27L2 - Abbasid Governance

Question 1

Caliph and imperial court

Answer 1

• Caliph was head of state and final authority.
• As a dynasty, one of the issues was succession
• Caliphs married for political alliances.
• Over the time of Caliphate, preference was for concubines
• The key was the father’s lineage.
• Wives, concubines, mother of caliph given land and wealth

Question 2

Harem

Answer 2

• Not a physical location, group of people
• Group included family members (woman and children) and the administration

Question 3

Harem family members

Answer 3

• Mother, wives, concubines, unmarried, divorced or widowed sisters and aunts and the children.
• Access restricted
• Influence in terms of political appointments and policies
• Use of funds to assist with politics, religious obligations, acts of charity, and philanthropy and endowments for public works.

Question 4

Mother of Caliph

Answer 4

Highest position both in terms of authority, power, and wealth

Question 5

Harem Administration

Answer 5

• Complex and elaborate structure with administrative responsibilities
• Stewardess similar to the Caliph’s vizier
• Eunuchs due to status had access to the harem and the caliph
• Staff was in the thousands

Question 6

Princes

Answer 6

• Appropriately educated and trained (mother involved)
• Rivalry was a major possibility
• Declared successor before Caliph’s death
• Potential for conflict and civil war, e.g. Al- Amin & Al- Ma’mun in 810 CE

Question 7

Viziers

Answer 7

• Status of caliph elevated effecting accessibility
• This, along with complexity of administration, lead to viziers.
• Vizier was the 2nd/3rd most powerful authority
• Viziers should be “men of the sword” and “men of the pen.”
• Vizier of delegation; almost same powers as the caliph.
• Vizier of execution: not seen as independent
• Vizier tends to an elite and wealthy
• Potential opposition or controller

Question 8

Administation in Baghdad

Answer 8

• Along with vizier, judge (qadi) and general (amir) or Sheikh of commanders.
• Bureau of taxes, Accounts Office, Chancery, police department, court of appeals.
• Postal and security department deigned to serve interest of caliphate
• Revenue
• Revenue used by provinces and Baghdad.
• Collected via contracts

Question 9

Postal and security department

Answer 9

• Swiftness not bettered until the telegraph
• Spy network
• Helped with transportation for troops.

Question 10

Revenue included

Answer 10

• Zakat from Muslims used in charity
• Jizyah from non- Muslims males based on wealth
• Land Tax
• Tariffs

Question 11

Governors - wali

Answer 11

• First, mainly members of the Abbasid family.
• Then, drawing from local power families
• Then, more from the Military
• Governors sometimes supplemented by amil (taxation officers)
• Governors also working with qadis and ulama’
• In addition, standing military and other ministries