Critical Review of John Donohue’s Perspective on Political Reasons for the Establishment of the Buwayhids in Iraq

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Hussein Zarepoor ¹
• Abbas Aghdassi ²
• Taher Babaei ²
• Hamidreza Sanaei ²

¹ M.A. Graduate, History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

² Assistant Professor, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

10.22067/jhistory.2023.83695.1238

Abstract

The emergence of a power structure unequal with the power of caliphate in the beginning of the fourth century A.H./10^th century A.D. marked a distinctive era in the history of Islam. The Buwayhids in Iraq managed to dominate the caliphate for more than a century with characteristics that seemed foreign to a great majority of the population under its rule, and by means of following shrewd policies and taking advantage of the special conditions prevailing in the domain of caliphate at the time. The dynasty exerted significant influence upon various aspects of the Islamic civilization, including administrative institutions and scientific advancements, especially in Shīʿī religious sciences. This study critically revisits John J. Donohue’s views vis-à-vis the political reasons behind such unpredictable domination. Despite enumerating some reasons related to the essential characteristics and policies implemented by the Buwayhids, Donohue mainly emphasizes the specific conditions of the caliphal territory at the time of their rise to power. This paper has attempted to offer alternative views by critically comparing Donohue’s perspectives with some primary sources and recent scholarship. The stability of the Buwayhids, despite the failures of governments like the Zīyārīds, is mostly attributed to their inherent characteristics and implemented policies.

Keywords

• John Donohue
• History of Islam
• Buwayhids in Iraq
• Emirate
• Abbāsīd caliphate

Main Subjects

• Political History of Islam

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