The Catastrophe of Barmakids - Causes and Consequences

Abstract

Abstract: Many historians have expressed varying opinions about the origin of the Barmakid family, including Ibn Khallikan and Al-Mas’udi. However, the prevailing view is that the Barmakids were of Persian origin, descended from Magians in the city of Balkh. Some historians, however, have traced their lineage back to Arab ancestry. The Barmakids played an important role in the establishment of the Abbasid Caliphate. When the Abbasid call to revolt began in Khorasan, Khalid ibn Barmak was one of its most prominent advocates and among the leading commanders of Abu Muslim al-Khurasani in his battles against the Umayyads, until power was transferred to the Abbasids. Khalid ibn Barmak was described as a strict and capable administrator, maintaining a close relationship with the Abbasid caliphs. Caliph Al-Mansur admired him, appointed him among his viziers, and honored him by entrusting him with important governorships such as Azerbaijan and Armenia. Caliph Al-Mahdi also favored him and assigned him the task of educating his son, Harun Al-Rashid, whom he raised with great care. When Harun Al-Rashid ascended to the caliphate, he rewarded Khalid’s family generously, granting them authority over state affairs. The Barmakids soon came to dominate the ministries and bureaus of the Abbasid state, wielding vast power. However, it was not long before Harun Al-Rashid turned against them, feeling threatened by their growing influence. He gradually removed them from power and began to distrust Yahya ibn Khalid al-Barmaki. Several reasons led Harun al-Rashid to act against the Barmakids. Politically, the Barmakids had ambitions that posed a serious threat to the stability of the Abbasid state. Economically, they gained control over the state treasury and monopolized its resources, spending lavishly on themselves and in ways that suited their personal interests. Another reason was the accusation of heresy (zandaqa) and an alleged attempt to revive the ancient Persian religion. It was even said that they sought to bring fire into the Ka‘bah, turning it into a fire temple. There were also personal reasons related to Harun A-Rashid himself, most notably the widely circulated story of the relationship between his sister, al-‘Abbasah, and Ja’far ibn Yahya Al-Barmaki, which was surrounded by scandalous events recorded differently by various historians. Social factors also contributed to their downfall. The Barmakids had many enemies within the Abbasid court who fueled hostility between them and the caliphs. Their intrigues and growing influence alarmed Harun Al-Rashid, who began to feel that his authority was being usurped by them. Consequently, he took harsh measures, executed Yahya ibn Khalid, imprisoned many members of the family, and confiscated their wealth. Nevertheless, Harun al-Rashid soon regretted his actions. His conscience tormented him for what he had done to the Barmakids, given all they had contributed to the rise and strength of the Abbasid Caliphate. After their fall, the state’s administrative affairs deteriorated, postal and bureaucratic systems declined, and the Abbasids lost many experienced Barmakid commanders who had previously defended the empire’s frontiers and successfully subdued its enemies