Al-Mu'tazz

Who was Al-Mu'tazz?

Al-Mu'tazz was the title of the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad from 866 to 869, during the "Anarchy at Samarra". Placed upon the throne by the Turks, he proved but too apt a pupil of his Turkish masters. He became the caliph at 19 he was the youngest Abbasaid Caliph to assume power. He was surrounded by parties each jealous of the other. At Samarra, the Turks were having problems with the "Westerners"; while the Arabs and Persians at Baghdad, who had supported al-Musta'in, regarded both with equal hatred. Al-Mu'tazz was thus surrounded by people who were ready for plot or treachery whether against each other or against al-Mu'tazz:—a poor justification, however, for the course of betrayal and bloodshed which he, not less than they, pursued.

First he put to death the former Caliph al-Musta'in. Then his own brother Al-Mu'eiyyad, being next heir to the throne, was also cruelly put to death. Also another brother, Abu Ahmed, who had bravely led the troops in the late struggle on his side, was thrown into prison. The Turks attempted his release, but al-Mu'tazz, the more alarmed, resolved on his death. He was smothered in a downy robe; and the body was then exposed before the Court, as if, being without mark of violence, he had died a natural death.