Arbitrary Practices Towards Caliph Al-Mutawakkil (232-247 AH / 845-861 CE) as Mentioned in the Book "Al-Mukhtasar Fi Akhbar Al-Bashar" by Abu Al-Fida (732 AH / 1331 CE)

Abstract

The assassination of Caliph al-Mutawakkil marked the initiation of a political conspiracy devised to eliminate an Abbasid caliph. This event underscored the extent of arbitrary practices suffered by the Abbasid caliphs during the era of Turkish influence (232-334 AH/843-945 AD). The Turkish leaders employed various tactics to diminish the role and prestige of the Abbasid caliphs, reducing them to a state akin to captives under their authority. They appointed and dismissed caliphs at will, weaving intricate conspiracies against them, notably targeting Caliph al-Mutawakkil, who fell victim to such plots. Consequently, this led to their dominance over the cornerstones of the Abbasid caliphate until the advent of the Buyids in 334 AH/945 AD.