Ayyarun

Áyyārūn, Arabic plural is 'ayyarun, Persian plural is 'ayyaran'; Arabic for "scoundrel" or "vagabond". This word refers to a person associated with a class of warriors in Iraq and Iran from the 9th to the 12th centuries. They were associated with futuwa/futuwwa, or medieval Islamic organizations located in cities.

Emergence

'Ayyarun fought for Islam in Asia, though most of the writing about them centers on their Baghdad activities of the 10th to the 12th centuries. Baghdad was ruled by the Buyids (945–1055), and was a very lawless city, caused by fighting between Sunnis and Shi'ites. They did many terrible things such as extorting taxes on roads and markets, burning wealthy quarters and markets, and looting the homes of the rich by night. For several years (1028–33), Al-Burjumi and Ibn al-Mawsili, leaders of the 'ayyarun, ruled the city due to governmental instability.

Reputation

The 'ayyarun have been commonly called thieves and robbers, though these activities are highlighted during times of weak government and civil war, when their role as a military force most likely made them fight on multiple sides, angering many. During times of more stable government, their unlawful activities decreased, and when the Seljuqs ruled in the 12th century, their activities almost ceased. The 'ayyarun also made war against much of society in reaction to social injustices.

Regional influence

Outside of Baghdad, the 'ayyarun were closely allied with the middle class, and helped maintain the current order. The Saffarids (861-1003) of eastern Iran were in fact an 'ayyarun dynasty. They are thought by some historians to have contributed to the weakening of Baghdad, clearing the way for the horrific destruction of the city by the Mongols.

References

* [http://0-www.search.eb.com.library.uor.edu/eb/article-9000475?query=Baghdad&ct=eb Library reference]
* [http://www-personal.une.edu.au/~hbrasted/islam/isglos01.html Word definition]
* [http://www.al-baz.com/shaikhabdalqadir/Books_and_Text_of_Wisdom/Qala_id_Al-Jawahir/7_-_Qala_id_Al-Jawahir/7_-_qala_id_al-jawahir.htm Primary Source reference]
* [http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/634/bo2.htm Newspaper article]

External links