The Internal and External Political Marriages of the Buyid State (334-447 AH/945-1055 AD)

Abstract

After the Buyids succeeded in gaining control over the Abbasid Caliphate, they established a powerful state. The relationship of this state with the surrounding forces was based on war and peace. For this purpose, they pursued a policy of political marriages to maintain and strengthen their relations with neighboring powers and principalities. The objective of this research is to examine the patterns of political marriages, which in many cases achieved their intended goals of cooperation and peace establishment. However, in some instances, relationships deteriorated, and these marriages failed to maintain peace. The research methodology employed in this study is the historical analytical approach for evaluating and analyzing information related to the research topic, enabling us to gain deeper insight into the purposes, causes, and consequences of these political marriages undertaken by the Buyids.

     After the collection and analysis of sources, the most significant findings reached by the researcher are that political marriage is conducted to achieve a specific objective, either within the ruling family or with neighboring powers. The purpose is to strengthen and consolidate relations between both parties to achieve their designated goals through this means. The weight and power of the Buyid state in the region compelled the Abbasid Caliphate and its neighboring powers to enter into political marriages with them, aiming to achieve mutual interests between both parties. This arrangement serves as evidence of the equality and balance of power between the Buyid state and those forces with whom marriage alliances were concluded. As a result, the majority of political marriages adopted a mutual exchange model, allocating a substantial dowry to daughters. The main research question is: What were the causes and motivations behind these marriages in the Buyid state? Additionally, what were the effects and consequences of these marriages, and to what extent?