Breaking of a Thousand Swords

Matthew S. Gordon is Assistant Professor of History at Miami University, Ohio.

• List of Maps and Illustrations Acknowledgments IntroductionThe Turkish Soldiers of SamarraThe Samarran Turks in Modern ScholarshipThe Original Sources 1. The Initial PeriodThe Appearance of the GuardAl-Ma'mun: The Consolidation of AuthorityConclusion 2. The Settlement at SamarraAl-Mu'tasim and the Departure from BaghdadThe Settlement at Samarra 3. The Samarran Political ArenaThe Influence of the Turkish LeadershipThe Onset of Anarchy 4. The Exercise of AuthorityThe Sources of InfluenceThe Reaction to Turkish Authority Conclusion—A Waning PresenceAl-Muwaffaq's HourThe Turkish Rank and FileMusa ibn Bugha and the Turkish LeadershipA Final Anecdote Appendix A. Retainer Forces in Early Islamic History Appendix B. Notable Families of Turkish OriginIbrahim ibn al-Abbas al-Suli and FamilyAzjur and FamilyJuff ibn Yaltekin and FamilyKhaqan 'Urtuj and Family Notes Bibliography Index

"This book fills a crucial gap in the study of the early Islamic caliphate. Gordon weaves together the first complete political history of the Samarra caliphate, and as such places the subject within the mainstream of academic study and within reach of the general reader. Although focused on Samarra, the book has broader implications, especially in the way it addresses questions that relate to military-slave systems and their effect on state institutions. Gordon's treatment will occupy a special place in the debate over the origins of this institution, and will engage scholars ranging from Islamic historians working on the later medieval period to specialists on Turkish history in general." — Tayeb El-Hibri, University of Massachusetts, Amherst"Gordon for the first time tries to understand the internal society of the Turks and how they fitted into the society around them. The book is full of information and insights." — Michael L. Bates, Curator of Islamic Coins, American Numismatic Society