Military consultations in the Abbasid era (232-334 AH / 847-946 AD)

Abstract

This study placed significant emphasis on the Abbasid Caliphate and its military institutions concerning consultation. They focused on the selection of army elements, the choice of leaders, campaign maneuvers, and movements during their duties. This attention was due to the direct correlation between the success or failure of this institution in performing its duties and the strength or weakness of the military establishment. While the Abbasids heavily relied on military force as a means to attain power, this force did not necessarily represent their tool in dealing with the various circumstances and developments witnessed during their rule. After establishing the foundations of their rule, they realized that the military could not indefinitely enforce their authority over the nation. They recognized that resorting to it was contingent upon extreme necessities. The decisions and stances of the caliphs appeared to represent the caliph's will and reflect their perspective, conflicting with the decision-making mechanisms adopted by most Abbasid caliphs during this period. The exclusivity of opinion was not something one could bear sole responsibility for. The caliphate faced numerous challenges internally and externally, leading to a critical juncture in its fate. Therefore, we divided the study into two sections: the first addressed revolutions and opposition movements, while the second focused on military mutinies and princes' rebellions.