Methods of Propagating the Ideology of the Abbasid Caliphate in Official Discourse and Early Historical Writings

Abstract

This research examines the origins and development of the art of rhetoric in the Greek and Roman civilizations, before moving on to examine the status of rhetoric in the Abbasid era, as one of the most prominent political, religious, and social tools, particularly during the early Abbasid era. The focus is on the role of rhetoric as a means of consolidating the foundations of the state and confirming allegiance to the caliphs. It played an effective role in guiding public opinion and highlighting the rhetorical skills that characterized this era. The reasons for the decline of political rhetoric in favor of religious rhetoric are also explained. This decline was due to the shrinking scope of political freedom in subsequent periods. Religious rhetoric maintained its influence through prominent figures in Baghdad, while political rhetoric was subjected to increasing pressure and restrictions. The research examines the distinctive features of rhetoric in the Abbasid era, including its artistic and linguistic characteristics, manifested in the extensive use of rhetorical devices such as rhyme, brevity, clarification of meanings, and diversification of structures. The objectives of rhetoric associated with these devices to achieve the desired impact are also reviewed. The research also addressed the relationship between political and religious authorities, revealing the division among scholars between those who supported and opposed the authority, in addition to a group of scholars who maintained neutrality. The importance of political rhetoric during this period was emphasized, as well as its pivotal role in affirming the legitimacy of the ruler by highlighting the caliphs' relationship with the Prophet Muhammad as a source of legitimacy for the caliphate. Rhetoric also played a significant role in supporting the stability of government and gaining public support. On the social level, the research examined the impact of rhetoric in urging the public to support the legitimacy of the authority and preserve societal, religious, and moral values, such as truth, justice, public morals, and ethics.