Baghdad in the 4th/10th century (Topography, social structure, daily life)

Baghdâd, which was established by Abû Ja'far al-Manṣûr in 149/766 in the west bank of the River Tigris, had become a center of science, art, culture and trade for centuries. Except Sâmarrâ period [221-279/766-892], it remained as 'Abbâsid capital from its establishment to the Mongol invasion in 1258. In the beginning of the 4/10th century, the Round City [madîna al-mudawwara] established by the 'Abbasid caliph al-Manṣûr had lost its central feature. The caliphs after Mu'taḍid had settled in the palaces on the east side of the city. Such a radical change that occurred in the beginning of this century had resulted in the movement of the population density and the settlement to the east side, which had also continued during the Buwayhid period after 334/946. This change in the public works and the housing had affected ethnic, religious and social groups. The decline in the political, economic and constitutional structures had formed the mother lode of these changes in the social life. From 324/935, entrusting of the administrative, financial and military powers of the caliph to commander-in-chiefs of the army [amîr al-umarâs] brought about a rivalry amongst the influential elements. Thus, this rivalry triggered the invasion of Baghdâd by the Buwayhids. This oppression over the caliphate had originated a breaking point in the many areas, such as in the rules and regulations of the 'Abbasid court, the appointments to the high-level offices and the administrative-financial structures. Therefore, a familiar 'Abbâsid caliph's profile disappeared, such as the caliph al-Râḍî's profile, who governed personally the army and finance, sat with his courtiers [nudamâ'], distributed them presents and gifts, and dressed like his predecessors. All these events provoked an important transformation in the daily life practices, ranging from costume to food and drink, from hunting to indoor and outdoor games.