Sayyib Empire

The Sayyib Empire was a successor state of the Umirid Empire, and which existed from 283 to 1016.

History

Following the collapse of the Umirid Empire, forces loyal to Sayyib, a nephew of late Saban II, and former governor in Kirliköy province, took Ashkabad, the capital city of the Umirid Empire.

Sayyib proclaimed himself "Derebeyi bal-Sadik", claiming to be the political and spiritual leader of all Akhadic believers, as legitimate successor of the last Umirid monarch. However, this claim was not accepted by all factions and successor states of the Umirid Empire, notably rejected by the Asirian Kingdom (which would be eventually renamed as Asirian Empire a few centuries later).

The Sayyib Empire was at the peak of its power during the 6th and 7th centuries, when its territories comprised much of today Kyzbekistan, Zargistan, Aricca, Mithrania, northern Gallia, Khanid, and Wadyiah.

However, after the Battle of Antalya (881) against the Mestran armies, the Sayyib Empire would enter in a period of decadence which would result in its final collapse in the early 11th century.

Government

There is an ongoing debate on what extent the Sayyib Empire was a continuation of the Umirid Empire. Some claim that despite the collapse of the Umirid Empire in the late 3rd century, the machinery of the state was pretty much intact, and Sayyib and his successors were a simply continuation of the Umirid Empire. Historian Durul Ustyar (1521-1599) went as far as declaring that it "could be said that the Umirid Empire lasted eighteen centuries, until 1016" (the date when the Sayyib Empire collapsed). Others claimed that the Sayyib Empire could be rather understood as a creation of the Doğu tribes -from which Sayyib and his successor were related-, while other authors simply point to the differences between both states.

Although officially an absolute monarchy, the Sayyib Empire, even at the peak of its glory, was much more weaker and decentralized that the Umirid Empire. Tensions and revolts between the different factions of the Sayyib Empire often allowed the Imperial Kural to force the hand of the monarch on many issues.

Law

Akhadism was the official religion in the Sayyib Empire, and Zokuk or religious law was the basis of all legislation.

However, the judiciary under the Sayyib Empire focused less on theological doctrine or legal precedent, and more with local customs and traditions in the areas they administered. However, the court system lacked an appellate structure, leading to jurisdictional case strategies where plaintiffs could take their disputes from one court system to another until they achieved a ruling that was in their favor.

In the late 9th century, the Sayyib Empire legal system saw substantial reforms. The Great Akhadic Council was abolished in 901, and specefic civic codes and land codes were promulgated by the Imperial Kural.

Military

The expansion of the Sayyib Empire in the 6th century, increased the influence and power of the military leadership.

In order to reduce the power of local governors and noble military officers, the Sayyib Empire monarch increasingly relied in the Bazakeri, elite infantry units which were originally of Kyrzbek background, and formed the monarch's household troops, bodyguards, and participated in numerous military campigns. Forbidden to marry or engage in trade, their complete loyalty to the monarch was expected.

Administrative divisions

The Sayyib Empire was first subdivided into provinces, with governors appointed by the Sayyib monarch.

Economy

Sayyib Empire deliberately pursued a policy for the development of Askhabad, Takar, Ishanbal, Agribha, and Izma, successive Sayyib capitals, into major commercial and industrial centres. The Sayyib Empire's economy greatly expanded during the early modern period, with particularly high growth rates during first half of the sixth century. The empire's annual income quadrupled between 521 and 698, adjusted for inflation.

Slavery was still part of Sayyib society, with most slaves employed as domestic servants. Agricultural slavery was relatively rare. Unlike system of chattel slavery, slaves under Akhadic slaves were not regarded as movable property, but kept basic, though limited, rights, which gave them a degree of protection against abuse. Despite criticism of the Akhadic clergy, members of the royal house were often personally involved in the bought of female slaves for the royal court.

Language

Askhadi language was the official and administrative language of the Sayyib Empire.

Özkan II proscribed Asirian language in 821, as he considered Asirians a fifth column for the rival Asirian Empire.

Religion

Akhadism was the official religion, and religious law was the base of all legislation.

Umur I the Wise promoted Bukh'a Akhadism as the official Akhadic denomination in the 5th century, in order to curb the influence and power of the Akhadic clergy. Clergymen and scholars from the Zokukyar and other Akhadic schools were persecuted, although this religious persecution was relaxed from the late 6th century.

See also

• Akhadism
• Umirid Empire