The Political Function of the Shiite government
of Banu Munqidh in Shayzar (474-552 AH)

Shokrollah Khaakrand[1]
Leila Movaddat[2]

Abstract

In the second half of the fifth century (AH), the political and economic crises in the Fatemids and their conflicts with Seljuks in Sham led to the establishment of local governments in that region. The most prominent of these governments was Banu Munqidh, a Shiite government in Shayzar.    Banu Munqidh's government played an important role in the political changes of Sham. This government was an important medium for relationships with Seljuks, Crusaders and Ismailis. This government eventually collapsed after the massive earthquake in Shayzar in 552 (AH). The findings of this study suggests that Banu Munqidh 's governors with their effective policies and strong fortifications, and despite their small territory, managed to maintain their independence and establish their state. This study, through following a library method, attempts for investigating the political relationships and conflicts of this government with Seljuks, Crusaders and Ismailis.