In the previous article, we resumed giving glimpses on the life of Pope Youssab I, fifty-second patriarch, thus reaching his departure in 849 A.D. Then, we spoke of Caliph Harun al-Wathiq Bellah, the ninth Abbasid Caliph, whose tenure lasted for about five years and nine months. It is said that the Turkish became quite influential in all the state’s affairs. So much so that historians call the era from 232 to 334 Hijri (847-946 A.D.) the Turkish Era.
The Turkish Era
During this era, which lasted for about two centuries, the Turkish were had absolute authority in all the state’s affairs. In fact, they would appoint or oust whoever they wished. Likewise, they controlled the administrative, financial, and military affairs of the state, which led the Royal family to resorts to the Turks to ascend the throne. Hence, conspiracies increased, thus, leading to the demise of the Abbasid State.
Likewise, seditions and riots spread throughout the state. At that time, twelve caliphs reigned. The first was Ja’far al-Mutawakil ‘lallah, al-Mu’tasim’s son, and the last was Ibrahim al-Muttaqi lellah. Historians maintain that two of them were killed, five ousted, and the rest passed away.
As for Egypt and her proconsuls during al-Wathiq’s tenure, we have spoken about Ali bin Yahya, the Armenian (226-228 Hijri) (841-843 A.D.) who was the Pisin’s deputy and ruled Egypt during the last years of al-Mu’tasim’s tenure as well as during al-Wathiq’s tenure who reassigned him the country’s affairs. Yet, this did not last for a long time, as al-Wathiq deposed Ali bin Yahya, appointing Eissa bin Mansur in his stead, only to rule Egypt for a second term.
Eissa bin Mansur (228-233 Hijri) (843-847 A.D.): Second Term
Eissa bin Mansur bin Mussa al-Rafiqi ruled Egypt for a second term after the deposition of Ali bin Yahya, the Armenian, the Pisin’s deputy. He came to Egypt at the onset of 229 Hijri (843 A.D.) and resided at the princely house. Soon afterwards, the Pisin die. This was in 230 Hijri (844 A.D.) He had been appointed by al-Mu’tasim proconsul of Egypt. Likewise, he was granted the privilege to appoint whoever he wished proconsul of Egypt.
Caliph al-Wathiq appointed the Turkish prince Itakh proconsul of Egypt, after the Pisin’s death. Itakh reassigned Eissa bin Mansur the country’s affairs. Thus, he became Itakh’s deputy. This continued until the death of al-Wathiq in 232 Hijri (847 A.D.), to be succeeded by his brother al-Mutawakil.
Al-Mutawakil asked Eissa to make Egyptians pledge allegiance to him. Yet, no sooner than this had been fulfilled, than Eissa was deposed and Hartamah was appointed in his stead. Thus, Eissa bin Mansur ruled Egypt for about four years and three months and a half. Some historians maintain that he was, “a good, sensible, and knowledgeable prince who ruled wisely. His was a prosperous tenure. He was appointed proconsul once by the Caliph, and another time as the Pisin’s deputy.”
During his tenure, certain incidents took place like al-Wathiq’s confiscating the money of the minister’s scribes and imprisoning them, as well as his assigning Itakh Yemen’s affairs (apart from Egypt’s), which is why the latter sent a deputy. Likewise, many earthquakes alighted upon the Levant, leading to many people’s death.
Caliph al-Mutawakil (232-247 Hijri) (847-861 A.D.)
Ja’far al-Mutawakil ‘lallah is tenth Abbasid caliph. He took over the affairs of the Abbasid State after the death of his brother, al-Wathiq. Many historians assert that al-Wathiq did not make al-Mutawakil close to him during his caliphate, as he did not like him. So much so that he put al-Mutawakil under two men’s surveillance and ordered them to report his actions to him.
Yet, as al-Wathiq died without appointing anybody heir apparent, statesmen assembled, together with the Turkish leaders to see to choosing the new caliph. Having discussed the matter, some suggested appointing al-Wathiq’s son caliph, but the Turkish leaders did not accept it due to his minority. So, one of them suggested Ja’far, al-Mu’tasim’s son. In effect, they brought him and assigned him the state’s affairs.
Historians have no common opinion regarding al-Mutawakil’s character: for some praised him, while others disparaged him. Yet, they agreed that his was the era of the Abbasid state’s demise, for he left her affairs for his commanders and ministers. As for those who praised him, they asserted, “All of al-Mutawakil’s attributes were good, with the exception of his furious disposition. He started his caliphate by applying the Prophet’s sayings (Sunnah) and alleviating the plight. He was virtuous, eloquent, and generous.”
On the other hand, a historian maintains that, “Al-Mutawakil was so cruel and unjust that historians called him ‘Nero of the Muslims” Likewise, the state’s conditions worsened during his tenure: for bribery spread amongst proconsuls and employees. Yet, he put an end to the religious discrimination against Muslims which spread during his predecessors’ tenures. However, he “persecuted the other sects, deprived them from civil service, chased them fiercely, and compelled them and their slaves to wear a special attire in 235 Hijri (850 A.D.) Likewise he prevented them from riding horses, and compelled them to put on their houses’ facades pictures of Satan! Additionally, he prohibited them from building high-storey tombs and sending their children to Muslim’s schools. Also, he ordered the demolition of the churches which were built throughout the state and prevented Muslims from educating their children side by side with those of Jews or Christians. This he publicized in all the provinces between 235 and 239 Hijri (850 and 854 A.D.)
The State’s Affairs
Al-Mutawakil appointed several ministers. In fact, two months after the start of his tenure, he had chief minister Mohammed bin Abdul Malik al-Zayyat (previously appointed by his brother al-Wathiq) arrested, along with his family, and tortured him to death. Likewise, he appointed Ahmed bin Khalid minister, then got upset with him and confiscated a lot of his money. It is also said that al-Mutawakil appointed Yahya bin Aktham minister of justice, having got upset with Ahmed bin Dawoud and his son, confiscated their property and imprisoned them until their death! What a story! Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
