The role of the Mamluks arriving from Transoxiana in weakening loyalty to the Abbasid Caliph during the period (218–227 AH / 833–842 AD) - A study of the rebellion of Afshin and his followers during the reign of al-Mu'tasim

Abstract

The paper explores the impact made by Mamluks, the migrants from Transoxiana, to diminish loyalty of the population to the Abbasid Caliph. This paper seeks to investigate this issue using an analytical approach to the study of the Afshin revolt, which took place during the time of caliph Al-Mu'tasim's rule (218-227 AH/833-842 AD). In particular, this paper seeks to identify the structural changes caused by the appearance of Turkish military units in the context of political system of Abbasids. This research utilizes a historical-analytical approach to examine the problem with help of both primary sources and current literature. The conclusion is reached that Al-Mu'tasim's policy in respect to Mamluks was a profound revolution causing redistribution of power in favor of Mamluk commanders and diminishing the role of Caliph himself. The Afshin revolt also demonstrated the vulnerability of the principle of political loyalty as transformed into religious subordination into political influence. From this study, it can be concluded that this time marked the start of the slow erosion of the prestige of the Caliphate in practice, even if not symbolically, which led to the later changes in the system of Abbasid power.