Islam / Caliph / Abbasids /
'al-mansūri bni muhammad
(712-775) Caliph of Islam 754-775, belonging to the Abbasid Dynasty.
Mansur was a clever leader, but used ruthless means to secure control over the caliphate. When he became caliph, the Abbasid Dynasty was only 4 years in the making. How grave he saw the challenges is reflected in him having the commander of his army, Abu Muslim, murdered, simply from the fear of a future revolt. He also made sure that his son had his position as heir tightly secured.
Mansur encouraged conversion into Islam. During his 21 years in power, the number of Muslims in the empire rose from 8% to 15%.
Mansur's main achievement is clearly the founding of Baghdad. He needed a safe and stable centre for his administration. As most alternative cities were in the hands of specific tribes or groups, a new city was the only way of securing loyal subjects.
712: Born in Humaymah, Syria.
750: Mansur's brother, as-Saffah becomes caliph for all of the Muslim territory. Mansur assists him in killing many potential challengers within the movement.
754: With the death of as-Saffah, Mansur becomes new caliph.
Mansur's uncle, Abdullah, revolts against the caliphate of Mansur, claiming it for himself. The commander of the Abbasid army, Abu Muslim, suppresses the revolt.
755: Has Abu Muslim killed. Mansur feared his popularity, and saw him as a potential future threat to the Abbasid caliphate.
Sunbadh of Khorasan rebels in protest of the killing of Abu Muslim; Mansur defeats the rebellion.
757: Suppresses the Rawandiyah Muslims who claimed that Mansur himself was god.
762: Founds and starts building Baghdad.
767: A group supporting a self-acclaimed prophet is crushed by Mansur's forces.
775: While on his way to Mecca to perform hajj dies Mansur. His was buried in an unmarked grave, to defend it from his enemies. He is succeeded by his son, al-Mahdi.