Table of Contents

List of Maps and Illustrations Acknowledgments Introduction The Turkish Soldiers of Samarra The Samarran Turks in Modern Scholarship The Original Sources 1. The Initial Period The Appearance of the Guard Al-Ma'mun: The Consolidation of Authority Conclusion 2. The Settlement at Samarra Al-Mu'tasim and the Departure from Baghdad The Settlement at Samarra 3. The Samarran Political Arena The Influence of the Turkish Leadership The Onset of Anarchy 4. The Exercise of Authority The Sources of Influence The Reaction to Turkish Authority Conclusion--A Waning Presence Al-Muwaffaq's Hour The Turkish Rank and File Musa ibn Bugha and the Turkish Leadership A Final Anecdote Appendix A. Retainer Forces in Early Islamic History Appendix B. Notable Families of Turkish Origin Ibrahim ibn al-Abbas al-Suli and Family Azjur and Family Juff ibn Yaltekin and Family Khaqan 'Urtuj and Family Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author

Matthew S. Gordon is Assistant Professor of History at Miami University, Ohio.

Reviews

"This book fills a crucial gap in the study of the early Islamic caliphate. Gordon weaves together the first complete political history of the Samarra caliphate, and as such places the subject within the mainstream of academic study and within reach of the general reader. Although focused on Samarra, the book has broader implications, especially in the way it addresses questions that relate to military-slave systems and their effect on state institutions. Gordon's treatment will occupy a special place in the debate over the origins of this institution, and will engage scholars ranging from Islamic historians working on the later medieval period to specialists on Turkish history in general." - Tayeb El-Hibri, University of Massachusetts, Amherst "Gordon for the first time tries to understand the internal society of the Turks and how they fitted into the society around them. The book is full of information and insights." - Michael L. Bates, Curator of Islamic Coins, American Numismatic Society