alMutasim

alMutasim was the eighth Abbasid Caliph, reigning from 833 to 842 CE. He is known for his military campaigns and his patronage of scholarship. Born around 796 CE, he was the son of Caliph al-Ma'mun and a Byzantine slave woman named Marajil. This mixed heritage may have influenced his later policies regarding the employment of non-Arab soldiers.

A significant aspect of alMutasim's reign was the shift in the Abbasid military. He greatly increased the number of Turkish slave soldiers, known as Mamluks, in his army and administration. This policy, while initially aimed at strengthening the caliphate, eventually led to a significant increase in Turkish influence within the government and contributed to future political instability. He moved the capital from Baghdad to a new city called Samarra, primarily to house his growing Turkish guard and to distance himself from the political factions in Baghdad.

In terms of military activities, alMutasim continued the Abbasid tradition of campaigning against the Byzantine Empire. He achieved a notable victory at the Battle of Anzen in 838 CE. He also dealt with internal revolts, including the rebellion of Babak Khorramdin in Azerbaijan.

AlMutasim was also a patron of science and learning, continuing the translation and scholarly activities initiated by his predecessors. The House of Wisdom in Baghdad flourished during his time. He died in Samarra in 842 CE, and his reign marked a transition in Abbasid military composition and a geographical shift in the center of power.