Abbasids

Who were the Abbasids?

The Abbasids were an Arab dynasty from the Banu Hashim clan of Quraysh, tracing their ancestry to Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the uncle of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. They ruled the third Islamic caliphate, known as the Abbasid Caliphate, from 750 to 1258 CE. The dynasty is known for its role in shaping Islamic governance and culture, especially during the early period when Baghdad became a major center of learning and culture. The Abbasids are remembered for their contributions to administration, science, and the arts.

Where did the Abbasids live?

The Abbasids first established their rule in Kufa, Iraq, before founding Baghdad in 762 CE as their capital. Baghdad, built near the ancient city of Babylon and the ruins of Ctesiphon, became the heart of their empire. Later, the capital was temporarily moved to Samarra. After the Mongol conquest of Baghdad, a branch of the dynasty resided in Cairo, Egypt, under the Mamluks. The region is characterized by river valleys, fertile plains, and historic urban centers.

What language did the Abbasids speak?

The Abbasids spoke Arabic, which was also the language of administration, culture, and scholarship in their empire. Arabic flourished as a literary and scientific language during their rule, especially in Baghdad, where scholars from various backgrounds contributed to its development. The dynasty's promotion of Arabic helped establish it as the lingua franca of the Islamic world.

How was Abbasids society organised?

The Abbasid dynasty was organized around family lineage, with leadership passing through male descendants of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib. The caliph held supreme authority, supported by a complex bureaucracy of viziers, military leaders, and scholars. The society under their rule was multiethnic and multireligious, with Arabs, Persians, Turks, and others living in the empire. Decision-making was centralized in the caliphate, but local elites and military leaders often held significant power, especially during periods of decline.

What did the Abbasids believe?

The Abbasids followed Islam and held the title of Caliph, regarded as the leader of the Muslim community. They promoted Islamic scholarship and supported institutions like the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, where scholars studied science, philosophy, and literature. Religious and cultural life was diverse, with the caliphs often engaging in discussions with philosophers and theologians. Art, music, and architecture flourished, reflecting influences from across the empire.

The history of the Abbasids

The Abbasids rose to power by overthrowing the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE. Their early rule saw Baghdad become a global center of learning and culture, known as the Golden Age of Islam. The dynasty faced internal challenges, including political rivalries and military coups, especially after the assassination of Caliph al-Mutawakkil in 861. Over time, the caliphate's authority weakened as regional dynasties gained autonomy. The Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258 ended their rule there. A ceremonial Abbasid line continued in Cairo under the Mamluks until the Ottoman conquest in 1517.

What became of the Abbasids?

The Abbasids no longer exist as a ruling dynasty or distinct community. Their legacy remains in the history and culture of the Islamic world, especially in Iraq and Egypt. Baghdad's reputation as a center of learning and the administrative models they developed continue to influence societies today. The dynasty is studied for its role in the development of science, literature, and governance in the medieval Islamic world.

Questions people ask about the Abbasids

Sources and further reading

• Abbasid dynasty on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Abbasids themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.