Al-Mustansir II facts for kids

Abu'l-Qasim Ahmad al-Mustansir (Arabic: أبو القاسم أحمد المستنصر), born around 1210, was a significant leader. He was the first Caliph in Cairo. A Caliph was a very important religious and political leader in Islamic history. He served the Mamluk Sultanate and ruled from June 1261 to November 1261.

About Al-Mustansir

Early Life and Escape

Abu'l-Qasim Ahmad was part of the Abbasid family. This was a powerful ruling family. His nephew, Caliph al-Musta'sim, had him put in prison in Baghdad.

In 1258, a big event happened. The Mongols attacked and took over Baghdad. This event is known as the Sack of Baghdad. During this chaos, Abu'l-Qasim Ahmad managed to escape.

He then hid for more than three years. He stayed with Arab tribes in the desert. He remained hidden until the Mamluks pushed the Mongols out of Syria in 1260.

Becoming Caliph in Cairo

After his escape, Abu'l-Qasim Ahmad traveled to Cairo, which was part of Mamluk Egypt. In 1261, the Mamluk Sultan Baybars I made him the new Caliph there. This was a big moment, as it established a new line of Caliphs in Cairo.

Final Battle and Legacy

Soon after becoming Caliph, al-Mustansir was sent on a mission. He led an army towards the east. His goal was to take Baghdad back from the Mongols.

However, his journey ended tragically. In 1261, the Mongols ambushed his army. This happened near a place called al-Anbar, close to Fallujah in modern Iraq. Abu'l-Qasim Ahmad al-Mustansir was killed in this battle.

After his death, another Abbasid relative, Al-Hakim I, became the next Caliph. The line of Caliphs that al-Mustansir started in Cairo continued for a long time. It lasted until the Ottomans conquered Egypt in 1517. However, these later Caliphs were mostly religious leaders. They did not have much political power. They were like important religious symbols for the Mamluks.

See also

In Spanish: Al-Mustánsir II para niños