The Impact of Baghdad's Emergence on Commercial Growth in the Arabian Gulf Ports until the End of the First Abbasid Period (145-232 AH/ 762-847 AD)

Abstract

The Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, since time immemorial, used to alternate sovereignty on the maritime international trade routes between the East and the West. However, with the emergence of theAbbasid State in 132 AH/ 749 AD and the transfer of the Islamic Caliphate capital from Damascus to Baghdad which was founded by the Caliph Abu Ja`far Al-ManSoor in 145 AH/ 762 AD, commercial activities moved from the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf. This assisted the Gulf and its ports to regain their economic status and their international commercial reputation. Accordingly, commerceflourished in the Gulf, and the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates linked Baghdad, the capital, to the ports of Basra, Apologus and Siraf. The maritime navigation thrived and goods and commodities started to pour in. The Abbasid Caliphs and senior statesmen were keen to provide for the basic and luxurious needs of the State from the Far East and East Africa. They were also able through their gigantic efforts to safeguard the ports and the maritime navigation routes from sea dangers, pirates, and the like.

In this study, the researcher tackles the commercialimpacts of Baghdad'semergence on the Arabian Gulf and its ports. The researcher also refers to the most important exports and imports, the dangers that faced commerce routes, and the great efforts that were exerted by the Abbasid Caliphs in safeguarding maritime navigation from those dangers. Furthermore, the researcher mentions the efforts of those Caliphs in protecting their trade, which was closely related to the security of the Arabian Gulf and its outlets and ports.