Al-Muqtafi

Upon becoming caliph, Al-Muqtafi began to reassert caliphal authority over Baghdad. He expelled Seljuk officials from the city and appointed his own viziers, marking a reversal of decades of Seljuk domination.

Al-Muqtafi reformed the caliphal army by recruiting new troops and reducing reliance on Seljuk mercenaries. He established a standing army loyal to the caliph, which enabled his military successes.

Al-Muqtafi successfully defended Baghdad against a Seljuk siege led by Sultan Mas'ud. The caliph's forces repelled the attack, solidifying his control over the city and demonstrating the caliphate's renewed military capability.

Al-Muqtafi expanded caliphal territory by conquering several towns in Iraq, including Wasit and Kufa. These conquests restored the caliphate's territorial base and increased its revenue and prestige.