The process of infiltration of the Turks and their entry into the court of the Abbasid Caliphate (861–815 /247–200)

Abstract

The process of infiltration of the Turks into the court of the Abbasid caliphate began gradually since the third Hijri/ninth century AD, and it was not so much a sudden event as it was the result of deep military and political transformations within the Abbasid state. The Abbasid caliphs, especially during the reign of Al-Mu'tasim Allah, faced increasing challenges represented by the weak loyalty of the Arab and Persian soldiers, and the many internal conflicts, which prompted them to look for a new military force more disciplined and linked to the Caliph's person. In this context, Turkish elements were brought from the regions of Central Asia, where they were known for their high combat skills, especially in equestrian and throwing. They were initially introduced into the Mamluk military system, bringing young people and raising a special military upbringing inside the court, which strengthened their direct loyalty to the Caliph. This trend culminated when Al-Mu'tasim founded the city of Samarra as a new headquarters for the Turkish soldiers, away from the tensions of Baghdad and its inhabitants. Over time, the Turkish role has shifted from just a military force to an active element in political life. The Turkish military commanders became very influential within the court, and began to interfere in the appointment and dismissal of Caliphs, as happened in later periods of the Abbasid era. This led to what is known in historical studies as the "Jund control" phase, in which the Caliph's actual authority declined in favor of military commanders. It can be said that the entry of the Turks into the court of the Abbasid Caliphate was a practical response to a military crisis, but later contributed to the restructuring of the power structure within the state, and paved the way for the emergence of a new style of government based on military influence, which was clearly reflected in the course of the political history of the caliphate in subsequent centuries.