Khalifa Uthman bin Affan - Azarbaijan during the caliphate of Uthman

Khalifa Uthman bin Affan - Azarbaijan during the caliphate of Uthman

When Othrnan became the Caliph, Utba b Farqad was the Governor of Azarbaijan. Uthman made no change, and Utba b Farqad continued as the Governor of Azarbaijan. For military purposes Azarbaijan was included in the command of Kufa. When Walid b Uqba became the Governor General of Kufa he recalled Uqba b Farqad from Azarbaijan. With the withdrawal of Uqba b Farqad the people of Azarbaijan once again broke into revolt. Thus in the caliphate of Uthman the process of the conquest of Azarbaijan had to be taken up all over again.

The main military station commanding the region was Kufa where about 40,000 warriors were stationed. There were sub-stations at Rayy and Ardbeel where 6,000 and' 10,000 soldiers were stationed. Othrnan directed Walid b Uqba the Governor, General of Kufa to undertake military operations in Azarbaijan. Details of the operations are not available. In the source books the accounts are very brief and sketchy. It appears that Walid b Uqba made a two pronged attack on Azarbaijan. One column advanced to Azarbaijan from the side of Armenia under the command of Abdullah b Shabil b Auf Ahmsi. This column conquered Mauqan, Talisan, A1 Basira and a few other towns. The main Muslim army advanced to Azarbaijan under the personal command of Walid b Uqba. The rebels could not withstand the might of the Muslim force. One by one all the towns surrendered, and the Muslims once again became the masters of the whole of Azarbaijan. The Muslims amassed a good deal of booty. Peace was restored on the people of Azarbaijan undertaking to be faithful and loyal, and agreeing to pay an annual tribute of eighty lakh dirhams.

Konular

Top