Mark Simeon

Justifying the Fall of Baghdad

Ibn Kathirs documentation of the Tartar attack on Baghdad was horrific. Like the
Seljuks, the Tartarswho are also known as the Mongolsare very skilled fighters. The
Mongols were brutish, nomadic pastoralists, but, unlike the Seljuks, they had no respect for
Islamic culture. The Mongols were constantly invading and pillaging, destroying all that is in
their wake. Proud and powerful warriors, they took over a large amount of the Abbasid Empire.
The Islamic world was very prideful in the fact that they say they are the final and true religion,
that if everyone was a Muslim, the world would be at peace. However, having the Mongols
create ruins out of their empire caused panic. Similarly to the murder of Ali, it was devastating to
see such loss. The question is always raised, that if Islam is the ultimate religion, one that will
bring peace to the world, how can the justify killing others and misfortunes? Ibn Kathir explains
the fall of Baghdad through multiple justifications, whether it be Allahs will, or betrayal.
Hulegu Khan infiltrated Baghdad with 200,000 men; they attacked the city without
mercy, and destroyed everything in their path. The Empire, not knowing how to handle such
powerful attacks, decided to try to spare themselves and surrender. Lord Mosuls auxiliaries
attempted to give them goods in order to try to save themselves. Out of fear of the incoming
attacks, they sent several gifts and offerings in order to prevent their despair. To no avail, the
Mongols still prevailed and destroyed Baghdad. This was all justified under God. Ibn Kathir
prays for the condemnation of the auxiliaries, and states that Gods will is always carried out.
Therefore, because God wishes, Baghdad must fall. However, the destruction of Baghdad can be
put to fault of the auxiliaries and Mosul, as despite their attempts of defense with mangonels and
onagers, they failed their attempt because their fear and willingness to give the Mongols gifts and
such to help get away led to the looting and pillaging, as it showed weakness.

Additionally, the Baghdads fall was attributed to betrayal. Vizier, Ibn al-Alqami, was a
Shiite, despite living in the Sunni rule of the Abbasids. Due to the difference in beliefs, Ibn alAlqami directed Hulegu Khan to not spare the Caliph; as he believed that peace would never last
and to quicken the process. That being said, documents are personal accounts of events, so there
is possible bias. This may very well be a fake account as Ibn Kathir could very well want to
frame the Shiites and put them in a bad light. However, the Mongols are harsh and ruthless, and
showed no mercy to the people of Baghdad. Ibn al-Alqamis statements also exemplified
weakness to the Mongols, only further justifying their actions and instigating further attack, as it
shows weakness and impotence, making Baghdad an easy target for the Mongols. Ibn alAlqamis downfall is also that of the auxiliaries and Mosul, his attempt to ingratiate causes their
demise. As opposed to fighting and resisting head on, Ibn al-Alqami and Mosul and his
auxiliaries, try to befriend the opponent, and much like how the betrayed their people by doing
so, the Mongols betrayed them and did not stop despite their attempt.
Baghdad falling was a tragedy. With libraries burned, historical centers brought to the
ground, and academies destroyed, a lot was lost. It is hard to imagine how much further society
could have been moved today if the Mongols have not destroyed all the artifacts during their
conquests. That being said, the Abbasid loss is heavily due to their wrongs. Betraying the Umma
and giving in to the Mongols only lead to their demise, while the Mongols were mighty warriors,
fighting them instead of attempts to sway them to spare the city is a much better option. That
being said, their failure in defending the empire must be justified. The decree of god and the
betrayal of the Shiite vizier were their excuses in losing their city. Gods plan is often used as an
excuse to justify actions, and while the story of Ibn al-Alqami is possible, the fact of the matter is
that the Mongols are strong and ruthless warriors that would not have stopped at anything to

bring Baghdad down. All in all, the document, while describing a major tragedy, only tries to
justify their loss and protect the image of the Abbasid Caliphate.

Hello, I am Mark Simeon the CEO of Noelle. A clothing company, centered in fort
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