Ayyār, ( ar, عيار, ʿayyār, pl. ''ʿayyārūn''; fa, عیار, Ayyâr, pl. ''Ayyârân'') refers to a person associated with a class of warriors in Iraq and Iran from the 9th to the 12th centuries. The word literally means vagabond.
Ayyars were associated with
futuwwa, or medieval Islamic organizations located in cities.
Emergence
'Ayyarun are believed to predate Islam, since they are said to have distinct Iranian customs, and they were active in regions corresponding to the territories of the
Sasanian Empire
The Sasanian () or Sassanid Empire, officially known as the Empire of Iranians (, ) and also referred to by historians as the Neo-Persian Empire, was the History of Iran, last Iranian empire before the early Muslim conquests of the 7th-8th cen ...
.
However, most of the writing about them centers on their activities in Baghdad from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Baghdad was ruled by the
Buyids (945–1055) back then, and was a very lawless city, caused by fighting between
Sunnis
Sunni Islam () is the largest Islamic schools and branches, branch of Islam, followed by 85–90% of the world's Muslims. Its name comes from the word ''Sunnah'', referring to the tradition of Muhammad. The differences between Sunni and Shia ...
and
Shi'ites. They did many terrible things such as extorting taxes on roads and markets, burning wealthy quarters and markets, and looting the homes of the rich by night. For several years (1028–33),
al-Burjumi and
Ibn al-Mawsili, leaders of the 'ayyarun, ruled the city due to governmental instability.
Reputation
The 'ayyarun have been commonly called fighters, though these activities are highlighted during times of weak government and civil war, when their role as a military force most likely made them fight on multiple sides, angering many. During times of more stable government, their lawful activities decreased, and when the
Seljuqs ruled in the 12th century, their activities almost ceased. The 'ayyarun also made war against much of Turks in reaction to social injustices.
Regional influence
Outside Baghdad, the 'ayyarun were closely allied with the
middle class, and helped maintain the current order. The
Saffarids (861-1003) of eastern
Iran were in fact an 'ayyarun dynasty. They are thought by some historians to have contributed to the weakening of Baghdad, clearing the way for the horrific destruction of the city by the
Mongols.
See also
*
Javānmardi
References
AYYĀR Encyclopædia Iranica
External links
Library reference
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ayyar
Middle East
Military units and formations of the medieval Islamic world
Outlaws
Medieval history of Iran