Al-Musta'in

Al-Musta'in, born in the year eight hundred thirty-six, rose to prominence as the Abbasid caliph from the year eight hundred sixty-two until eight hundred sixty-six. His reign unfolded during a tumultuous period known as the 'Anarchy at Samarra', a time marked by political instability and military strife.

Following the death of the previous caliph, al-Muntasir, who left no designated successor, the Turkic military leaders convened to select a new ruler. Their decision was to elect Ahmad ibn Muhammad, a nephew of al-Mutawakkil, who assumed the regnal name al-Mustaʿīn bi-ʾllāh, meaning 'he who looks for help to God'. This choice, however, was met with significant discontent.

Arab and other troops stationed in Baghdad expressed their dissatisfaction with the selection of al-Musta'in. In a dramatic turn of events, they launched an attack on the assembly, breaking open the prison and plundering the armory. This uprising led to violent confrontations with Turkic and Berber soldiers, resulting in considerable casualties on both sides.