The Turks of Samarra HIST 1007 101413 What

The Turks of Samarra HIST 1007 10/14/13

What is Slavery?

Slavery outside the Americas • Some form of slavery has been attested for practically every human civilization around the globe. • American slavery is unique in its scale and its treatment of slaves.

Society with Slaves vs. Slave Society

Forms of Slavery • Domestic slavery • State slavery – Soldiers – Bureaucrats – Janissaries • Temple slavery • Economic slavery – Plantation slavery – Debt slaves • Concubines

Slavery and Status • Pre-modern societies built on institutionalized inequalities • Very few people (if anyone) “free” – Conscription – Corvée labor – Serfdom • Enslavement may offer upward mobility • Attachment to elite households or state institutions offer protections • Code of Hammurapi

Slave Soldiers • (Not entirely) unique institution in Muslim World • Origins in mercenary militias, elite bodyguards • Practice continues into 19 th century – Janissaries – Ottoman Empire – `Abid al-Bukhari - Morocco • Why use slaves as soldiers? Ottoman Janissaries

Aftermath of the `Abbasid Civil War • Changing face of `Abbasid elites • Khurasani Persians over Abna al-Dawla • Realization that elites are fickle and expect certain concessions • Abu Ishaq `Abbas b. Harun al-Mu`tasim (r. 833 -842) – al-Ma’mun’s younger brother and successor • 815 – al-Mu`tasim begins purchasing Turkish slaves from Central Asia

The Turks before al-Mu`tasim • Pastoralist nomads • Inner Asian steppe • Raid and trade relationship • Iran and Turan • Mercenaries • Occasional conquest of cities and towns Early 20 th century photos of Central Asian Turkic pastoralists

Inner Asian Steppe

Why Turks? • Outsiders – no independent networks within empire • Noted warriors – horseback archery • Khurasan and the steppe – proximity and existing slave trade

Turkish Slave Soldiers • 833 – al-Mu`tasim makes his Turkish guard the royal body guard and field army • Negative reaction from `Abbasid elites • Nomads in the city • Removing established elites from military positions • 836 – al-Mu`tasim founds Samarra

Surra man raa (all who see it are pleased) • Not meant to attract non-government residents • Essentially a large scale military encampment • Baghdad : Samarra as New York : Washington • Turkish commanders given land • Turkish soldiers are given wives • Non-Turkish branches of military also allotted space The Mosque of al-Mutawakkil, Samarra

Turkish Commanders • Ashinas, Khaqan, `Urtuj, Wasif, and Itakh • Administrative positions – Governorships – Positions that required close proximity to the caliph (chamberlain, cup bearer, etc. ) • Iqta` – Land grants Ashinas parlaying with rebels

Are They Really Slaves? • Mamluk – “property” or “owned” • Ghulam – can mean young servant or entourage, primarily slave soldiers • Ashinas – Turkish prince • Khagan – same root as khan • Itakh – former cook? • 847 – 2 of 5 people involved in choosing new caliph are Turkish slave generals

High Noon in Samarra • Caliphal Fiction • Is Samarra a prison? • An `Abbasid fifth generation? • al-Mutawakkil Ja`far b. al-Mu`tasim (r. 847 -861) • Attempts to limit power of Turks • 849 – Itakh imprisoned and killed… little reaction

High Noon in Samarra 861 – Confiscation of Wasif’s estates Give them to al-Fath b. Khaqan Second generation Turks Dec. 11, 861 – al-Mutawakkil and al-Fath killed by bodyguard after night of drinking • Turkish slave soldiers dictating succession and policies of caliphs • Rising conflict between Turkish and non-Turkish elites • • Abu Dulaf Mosque, Samarra