Update: I may restart this tl soon, but before I do I would like to see who is interested in seeing it's return.
The Great Calamity: An Abbasid/Zanj rebellion tl
- Thread starter John7755 يوحنا
- Start date
I am interested? Should we make use of the like system and like the quoted post rather than populate the thread?
I would rather have actual posts so I can know in detail, but a like would suffice. Thank you.
So I am reviving this tl (it never died) and if you wish to freshen up then re-read previous sections starting at 1-3 (4, is just arguing). I hope to do justice, I have freshened up a little lately and am ready to pursue this again. I hope my English is better however lol. The year is 867 mind you, (Zanj rebellion has already occurred with no battles however).
In the lands to the East, the great Amir Ya'qub ibn Laith al-Saffarid had built after victories against the Zunbil, Ammar ibn Yassar and Abnurseh, gained the title of Muhjahid and the enemy of Jahil. Further, he has gained the support of the common people of Afghanistan and Sistan, he, defending them from the Khawarij of Ammar ibn Yassar and his relatively benevolent rule. As well, he gained the support of the former warriors of Zun, which formed a new wing of his army as Pashtun infantry, who now claimed the titles of Fida'yeen, this coupled with an alliance formed with the powerful general out of Ghazni, the Ayyar Ibn al-Mawsili.
While gaining the alliance with Ibn al-Mawsili, this was perhaps better termed a non aggression pact. Al-Mawsili was with his Ayyar army a remnant of the old Umayyad expansion of Islam past the Sassanid realms. He and his Ayyar Warriors ruled from Ghazni with a relative secular rule, as he and his soldiers cared little for religious differences and saw only the mighty Dinar as its ally and simply taxed its populace and due to this were at peace with the Zunbils through a series of tributes until Ya'qub al-Saffarid conquered them and set up his capital within their land. This thus, prompted al-Mawsili to align with Ya'qub. After all, the Ayyar factions in Ghazni, where seen as pro Umayyad and too autonomous by the previous ruler Muntasir and are viewed with suspicion by Mu'Tazz. Mawsili then signed the pact with Ya'qub at Qandahar, roughly joining the two as the powers of Afghanistan. The two then began deciding the plan for ending resentment in their nearby lands.
Mawsili would begin by suggesting an attack on the various Khawarij strongholds which remained in somewhat power around the tribal lands following the death of Ammar ibn Yassar. The largest of these strongholds was the Khawarij faction led by Rahman al-Salmani in the land of Karukh. Rahman had been a supporter of Ammar ibn Yassar but backed out after Ammar began murdering villagers in Sistan and preferred for himself to remain secluded from the outsiders and rule according to shariah. Previously he had battled Mawsili with victories against him, due to the numbers on his side, as his army could quickly gain power by villagers joining his force in droves. Mawsili with Ya'qub prepared to march upon Karukh in 867.
"Rahman al-Salmani, the enemy of Shaytan and the strong arm of Islam, bids you glad tidings. As you likely have heard, my alliance with the honorable ibn al-Mawsili is strong. We have crossed the land and gained the allegiance of many, our armies are made of zeal and supporters who seek death for the sake of the cause of Allah. We fight the jihad of truth and never transgress, further we are called by the Ummah to bring unity to a disunited land. Thus, we call you to either submit or face us on the fields of battle, to face our array. Remember too, the fate of Ammar ibn Yassar, the apostate, how he was slew for transgressing against the pillar of Sistan. Peace be to you, lest you demand the sword, Allah knows best and you know none." -letter from Ya'qub to Rahman al-Salmani
In response:
"Blessings to Allah and to his righteous followers, the world is his and all witness his glory at every turn. Greetings, O pillar, what great honor you have to send a letter, however bravery is better than honor, the brave and noble would arrive before me to announce an engagement. This is the term of the nobility in the times of old, surely you know this, yet likely, you and your allies have taken too much to the trappings of Fars. However, you, I must say, have at least given class to the thief Mawsili (let me say is name no more), he would ride to battle without a formal letter nor a meal.
In regards to your offer, know this... That I, in my position cannot surrender, for the people trust in me as their guard and I respect them. To allow foreign warriors into my realm, no matter the reputation will destroy my legitimacy. Thus I deny your request of surrender, yet accept the offer of peace, for it is not I who begin the calls of war, but you. I choose the hard road, that of diplomacy, to make such a request as you have made, is to give only the option of blood. Rejection of this is all that can be made, but as Allah demands, we must oppose the measure we recieve with the same and if the sword is given then so too will we rise with swords of fire and arrows of a wave, crash into us you cannot, we will cut a swathe through any who engages us, ask the corners of the earth of our resolve, they quake at our mention.
What a shame to achieve much and die dishonorably on the path of blood."
While impressed by the bravery of Salmani, Ya'qub with Mawsili invaded Karukh. In the battle of Karukh, the Khawarij army made up of battle hardened Muhjahid and village levies made a vicious defense around various teaches built and local fortresses. However the Saffarid army far outnumbering the Khawarij forces, overwhelmed them and captured Salmani after three days of skirmishes. In the negotiations, Salmani surrendered for his people seeking to stop the bloodshed, and demanded to be beheaded, but with the wish that his head not be displayed in Karukh but in Qabdahar as he did not want his people to be disheartened.
Ya'qub, a man of compassion, saw favor upon Rahman al-Salmani and pardoned him, especially after seeing the fierce general at battle. Salmani hesitantly agreed, but after Karukh was rewarded to him as his emirate, he boldly performed Bay'yah to Ya'qub. All this angered the Ayyar al-Mawsili.
As word travelled, great calls were heard across Fars as Ya'qub's fame swelled. The word was that Ya'qub had defeated another Khawarij in alliance with the Ayyars and the people of Bactria were giving him Bay'yah and recanting their allegiance to Mu'Tazz. People from all around were amazed at this, the hope of a new ruler free from the Turks or the Mu'Tazila. In the courts of Baghdad, Mu'Tazz, a young but wise ruler, was worried, even his tutor and virtual father Assad al-Wathiq became fearful for his young ruler, he also doubted the Abbasid military prowess to assert its authority over the new Saffarid power to the east.
Bugha al-Saghir, still famed for his skill, was boldened by the events and called for an invasion of Fars to demand allegiance from Ya'qub. Assad al-Wathiq continued to to preach caution:
"Honorable Amir, Ya'qub's intentions are still unknown and this Bayait he has revived is dubious. We have no evidence that he accepted such Bayait and this could all be here say from a rebellious and wishful people in Fars. As well, let him have such autonomy for now, as we can manipulate him and use him to our needs, let the people of Fars rebel and allow him to quell such enemy."
Mu'Tazz accepts the advice of Assad and calls Bugha to calm himself and not act so brash. Mu'Tazz rightly notes that sending an army to Fars will push Ya'qub to full fledge rebellion, but if left alone, could give his loyalty to us or less favorably be defeated by inner struggles.
While in the south, Dibaj after gaining more allies to his cause, crosses the Dujayl from the plantations and sets up a large camp. From this camp slaves and Bedouin and Khawarij revolutionaries make their way into, using the Dujayl as a defense they prepare for an attack by the local authorities.
Thanks for reading, and I'm excited to continue writing. Any questions or requests can be asked
.
In the lands to the East, the great Amir Ya'qub ibn Laith al-Saffarid had built after victories against the Zunbil, Ammar ibn Yassar and Abnurseh, gained the title of Muhjahid and the enemy of Jahil. Further, he has gained the support of the common people of Afghanistan and Sistan, he, defending them from the Khawarij of Ammar ibn Yassar and his relatively benevolent rule. As well, he gained the support of the former warriors of Zun, which formed a new wing of his army as Pashtun infantry, who now claimed the titles of Fida'yeen, this coupled with an alliance formed with the powerful general out of Ghazni, the Ayyar Ibn al-Mawsili.
While gaining the alliance with Ibn al-Mawsili, this was perhaps better termed a non aggression pact. Al-Mawsili was with his Ayyar army a remnant of the old Umayyad expansion of Islam past the Sassanid realms. He and his Ayyar Warriors ruled from Ghazni with a relative secular rule, as he and his soldiers cared little for religious differences and saw only the mighty Dinar as its ally and simply taxed its populace and due to this were at peace with the Zunbils through a series of tributes until Ya'qub al-Saffarid conquered them and set up his capital within their land. This thus, prompted al-Mawsili to align with Ya'qub. After all, the Ayyar factions in Ghazni, where seen as pro Umayyad and too autonomous by the previous ruler Muntasir and are viewed with suspicion by Mu'Tazz. Mawsili then signed the pact with Ya'qub at Qandahar, roughly joining the two as the powers of Afghanistan. The two then began deciding the plan for ending resentment in their nearby lands.
Mawsili would begin by suggesting an attack on the various Khawarij strongholds which remained in somewhat power around the tribal lands following the death of Ammar ibn Yassar. The largest of these strongholds was the Khawarij faction led by Rahman al-Salmani in the land of Karukh. Rahman had been a supporter of Ammar ibn Yassar but backed out after Ammar began murdering villagers in Sistan and preferred for himself to remain secluded from the outsiders and rule according to shariah. Previously he had battled Mawsili with victories against him, due to the numbers on his side, as his army could quickly gain power by villagers joining his force in droves. Mawsili with Ya'qub prepared to march upon Karukh in 867.
"Rahman al-Salmani, the enemy of Shaytan and the strong arm of Islam, bids you glad tidings. As you likely have heard, my alliance with the honorable ibn al-Mawsili is strong. We have crossed the land and gained the allegiance of many, our armies are made of zeal and supporters who seek death for the sake of the cause of Allah. We fight the jihad of truth and never transgress, further we are called by the Ummah to bring unity to a disunited land. Thus, we call you to either submit or face us on the fields of battle, to face our array. Remember too, the fate of Ammar ibn Yassar, the apostate, how he was slew for transgressing against the pillar of Sistan. Peace be to you, lest you demand the sword, Allah knows best and you know none." -letter from Ya'qub to Rahman al-Salmani
In response:
"Blessings to Allah and to his righteous followers, the world is his and all witness his glory at every turn. Greetings, O pillar, what great honor you have to send a letter, however bravery is better than honor, the brave and noble would arrive before me to announce an engagement. This is the term of the nobility in the times of old, surely you know this, yet likely, you and your allies have taken too much to the trappings of Fars. However, you, I must say, have at least given class to the thief Mawsili (let me say is name no more), he would ride to battle without a formal letter nor a meal.
In regards to your offer, know this... That I, in my position cannot surrender, for the people trust in me as their guard and I respect them. To allow foreign warriors into my realm, no matter the reputation will destroy my legitimacy. Thus I deny your request of surrender, yet accept the offer of peace, for it is not I who begin the calls of war, but you. I choose the hard road, that of diplomacy, to make such a request as you have made, is to give only the option of blood. Rejection of this is all that can be made, but as Allah demands, we must oppose the measure we recieve with the same and if the sword is given then so too will we rise with swords of fire and arrows of a wave, crash into us you cannot, we will cut a swathe through any who engages us, ask the corners of the earth of our resolve, they quake at our mention.
What a shame to achieve much and die dishonorably on the path of blood."
While impressed by the bravery of Salmani, Ya'qub with Mawsili invaded Karukh. In the battle of Karukh, the Khawarij army made up of battle hardened Muhjahid and village levies made a vicious defense around various teaches built and local fortresses. However the Saffarid army far outnumbering the Khawarij forces, overwhelmed them and captured Salmani after three days of skirmishes. In the negotiations, Salmani surrendered for his people seeking to stop the bloodshed, and demanded to be beheaded, but with the wish that his head not be displayed in Karukh but in Qabdahar as he did not want his people to be disheartened.
Ya'qub, a man of compassion, saw favor upon Rahman al-Salmani and pardoned him, especially after seeing the fierce general at battle. Salmani hesitantly agreed, but after Karukh was rewarded to him as his emirate, he boldly performed Bay'yah to Ya'qub. All this angered the Ayyar al-Mawsili.
As word travelled, great calls were heard across Fars as Ya'qub's fame swelled. The word was that Ya'qub had defeated another Khawarij in alliance with the Ayyars and the people of Bactria were giving him Bay'yah and recanting their allegiance to Mu'Tazz. People from all around were amazed at this, the hope of a new ruler free from the Turks or the Mu'Tazila. In the courts of Baghdad, Mu'Tazz, a young but wise ruler, was worried, even his tutor and virtual father Assad al-Wathiq became fearful for his young ruler, he also doubted the Abbasid military prowess to assert its authority over the new Saffarid power to the east.
Bugha al-Saghir, still famed for his skill, was boldened by the events and called for an invasion of Fars to demand allegiance from Ya'qub. Assad al-Wathiq continued to to preach caution:
"Honorable Amir, Ya'qub's intentions are still unknown and this Bayait he has revived is dubious. We have no evidence that he accepted such Bayait and this could all be here say from a rebellious and wishful people in Fars. As well, let him have such autonomy for now, as we can manipulate him and use him to our needs, let the people of Fars rebel and allow him to quell such enemy."
Mu'Tazz accepts the advice of Assad and calls Bugha to calm himself and not act so brash. Mu'Tazz rightly notes that sending an army to Fars will push Ya'qub to full fledge rebellion, but if left alone, could give his loyalty to us or less favorably be defeated by inner struggles.
While in the south, Dibaj after gaining more allies to his cause, crosses the Dujayl from the plantations and sets up a large camp. From this camp slaves and Bedouin and Khawarij revolutionaries make their way into, using the Dujayl as a defense they prepare for an attack by the local authorities.
Thanks for reading, and I'm excited to continue writing. Any questions or requests can be asked
.The rise of al-Muhtadi (guided by Allah)
In the courts of Baghdad and Samarra, Turks and scheming Mu'Tazila have ruled through the various rulers and Arab generals and clerics have in general been scorned or accepted their lesser status of power. The court of Mu'Tazz was no different, ruling with the assistance of Assad al-Wathiq and Bugha al-Ashgar, created a very insular regime. However, due to his classical teaching and high learning, Mu'Tazz became a relatively wise and prudent ruler, whilst being idealistic and lacking practicality. This however, allowed him to be different than previous Abbasid rulers in how he accepted past decisions and spurned general corruption. Thus, Mu'Tazz's regime, in accordance with Mu'Tazila expectations, increased the number of Arab generals and admitted more into his court as allies.
One of which, that became a favorite, was his cousin al-Muhtadi. Muhtadi being around the age of 35 became known for his virtue and strict adherence to Islam. Wearing a long flowing beard and traditional robes and turban, he spurned the flash of the Abbasid in favor of the old ways. He proved his skill in several skirmishes against Shi'i in the lands of Syria and even led a force in attacking al-Qummi of the new Qummayid sultanate of Dunqula, having taken much booty from there and from Anatolia. He was also seen as an ally of the Mu'Tazila as he supported the overthrow of al-Musta'in and favored Mu'Tazz over any other competitors.
He was appointed with high roles in the Abbasid army during the 868 military reform by Mu'Tazz, which saw the structures of military command go as such, a head of general command which was the co-war leader for any war effort with the caliph and lesser positions.
General of command: Bugha al-Asghar, the general of Baghdad and the main architect of the Mu'Tazz regime, who was the strongest of the Mamluk faction and the most elder having killed Musta'in and Musa ibn Bugha.
Lesser generals of new prestige became as followed:
Al-Muhtadi, an Abbasid prince of great piety and strength. Covered earlier.
Abu l-Saj Devdad, a Sogdian prince of Tocharian origin. He led forces in battles against the Khurramites during Babak Khan's reign and due to his Tocharian ancestry, a fabled horseman with skills with a bow whilst also practicing in battle with the mace. His exploits and long service as a commander gave him much praise from Mu'Tazz who elevated him to the same level as his former master al-Afshin also known as Haydar al-Khuwus who fought in the early Abbasid periods.
Masrur al-Balkhi, an Iranian general famed for his loyalty to the Abbasid throne. Descending from warriors who originally fought for the Abbasid revolution, he was seen as the pinnacle of loyalty.
Ju'lan al-Turki, a Turkish horseman known for his fierce light cavalry. He quelled numerous rebels and defeated many Khurramites and Shi'i heretics in Fars and Ahvaz. He also was famed for his intense slave raids into Central Asia, where he held connections. However, he was seen as characterless and bland, as well as a niche power with his only real skill open field battle.
Sa'id ibn Salih al-Hajib, a general hailing from Fallujah, a Turkish-Arab general. He was known especially for his bold and brash personality, as well however for his effective leadership in terms of logistics.
Mansur ibn Ja'far al-Khayyat, an exceedingly intelligent general. Known for being trained and tutored primarily by Mu'Tazila.
Bughraj al-Turki, a Mamluk slave with a fierce skill with a bow. He was known to be very loyal and strong headed. While also being a brave warrior, during his tour against the Khurramiyah he never backed down from battles.
Abu Ahmad Talha al-Muwaffaq, an Abbasid prince known for his extreme military prowess. Seen as a fierce competitor with his younger brother Mu'Tamid, to the Abbasid throne. Despite his strength, he was give great titles due to the idealism of Mu'Tazz.
Muflih al-Turki, a Mamluk general of great age and skill. He was present during the reign of Bugha al-Kabir and participated in battles against the Kurds and Byzantines.
Tashtimur al-Turki, another Mamluk, known for his ability in offensive attacks and noted warrior.
Ishaq ibn Kundaj, a prominent Turkish General from Northen Iraq. Know for his political prowess more so than sheer battle skill.
Isa ibn al-Shaykh al-Shaybani, a Palestinian strongman, given general pier by the Abbasids and tasked with control over the Christian Armenia.
Sa'id ibn Yaqsin, the governor of Ahvaz and prestigious general. However this was mostly inconsequential, as he was secretly a cowardly individual who preferred luxurious life than his supposed military post.
Ibrahim ibn Sima, a fearsome Turkish General from Fars. He was known for his skill in battle serving within the Turkish faction since a youth as an archer.
As well, the general Ya'qub ibn Layth al-Saffarid was given the title of emir of Hindustan and Bactria. With al-Mawsili also gaining titles. These titles were obviously means to keep the rebellious duo quiet and relatively loyal.
In Iraq, a man by the name of Musawir ibn Abd al-Hamid, a land owner in Ninewah becomes enraged at the impridonment and murder of his son. He in his anger gathers support among Bedouin and Kurds in the area and leads a mob to al-Haditha and murders the chief of police and publicly kills and flogs several officers and constables. After his act of defiance any reconciliation had been lost and therefore as if over night, Musawir becomes a revolutionary calling the peoples of the neighboring area to assist him in an overthrow of the Abbasid throne.
To the astonishment of the Abbasid powers, this rebellion grows greatly in strength within a short time, taking on former rebels from the Kurds, Christians, Khawarij and disaffected Arab tribesmen. As well, amazingly Musawir distinguished himself as a fearsome general in attacking the city of Hulwan, where he slayed the inhabitants and took 500 heads to his camps. In response the Abbasid government already hard pressed with the Saffarid potential threat begrudgingly sent a detachment to Hulwan to attack Musawir and tasked the governor of Armenia and native strongman Isa ibn al-Shaykh al-Shaybani to head the war effort to kill Musawir who quickly was put on bounty as a radical Khawrij rebel.
In the same year, Dibaj at the Dujayl having gained a large number of slaves and Khawarij revolutionaries, learned of an incoming army of plantation owners and tribal levies, seeking to take Dibaj's head. One of the greatest achievements of the Zanj was their skill in scouting using better knowledge, they were able to catch enemies off guard just as the original Arab armies did to Sassanid and Byzantine armies.
Thus with knowledge and numbers, the completely under armed Zanj army brutalizes the unprepared local army and kills all but 20 of the several hundred attackers. The weapons of the fallen enemies is then taken as their own. This result gains the attention of the local government of Basra which begins to make moves to quell the Zanj forces.
Next update we get more and more in depth with the Zanj, Saffarids and Musawir's rebellion.
In the courts of Baghdad and Samarra, Turks and scheming Mu'Tazila have ruled through the various rulers and Arab generals and clerics have in general been scorned or accepted their lesser status of power. The court of Mu'Tazz was no different, ruling with the assistance of Assad al-Wathiq and Bugha al-Ashgar, created a very insular regime. However, due to his classical teaching and high learning, Mu'Tazz became a relatively wise and prudent ruler, whilst being idealistic and lacking practicality. This however, allowed him to be different than previous Abbasid rulers in how he accepted past decisions and spurned general corruption. Thus, Mu'Tazz's regime, in accordance with Mu'Tazila expectations, increased the number of Arab generals and admitted more into his court as allies.
One of which, that became a favorite, was his cousin al-Muhtadi. Muhtadi being around the age of 35 became known for his virtue and strict adherence to Islam. Wearing a long flowing beard and traditional robes and turban, he spurned the flash of the Abbasid in favor of the old ways. He proved his skill in several skirmishes against Shi'i in the lands of Syria and even led a force in attacking al-Qummi of the new Qummayid sultanate of Dunqula, having taken much booty from there and from Anatolia. He was also seen as an ally of the Mu'Tazila as he supported the overthrow of al-Musta'in and favored Mu'Tazz over any other competitors.
He was appointed with high roles in the Abbasid army during the 868 military reform by Mu'Tazz, which saw the structures of military command go as such, a head of general command which was the co-war leader for any war effort with the caliph and lesser positions.
General of command: Bugha al-Asghar, the general of Baghdad and the main architect of the Mu'Tazz regime, who was the strongest of the Mamluk faction and the most elder having killed Musta'in and Musa ibn Bugha.
Lesser generals of new prestige became as followed:
Al-Muhtadi, an Abbasid prince of great piety and strength. Covered earlier.
Abu l-Saj Devdad, a Sogdian prince of Tocharian origin. He led forces in battles against the Khurramites during Babak Khan's reign and due to his Tocharian ancestry, a fabled horseman with skills with a bow whilst also practicing in battle with the mace. His exploits and long service as a commander gave him much praise from Mu'Tazz who elevated him to the same level as his former master al-Afshin also known as Haydar al-Khuwus who fought in the early Abbasid periods.
Masrur al-Balkhi, an Iranian general famed for his loyalty to the Abbasid throne. Descending from warriors who originally fought for the Abbasid revolution, he was seen as the pinnacle of loyalty.
Ju'lan al-Turki, a Turkish horseman known for his fierce light cavalry. He quelled numerous rebels and defeated many Khurramites and Shi'i heretics in Fars and Ahvaz. He also was famed for his intense slave raids into Central Asia, where he held connections. However, he was seen as characterless and bland, as well as a niche power with his only real skill open field battle.
Sa'id ibn Salih al-Hajib, a general hailing from Fallujah, a Turkish-Arab general. He was known especially for his bold and brash personality, as well however for his effective leadership in terms of logistics.
Mansur ibn Ja'far al-Khayyat, an exceedingly intelligent general. Known for being trained and tutored primarily by Mu'Tazila.
Bughraj al-Turki, a Mamluk slave with a fierce skill with a bow. He was known to be very loyal and strong headed. While also being a brave warrior, during his tour against the Khurramiyah he never backed down from battles.
Abu Ahmad Talha al-Muwaffaq, an Abbasid prince known for his extreme military prowess. Seen as a fierce competitor with his younger brother Mu'Tamid, to the Abbasid throne. Despite his strength, he was give great titles due to the idealism of Mu'Tazz.
Muflih al-Turki, a Mamluk general of great age and skill. He was present during the reign of Bugha al-Kabir and participated in battles against the Kurds and Byzantines.
Tashtimur al-Turki, another Mamluk, known for his ability in offensive attacks and noted warrior.
Ishaq ibn Kundaj, a prominent Turkish General from Northen Iraq. Know for his political prowess more so than sheer battle skill.
Isa ibn al-Shaykh al-Shaybani, a Palestinian strongman, given general pier by the Abbasids and tasked with control over the Christian Armenia.
Sa'id ibn Yaqsin, the governor of Ahvaz and prestigious general. However this was mostly inconsequential, as he was secretly a cowardly individual who preferred luxurious life than his supposed military post.
Ibrahim ibn Sima, a fearsome Turkish General from Fars. He was known for his skill in battle serving within the Turkish faction since a youth as an archer.
As well, the general Ya'qub ibn Layth al-Saffarid was given the title of emir of Hindustan and Bactria. With al-Mawsili also gaining titles. These titles were obviously means to keep the rebellious duo quiet and relatively loyal.
In Iraq, a man by the name of Musawir ibn Abd al-Hamid, a land owner in Ninewah becomes enraged at the impridonment and murder of his son. He in his anger gathers support among Bedouin and Kurds in the area and leads a mob to al-Haditha and murders the chief of police and publicly kills and flogs several officers and constables. After his act of defiance any reconciliation had been lost and therefore as if over night, Musawir becomes a revolutionary calling the peoples of the neighboring area to assist him in an overthrow of the Abbasid throne.
To the astonishment of the Abbasid powers, this rebellion grows greatly in strength within a short time, taking on former rebels from the Kurds, Christians, Khawarij and disaffected Arab tribesmen. As well, amazingly Musawir distinguished himself as a fearsome general in attacking the city of Hulwan, where he slayed the inhabitants and took 500 heads to his camps. In response the Abbasid government already hard pressed with the Saffarid potential threat begrudgingly sent a detachment to Hulwan to attack Musawir and tasked the governor of Armenia and native strongman Isa ibn al-Shaykh al-Shaybani to head the war effort to kill Musawir who quickly was put on bounty as a radical Khawrij rebel.
In the same year, Dibaj at the Dujayl having gained a large number of slaves and Khawarij revolutionaries, learned of an incoming army of plantation owners and tribal levies, seeking to take Dibaj's head. One of the greatest achievements of the Zanj was their skill in scouting using better knowledge, they were able to catch enemies off guard just as the original Arab armies did to Sassanid and Byzantine armies.
Thus with knowledge and numbers, the completely under armed Zanj army brutalizes the unprepared local army and kills all but 20 of the several hundred attackers. The weapons of the fallen enemies is then taken as their own. This result gains the attention of the local government of Basra which begins to make moves to quell the Zanj forces.
Next update we get more and more in depth with the Zanj, Saffarids and Musawir's rebellion.
Last edited:
The return... After a hiatus, I will attempt to update this once a week at least, assuming I garner viewership. Please comment so I will know the current level of support and interest. Thank you for reading.
Refresh up on previous entries, I do not want to give a preface, there is already too much to cover.
The Beginnings of central conflict.
After defeating the group of Basran plantation holders and their levies near the Dujayl and Nahr al-Shaytan, Dibaj moves across the Dujayl and begins to move across the Sawad to local villages to garner support. In such he appeals to both Sunni, Shi'i, Khawarij and Murji'ah alike, lamenting upon the destitute Ummah before them, laid waste by the excesses of Baghdad and the evils of the previous al-Musta'sin and the now incumbent al-Mu'Tazz. Dibaj also demands freedom of the slaves in the region, claiming that all are useful in the creation of righteousness on earth.
The Zanj then spread out seeking support all throughout the Batihah Sawad up through Khuzestan spreading news of the rebellion and the liberation from the Abbasid.
"Let all know, the end is nigh for the vices of the era. Thus come a righteous era, within the fold of Islam. Let it be heard, all who join the army of Allah and renounce the Bayait of the hypocrite, will have a place with Allah, as The Messenger of Allah said:
'The best of all martyrs are those in the front line; they do not turn their cheek until slew. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of paradise, their Lord finding amusement in them. When your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for them.'
This to are the honorable warriors of your Caliph, al-Dibaj pillar of Islam, the chosen of the Shumaytiyya, Mujahid from afar and humble slave of Allah. Aslam Taslam, submit to the rightful caliph and be saved for judgement is upon the inactive." -the proclamation sent from Dibaj on the Dujayl to the villages of southern Iraq and Khuzestan.
People from around were amazed, never had a person come claiming a new caliph, they were astonished.
Muhallabi operated in Kufa hiding using Kitman and attempting to garner support from dissidents and lead travelling revolutionaries to the Batihah Sawad where Dibaj had begun his rebellion with emancipated slaves. One of these first two was the two famous Khawarij mercenaries, Ali ibn Aban and Muhammad al-Salm.
These two would form some of the first two hard generals for the new Zanj army.
The first marshal of the Zanj became Yahya ibn Muhammad al-Bahrayni, a Shi'i from Bahrain and a fearsome fighter. He had arrived in the area as an early follower of Dibaj's and zealous in his support of his master.
As the Zanj spread out, they began to battle in intermittent skirmishes all around the swamplands. At several occasions around the village of Shu'aiba Muhammad ibn Salm was dealt severe defeats due primarily to the numbers of Basran warriors involved. Muhammad ibn Salm after his defeat saught a strategy of garnering public support and under disguise saught to rule up a large number of villagers outside of Basra. However, Salm's speech was quickly rejected by the villagers who then mauled him and cut his head off, presenting it in the square of Basra.
Thus emboldening the Basran authorities, an army is gathered under the command of veteran sailor and moderate warrior Hammad al-Saji.
Hammad al-Saji's army then moved across towards the expected Zanj position near Basra, with hardened warriors and three galleys armed with sailors, including Hammad al-Sajj. His force however was watched, Zanj scouts seeing the Adan ace sported to Dibaj who prepared for the battle at hand.
As Hammad approached, Ali Ibn Aban led the main Zanj force and moved to engage Hammad al-Saji head on. Ali ibn Aban was tasked with this due to his fierce demeanor and yearning to revenge his ally Muhammad al-Salm. He also approached on foot signifying his courage and respect for ancient Arab battle etiquette.
Tasked with the sides, for an ambush, was Shibl al-Salam, a freed slave of Ethiopian origin, who kept his previous slave name but added salam or peace to his name, who manned the left and to the right Abu Layth al-Isbahani, an Iranian slave previously a Zoroastrian turned general.
To control the reserve was Dibaj himself who sat from behind. He was flanked by women and children armed with rocks and slingshots.
Approaching from the side on the edge was Zurayj al-Sawadi, a former slave known for his hatred and anger towards plantation masters. On his back was severe scars and mutilations inflicted upon him including a deep scar on his right eye. He proved himself early in the Zanj campaign by murdering his master in the fields at the command of Dibaj. He too the name Sawadi to signify his connection to the dark fields of southern Iraq (once the land of Sumer).
This would become the Yawm al-Shadhi or day of the Barges/battle of the barge. Hammad al-Saji seeing Ali ibn Aban moved to engage the enemy. As he approached, Ali ibn Aban deployed a sky tactic.
"Greetings, O Basran, approach toward I, face steel stained with blood of the Kuffar. Come, duel I, if you have need for prestige." -Ali ibn Aban
In response, Hammad al-Saji sprung forward to engage Aban, only to be struck by an arrow from the Zanj army. Awe struck by the deceit, the Basran army was then hit from both sides as the ambush was sprung, the forces of Isbahani jumped into the canal and attacking the galleys (hence the barge name), keeping the warriors on the galley from defending the army on the bank. On the other side Aban attacked from the front yelling "Allah alone commands" and Shibl al-Salam attacked and raged on the side.
The battle quickly turned to a complete rout and the Basran forces were bloodied beyond belief. Warriors fled into the water to be attacked by swimming and unarmored Zanj who drowned them in the water. Those who fled toward Basra were attacked by Bedouin and forces led by Zurayj al-Sawadi who killed them mercilessly taking no prisoners.
The survivors were killed immediately by the orders of Dibaj and beheaded. The heads were then placed on one of the galleys abd pushed toward Basra. Once it reached Basra, the authorities grieved and feared. They had lost the conflict and they knew it, fear bestruck the city as the realization that anytime they left the walls, the Zanj would hunt them down as dogs. A letter was then sent to Baghdad to demand aid from the Abbasids.
The letter would read:
"Greetings and blessings to Allah, the protector and keeper of the worlds, glory to Him and his rightful messengers. Further, rejoice in the command of his rightful caliphs to whom are the relayers of truth unto the earth and keepers of the house of the prophet (SAW).
O Amir, a great calamity has befallen the land of Basra. An army of slaves have rampaged the land, setting fire to the field and murdering your Ummah. These, claim to be the heirs of Yahya ibn Umar of Kufa and the rightful caliph. In accordance with our duties as Muslim, we endeavors to kill these transgressors, but by Allah we require assistance. Our people are fearful, as the enemy lurks.
The Ummah requires the force of it's master to bring transgressors to the sword and give equal measure for the blood of slain. Allah knows best and the will of the Caliph, I submit to."
Next time we will see the Abbasid reaction.
Refresh up on previous entries, I do not want to give a preface, there is already too much to cover.
The Beginnings of central conflict.
After defeating the group of Basran plantation holders and their levies near the Dujayl and Nahr al-Shaytan, Dibaj moves across the Dujayl and begins to move across the Sawad to local villages to garner support. In such he appeals to both Sunni, Shi'i, Khawarij and Murji'ah alike, lamenting upon the destitute Ummah before them, laid waste by the excesses of Baghdad and the evils of the previous al-Musta'sin and the now incumbent al-Mu'Tazz. Dibaj also demands freedom of the slaves in the region, claiming that all are useful in the creation of righteousness on earth.
The Zanj then spread out seeking support all throughout the Batihah Sawad up through Khuzestan spreading news of the rebellion and the liberation from the Abbasid.
"Let all know, the end is nigh for the vices of the era. Thus come a righteous era, within the fold of Islam. Let it be heard, all who join the army of Allah and renounce the Bayait of the hypocrite, will have a place with Allah, as The Messenger of Allah said:
'The best of all martyrs are those in the front line; they do not turn their cheek until slew. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of paradise, their Lord finding amusement in them. When your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for them.'
This to are the honorable warriors of your Caliph, al-Dibaj pillar of Islam, the chosen of the Shumaytiyya, Mujahid from afar and humble slave of Allah. Aslam Taslam, submit to the rightful caliph and be saved for judgement is upon the inactive." -the proclamation sent from Dibaj on the Dujayl to the villages of southern Iraq and Khuzestan.
People from around were amazed, never had a person come claiming a new caliph, they were astonished.
Muhallabi operated in Kufa hiding using Kitman and attempting to garner support from dissidents and lead travelling revolutionaries to the Batihah Sawad where Dibaj had begun his rebellion with emancipated slaves. One of these first two was the two famous Khawarij mercenaries, Ali ibn Aban and Muhammad al-Salm.
These two would form some of the first two hard generals for the new Zanj army.
The first marshal of the Zanj became Yahya ibn Muhammad al-Bahrayni, a Shi'i from Bahrain and a fearsome fighter. He had arrived in the area as an early follower of Dibaj's and zealous in his support of his master.
As the Zanj spread out, they began to battle in intermittent skirmishes all around the swamplands. At several occasions around the village of Shu'aiba Muhammad ibn Salm was dealt severe defeats due primarily to the numbers of Basran warriors involved. Muhammad ibn Salm after his defeat saught a strategy of garnering public support and under disguise saught to rule up a large number of villagers outside of Basra. However, Salm's speech was quickly rejected by the villagers who then mauled him and cut his head off, presenting it in the square of Basra.
Thus emboldening the Basran authorities, an army is gathered under the command of veteran sailor and moderate warrior Hammad al-Saji.
Hammad al-Saji's army then moved across towards the expected Zanj position near Basra, with hardened warriors and three galleys armed with sailors, including Hammad al-Sajj. His force however was watched, Zanj scouts seeing the Adan ace sported to Dibaj who prepared for the battle at hand.
As Hammad approached, Ali Ibn Aban led the main Zanj force and moved to engage Hammad al-Saji head on. Ali ibn Aban was tasked with this due to his fierce demeanor and yearning to revenge his ally Muhammad al-Salm. He also approached on foot signifying his courage and respect for ancient Arab battle etiquette.
Tasked with the sides, for an ambush, was Shibl al-Salam, a freed slave of Ethiopian origin, who kept his previous slave name but added salam or peace to his name, who manned the left and to the right Abu Layth al-Isbahani, an Iranian slave previously a Zoroastrian turned general.
To control the reserve was Dibaj himself who sat from behind. He was flanked by women and children armed with rocks and slingshots.
Approaching from the side on the edge was Zurayj al-Sawadi, a former slave known for his hatred and anger towards plantation masters. On his back was severe scars and mutilations inflicted upon him including a deep scar on his right eye. He proved himself early in the Zanj campaign by murdering his master in the fields at the command of Dibaj. He too the name Sawadi to signify his connection to the dark fields of southern Iraq (once the land of Sumer).
This would become the Yawm al-Shadhi or day of the Barges/battle of the barge. Hammad al-Saji seeing Ali ibn Aban moved to engage the enemy. As he approached, Ali ibn Aban deployed a sky tactic.
"Greetings, O Basran, approach toward I, face steel stained with blood of the Kuffar. Come, duel I, if you have need for prestige." -Ali ibn Aban
In response, Hammad al-Saji sprung forward to engage Aban, only to be struck by an arrow from the Zanj army. Awe struck by the deceit, the Basran army was then hit from both sides as the ambush was sprung, the forces of Isbahani jumped into the canal and attacking the galleys (hence the barge name), keeping the warriors on the galley from defending the army on the bank. On the other side Aban attacked from the front yelling "Allah alone commands" and Shibl al-Salam attacked and raged on the side.
The battle quickly turned to a complete rout and the Basran forces were bloodied beyond belief. Warriors fled into the water to be attacked by swimming and unarmored Zanj who drowned them in the water. Those who fled toward Basra were attacked by Bedouin and forces led by Zurayj al-Sawadi who killed them mercilessly taking no prisoners.
The survivors were killed immediately by the orders of Dibaj and beheaded. The heads were then placed on one of the galleys abd pushed toward Basra. Once it reached Basra, the authorities grieved and feared. They had lost the conflict and they knew it, fear bestruck the city as the realization that anytime they left the walls, the Zanj would hunt them down as dogs. A letter was then sent to Baghdad to demand aid from the Abbasids.
The letter would read:
"Greetings and blessings to Allah, the protector and keeper of the worlds, glory to Him and his rightful messengers. Further, rejoice in the command of his rightful caliphs to whom are the relayers of truth unto the earth and keepers of the house of the prophet (SAW).
O Amir, a great calamity has befallen the land of Basra. An army of slaves have rampaged the land, setting fire to the field and murdering your Ummah. These, claim to be the heirs of Yahya ibn Umar of Kufa and the rightful caliph. In accordance with our duties as Muslim, we endeavors to kill these transgressors, but by Allah we require assistance. Our people are fearful, as the enemy lurks.
The Ummah requires the force of it's master to bring transgressors to the sword and give equal measure for the blood of slain. Allah knows best and the will of the Caliph, I submit to."
Next time we will see the Abbasid reaction.
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Interesting update. Do continue, as we need more Early Middle Ages and Abbasid TLs. Although I will have to read up more on the OTL Zanj Rebellion to fully understand all the factions.
Yes. However, this is not simply a Zanj tl, but a late Abbasid tl. Currently, this is one of the few tls on the site that covers near no aspect of European history and so far is confined entirely to the Middle East. Oddly however, the people who claim to want such tls rarely give them support.
Thank you, for the comment.
Although you said it will focus entirely on the Middle East, might the Khazar Khan get involved? A northern invasion, weakening the Abbasid garrisons, could greatly assist the rebels.
The difficulty in this is that the Khazars are not the same powerful Khazars of the Umayyad period that in fact defeated the caliphate in the grand war over the Caucus. Also, the Abbasids roughly have an agreement with the Khazars by keeping Armenia more or less independent, therefore a Khazarian invasion is unlikely. Also not to mention, The Khawarij revolt in the north of Iraq is already beginning.
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What was the composition of the army from Basra? Was it mostly Arab soldiers or was there a mamluk contingent?
This army was Arab warriors raised primarily from the city rabble in Basra and neighboring tribes. The Mamluks are in the possession of the Abbasid court currently. In the next update, which I may do soon, Mamluk general Ju'lan al-Turki and an army of Mamluk warriors will be sent to prosecute the war against the Zanj from Basra.
This period covered was the Basran-Zanj conflict which occurred previous to the Abbasid involvement. The Abbasid at various points was extremely decentralized except in cases. Thus Abbasid courts typically allowed areas to fight rebels themselves to save manpower, however when a rebellion reached significant strength or threatened the heartland around Baghdad, they would intervene. This was seen in both the rebellions of Ammar ibn Yassar, Yahya ibn Umar and finally with the Zanj.
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Cool. I find the very concept of the Mamluks fascinating - however their mounted forces are utterly unsuited for the conditions of southern Iraq - so I think we all know how that will go.
Good to see that this is going again. [I'm still pulling for the Saffarids to be the real winners of this whole conflict.]
Good to see that this is going again. [I'm still pulling for the Saffarids to be the real winners of this whole conflict.]
Cool. I find the very concept of the Mamluks fascinating - however their mounted forces are utterly unsuited for the conditions of southern Iraq - so I think we all know how that will go.
Good to see that this is going again. [I'm still pulling for the Saffarids to be the real winners of this whole conflict.]
Explain why you believe the Saffarids should win or why you are rooting for them, curious?
I'm rooting for them because I like the narrative of how Yaqub and Amr rose from obscurity to become powerful leaders in the region - and I feel like their abrupt end in OTL kind of robbed them of the chance to have a lasting legacy as a sort of hybridized Iranian-Arab state.
Well considering how detailed I am trying to be in terms of court relationships, I am still not fully decided on who will come out the winner in this whole situation. Historically, not a single entity would benefit, it is in fact amazing the failure of the Saffarids, they were very unlucky.
As well, Yaqub is a very interesting character, he is further probably the most developed character so far in this timeline, having many speeches.