9. The Last Caliph
Al Musta’sim Billah (1213 -1258) was Islam’s last Caliph, or religious successor to the Prophet Mohammad. He ruled the rump of what had once been the mighty Abbasid Caliphate. In the thirteenth century, the Mongols under Hülegü Khan invaded Islam’s heartlands. Despite warnings, Al-Musta’ṣim failed to organize an effective defense or seek powerful allies.
He underestimated the Mongols’ resolve and military might, partly due to bad advice from his vizier, who may have hoped to negotiate a peaceful surrender or gain favor with the Mongols. In 1258, Hülegü besieged Baghdad, and captured it within two weeks. The Mongols then began a horrific massacre. Hundreds, of thousands were slaughtered, and the city’s famed libraries, including the House of Wisdom, were destroyed. The Tigris River reportedly ran black with the ink of countless manuscripts thrown into its waters.
