The Impact of Climate Conditions and Economic Policies on the Economic Decline of Baghdad in the Era of the Abbasid Caliphate

In this paper, the economic decline of Baghdad in the second period of the Abbasid caliphate is examined. Historical data indicate that variouspolitical, social, religious, economic and geographic factorswere at work in thisdecline. In this paper, the two variables of climate conditions and economic policies have been studied due to their direct impact on the economic decline of Baghdad. Using data extracted from historical and geographical documents, and based on an analytic-interpretive method, the present paper attempted to investigate impacts of climate conditions and economic policies on the economic decline of Baghdad. The findings of the study revealed that the climate conditions of Baghdad—which in the era of political stability of Abbasid caliphate and under supervision of the government was one of the main factors in the economic prosperity of Baghdad—was itself the cause of trade and economic downturn and turbulence during the Buwayhid and Seljuk eras. Climatic features like rivers’ overflow or their water reduction, climate changes, etc. resulted in drought, famine, shortage of crops, and inflation, andgradually led to Baghdad’s economic decline. On the other hand, ineffectiveeconomic policies of taxes and tribute, propertyconfiscation, market monitoring, and lack of due attention to linking routes—which were the main crossroads for importing and exporting goods—resulted in Baghdad’s commercial and economic downturn.