Al-Fath ibn Khaqan facts for kids

Al-Fath ibn Khaqan (Arabic: الفتح بن خاقان) was an important official in the Abbasid Caliphate. He lived from about 817 or 818 to 861 CE. Al-Fath was a very close friend and trusted adviser to Caliph al-Mutawakkil, who ruled from 847 to 861.

Al-Fath was the son of a Turkic general. He grew up in the palace with al-Mutawakkil, who would later become Caliph. When he was seven, Caliph al-Mu'tasim adopted him. Al-Fath held many important jobs, like being a governor. But his real power came from his strong friendship with the Caliph. He was also a very smart person who loved books. He wrote books himself and supported other writers. He had a huge library in his palace in Samarra. Al-Fath died alongside Caliph al-Mutawakkil during a political event.

Early Life and Family

Al-Fath's father was Khaqan ibn Urtuj. He was a powerful Turkic leader from Central Asia. Khaqan came to serve in the Caliph's army. He became one of the main commanders of the Turkic guard. This guard was set up by Caliph al-Mu'tasim.

Al-Fath was born around 817 or 818. He grew up with the future Caliph al-Mutawakkil. They were educated together from a young age. They became very close friends. When Al-Fath was seven, Caliph al-Mu'tasim adopted him. Historians say that Al-Fath and al-Mutawakkil were always together. Al-Fath had a brother named Muzahim. Muzahim also became a military officer. He later served as governor of Egypt.

His Role in Government

Al-Fath was a very important person in the Abbasid government. He was known more for being the Caliph's main adviser than for his official jobs. Some reports say he was the Caliph's personal secretary. He was also in charge of the official seal.

Al-Fath held various positions during al-Mutawakkil's rule. For example, he was chief of intelligence in Samarra around 851. He was also temporarily appointed governor of Egypt in 856/7 and again in 860/1. In 858, he became governor of Syria. Even though his exact duties in these roles are not fully clear, he was very active in the Caliphate's affairs.

Political Changes and His Death

Caliph al-Mutawakkil had named his oldest son, al-Muntasir, as his heir. But later, the Caliph started to favor his second son, al-Mu'tazz. Al-Fath and the vizier (a high-ranking official) supported the Caliph's plan to change the heir. However, al-Muntasir had the support of the Turkic guard troops.

In late 861, the situation became very tense. The Caliph ordered that the property of a Turkic general be given to Al-Fath. This made the Turkic leaders feel threatened. They began to plan against the Caliph. Al-Muntasir also joined them. He felt humiliated by his father and Al-Fath.

On the night of December 10/11, 861, the Turkic guards entered the room where the Caliph and Al-Fath were eating. Al-Fath was killed while trying to protect the Caliph. Then, the Caliph himself was killed. This event led to a difficult period in the Abbasid Caliphate known as the "Anarchy at Samarra". This period lasted until 870.

His Love for Learning

Al-Fath was deeply involved in Arabic culture. He was very good at speaking and writing Arabic. He was a key member of the literary community in Samarra. He was also a great supporter of many writers and poets. For example, he supported the historian al-Tha'labi.

One of his most famous friends was Abu Uthman Amr ibn Bahr al-Jahiz. Al-Jahiz dedicated his book "On the Merits of the Turks" to Al-Fath. Al-Fath was also a writer himself. He wrote several books, but only their titles and a few verses have survived. He collected a very large library. It had many books on philosophy. Many scholars visited his library. Historians call him "the greatest bibliophile (book lover) of his day." His palace in Samarra later became a home for the Caliphs. It was known as Jawsaq al-Khaqani.

Family

Al-Fath's daughter, Fatimah, married al-Mu'tazz. He was the son of Caliph al-Mutawakkil.