Barmakid

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia: Barmakid

Any member of the priestly family of Persian origin that achieved prominence in the 8th century as scribes and viziers to the caliphs of the 'Abbasid dynasty. They supported the arts and sciences, tolerated explorations of religion and philosophy, and promoted public works. The first notable Barmakid, Khalid ibn Barmak (d. 781/782), helped establish the 'Abbasid caliphate; he became governor of Tabaristan and later Fars. His son Yahya (d. 805) and grandsons al-Fadl (d. 808) and Ja'far (d. 803) held power as viziers but died in prison or were executed in a reversal of fortune, largely because their excessive power, wealth, and liberalism led the caliphs to see them as threats.

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