Masrur al-Balkhi facts for kids

Masrur al-Balkhi (Arabic: مسرور البلخي; died December 26, 893) was an important military leader in the Abbasid Caliphate during the late 800s. The Abbasid Caliphate was a large Islamic empire that ruled over a vast area, including parts of the Middle East and North Africa.

Masrur al-Balkhi's Early Life and Career

We don't know much about where Masrur came from. His name, "al-Balkhi," suggests he was from a city called Balkh, which is in a region where many Iranian people lived.

Masrur is first mentioned in history around the year 870. This was during a time when the caliph, al-Muhtadi, was removed from power. When a rebellion started, Masrur was one of the officers who stayed loyal to the caliph. He was put in charge of the caliph's palace. During a battle against the rebels, Masrur led the caliph's right side of the army. However, the caliph's forces lost the battle, and the soldiers ran away.

Leading the Abbasid Army

During the rule of al-Mu'tamid (from 870 to 892), the caliph's brother, al-Muwaffaq, was really in charge of the empire. Al-Muwaffaq made Masrur one of the top officers in the Abbasid army.

Campaigns Against Rebels

In 872, Masrur led a military trip against some Kurdish groups and successfully defeated them. He also led several campaigns against a rebel leader named Musawir in a region called al-Jazira in 872, 874, and 875.

In 875, Masrur took over from another commander in the fight against the Zanj Rebellion. This was a major uprising of enslaved people. Masrur was also made the governor of several important areas. These included al-Ahwaz, Basra, the Tigris river areas, al-Yamama, and al-Bahrayn. Later that year, he was also named as the governor of all the eastern parts of the caliphate. This was part of a plan for who would rule after al-Mu'tamid.

Major Battles and Victories

In 876, Masrur took part in a big campaign to stop the Saffarid ruler, Ya'qub ibn al-Layth, from moving into Iraq.

Battle of Dayr al-Aqul

To slow Ya'qub down, Masrur flooded the area around Wasit by breaking a wall on the Tigris River. Then, he went to join the main government army. The two armies met in a very important battle called the Battle of Dayr al-Aqul. Masrur led the left side of al-Muwaffaq's army.

The Abbasid forces won this battle. Masrur's important role in the victory was recognized publicly. He was given the lands of Abu al-Saj Dewdad, who had fought on the Saffarid side.

Continuing the Fight Against the Zanj

After the battle, Masrur went back to leading the fight against the Zanj rebels. He moved into the al-Ahwaz region and fought the rebels there often. In 881, al-Muwaffaq decided to personally lead the campaign against the Zanj. Masrur joined him and served as one of his commanders until the rebellion ended. He helped in the attack on the Zanj capital city, al-Mukhtara.

Masrur's Family

Masrur al-Balkhi had at least two sons. One son, Muhammad ibn Masrur, was made governor of the Mecca Road by al-Muwaffaq in 879. Muhammad sent his brother, 'Ali, to take the position. However, 'Ali was killed by members of the Banu Asad tribe while he was traveling to al-Mughithah.