How did the Arab Empire change after the Umayyad dynasty?

The Arab Empire, also known as the Islamic Empire, underwent significant changes after the Umayyad dynasty, culminating in a new period under the Abbasid dynasty. The Umayyad Caliphate, which lasted from 661 to 750 CE, was replaced by the Abbasid Caliphate following a rebellion.

Key changes that occurred with the transition from the Umayyad to the Abbasid dynasty include:

1. Political Center Shift: The political center of the empire moved from Damascus in Syria to Baghdad in Iraq. This shift in the political capital represented a broader move to embrace Persian administrative practices and culture, as well as a more inclusive approach to non-Arab Muslims.

2. Cultural and Ethnic Inclusivity: While the Umayyads favored Arab Muslims, under the Abbasids, there was a move towards greater inclusion of non-Arabs, such as Persians, Turks, and others within the empire's administrative and cultural life.

3. Flourishing of Learning and Culture: The Abbasid period, especially under the rule of caliphs like Harun al-Rashid and Al-Ma'mun, is often considered a golden age of Islamic culture. Baghdad became a prominent center for science, philosophy, medicine, and education, marked by the establishment of institutions such as the House of Wisdom (Bayt al-Hikma).

4. Changes in Administration: The bureaucracy under the Abbasids became more sophisticated with the adoption of Persian-inspired techniques of governance. This included the use of viziers (high officials) and the diversification of bureaucratic roles.

5. Religious Scholars' Influence: During the Abbasid era, religious scholars, known as ulama, began to play a more pivotal role in society and politics. They were often seen as intermediaries between the rulers and the ruled.

6. Economic Prosperity: The expansion of trade routes and economic policies under the Abbasids led to increased wealth and economic growth within the empire.

7. Military Organization: The Abbasids reorganized the military, including the creation of a personal guard for the caliph known as the Mamluks, and later on, they came to rely on Turkic soldiers.

In summary, the change of power from the Umayyad to the Abbasid dynasty marked a significant transformation in the governance, cultural, administrative, and societal fabrics of the Arab Empire.