The Impact of Cultural and Civilizational Interaction between Arabs and Persians on the Building of Abbasid Authority

Abstract

The Abbasid state was founded through the efforts of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib. Persian elements played a prominent role in the success of its revolution, thanks to the convergence of their interests with the Abbasids in opposing Umayyad rule.

Arab-Persian cultural interaction was not merely a passing historical phase; rather, it was an integrated process that stimulated the emergence of multiple fields of knowledge. This profound human interaction was characterized by the presence of common bonds based on intertwined cultural and cognitive issues. What also distinguished it was the spontaneous acceptance of both parties, without being tinged with unfair prejudices.

The Persian mind contributed effectively to shaping Islamic culture, particularly in establishing intellectual and philosophical schools, through translation efforts to transfer knowledge and sciences into Arabic. This process was of great importance during the time of the Abbasid caliphs, such as Caliph al-Ma'mun, who established the "House of Wisdom," a center that brought together scholars from Arabs and Persians, providing them with significant material and moral support. Cultural interaction between Arabs and Persians encompassed diverse dimensions and manifestations, and was part of a systematic human experience governed by specific rules. This cooperation succeeded in elevating both sides to a more advanced level of civilization. It should be noted that Islam was the most prominent factor in bringing about a qualitative transformation in this interaction; it marked a clear difference between the pre-Islamic and post-Islamic eras, establishing a central religious presence that profoundly influenced cultural relations between the two sides. It can be concluded that the works of Arab and Persian scholars and writers bear indications that reflect a unity of thought and spirit between them. The general trajectory of cultural interaction between them was governed by three main systems: religious, geographical, and temporal. The religious system played a significant role in shaping the general context of this interaction, as the Persians viewed the message of Islam as an opportunity to escape the shackles of class tyranny and the outdated traditions of the Sassanids.