The Turks of Samarra HIST /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 ) – 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 ) 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