Al-Mutawakkil

MedievalEmperorAbbasid Caliphate822 — 861

Ended the Mihna inquisition, assassinated by his Turkish guard.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

822

Died

861

Country

Abbasid Caliphate

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)17

Political (20%)50

Influence (20%)73

Legacy (20%)64

Leadership (15%)39

Strategy (15%)43

Total Score51.4

Al-Mutawakkil — Complete Timeline

848 AD

End of the MihnaReform

Al-Mutawakkil ended the Mihna, the inquisition that enforced the Mu'tazilite doctrine of the createdness of the Quran. He restored traditionalist orthodoxy and ended the persecution of scholars who opposed the doctrine.

Religious ReformMihna

Impact: regionalprogressive

851 AD

Construction of the Great Mosque of SamarraCultural◆ Major

Al-Mutawakkil commissioned the construction of the Great Mosque of Samarra, featuring the famous Malwiya minaret. This mosque was one of the largest in the Islamic world and symbolized Abbasid architectural ambition.

ArchitectureMosque

Impact: regionalconstructive

861 AD

Assassination by Turkish GuardPolitical Action

Al-Mutawakkil was assassinated by his Turkish guard in Samarra. The murder was orchestrated by his son al-Muntasir, who succeeded him. This event marked the beginning of the 'Anarchy at Samarra' and the decline of Abbasid power.

AssassinationTurkish Guard

Impact: regionaltragic