselves in Baghdad[67].

3.             Al-JAFAR Al-Mansur (-775).  He succeeded his brother in 754 as Caliph Al-JAFAR Al-MANSUR.  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "son frère Al-Mansour" succeeded after the death of "Alsaffah, le premier des Abbassides qui regna"[68].  He attempted to regain control of Andalucía in 763 through al-Ala bin al-Mughith al-Yahsubi, his representative from Beja in southern Portugal, but Abd al-Rahman defeated and killed the latter at Carmona. 

a)             MOHAMMEd ibn Mansur al-MAHDI (-785).  He succeeded his father in 775 as Caliph MOHAMMED al-MAHDI. 

i)               ABU ABDULLAH MUSA ibn Mahdi al-HADI (-786).  He succeeded his father in 785 as Caliph ABU ABDULLAH MUSA al-HADI. 

ii)             HARUN al-Rashid (-809).  He succeeded his brother in 786 as Caliph HARUN al-RASHID.  Arab incursions into Byzantine territory followed the suspension by Emperor Nikephoros in 803 of the payment of annual tribute to the Caliphate, but he was forced to make peace with Harun al-Rashid in 806 and restore the payments[69].  Caliph Harun encouraged Emperor Charles I "Charlemagne" in his interest in the Christian holy places in Jerusalem, and permitted Frankish foundations in the city[70].  Civil war followed the Caliph's death, lasting until al-Mamun's entry into Baghdad in 819.  m ZUBAYDA, daughter of ---. 

(a)          MOHAMMED ibn Harun al-AMIN (-813).  He succeeded his father in 809 as Caliph MOHAMMED Al-AMIN. 

(b)          ABU JAFAR al-MAMUN ibn Harun (-833).  He succeeded his brother in 813 as Caliph ABU JAFAR al-MAMUN.  From 830, Caliph Mamum resumed attacks on Byzantine territory, capturing Palermo in 831.  His successor Caliph Mutasim launched a major campaign in Asia Minor in 838, taking Amorium 12 Aug 838. 

(c)          ABU ISHAK Al-MUTASIM ibn Harun (-[841/42]).  He succeeded his brother in 833 as Caliph ABU ISHAK al-MUTASIM. 

(1)          HARUN Al-WATHIK ibn Mutasim (-[847/48]).  He succeeded his father in 842 as Caliph HARUN Al-WATHIK.  The Histoire des dynasties musulmanes records that "son fils Haroun-Al-Ouaciq" succeeded "Al-Motassem" in A.H. 227 (841/42), that after his accession "il combla de faveurs et de bienfaits ses cousins, les Talébites", and that he died in A.H. 233 (847/48)[71]. 

(2)          Al-MUTAWAKKIL Ala Allah JAFAR ibn Al-Mutasim (-[861/62]).  He succeeded his brother in 847 as Caliph JAFAR Al-MUTAWAKKIL.  The Histoire des dynasties musulmanes records that "son frère Djafar al-Moutewakkel" succeeded "Haroun al-Ouaciq" in A.H. 233 (847/48), and that he was murdered by "son fils Al-Mountasir" in A.H. 247 (861/62)[72]. 

a.             MOHAMMED Al-MUNTASIR ([862/63]).  The Histoire des dynasties musulmanes records that "son fils Al-Mountasir" murdered "Djafar al-Moutewakkel" in A.H. 247 (861/62)[73].  He succeeded his father in 861 as Caliph MOHAMMED Al-MUNTASIR.  The Histoire des dynasties musulmanes records that "Al-Mountasir" died six months after succeeding in A.H. 248 (862/63)[74]. 

 

 

1.             Nikephoros Phokas captured Crete in 961, Anazarbus and Marash in Germanicia, Asia Minor in 962.  After he succeeded as emperor in 963, he completed the conquest of Cilicia in 965, captured Cyprus in 966 and Antioch in 969[75].  In 974, following the defeat of the Fatimids in southern Syria by Emperor Ioannes Tzimisces, the caliph proclaimed jihad against the Christians[76]. 

2.             KAIM Biamr-Allah .  Caliph.  The Khelassat-oul-akhbar records that "Caim-Biamr-Allah khalife Abbaside" gave "le surnom de Rokn-ed-Din" to "Togrul-Beg Mohammed" after he defeated "le sultan Massoud le Gaznévide", and entered Baghdad in A.H. 447 (1055)[77].  The Tarikhi guzideh records that "Beçaciri" rebelled in A.H. 449 (1057) and imprisoned the caliph, who was released by Tughril-Beg[78].  The Khelassat-oul-akhbar records that "Rokn-ed-Din Togrul-Beg Mohammed" released "le khalife Caim" from "Bessassiri" and restored him to his throne[79]. 

a)             SEIDEH .  The Khelassat-oul-akhbar records that "Togrul-Beg" married "la fille du khalife" in A.H. 455 (1063) in Rei, but that her husband died and the wedding was turned into a funeral[80].  The Tarikhi guzideh records the marriage of "la fille du khalife Seideh-Khatoun" and Tughril-Beg, adding that the marriage was not consummated and that she returned to Baghdad after her husband died[81].  m (1063, non-consummated) ROKN ed-Din TOGHRUL Beg MOHAMMED Seljuk Sultan, son of MIKAÏL Ibn SALJUQ (-1063). 

 

 

1.             El MOKTADI Bi-Amr (-[1094/95]).  Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 487 (1094/95) of "El-Moktadi-Bi-Amr, khalife de Baghdad", and the accession of "son fils El-Mostadher-Billah Ahmed"[82].  m (b) ---, daughter of Seljuk Sultan ALP ARSLAN.  Her marriage is confirmed by the Tarikhi guzideh which records that, after the death of Sultan Malik Shah, his widow Turkan Khatun returned to "le khalife Moctadi…un fils qu'il avait eu de la sœur de Melic-Chah" in the hope of obtaining his support for the accession of her son Mohammed[83]. 

a)             El MOSTADER Billah Abul-Abbas AHMED ([1078/79]-6 Aug 1118).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 487 (1094/95) of "El-Moktadi-Bi-Amr, khalife de Baghdad", and the accession of "son fils El-Mostadher-Billah Ahmed" aged 16 years and 2 months[84].  He succeeded his father in 1094 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 512 (1118/19) of "le khalife El-Mostadher-Billah" and the accession of "son fils El-Mostarched-Billah"[85].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records the death of "le khalife de Bagdad, Mostadher-Billah Aboul-Abbas Ahmed, fils de Motadhed-Billah…d'un mal au gosier" aged 41 years and 6 months "le 16 de rebi second" in A.H. 512 (6 Aug 1118)[86]. 

i)               El MOSTARSHED Billah Al-FADHL ([May/Jun] 1092-murdered Meraga 30 Aug 1135).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 512 (1118/19) of "le khalife El-Mostadher-Billah" and the accession of "son fils El-Mostarched-Billah"[87].  He succeeded his father in 1118 as Caliph.  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "son fils Mostarched-Billah Alfadhl" was proclaimed caliph after the death of "le khalife de Bagdad, Mostadher-Billah Aboul-Abbas Ahmed, fils de Motadhed-Billah…d'un mal au gosier" in A.H. 512 (6 Aug 1118)[88].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "le khalife de Baghdad, Mostarsched Billah" was killed by the Assassins "le 17 de doulcada" in A.H. 529 (30 Aug 1135) at "la porte de la ville de Meraga", aged 43 years and 3 months[89]. 

(a)          Er-RASHID-Billah ABU-JAFAR el-MANSUR (-after 1136).  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "son fils Abou-Djafar Almansour" was proclaimed caliph on the death of "le khalife de Baghdad, Mostarsched Billah" in A.H. 529 (30 Aug 1135) and took the title "Raschid Billah"[90].  He succeeded his father in 1135 as Caliph.  He was deposed in 1136. 

ii)             El MOKTAFI bi-Amr-Allah ABU-ABDULLAH MOHAMMED (9 Apr 1096-12 Mar 1160).  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "ses deux frères, les émirs Abou-Abdallah Mohammed…et Abou-Thaleb Abbas" swore allegiance to "Mostarched-Billah Alfadhl" after his accession in A.H. 512 (6 Aug 1118), specifying that the former was later invested as caliph "sous le titre de Moctafy Bi-amr-Allah"[91].  Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 555 (1160) of "El-Moktafi-li-Amr-Illah, khalife" after reigning for 24 years and three months, and the proclamation of "son fils Youssouf" as caliph with the title "El-Mostandjed-Billah"[92].  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records the death "le 2 de rebi premier" in A.H. 555 (12 Mar 1160) of "le khalife Al-Moktafi-Liamr-Allah Abou Abd-Allah Mohammed", adding that he was born "le 12 de rebi second" in A.H. 489 (9 Apr 1096) "d'une concubine, Abyssinienne d'origine, surnommé la dame des princes…Nozhet"[93].  [m] (a) THAWUS, daughter of ---.  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle names "une concubine nommé Thawous" as mother of "le khalife Youssouf"[94]. 

(a)          El MOSTANJED Billah [Yusuf] (-20 Dec 1170).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 555 (1160) of "El-Moktafi-li-Amr-Illah, khalife" after reigning for 24 years and three months, and the proclamation of "son fils Youssouf" as caliph with the title "El-Mostandjed-Billah"[95].  He succeeded his father in 1160 as Caliph. 

-         see below. 

(b)          KERMAN Khatun .  Hamd Allah Mustaufi records the marriage end-1158/early 1159 of Sultan Mohammed and "le khalife…sa fille Kerman-Khatoun" but that her husband was unable to consummate the marriage owing to his illness[96].  Hamd Allah Mustaufi records that "Arslan, fils de Thogril" married "la fille du khalife, Kerman-Khatoun" after his uncle was deposed in Sep 1160[97].  m firstly (1159, non-consummated) Seljuk Sultan MOHAMMED, son of Seljuk Sultan MAHMUD (-Hamadan Jan 1159).  m secondly (Sep 1160) Seljuk Sultan ARSLAN SHAH, son of Seljuk Sultan TUGHRIL (-1175). 

iii)            ABU-TALIB ABBAS (-after Aug 1118).  The Kamel-Altevarykh Chronicle records that "ses deux frères, les émirs Abou-Abdallah Mohammed…et Abou-Thaleb Abbas" swore allegiance to "Mostarched-Billah Alfadhl" after his accession in A.H. 512 (6 Aug 1118), specifying that the former was later invested as caliph "sous le titre de Moctafy Bi-amr-Allah"[98]. 

Caliph El-Moktadi & his wife (b) had one child: 

b)             son .  The Tarikhi guzideh records that Sultan Malik Shah wanted to transfer the caliphate from Baghdad to Isfahan and place on the throne the son of "le khalife Moctadi…qu'il avait eu de la sœur de Melic-Chah"[99]. 

 

 

El MOSTANJED Billah [Yusuf], son of Caliph El-MOKTAFI li-Amr-Illah (-20 Dec 1170).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 555 (1160) of "El-Moktafi-li-Amr-Illah, khalife" after reigning for 24 years and three months, and the proclamation of "son fils Youssouf" as caliph with the title "El-Mostandjed-Billah"[100].  He succeeded his father in 1160 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death "9 rebla" in A.H. 566 (20 Dec 1170) of "El-Mostandjed-Billah le khalife" after being imprisoned in his bathroom, and the accession of "le fils d'El-Mostandjed…sous le titre d'El Mostadi bi-Amr-Illah"[101]. 

1.             El-MOSTADI bi-Amr-Illah (-[1179/80]).  Abul-Feda records the death "9 rebla" in A.H. 566 (20 Dec 1170) of "El-Mostandjed-Billah le khalife" and the accession of "le fils d'El-Mostandjed…sous le titre d'El Mostadi bi-Amr-Illah"[102].  He succeeded his father in 1170 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 575 (1179/80) of "El-Mostadi bi Amr-Illah" after reigning nine years and seven months and the accession of "En-Nacer-li-Din-Illah fils du défunt"[103]. 

a)             En-NASER li-Din-Illah ([1149/50]-Oct 1225).  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 575 (1179/80) of "El-Mostadi bi Amr-Illah" after reigning nine years and seven months and the accession of "En-Nacer-li-Din-Illah fils du défunt"[104].  He succeeded his father in 1179 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death "au mois de choual" in A.H. 622 (Oct 1225) of "le khalife En-Nacer li-Din-Illah, fils d'El Mostadi", aged 70, commenting that it was suspected that he had suggested to the Tartars the idea of invading the Muslim countries[105]. 

i)               ABU NASER MOHAMMED Ed-DAHER bi-AMR-ILLAH (-1226).  Abul-Feda records that "son fils Abou Nasr Mohammed" succeeded "le khalife En-Nacer li-Din-Illah, fils d'El Mostadi", taking the title "Ed-Daher bi-Amr-Illah", but adds that he occupied the caliphate for only nine months[106].  He succeeded his father in 1225 as Caliph. 

(a)          El-MOSTANSER Billah ABU-JAFAR el-MANSUR (-[1242/43]).  Abul-Feda records that "son fils ainé El-Mostancer-Billah" succeeded "Ed-Daher bi-Amr-Illah" in A.H. 623 (1226)[107].  He succeeded his father in 1225 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records the death in A.H. 640 (1242/43) of "le khalife El-Mostancer Billah Abou Djafer el-Mansour", after reigning for 17 years and one month[108]. 

(1)          El-MOSTACEM Billah ABD-ALLAH (-murdered 27 Jan 1258).  Abul-Feda records that "son fils Abd Allah…faible d'esprit" succeeded on the death in A.H. 640 (1242/43) of "le khalife El-Mostancer Billah Abou Djafer el-Mansour", and took the title "El-Mostacem Billah"[109].  He succeeded his father in 1242 as Caliph.  Abul-Feda records that "Houlagou roi des Tartares" captured Baghdad and killed "le khalife El-Mostacem Billah…le 20 de moharrem" in A.H. 656 (27 Jan 1258)[110].  Vardan's History records that "Hulgegu the brave took Baghdad" in [16 Jan 1258/15 Jan 1259] and "killed the caliph Mustasr with his own hand"[111]. 

a.             ABU BAKR (-murdered 27 Jan 1258).  Abul-Feda records that "Abou Bekr fils du khalife" commanded troops to suppress unrest between "les Chiites du faubourg et les Sonnites de la ville", but that the vizier invited the Tartars into Baghdad in A.H. 656 (27 Jan 1258)[112].  Abul-Feda records that "Houlagou roi des Tartares" proposed to marry his daughter to "Abou Bekr fils du khalife" before the massacre in A.H. 656 (27 Jan 1258)[113]. 

(b)          Ed-DAHER MOHAMMED .  Abul-Feda names "Ed-Daher Mohammed [fils] du khalife En-Nacer" when recording that his son was proclaimed caliph in [1260/61][114]. 

(1)          El-MOSTANCER Billah ABUL KASIM AHMED (-killed [1260/61]).  Abul-Feda records that a band of Arabs arrived in Cairo in A.H. 659 (1260/61) with "un homme de couleur Ahmed…fils d'Ed-Daher Mohammed et petit-fils du khalife En-Nacer…oncle d'El Mostacem" who had escaped the Mongol massacre and took the title "El-Mostancer Billah avec le surnom Aboul-Kacem" and was proclaimed caliph, but was killed by the Tartars before he could reclaim Baghdad[115]. 

 

2.             AHMED El-HAKIM hi-AMR-Illah (-after [1261/62]).  Abul-Feda records that "vers la fin du mois de doul hiddja" in A.H. 660 (Nov 1262) "Beibars présenta à l'assemblée un member de la famille abbaside" and was recognised as "khalife…Ahmed…le titre d'El-Hakem hi-Amr-Illah"[116].