Political, economic, and social life in Baghdad in the process leading to the rule of Buwayhids (279-334/892-945)

The first half of the 10th Century marked a significant turning points in the history of the Abbasid Empire (132-656/750-1258). The robust power of its absolute Caliphs and extensive borders was wobbled again just as in Samarra years. The Abbasids were at the onset of uprisings due to socio-economic problems in its capital, Baghdad. As they are agonizing the increase of riots and demands for independence in its peripheries, the state authorities were seriously damaged, and a rapid dissolution prevailed. Though these problems were temporarily resolved with the measures taken by Mu'tazid and his son Muktefi, a stretch of a rapid decline of authority followed with Muktadir. Consequently, the period from Mu'tazid moving the capital to Baghdad to the Buwayhids taking over Baghdad (279-334 / 892-945) saw the Abbasid experiencing complicated political, economic, and social upheavals. This study aims to probe the factors that led to Buwayhids seizing the Abbasid's central authority, Baghdad. The analysis made, determined that some policies implemented by the Abbasid rulers have dragged both the state and its people into an unresolved turmoil. The unsustainable policy of Mu'tazid granting the regional leaders the right of independence, though initially appearing beneficial in running State financial and administrative matters, drastically failed. The case of giving state lands to bureaucrats, administrators, commanders, and rich people as allowances, also jeopardized the economy. These developments floundered Abbasid Empire, leading to Buwayhids overrunning Baghdad whose Social-political and economic stability was disrupted.