The Role of Ehdāth in Aleppo's Political Developments in the Fifth and Sixth Centuries (AH)

The chaotic situation of Aleppo in the fifth century AH on the one hand, and the loose domination of the Fātimīds in this city on the other hand led to the formation of a self-governing and militia force in the city. The group that took over Aleppo’s administration came to be known as "Ehdāth." The power of this group, which had the city under its control, was directly linked to local governments in the region, as the weak governance and exiting gaps reinforced their rule. However, with the dominance of the Seljukite, and then the rule of the Ortoghiān and the Zangiān over Damascus, the power of Ehdāth began to decline in the wake of their policy of constant changing of city officials and appointment of people from outside of Aleppo.