The evaluation of the factors affecting the negative perception of the Umayyads

The Umayyads are the name of the period between the Rashidun Caliphs Period and their successors, the Abbasids, and the dynasty that undertook the administration of the Islamic State during this time. The political, religious and social events that took place in this period are among the most important events in the history of Islam. Umayyads were subjected to a wide study in many subjects such as their coming to Caliphate, their understanding of administration, the political and social events that took place during the period, and the relations of state administrators with religion. Therefore, there is a large literature presenting information about the period, from classical historical sources to studies of the modern period. In addition, in a significant part of the written material that provides information or evaluations about the period, it is seen that there is a negative opinion and representation towards the Umayyad period and dynasty, based on the factors mentioned above. The absence of a similar attitude about other Muslim dynasties and periods, necessitates reconsidering the factors that were effective in the formation of the said opinion. In this study, the existing historiography about the Umayyads and the negative perception that occurred in relation to it will be evaluated. The historical events and phenomena that are effective in the formation of this perception and opinion will be examined together with the historical context they belong to, by establishing a cause-effect relationship. Therefore, in terms of historical methodology, it is aimed to question the existing source acquis about the Umayyads and the perception of history formed by the evaluations made on them.