Ikhshid

The Ikhshid was a dynasty of Iranian origin that ruled Egypt and parts of Syria from 935 to 969. The founder of the dynasty, Muhammad ibn Tughj, was granted the title "Ikhshid" by the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad, a title meaning "prince" or "king" in Sogdian, indicating his noble lineage. The Ikhshid rose to power amidst the fragmentation of the Abbasid Caliphate, establishing de facto independence while nominally recognizing the caliph's suzerainty.

Under the Ikhshid rulers, Egypt experienced a period of relative stability and economic prosperity. They maintained administrative structures, promoted trade, and oversaw important public works. The dynasty's rule was characterized by a complex relationship with the Fatimid Caliphate, which was growing in power in North Africa. The Ikhshidid military, composed of various ethnic groups including Turks, Sudanese, and Berbers, was crucial in defending their territories against both internal dissent and external threats.

The Ikhshid dynasty faced internal power struggles and succession disputes, which weakened its authority over time. By the mid-10th century, the Fatimids launched their conquest of Egypt. In 969, the Fatimid army entered Fustat, the capital of the Ikhshidid state, effectively ending the dynasty's rule and ushering in the Fatimid era in Egypt. The Ikhshid legacy is primarily remembered as a significant period of regional autonomy in Egypt prior to the Fatimid conquest.