Muhammad bin Tughj Al-Ikhshid

Who was Muhammad bin Tughj Al-Ikhshid?

Muhammad bin Tughj Al-Ikhshid was the founder of the Ikhshidid dynasty of Syria and Egypt, ruling the country from 935 until his death.

Being a Turkic Mameluke he was appointed governor of Syria and Egypt in 935, and was given the title of Ikhshid in 937, the name he gave to his dynasty, hence the last term in his name. This title allowed him to rule somewhat independently of the Caliphate.

Bin Tughj purchased Abu al-Misk Kafur as a slave in 923 and, recognising the slave's potential, made him a tutor to his children and a military officer. Eventually, al-Misk gained so much power that he succeeded bin Tughj.

On his coins he is usually cited as Muhammad al-Ikhshid.