Dynastie abbasside
Des bannières ensanglantées de la révolution aux dômes dorés de Bagdad, la dynastie abbasside a forgé un héritage familial qui a façonné le cœur du monde islamique – et l'a vu s'évanouir, grain après grain d'or.

Quick Facts
- Years Active
- 750–1258
- Founder
- Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah
- Region
- Middle East
- Religion
- Sunni Islam
Notable Rulers
Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah
First Abbasid Caliph
Reign: 750 – 754
FounderAbu al-Abbas al-Saffah, foundational architect of the Abbasid dynasty, remains an enigmatic figure whose short reign rev...
Al-Mansur
Second Abbasid Caliph
Reign: 754 – 775
Al-Mansur, the second caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, emerges from the historical record as a figure of formidable intell...
Harun al-Rashid
Fifth Abbasid Caliph
Reign: 786 – 809
Harun al-Rashid’s reign is immortalized in both historical records and legend as the apex of Abbasid splendor, but the t...
Al-Ma'mun
Seventh Abbasid Caliph
Reign: 813 – 833
Al-Ma'mun, son of the famed Harun al-Rashid, stands out as one of the Abbasid caliphate’s most complex and enigmatic rul...
Al-Musta'sim
Last Abbasid Caliph of Baghdad
Reign: 1242 – 1258
Al-Musta'sim, the thirty-seventh and last Abbasid caliph to rule from Baghdad, inhabited the twilight of one of history’...
Documentary Chapters
Timeline
Seljuk Restoration
The Seljuk Turks enter Baghdad and restore some power to the Abbasid caliphs, though real authority remains with the Seljuk sultans.
Siege of Baghdad by the Seljuks
Seljuk forces besiege Baghdad, reflecting the ongoing instability and vulnerability of the Abbasid capital and the waning influence of the dynasty.
Accession of al-Musta'sim
Al-Musta'sim becomes the last Abbasid caliph to rule from Baghdad, presiding over a court beset by division and looming threats.
Mongol Sack of Baghdad
Hulagu Khan’s Mongol army captures and destroys Baghdad, ending the Abbasid caliphate's temporal power and leading to the execution of al-Musta'sim.
Abbasid Caliphs in Cairo
Surviving Abbasid family members establish a ceremonial caliphate in Cairo under Mamluk protection, maintaining religious prestige until the Ottoman conquest.
Abbasid Revolution and Foundation
Abbasid forces defeat the Umayyads at the Battle of the Zab, leading to the proclamation of Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah as the first Abbasid caliph and the start of the dynasty.
Death of al-Saffah
The founding caliph, Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah, dies, and his brother al-Mansur assumes the caliphate, beginning a period of consolidation and state-building.
Founding of Baghdad
Caliph al-Mansur establishes Baghdad as the new capital, initiating the construction of its iconic circular city and making it a center of administration and culture.
Accession of Harun al-Rashid
Harun al-Rashid becomes caliph, ushering in an era of prosperity, intellectual achievement, and cultural flourishing at the Abbasid court.
End of Civil War; Al-Ma'mun's Victory
After a devastating civil war with his brother al-Amin, al-Ma'mun secures the caliphate, reinforcing the dynasty’s unity but leaving lasting scars.
Mihna: The Inquisition
Caliph al-Ma'mun institutes the Mihna, an inquisition to enforce Mu'tazilite theology, sparking resistance from religious scholars and highlighting tensions between religious and political authority.
Buyid Takeover of Baghdad
The Persian Buyid dynasty seizes control of Baghdad, reducing the Abbasid caliphs to figureheads while retaining them for legitimizing purposes.
Connected Across The Archives
Explore specific connections to other archives—civilizations, conflicts, companies, and treaties that share history with this dynasty.

Civilization Archive
(5)Abbasid Civilization
The Abbasid Dynasty fostered the Golden Age of Islam, where scientific and cultural advancements laid foundations for modern mathematics and medicine.
Achaemenid Persian Empire
The Abbasid Dynasty adopted Achaemenid Persian administrative techniques, centralizing power and enhancing cultural integration across its vast empire.
Almohad Civilization
The Almohad rise during the Abbasid era brought reformist zeal to North Africa, challenging Abbasid religious orthodoxy and influencing Islamic philosophy.
Fatimid Civilization
The Abbasid and Fatimid rivalry highlighted the Sunni-Shia divide, influencing Islamic political and theological developments across the medieval world.
Umayyad Caliphate
The Abbasid Dynasty's overthrow of the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE shifted Islamic power from Damascus to Baghdad, altering religious and political dynamics.
Conflict Archive
(2)First Crusade
The Abbasid Dynasty's fragmented authority during the First Crusade allowed European forces to establish footholds, reshaping Middle Eastern power structures.
Mongol Conquests
The Mongol Conquests culminated in the 1258 sack of Baghdad, ending the Abbasid Caliphate and reshaping Islamic civilization's political landscape.
Explore Related Archives
Royal dynasties shaped civilizations, waged wars, and built empires that influenced modern commerce. Continue exploring the interconnected tapestry of history.

