Location & Building of Baghdad
History: KS3, topic 3.3.1
Location and Building of Medieval Baghdad
Al-Mansur, Caliph of the Islamic Empire in the 8th century, built Baghdad as the centre of the empire in 762. The architecture of Baghdad helps historians understand the Muslim World.
Al-Mansur
- The Muslim World was broken into different caliphates.
- Al-Mansur was the Caliph, the religious and political leader, of the Islamic Empire from 754-775.
- He was a member of the Abbasid dynasty, the line of rulers who led the empire from 750-1258.
- He was announced as Caliph on his way to Mecca in 753, after the death of his predecessor As-Saffah.
- Al-Mansur killed one of the military generals in fear of his power and popularity with the people.
Background
- The Islamic Empire stretched from India to Spain.
- Al-Mansur founded the new imperial residence and palace city Madinat as-Salam to consolidate (secure) his power. The city's name translates to 'the city of peace'.
- This became the core of the imperial capital of Baghdad and Baghdad became the capital of the Muslim world in 762.
Location
- Baghdad was on the western bank of the River Tigris, an ideal defensive and trade location.
- The city was protected by a double-thick defensive wall, with four gates for entry and exit.
- These gates were called Kufa, Syria, Khorasan, and Basra. Their roads all led to a different part of the empire.
- Baghdad was located on the Silk Road, a group of trade routes that allowed China to trade with the Middle East and Europe.
The Silk Road
- Fine silks and spices from India and China were traded in Baghdad. This shows Baghdad was connected to other areas of the world.
- Baghdad's location also allowed it to easily transport items to and from the centre of the Islamic Empire.
- People could easily travel along the routes and settle in the empire. The city was populated by diverse religious and cultural groups, including Christians and Jewish people.
Buildings
- A million people lived in Baghdad in the 10th century. Al-Mansur wanted the city to act as a solid centre for the caliphate.
- Baghdad saw lots of development and innovation during Al-Mansur's rule.
- Mosques were built regularly, showing both Al-Mansur's devotion to Islam and his desire to expand Baghdad. The city became one of his biggest achievements.
- His rule was largely peaceful as he focused on reform, agriculture, and developing the sciences.
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How far did the Islamic Empire stretch?