The Palace and the Making of the Tyrant in the Second Abbasid Era

Abstract

Literature accurately reflects societies; it is a reflection of their circumstances, which constitute the primary subject matter of literature. Social, cultural, civilizational, and political influences had a significant impact on Abbasid poetry throughout its various eras. These influences were a result of the stability achieved after the Islamic conquests, and the resulting intermingling of Arabs with other peoples. This led to openness to diverse civilizations, cultures, and urbanization, as well as the penetration of foreign influences into Arab customs and traditions, altering many social values by diverting them from their prescribed paths set by Islamic norms. This was in addition to the moral collapse and the material extravagance of luxury, musical instruments, entertainment, and debauchery that prevailed in the palaces of the Abbasid Caliphate. This was due to the entry of foreign influences into its rule, and the influence these influences had on the ruler's decisions and the tampering with the resources of the subjects. This had a significant impact on poets' confrontation and rejection of the creation of tyranny and the surrounding political situations and conflicts, both overt and covert.