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House Hashimid

Peace Be Upon You

House Hashimid

Seat: Cairo

Region: Egypt

Allegiance: Egypt

Religion: Ash'ari Sunni Islam

Current Head: Hossein III

Founder: Murrah ibn Ka'b

Founding Date: 333AD

Early History

The Banū Hāshim clan was a clan within the Quraysh tribe in Arabia. The origins of the family reach back as far back in record to Murrah ibn Ka'b, who lived in approximately 333 AD. Murrah was the oldest recorded member of the dynasty, but his great-great grandson would give them their name: Hāshim ibn ‘Abd Manāf. Born as 'Amr, he chose to name himself Hashim, as it was the name God used for the prophet Abraham. The family were Hanifs, those who rejected idolatry and submitted to God in all forms.

In approximately 570 AD, the great-grandson of Hashim was born. Muhammad, peace be upon him, was raised as a merchant and a trader by his grandfather. When he was 40, the Angel Gabriel visited him, and he begun to preach the revelations he recieved from God. Only through complete "submission" (islam) to God will one lead a good life. The prophet was expelled from his home in Mecca and migrated to Medina. There, the Prophet united the tibes and eventually retook Mecca, destroying the idolatry that overwhelmed the city. By the time of his death in 632, most of Arabia was converted to Islam. After his death, Abu Bakr, whom was a descendant of Murrah ibn Ka'b, was declared to be the "Caliph", which means "successor." He was recognized to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet.

The Rashidun Caliphate's military campaigns into Persia and the Eastern Roman Empire were greatly successful, and the reach of the Caliphate spread far and wide. The Caliphate remained strong, until the reign of Caliph Hasan ibn Ali, the fifth Caliph, who abdicated the Caliphate only 7 months after beginning his reign in 661. This would contribute to the split in Sunni and Shi'a Islam, and it would end the reign of the mainline Hashimid house's rule over a Caliphate for years. While other branches, such as the Umayyads, Abbasids, and Fatimids also proclaimed their own Caliphates, they formed cadet branches and sought to create their own legacies.

The Hashimids were left with scraps, and became landless for almost 100 years, until Emir Hasan took administrative authority over the Emirate of Medina, and being recognized as the ruler there by the newly instated Abbasid Caliphate. As years went by, the Hashimids clung to their authority in the region, later seizing Mecca to form the Emirate of Hejaz, and bowing to the Shi'a Fatimid Caliphate for the promise of religious protection of the Sunni lands there.

CK3 History

Depiction of Caliph Hossayn 'the Wolf' ibn Suleiman leading his armies towards Cairo, 1086

Depiction of the Battle of Tiberias. The battle turned the tide of the Crusade in favor of the Muslims, and resulted in the death of thousands of Crusaders, including Pomeranian Prince Andrezej, 1186

By 1066 AD, the Hashimids hae ruled over Medina for nearly 300 years. Emir Hossayn ibn Suleiman. Known as 'the Wolf', the Emir sought to remain loyal to remain loyal to the Fatimid Caliph, Caliph al-Mustansir ibn az-Zahir. The two however held a long conflict and tension over their lives. The Emir and the Caliph nearly grew to become rivals as they argued over the Emir's placement as the regent for the Caliph in case he was unable to attend to his duties. As a result, the Caliph forced Emir Hussayn to convert to Isma'ili Shi'a Islam. While the Emir remained Sunni within his heart, he complied with the conversion in order to retain his position.

However, in early 1084, the Emir invited the Caliph to a feast in Mecca, where the two discussed their differences and eventually soothed their tensions. The Caliph and Emir recognized each other as friends. However, during the trip back to Cairo, the Caliph passed away in his sleep. The new Caliph, Abu Mansur al-Nizar and Emir of Palestine, was wounded in battle fighting against rebels and fell gravely ill. His reign only lasted a little longer than 2 months, and his 2 year old son Bishoi ibn Abu Mansur rose to the throne.

The Fatimid Caliphate fell into anarchy, as the brother of the short-reigned Caliph sought to seize the throne for themselves. As Alexandria and Al-Buharia fought in the Lower Nile and the lands in Syria rose for independence, the humble Emir Hussayn recognized that he could be humble no longer. In order to restore stability to the Caliphate, the Emir knew he had to seize power for himself. He rallied men across the Caliphate to recognize his claim to the throne, and soon made a march for Cairo, defeating the many brothers of the Fatimid Dynasty and soon reorganizing the lands into the Hashimid Caliphate.

Emir Hussayn declared himself Caliph of a new Caliphate, the Hashimid Caliphate. He also deemed the Caliphate to be Sunni, renouncing his previous forced conversion to Shi'a Islam. However, by the time he did this, most of Egypt had already converted to Shi'a. The Caliph promised religious protections and extended these protections to Jews and Christians, however the Jizya would still be instituted, and even enacted upon the Shi'a. This would encourage the slow conversion of Shi'a, Christians, and Jews in the region, until eventually Ash'ari Sunni Islam became the dominant faith in Egypt again.

The Hashimids were well known as patrons of the arts, sciences, and architecture. The Al-Azhari University was expanded, and development across the Caliphate. However, after the sudden death of Caliph Abu-Bakr, the Hashimid Caliphate fractured in a civil war. Syria declared its independence, while a failed push for an ambitious son to seize Egypt from the newly ordained Caliph Abdullah led to the loss of the Arabian territories as well. On August 21st 1160, the Battle of Negev saw the phyrric victory of the Egyptian forces. The pretender Caliphate in Arabia collapsed while Syria and much of the Levant gained independence, as the Egyptian armies were required to return home in order to quell internal instability.

This great loss of prestige could have spelled the total collapse of the Hashimid Caliphate were it not for the First Crusade. The armies of Christendom, angered by the autonomous Shi'a Caliph's reign in Jerusalem enacting extraordinary taxation on pilgrims, sailed towards the Holy Land to establish a Christian kingdom there. The Hashimid Caliphate decided to intervene in the Crusade. Despite early losses on the Hashimid side, the larger armies of the Crusaders soon split apart as they argued over whom among them was the leader of the Crusade, and whom would become the first King of Jerusalem. At the Battle of Tiberias on November 1168, the Pomeranian Crusaders sieging the city were attacked by the Hashimid Army. The Crusaders, still bickering among them, refused to assist, resulting in the death of Prince Andrezej of Pomerania and the collapse of the First Crusade's momentum. Through defeat in detail, the Armies of the Crusaders were chipped away and eventually kicked back into the sea. As a result, the people of Islam rejoiced the Caliph in Cairo, and the Hashimid Caliphate was narrowly able to use their newfound popularity to restore stability to Egypt and prevent the total collapse of their Dynasty's rule.

Over the centuries, the Hashimid Caliphate consolidated their rule over Egypt, and sought to spread their dynasty outwards. In Tunisia, the Sultanate of Africa collapsed following the overthrow of the al-Husam dynasty there. Recognizing his chance, Ilyas ibn Gabri'el, the brother of Caliph Gabri'el ibn Ilyas, led an army into North Africa. Surprisingly, however, many quickly swore allegiance to the army in order to secure stability for the lands. By 1212, Ilyas declared himself the Sultan of North Africa. Over the years, the Hashimids there soon proclaimed themselves a new cadet branch, the Nuraddin, and sought to expand into Algeria, Morrocco, and the Sahara desert. At approximately 1300, the Nuraddin further split into the Asimid Dynasty, with the Asimids seizing the lands once owned by the Nuraddins.

South in Nubia, the Christian Kingdom there remained independent from Cairo for many centuries. However, Caliph Hossein II, seeking a friendly ally in the south while his attention remained north towards the Eastern Romans and Mongols, soon launched two invasions into the region to secure its control for Islam. He installed a Hashimid to the throne in Dongola, Ezra 'the Shy Dwarf', who proclaimed the creation of the Dongolid Sultanate, swearing to convert the lands to Islam.

During this time, the Hashimid Caliphate regrew in power. Caliph Hossein I 'the Gracious' would reunite the lands that were once a part of the Hashimid Caliphate through the pen. He argued to the Emirs of these states that if they did not swear an oath to him, the Eastern Roman Empire or the Mongol Empire would burn their lands and roll through them with ease. With the threat of these two powers, he was able to secure many Emirs' loyalty. He sought a war with the Eastern Roman Empire to ensure unification, but the war grew into a grinding stalemate that cost thousands of lives.

By 1337, the Hashimid Caliphate has dominion over Egypt, the Levant, and Hejaz. Meanwhile, the House has authority over all of Northern Africa, Nubia, and much of the Sahara. The population of Egypt has exploded to become the most populated state in the Islamic world, and trumphing many of the European kingdoms in size. Yet, this great density of people and large scale urbanization may prove unfortunate should the Caliphate experience a severe plague...

EU4 History

Vic3 History

HOI4 History

Caliphal Dynastic Timeline

Caliph Hussayn I 'the Wolf'

B. January 1st, 1030 - R. March 29th, 1087 - D. July 5th, 1092

Hussayn ibn Suleiman was born on January 1st, 1030. He was the son of Suleiman Hashimid. He was the Emir of Medina, swearing loyalty to the Fatimid Caliphate. The Emir sought religious autonomy, but was nonetheless a humble man that wished to keep the Caliphate strong. He was callous, however, which brought him at odds with the Fatimid Caliphs. He sought a position on the Fatimid Council, and his odds with the Egyptian nobility granted him the title of 'the Wolf'. As the Fatimid Caliphate collapsed into anarchy, Hussayn decided to cast aside his humility for a moment, and bravely charged in to secure peace and stability in the Caliphate. On March 29th, 1087, Hussayn proclaimed the Hashimid Caliphate and reconverted to Ash'ari Sunni Islam. He spent the rest of his reign quelling uprisings in Egypt. He died on July 5th 1092, being bedridden from gout.

Caliph Ibrahim 'the Good'

B. October 11th, 1078 - R. July 5th, 1092 - D. December 6th, 1142

Ibrahim ibn Issa was born on October 11th, 1078. He was the grandson of Caliph Hussayn. A young man when he took over the throne, he quickly sought to secure his reign. He was well known for his just nature, viewing men fairly and rejecting bribery. He was also well known for his compassionate nature and his donations to the poor. His kind heart led to the people of Egypt proclaiming him as 'the Good'. He was a scholar, an administrator, and eagerly hunted and grew friendships and revelries with his vassals. While he was a humble man, he also had ambition to secure the Caliphate's reign in Arabia and the Levant, securing a peace treaty with the Eastern Roman Empire and drawing a border between them. His reign became a model for future Caliphs. He peacefully passed away on December 8th, 1142.

Caliph Abu-Bakr

B. July 26th, 1102 - R. December 8th, 1142 - D. July 22nd, 1158

Abu-Bakr ibn Ibrahim was born on July 26th, 1102. He was the son of Caliph Ibrahim 'the Good'. Far unlike his father's charismatic and extroverted reign, Caliph Abu-Bakr was far more tempermental and reclusive. The Caliph held private remarks noting that he would prefer a scholarly life than an administrative one, but decided to stay to ensure stability. The Caliph was well known as a patron of the arts and crafts, and was diligent in his efforts to promote literacy among the people. However, he was a shy and fickle man, sometimes completely shutting himself within his chambers and not preforming the adequate duties as Caliph. His poor administrative effort led to growing divides within the Caliphate, resulting in the loss of the Levant and Arabia upon the Caliph's death. As a philosopher and scholar, he is lauded, but he is widely criticized for his lack of administrative skills. He passed away in his sleep on July 22nd, 1158.

Caliph Abdullah

B. June 23rd, 1143 - R. July 22nd, 1158 - D. May 3rd, 1196

Abdullah ibn Abu-Bakr was born on June 23rd, 1143. He was the son of Caliph Abu-Bakr. Only 15 years old when he took the throne, his rule was challenged by his ambitious younger brother, and an ambitious bid for Syrian independence. The failure to decisively defeat the opposing armies at the Battle of Negev saw the loss of the Levant and Arabia from Caliphal control. Despite this loss, he is widely lauded in Islamic circles for the successful routing of the Christian Crusaders during the Second Crusade. This act may very well have prevented the complete collapse of the Caliphate. Following the return of stability to Egypt, Caliph Abdullah instituted a new law on succession in order to prevent another decline. Later in life, however, he grew depressed and bedridden from the stress of his role, and committed suicide on May 3rd, 1196.

Caliph Ahmad 'the Deposed'

B. September 8th, 1176 - R. May 3rd, 1196 - A. March 25th, 1200 - D. December 27th, 1228

Ahmad ibn Abdullah was born on September 8th, 1176. He was the son of Caliph Abdullah. Prince Ahmad as he is most commonly regarded among Historians had a short reign in the Caliphate. After the death of his father Abdullah, he was granted the lion's share of titles. However, his callous nature made him unpopular among his nobility. Despite being a graduate of the University of Al-Azhari, he was remarkably incompetent in most fields. He was unable to keep his vassals happy, and a revolt to institute Ilyas to the throne eventually forced the Caliph to abdicate the throne. He would go on adventures to West Africa and Siberia, publishing a book titled "The Deposed King's Travels" that became popular among later historians. He died in his sleep on December 27th, 1228.

Caliph Ilyas

B. April 12th, 1174 - R. March 25th, 1200 - D. June 18th, 1234

Ilyas ibn Gabri'el was born on April 12th, 1174. He was the grandson of Caliph Abu-Bakr. Ilyas originally ruled in the Sheikdom of Giza, however a group of disgruntled vassals approached him and offered him the throne of Egypt. Despite initial reluctance, he accepted, and overthrew his cousin. A graduate of the University of Al-Azhari, he begun patronizing arts and culture. Despite this, however, he too became increasingly disliked among his vassals. He was paranoid that they would attempt to overthrow him, and took vengeful acts on those he saw being disloyal. This only intensified when he was infected with Lover's Pox by his wife. As he grew older he became reclusive, contrite, a flagellant, and begun to smoke Hashish in order to cope with his administration. He died of old age on June 18th, 1234.

Caliph Gabri'el

B. February 19th, 1201 - R. June 18th, 1234 - D. April 13th, 1246

Caliph Gabri'el ibn Ilyas was born on February 19th, 1201. He was the son of Caliph Ilyas. He was a zealous man, who sought a strict Islamic lifestyle. He was a flagellant, whipping himself in the hopes of achieving God's favor. He was well known for making large expenses on the construction of new mosques and temples across Egypt, to the point that it seriously threatened the Caliph's treasury. He was also renown for his temperate nature, enjoying food and beverages in very light portions. He was criticized by his family and vassals, who pleaded him to eat more. Some among his vassals quietly refered to Gabri'el as 'The Mummy King' due to his skeletal frame. Due to his malnourishment, he drowned on April 13th, 1246 after falling in the Nile while attempting to cross it.

Caliph Hossein I 'the Gracious'

B. December 21st, 1229 - R. April 13th, 1246 - D. October 12th, 1289

Caliph Hossein ibn Gabri'el was born on December 21st, 1229. He was the son of Caliph Gabri'el. Caliph Hossein was world renown for his charisma and diplomatic skills. He was an eager reveler, actively seeking the good will of his vassals and outside rulers. His charisma was so remarkable, he was able to convince the Levant and Hejaz to swear allegience to Egypt without a fight, using the threat of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Mongol Horde and presenting himself as their only safe haven. He was regarded as 'the Gracious' for his good manners and compassionate nature. He was, however, a drunkard, which has soured his reputation among strict adherants of Islam. Nevertheless, he is known for restoring the Caliphate to strengths not seen since the days of Caliph Ibrahim 'the Good'. He would drink himself to death on October 12th, 1289.

Caliph Badr 'the Zealot'

B. January 25th, 1258 - R. October 12th, 1289 - D. March 11th, 1300

Caliph Badr ibn Hossein was born on January 25th, 1258. He was the son of Caliph Hossein. Well regarded for his zealotry, he recognized the strength of the Eastern Roman Empire. He made peace with them after a brief war that was begun by his predecessor, and quickly sought to strengthen his Caliphate through investment. He was impatient, actively taking a role in projects to ensure their quick completion. However, his zealotry was known to fade over time, growing disallousioned with life and his role with the growing stresses in life. After a Hajj to Mecca, Caliph Badr actively sought the advice of God, and was thought to be in better mind soon after. However, he quietly remarked to one of his wives that he felt alone while on his pilgrimage. A few days afterwards, his wife discovered him standing on a balcony. She pleaded him to stop, but was unable to reach him in time. He committed suicide on March 11th, 1300.

Caliph Hossein II

B. August 19th, 1282 - R. March 11th, 1300 - D. January 6th, 1319

Caliph Hossein II ibn Badr was born on August 19th, 1282. He was the son of Caliph Badr. Unlike many of his predecessors, Caliph Hossein II was remarkedly interested in wargames and military theory. Graduating the University of Al-Azhari, the Caliph brought his tactical mind to the test through a zealous call to arms against the Christian kingdom in Nubia. His armies crushed the Nubians and instituted the Dongolid Sultanate after a brief occupation of the region. He was prepared to launch more incursions into the Eastern Roman Empire and the Mongol Empire before his assassination on January 6th, 1319.

Caliph Hossein III 'the Handsome'

B. September 3rd, 1299 - R. January 6th, 1319 -

Caliph Hossein III ibn Hossein was born on September 3rd, 1299. He was the son of Caliph Hossein II. The Caliph was well regarded for his stunning looks, and despite his scars would be well regarded as 'the Handsome'. Despite this, he was stubborn and paranoid, afriad of sharing the same fate as his father. He investigated and soon discovered the identity of his father's assassin, Emir Salahaddin of Palmyra. Upon the execution of the Emir through decapitation, Hossein III reportedly remarked that "A great weight has been lifted on my shoulders, as well as the Emir's."

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