Baghdad (Umayyad World)

Baghdad is the second largest city in the Umayyad Caliphate. Established by the Abbasid dynasty in 762, it became the capital of the Abbasid caliphate after the outbreak of the Muslim Civil War and throughout its years as this important site, became a great center of cultural heritage and architectural prowess. Its success is primarily due to its location along the Tigris River, giving it a very easy method of importing and exporting goods. Today, it is still a great cultural center, but is overshadowed by cities like Damascus, Cairo, Mecca, Istanbul, and Jerusalem.