The economic condition of" the Marginalized in Baghdadi Society (145-656 AH/762-1258 AD)

Abstract

Almost every people, especially Arab societies, and particularly Baghdadi society, has its marginalized groups. A study of the economic conditions of these marginalized individuals reveals the enormous class gap that characterized Abbasid society in general, and the marginalized in particular. This class included those engaged in simple, toiling, and impoverished professions, such as laborers, porters, weavers, cleaners, and others. We must also remember the impoverished non-Muslims (dhimmi) who struggled for the most basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. These groups depended on the fringes of the affluent classes, such as the caliphs and ministers. This class suffered from abject poverty, resorting to begging and soliciting to survive. Meanwhile, Baghdad was a center of wealth, literature, and legendary luxury for the ruling class and wealthy merchants. This led to numerous rebellions and uprisings against the Abbasid state, the most significant and famous of which was the so-called "Revolt of the Hungry." Due to the deteriorating political situation and the Abbasid state's weakness in addressing it, Baghdad fell internally before it fell politically. This chapter stems from the unique spatial and economic geography of Baghdad, where the duality of (Karkh and Rusafa) was not merely a geographical division, but rather a reflection of a clear class and economic differentiation, as the Karkh side, with its shops, markets, and narrow alleys, formed the main stage for the movement of the common people, the marginalized, and the vagrants, while Rusafa, with its peripheral pockets, was a refuge for those whose means of livelihood were limited.