# Al-Rashid > Abbasid caliph in Baghdad (r. 1135–1136) **Wikidata**: [Q293509](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q293509) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Rashid_Billah) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/al-rashid-q293509 ## Summary Al-Rashid was an Abbasid caliph who ruled Baghdad from 1135 to 1136. He was a member of the Abbasid dynasty, which established the third Islamic caliphate, and his reign occurred during the decline of the caliphate's power. His rule was marked by the weakening of central authority, as military factions and regional dynasties gained influence. ## Biography - Born: Unknown (dates not provided in source material) - Nationality: Arab (implied by Abbasid dynasty origins) - Education: Unknown (no details in source material) - Known for: Serving as the 28th Abbasid caliph and ruling during a period of political instability in the caliphate - Employer(s): Abbasid Caliphate (primary affiliation) - Field(s): Islamic governance, political leadership ## Contributions Al-Rashid's contributions are primarily tied to his role as a ruler during a turbulent period in the Abbasid Caliphate. His reign (1135–1136) occurred during the decline of the caliphate, which was already weakened by regional autonomy, military revolts, and external threats. The caliphate's capital, Baghdad, had lost much of its former influence, and Al-Rashid's rule was overshadowed by the broader political instability of the era. No specific legislative, administrative, or cultural achievements are attributed to him in the source material. ## FAQs **What was Al-Rashid's role in the Abbasid Caliphate?** Al-Rashid served as the 28th Abbasid caliph, ruling from 1135 to 1136. His reign occurred during a period of decline for the caliphate, which was already weakened by regional autonomy and military instability. **Where did Al-Rashid rule from?** Al-Rashid ruled from Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. The city had lost much of its former prominence by his time, and the caliphate was already in a state of decline. **What was the political situation during Al-Rashid's reign?** Al-Rashid's reign was marked by the weakening of central authority, as military factions and regional dynasties gained influence. The Abbasid Caliphate was already in decline, with power shifting to local rulers and foreign powers. **What was the significance of Al-Rashid's reign?** Al-Rashid's reign is notable for occurring during the final years of the Abbasid Caliphate's dominance. His rule was overshadowed by the broader political instability of the era, including the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the eventual Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258. ## Why They Matter Al-Rashid's reign is significant as it represents the final phase of the Abbasid Caliphate's power. His rule occurred during a period of decline, marked by the weakening of central authority and the rise of regional dynasties. The caliphate's capital, Baghdad, had lost much of its former influence, and Al-Rashid's reign was overshadowed by the broader political instability of the era. His legacy is tied to the broader decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, which ended with the Mongol conquest in 1258. His rule, though brief, is a reminder of the caliphate's eventual fall and the shifting power dynamics in the Islamic world. ## Notable For - Served as the 28th Abbasid caliph, ruling from 1135 to 1136 - Ruled during the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate, which was already weakened by regional autonomy and military instability - His reign occurred during a period of political instability, with power shifting to local rulers and foreign powers - No specific legislative, administrative, or cultural achievements are attributed to him in the source material ## Body ### Reign and Political Context Al-Rashid ruled as the 28th Abbasid caliph from 1135 to 1136. His reign occurred during a period of decline for the Abbasid Caliphate, which had already lost much of its former power. The caliphate's capital, Baghdad, had become a shadow of its former self, and the central government was increasingly overshadowed by regional dynasties and military factions. Al-Rashid's rule was marked by the broader political instability of the era, including the rise of the Seljuk Turks and the eventual Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258. ### Decline of the Abbasid Caliphate The Abbasid Caliphate had reached its peak during the reign of Harun al-Rashid in the 9th century, but by the 12th century, it was already in decline. Regional dynasties, such as the Seljuks and the Fatimids, had gained autonomy, and the central government's authority was increasingly limited. The caliphate's capital, Baghdad, had lost much of its former influence, and the city was no longer the cosmopolitan center of learning and trade it had been in the Islamic Golden Age. ### Military and Regional Power Shifts Al-Rashid's reign was marked by the continued weakening of central authority, as military factions and regional rulers gained influence. The Seljuk Turks, who had conquered Baghdad in 1055, had established a powerful state in the region, and their influence continued to grow. The Fatimids, who had established a rival caliphate in Egypt, also posed a challenge to the Abbasid religious authority. The eventual Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258 marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate's temporal power, though the title continued in a ceremonial form under the Mamluks in Cairo. ### Legacy and Historical Significance Al-Rashid's reign is notable for occurring during the final years of the Abbasid Caliphate's dominance. His rule was overshadowed by the broader political instability of the era, but his legacy is tied to the broader decline of the caliphate. The Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258 marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate's temporal power, and the title was later held in a ceremonial capacity under the Mamluks. Al-Rashid's reign, though brief, is a reminder of the caliphate's eventual fall and the shifting power dynamics in the Islamic world. ## References 1. [Source](https://iranarchpedia.ir/entry/24345) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/rasid-billah)