The Relationship Between Military Organization and Economic Structure in the Umayyad State in al-Andalus

This study examines the relationship between the military organization and the economic structure in the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus, analyzing the impact of the military establishment on the state’s economic prosperity and wealth. In the medieval Islamic world, military power played a critical role in the collection, protection and sustainability of economic resources, serving as a determinant factor in preserving the political stability of states. Within this context, the primary aim of the study is to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the military organization and the economic structure across the various historical phases of the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus, spanning from the period of the Great Fitna to the caliphal era and the post-’Amirid decline. The present study employs an analytical approach to historical data to compare the economic conditions during periods of strong and weak military organization. During the period known as the Great Fitna, the occurrence of uprisings led to a weakening of central authority. This, in turn, had an adverse effect on military organization. The subsequent challenges, including declining tax revenues and the closure of trade routes, were not effectively addressed by the central administration, which lacked sufficient military might to do so. This sequence of events contributed to a marked economic decline, leading the state to the threshold of a substantial crisis. Conversely, during the caliphal era, the robust military forces established by Abd al-Rahman III and his son al-Hakam II effectively suppressed rebellions, safeguarded trade routes and promoted agricultural production. Notably, the disciplined central army established under Abd al-Rahman III ensured the regular collection of taxes, significantly enriching the state treasury. The collection of taxes from newly conquered territories, in conjunction with the strengthening of commercial activities, directly contributed to an economic boom. The period also saw significant advancements in naval strength and the strategic development of port cities, enhancing the influence of Córdoba on Mediterranean trade routes and fostering commercial relations with the Maghreb and Europe. During the ‘Amirid era, the military reforms initiated under the leadership of al-Mansūr initially did not adversely affect the functioning of the army. However, the abolition of the military-based iqta system eventually weakened the military structure. Although the augmentation of the military with new groups provided short-term success, prolonged civil wars significantly undermined the army’s strength, disrupting economic stability and accelerating the state’s collapse. The findings of this study underscore the indispensable role of a well-functioning military organization in ensuring economic stability, as a strong military establishment facilitates the regular collection of tax revenues, safeguards trade routes and fosters economic prosperity.Conversely, periods of military weakness are marked by deepening economic crises, whereas periods of military strength witness peak economic affluence. Consequently, it can be concluded that the economic stability and prosperity of the Umayyad Caliphate of al-Andalus were inextricably linked to the strength of its military organization.