Tulunids
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The Tulunids were the first independent dynasty in Islamic Egypt (868-905).
In the 9th century internal conflict amongst the Abbasids meant that control of the outlying areas of the empire was increasingly tenuous, and in 868 the Turkish officer Ahmad ibn Tulun (868-884) was able to rule as an independent governor of Egypt. Once the tax income no longer had to go to the Caliph in Baghdad it was possible to develop irrigation works and build a navy, which greatly stimulated the local economy and trade. In 878 Palestine and Syria were occupied to better defend Egypt against Abbasid attack.
Under Khumarawaih (884-895) an extensive building programme and an elaborate court brought the state finances to the point of ruin, and after his murder as a result of harem intrigue the dynasty went into rapid decline. In 905 Egypt was re-occupied by Abbasid troops.
Tulunid Emirs:
- Ahmad ibn Tulun (868-884)
- Khumarawaih (884-896)
- Abu l-Ashir (896)
- Harun (896-904)
- Shaiban (904-905)
