The
Early Abbasid Era
Continued
Continued
nOnce in power the Abbasids turned against the Shi'i and other allies to support a less tolerant Sunni Islam.
nAt their new capital, Baghdad, the rulers accepted Persian ruling concepts, elevating themselves to a different status than the earlier Muslim leaders.
nA growing bureaucracy worked under the direction of the wazir, or chief administrator.
nThe great extent of the empire hindered efficiency, but the regime worked well for more than a century.
nThe constant presence of the royal executioner symbolized the absolute power of the rulers over their subjects.