The Political Relations of the Shica Bani Aqil With Buhids, Fatimids and Saljuqids

Bani Aqil clan succeeded, in the period of the weakness and decline of Hamdanids, to found their government by conquering the cities of Musel and Nasibin and paying tribute to and following Buwayhid emirs. In view of the fact that Bani Aqil government settled in a strategic region, their government was much important for the neighboring governments. The Shiite government of Bani Aqil established its power by proclaiming independence from Āl Buya and following Fatimids. The unstable and weak bonds of this government with Fatimids and Saljuqids were a transient period in their government. With the establishment of Saljuqids in Iraq, Bani Aqil’s government became subordinate to Saljuqids. With proclaiming this subordination, this government spread its domination in northern Syria. Accordingly, the spread and penetration of Bani Aqil in that region led to struggle with Saljuqids of Rome and Syria. During those struggles, Bani Aqil’s power declined. It is worth noting that Bani Aqil’s policy against each of the governments was based on the principle of preserving their political existence.