The Last Umayyad Caliph in Damascus
Marwan ibn Muhammad ibn Marwan ibn al-Hakam is recognized as the final Umayyad caliph of the Umayyad state, which had its capital in Damascus. He ascended to the caliphate in the year 127 AH, following the deaths of Al-Walid ibn Yazid and Yazid ibn Al-Walid, as well as the deposition of Ibrahim ibn Yazid ibn Abd al-Malik. Caliph Marwan ibn Muhammad was commonly referred to as Marwan the Jaddi, named after his tutor Jadd ibn Dirham. He also earned the nickname “the Donkey,” attributed to his endurance in warfare and possibly other reasons. Born in the year 72 AH, Marwan was characterized by his fair complexion, a thick beard, and a robust physique. He was a figure of authority known for his bravery, cunning, and a demeanor that reflected gravity, refinement, and eloquence. Marwan lived a life of sixty-two years.
The Fall of the Umayyad Caliphate in Damascus
Historical records indicate that Marwan ibn Muhammad’s tenure was fraught with turmoil and strife, continuing until the eventual fall of the Umayyad state. The Abbasid movement grew in strength, announcing its presence in 129 AH. Marwan ibn Muhammad took swift action against its leader, resulting in his execution. Subsequently, his brother, Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah, took on the leadership of the Abbasid campaign, moving to Kufa and establishing control over Iraq and Khurasan. A significant battle ensued between the two armies near the Zab River, between Mosul and Erbil, where Marwan ibn Muhammad was defeated. He attempted to escape through various locations until he was ultimately killed by Abbasid forces in Egypt. This marked the end of the Umayyad caliphate and the rise of the Abbasid dynasty.
The Last Umayyad Caliph in Al-Andalus
Abu Bakr Hisham ibn Muhammad ibn Abd al-Malik ibn al-Nasir al-Marwani, commonly known as Al-Mu’tadid Billah, is acknowledged as the last Umayyad caliph in Al-Andalus. He was sworn in during the year 418 AH and initially stayed close to the frontiers before returning to Cordoba two years and several months after his appointment. However, once in power in Cordoba, he misused his authority, leading to increasing oppression of his subjects by his ministers. This resulted in a revolt from the citizens of Cordoba, compelling him to leave, along with his family, in the year 422 AH. Consequently, a consensus arose among the populace to abolish the Umayyad caliphate, effectively ending the presence of the Umayyads in Cordoba. Thus, this signified the definitive end of the Umayyad state in Cordoba and Al-Andalus.