What was the effect of the Mongol attack on Baghdad?

The Mongol attack on Baghdad in 1258 was a cataclysmic event that had profound effects on the city and the wider Islamic world. The Mongols, under the leadership of Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, besieged Baghdad, which was then the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. The city, renowned for its wealth, culture, and education, fell after a relatively short siege.

The immediate effect of the Mongol attack was catastrophic:

1. Massive destruction: The Mongols sacked Baghdad, leading to widespread destruction. They destroyed much of the city, including its grand buildings, palaces, libraries, and mosques.

2. Loss of life: A large number of inhabitants were killed during the siege and in the aftermath of the capture of the city. Estimates of the death toll vary widely, with numbers ranging from hundreds of thousands to even a million people.

3. End of the Abbasid Caliphate: The Mongol assault brought an end to the 500-year reign of the Abbasid Caliphate. The last Abbasid caliph, Al-Musta'sim, was captured and later executed.

4. Cultural devastation: Baghdad had been a center of learning and culture, housing the famous House of Wisdom. The attack led to the loss of countless manuscripts, texts, and works of art, greatly impacting the cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

5. Economic impact: The Mongol invasion disrupted trade routes and devastated the economy of the region. Baghdad had been a key commercial hub, and its destruction had long-term economic repercussions.

The effect of the Mongol attack extended beyond the immediate aftermath, influencing the region's political landscape and cultural development for centuries. The sacking of Baghdad is often cited as a primary reason for the decline of Islamic Golden Age.