Abbasids

Abbasids (750–1258) were the third Caliphate to take over after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. The reign of Abbasids was known as the golden age of the Islamic civilization because of the rich cultural, intellectual, and economic development that took place during this period until the Mongols attacked and destroyed the empire in 1258. The Abbasids rose to power by overthrowing the Umayyad Caliphate and claiming their right to lead the Islamic world as they were the descendants of Prophet Muhammad’s youngest uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (566–653 CE), and from whom the dynasty derives its name. The Umayyads were disliked for their nepotistic and corrupt policies paving way for the transition – the Abbasid dynasty. Abbasids like the previous Caliphates continued with the conquests and expansions and conquered vast areas extending from India and the Central Asia in the east to the west coast of northern Africa with Iraq as its center and Baghdad as its capital which is in the present in Iran. Both Baghdad and Samarra functioned as the cultural and commercial capitals of the Abbasid empire. The Abbasid empire flourished because they adopted liberal policies and were open to diverse cultures of the conquered lands allowing them to contribute into their own knowledge systems. Muslim scholars were patronized, and the teachings of Quran and Hadith became their guiding principles. Trade and commerce was at its peak, and the age was known for its splendid architecture and court culture. Until the Mongol invasion in 1258 CE, the Abbasid Caliphate was the most fertile period in the history of Islamic civilization described as the “golden age.”