An overview of social structure in the Abbasids in the IX. and X. centuries

The Abbasid State experienced its most glorious period in the 9th and 10th centuries and became an important political, social and cultural center of that period. Despite the existence of social classes that were shaped all of the civilization, especially in the center of Baghdad, people have lived together as a whole. Many factors in social life have determined the lifestyle of the Abbasid society. Abbasids have learned something from every society in their region where they made progress. All cultural factors they learned, they went on as their legacy. This interaction has brought along many social and cultural developments. Abbasids made progress especially in some fields like architecture fine arts, music, poem and literature. The Abbasid State maintained their life standard in the highest level in 9th and 10th centuries. Abbasids managed to became superior against different nations by dominating to wide geography. Thus, Abbasids became one of the most popular states of that period in wealth and abundance by creating a synthesis with different nations. Different nations such as Arabs, Persians and Turks who were living within the Abbasids, have played a great role in determining the social and cultural characteristic of the society. In Abbasid society where social classes existed, slavery was a notable segment. In Abbasid geography nations like Christians and Jews made up the non-muslim segment that existed in the social stratum of civilization. Not only did Abbasids come into prominence with their social differentiation but also they succeeded to come into prominence with lots of issues like lifestyle, science and art which they contributed in. The Abbasids produced lots of artworks especially in field of architecture. Social prosperity and weath brought scientific and cultural developments with it. The Abbasids contributed many things to the Islamic civilization with their progress in poetry and literature. The Abbasids, who pioneered the development of music, made it an inseparable part of social life. The Abbasids who had a strong economy, lived in prosperity and tolerance. Especially, The Abbasids enabled many nations to live together in peace with their religious tolerance. The religious tolerance of Abbasid state was the most prominent aspect that distinguished it from other states. Medieval civilization was in a more aduanced level than many world civilizations during the Abbasid period. In the fields such as scientific developments, language, religion, literature, geography, philosophy, history, fine arts and so on, Arab success reached its peak with the Abbasids. Key words: Abbasid State, Baghdad, Social Structure, Architecture, Culture, Poetry and Literature, Music.