Class Mobility in Iraqi Society (334-656 AH / 954-1258 AD)

This research aims to examine class mobility in Iraqi society, particularly after the weakness of the central Caliphal institutions and the rise of a new ruling elite of Buwayhid princes and Seljuk sultans to the top of the social hierarchy. The wealth of the country became concentrated in their hands at the expense of the other social classes, leading to the disintegration of the social fabric of society as a whole. The research also sought to provide a comprehensive view of the major changes experienced by the social, economic, and political structures. This climate provided an opportunity for certain groups from humble origins to ascend the social hierarchy, taking advantage of the surrounding conditions of wealth, education, political experience, and proximity to the ruling class to reach the highest positions. On the other hand, the status of other groups was displaced, descending to lower strata within the social hierarchy due to corruption, alongside the confiscations implemented by the ruling authority. Moreover, the study period witnessed a decline in the influence of the Abbasid caliphs as weakness and frailty crept into the Caliphal institution. Despite the erosion of their power, they still retained their social class status within the hierarchy. The significance of this research lies in highlighting the factors influencing class mobility, the profound class transformations that accompanied them within the societal structure at that time, and how these changes contributed to reshaping the class hierarchy in Iraqi society.