Utamish facts for kids

Abu Musa Utamish (Arabic: اوتامش، اتامش) was an important military leader in the Abbasid Caliphate. He was from a group of people called the Turks. Utamish became very powerful during a chaotic time known as the Anarchy at Samarra. This period saw many changes in leadership. He served as a top advisor, called a vizier, for the caliph al-Musta'in. However, his time in this powerful role was short, lasting about a year until his death in 863.

Utamish's Early Life and Rise to Power

Utamish was born in Iraq. His father was named Khatrakin. Some historians think he might have been the nephew of a famous general, Bugha al-Kabir.

He first appeared in historical records during the rule of Caliph al-Wathiq (842–847). At that time, Utamish was one of the caliph's ghilman. These were special military servants, often young men, who were very loyal to the caliph.

Later, Utamish began working for al-Muntasir. Al-Muntasir was the oldest son of Caliph al-Mutawakkil (847–861). Utamish and al-Muntasir became very close friends. People even called Utamish "al-Muntasir's companion."

A Key Player in Political Changes

Utamish played a big part in al-Muntasir's efforts to gain support from the Turkic soldiers. This caused problems between al-Mutawakkil and his son. Some historical accounts suggest that Utamish was involved in the plot to kill Caliph al-Mutawakkil in December 861.

After al-Mutawakkil's death, al-Muntasir became the new caliph. During al-Muntasir's short rule (861–862), Utamish and the vizier Ahmad ibn al-Khasib were two of the most important people in the government.

Becoming a Powerful Vizier

When al-Muntasir died in June 862, Utamish met with other powerful military leaders. These included Bugha al-Kabir and Bugha al-Sharabi. They needed to choose a new caliph. They decided on al-Musta'in, who was a grandson of an earlier caliph, al-Mu'tasim.

Utamish had a lot of influence over the new Caliph al-Musta'in. He quickly became one of the most powerful people in the government. He was made the vizier, which was like being the prime minister. He also took control of the government's money. On top of that, he was given charge of the regions of Egypt and the Maghrib (North Africa). Caliph al-Musta'in even trusted Utamish to look after his son, al-'Abbas.

For about a year, Utamish had almost complete control over the caliph and the government. One historian described him as a "true regent of the empire." A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule. Utamish mostly left the daily tasks of running the government to his secretary, Shuja' ibn al-Qasim.

The End of Utamish's Rule

Utamish's strong control over the government soon created enemies. Many people in the army and government became unhappy with him. Utamish and some other officials took money from the treasury. This made the soldiers, who were not being paid well, very angry.

Utamish also kept powerful officers like Bugha al-Sharabi and Wasif al-Turki from having any power. These two officers decided to plan Utamish's downfall.

On June 4, 863, the Turkic and Faraghina soldiers marched from their camps in Samarra. They headed towards the Jawsaq Palace, where Utamish was. The vizier tried to find safety with Caliph al-Musta'in, but the caliph refused to help him. Two days later, the soldiers entered the palace and captured Utamish. Both Utamish and his secretary, Shuja', were killed. Utamish's home was also robbed.