Rise of the Fatimid Empire - Research Paper Example

The Running Head: Fatimid Empire     Your name:   Course name:             Professors’ name: Date: Table of Contents Founder Rise of Fatimid Empire Location of Fatimid Emperor Number of rulers Important events and activities Area they covered Centuries they ruled Opinion of Fatimid Emperor Their Defeat Existing Monuments Bibliographies Founder The establishment of Fatimid Dynasty introduced a new era in the Islamic world, because the dynasty was introducing a new social-political order that had already existed in other dynasty1. Caliphs who ruled over Fatimid kingdom apart from having personal ambitions of expanding their territory, they believed that they were the custodian of Islamic faith and as result of this, they brought forward new intellectual and religious philosophy that was able to transform and renew Islamic faith to their followers all over Middle East. The caliphs who led the Fatimid dynasty refused to give in to Abassid caliphs, because they were descendant of Prophet Muhammad daughter (Fatima), they believed they were true Imams by descent who were chosen by God, also they believed they were the rightful heads of Islam2. Rise of Fatimid Empire There are many reasons that led to the expansion of Fatimid dynasty: the Dawats who were Ismaili missionaries spread effectively the kingdom propaganda, at same time they had their own structure and hierarchy, Their main responsibility was to create new Ismaili theology, but at same time to carry out missionary work amongst the Muslim people and lastly to champion Fatimid cause of expanding its territory. Their religion doctrine was important and was included in their political system because they knew it was a powerful weapon to fight the Abbasid survival. There were many religion and ideological conflicts between Fatimids and Abbasid, that why they formulated and elaborated their creed and accorded it a prime importance in North Africa region. Some noted authors came as results of these missions for example Hamid al-Din as-Kirmani and Fi’l-Din al-Shirazi; they also acted as chefs of these missions. Formulation of ideology was not enough to help them in expansion of their dynasty, but there were more work left in disseminating these ideologies. Highly trained and well educated missionaries from this dynasty were sent to other regions to disseminate these ideologies. Colleges and libraries were created in Egypt to train their missionaries and how to give instructions to new converts that embraced their ideology. Some of these colleges were Darul Hikmah and Al-Azhar which were both found in Cairo, these libraries contained books of great writers and Quran manuscript which were easily accessed3. At present Al-Azhar still retains its stature as one of the greatest university in Islamic world and still flourishes in Cairo. Many people from Sunni lands were admitted to these colleges; there were converted and thought the ideology of Fatimid dynasty and when they returned to their countries they were proponents of Ismaili message and workers for Fatimid cause in those countries. On such renowned person was Nasir-i-Khusraw who was a Persian poet and a philosopher, he was converted to Ismailism and started preaching Fatimid ideology in Iran and Central Asia, through him he won many followers in these areas4. Fatimid ideologies were appealing to different type of population, during this time many people in Islamic world felt Islamic community was going astray and many new leaders were needed to restore the community to its rightful path. For the Muslims intellectuals they brought a message of that comprehensive explaining the universe, and lastly for those people who rebelled their ideology, there was a well organized mechanism which was supported by the rich and powerful rulers in other parts of the religion5. On the sea, Fatimids had one of the powerful naval force, with that they were able to control the Red Sea and eastern part of Mediterranean Sea. The profit which was realized from controlling trade in these regions was used to expand their empire. Their naval force also controlled and protected the coastal line and major sea routes from pirates that were being used by commercial traders; thus, Cairo became a transshipment point in the world. The Fatimid emperor continued to enjoy great profits as results of their naval forces. In most commercial activities that were undertaken by Fatimids, vigorous religious propagandas were also promulgated. For example the city of Guajarati in India it came into being as results of propaganda and became the great Ismaili community of India. Their supremacy was made possible because they had knowledge of astronomy and world geography6. Location of Fatimid Emperor This was a dynasty of Arabic caliphs (909-1171), the foundation of this kingdom can be traced to the daughter of Prophet Muhammad who was called Fatima. The kingdom was established in North Africa at a region known as Ifriqiyah; present nation Tunisia. The dynasty came into being when Berbers led by the Prophet daughter waged a war against the Aghlabid dynasty and their aim was to establish a kingdom which will follow the Ismailian Shiite principles of social equality and justice which is found in Islamic faith. Before the establishment of Fatimid Dynasty, there was other rulers in that part of Africa who were independent of Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad- this was a powerful dynasty in the Middle East. But their founder were Sunni Muslims who recognized caliph as the head of the Islamic community, on the other hand Fatimids led the other religious movement- Ismaili Muslims- but they were determined to overthrow the being of religious and political order that was in the Islamic faith. The Fatimids they did not want to recognize even Abbasid caliph, because they believe they were custodian of Islamic faith and they wanted to succeed the Abbasids. By mid 10th century they were the rulers of all North Africa and Sicily7. In the 9th century, Fatimid dynasty was established in many parts of the world; as a result of preaching a doctrine of revolution against the Sunni order and the Abbasid states. After unsuccessful for many years fighting the Abbasid and Sunni Muslims, they managed to set a permanent base in Yemen were they were able to conquer other tribes and religion in North Africa. For the better part of half-century Fatimid authority ruled in North Africa and Sicily, but they had to experience many problems because many of their subjects were Sunnis Muslims; some minority groups were Kharijites. These groups did not accept easily the doctrine that was being promulgated by the Ismaili, thus offering resistance to them. After they succeed in oppressing these resistances, they managed to set a vast empire; and Egypt was there heart of their dynasty. Apart from conquering Egypt and Sicily, they were able to expand their territory to other regions such as: Red Sea coast of Africa, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Hejaz, Mecca and Medina. Controlling the latter two cities i.e. Mecca and Medina gave Fatimid dynasty advantage because they were able to exploit the annual pilgrimage in spreading of their ideology. Number of rulers Al Mahdi (910-934) was the first Imam of the Fatimid dynasty he was able to trace back genealogic origins far back to the Prophet Muhammad daughter Fatimah; through Husayn who was Prophet Muhammad grandson. During those his reign he faced severe persecution by the Abbasid realm in Baghdad. But through an extremely trustworthy system of information that he was able to gather, it helped him greatly because he was able to update himself on the development which took place in North Africa and it surrounding regions; these information helped him to create Fatimid dynasty. Al Mahdi, After establish his headquarter at Salamiyah he began conquering towards north-western Africa, at that time this region was under Aghlabid rule. But he was greatly helped by his chief dai, Al-Shi'I propaganda to conquer Berber tribes of North Africa. At his time of death his dynasty reached Morocco, as well as Egypt and this was in 920. The second in power was Al-Qaim (895); who succeeded his father Al Mahdi, he was made heir to the throne after his father in 912. Through him he succeeds in putting down several revolts against his dynasty, but he was defeated in trying to enter Egypt by Abbasids and this was on two occasions between 914-915 and 919-921 respectively. In 934 he was able to re-conquest Sicily, Byzantine province of Calabria and some part of Italy and France, 944 to 947 his realm got a revolt from Abu Yazid who united the Kharijite Berber tribes who were found in the eastern part of Algeria, in 946 he died8. The third in power was Ismail (913-953), he succeded after the death of his father. His realm was in a lot of crisis because of the revolts of Abu Yazid (943-947). But years later when the rebels became weaker, Ismail was able to oppress the revolt against his dynasty, and this was through the help of Berber Zirids. Ismail was only concern himself with the reorganization of the Fatimid state until his death9. The fourth in power was Al- Muizz (953-975) he was able to establish his caliphate in Islamic world, but he is widely remembered for his tolerance towards other religions and was liked by his Jewish and Christians subjects. He is given credit when he commissioned the invention of the first fountain pen because he wanted a pen which could not stain his hands or clothes10. The fifth in power was Al-Aziz (979-991) he is credited in strengthening his power in Egypt and Syria, but another notable development during his reign was that he was able to introduce foreign slaves to fight in his army. This was during the time when Berber troops from the Maghreb were taking control part of his dynasty in Carmathians; he drafted Turkish slave soldiers into his army (mamelukes). Through his government Jews and Christians acquired important posts but his inner cycle grumbling as results of non believers given important post in the government. And through him Al- Azhar University (988) was formed. Ahmad al-Musta’li was the 9th Fatimid Caliph but in Ismaili religion was the 19th Imam. But during his reign, his brother Nizar was considered to be rightful heir to the dynasty. His brother tried a revolt; he did not succeed. During al-Mustali reign he was able to establish the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Tripoli and Antioch, but his power was reduced in Syria and Palestine. The 10th in power was Al-Āmir bi'Aḥkāmi l-Lah (1096–1130), but was recognized as the 20th Imam by Ismaili Shi'a sect. the caliph had little influence in politics but after he overthrow al-Afdal (1121) he was able to gain control of the government. But at same time his reign was marred by the loss of key towns; Nizari and the Musta‘liyyah. After his death there was power struggle but eventually his cousin Al-Hafiz gain control of Fatimid dynasty11. Important events and activities The ethnic based army fought many wars and won almost all the wars they participated in, it reached a time when this army started to have negative effects on the politics and traditions of Fatimids. The Turkish element in this army grew more powerful and started to challenge the Fatimids emperor, in the year 1020 some riots took place inside the ethnic based army which was mainly compromised of African troops and they were fighting against the alliance formed between the Berber and Turks and this led to a collapse of part of Fatimid emperor. In 1060s, famine was experience in Egypt and this led to different ethnic’s armies breaking from the main army. There was decline in resources because of the famine which was experience that year and this led to outright civil war because the army which was mainly consisting of Black African fought with Turks army. This led to Turk army succeeding in seizing most of Cairo and the Caliph who was in charge was held at ransom12. Area they covered They managed to set a vast empire; and Egypt was there heart of their dynasty. Apart from conquering Egypt and Sicily, they were able to expand their territory to other regions such al-Mustansir as: Red Sea coast of Africa, Syria, Palestine, Yemen, Hejaz, Mecca and Medina. Controlling the latter two cities i.e. Mecca and Medina gave Fatimid dynasty advantage because they were able to exploit the annual pilgrimage in spreading of their ideology13. Centuries they ruled This was an Islamic dynasty which reigned in North African and later in Egypt; they are believed to have reigned from 909 until 1171. Fatimid reached the Zenith of their power when (1036-94) was the caliph; during this period the dynasty enjoyed peaceful relations with the Byzantines and they cooperated with the Turks to conquer other regions. But from mid 12th century the dynasty begun to crumble internally and most of powers which the caliphs enjoyed at that time were lost. Therefore, it was easier for Saladine to end the rule of Fatimid dynasty in 1171. Opinion of Fatimid Emperor The caliphs who led the Fatimid dynasty were not only a successful solders or politician, but they were also great world leaders, at once spiritual leaders and imperial leaders. These caliphs represent the emergence of new power in the North Africa and the whole of Middle East; they were young, fresh and fresh in contrast to their opponents. The advert of Fatimid dynasty marked a new era in the history of Egypt and Islam religion14. The role of Egypt in North Africa was vastly increased and totally transformed, and this was because the new masters in charge of these areas were moved by more than personal ambition; they wanted to transform and renew Islamic movement and this why they did not want to submit to the Abbasid caliphs. To Fatimids; Abbasid caliphs were not true imams because they were the wrong doers and usurpers. But only they were true Imams, by descent and Gods chosen ones who were the sole rightful heads of the whole Islamic people. The Fatimids thought they were there by rights and by all means they would take the Abbasid power by force15. For Fatimid to achieve their goals and ambitions; just like the Abbasids, they appealed to all Muslim faithful that Islamic faith has taken wrong path, and the only people who could restore it to the true one is the Fatimids. Like Abbasid again, they had to create secret mission that would enable them to preach their ideology. The Abbasid in the beginning had to establish themselves in the remote province of Khursan; the same way applied to Fatimids who concentrat At present, we call ideology; organizing a system and adopt ideas that will enable a certain people to propagate their cause. Islamic regimes did not have ideology other than Islam itself. The Fatimids caliphs did not force it on people or even espouse it but allow it within reasonable limits the coexistence of other tribes and religion, for example Christians and Jews were allowed to hold position in the Fatimid dynasty. Their Defeat There are many reasons which lead to the failure of the Fatimid dynasty, the first one was their reason to adopt and retain a religious doctrine which was unacceptable to Sunni Muslims who were majority at that time. While the coming of Sunni crusaders indirectly sealed its fate. In North Africa the Fatimids achieved successes, for example they succeed in conquering North Africa, but in other part of the world they experience setbacks, for example in Palestine and Syria apart from the local opponents that were involved in fighting, they also faced major attacks from outsiders, for example the European crusaders. It was in Syria when they experience a delay in advancing to the East, It was in Syria a new power arose, and it was in Syria which destroyed the Fatimid dynasty16. There was growing discontents in the Fatimid dynasty; the early caliphs enjoyed full personal control of the government. The Fatimid army increased in power, however, cracks was begun to be seen when fractional differences was noted among the Berber, Turkish, Sudanese and Nubian troops that serve in the Fatimid army. This was a factor which led to the downfall of al Hakim (996–1021); he was partly to be blamed because of his behavior. Badr and those after him were able to save the Fatimid state from collapse for nearly a century. After some time in Syria the Fatimid army suffered defeat after defeat, and his following was reduced to insignificance. Throughout the dynasty there was some opposition, which was led by Ḥasan-e Ṣabbāḥ they did not want to recognize the new caliph and they broke off relations with the authorities in Cairo. The last 4 caliphs did not have power and influence, they just controlled local Egyptian dynasty and this was in the year 1171. Existing Monuments Water collection system that was constructed at Bir al-Udhine, Fatimid dynasty thought of the need to supply water to the capital and palaces. When the Fatimid Dynasty took power in Egypt the built many impressive building that was showing how powerful they are, such buildings is Al-Azhar Mosque in their new capital, Cairo which was built in 908 AD. Highly trained and well educated missionaries from this dynasty were sent to other regions to disseminate these ideologies. Colleges and libraries were created in Egypt to train their missionaries and how to give instructions to new converts that embraced their ideology. Some of these colleges were Darul Hikmah and Al-Azhar which were both found in Cairo, these libraries contained books of great writers and Quran manuscript which were easily accessed. At present Al-Azhar still retains its stature as one of the greatest university in Islamic world and still flourishes in Cairo17. Bibliographies Ali, Mumtaz. “Ismaili Flag - Fatimid Period” Encyclopedia of Ismailsm, Last modified 2008, http://www.positivearticles.com. Bauer, Wise. The history of the medieval world: from the conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade.New York: W. Norton, 2010 Contadini, Anna. Fatimid art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. University of Michigan: V & A Publications, 1998. “Fāṭimid Dynasty.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified 2010. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/202580/Fatimid-dynasty Walker. Paul. “Exploring an Islamic Empire: Fatimid History and its Sources,” last modified 2002, http:// http://www.iis.ac.uk Read More