مجلة اداب ذي قار (Mar 2023)
The Contributions of Islamic Frontier Fortresses During the Early Abbasid Era (132-232 AH). (Frontier Fortresses between the Abbasid State and the Byzantine Empire as a Case Study)
Abstract
Throughout its historical stages, nations and states have relied on the system of frontier fortresses to protect themselves from external threats. They established defensive systems and measures along their borders. These methods evolved as states developed and the danger they faced increased. The Abbasids adopted a system that suited their state's circumstances and the threat posed by the Byzantines, who were a constant threat to the Islamic state's borders. The borders witnessed continuous conflicts between Muslims and Romans, starting from the time of the Rashidun Caliphs, through the Umayyad period, up to the first and second Abbasid eras. This research sheds light on and clarifies the perpetual hostile relationship between Muslims and Byzantines, as well as the role of frontier fortresses as significant defensive lines for the Islamic state's borders. The Abbasid caliphs showed clear interest in these regions, focusing on constructing, fortifying, and staffing them with skilled leaders and fighters. They utilized these fortresses as bases for military campaigns into Roman lands and as centers for gathering information about their enemies. Furthermore, they served as platforms for cultural exchange between the two sides. The choice of this topic aims to explore the events of the early Abbasid era, which is considered one of the most crucial military periods in Islamic history. Additionally, it seeks to highlight the most significant points of interaction between Byzantines and Muslims. Delving into this important period of Islamic civilization's history is another motivation behind this research.
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