Abd al-Malik I

For other rulers with a similar title, see: Abd al-Malik

Abd al-Malik I Abul al-Fawaris ibn Nuh (944–961) is the Samanid ruler of Khorasan and Maverannahr (954–961), the successor to his father Nukh ibn Hacpa . According to a late source (translation of Ahmed al-Kubavi's “History of Bukhara” by Narshahi ), at the time of accession to the throne, he was only 10 years old. The war with the Buids , which began under Nuha, was ended under him (955–956) by a world not particularly beneficial to the Samanids. As the coins show, the conclusion of peace was associated with the recognition of the Caliph al-Muti .

Little is known about the country's internal situation under Abd al-Malik. From these few news it is not clear whether the young sovereign deserved the praises that Makdisi lavishes on him. The real power, apparently, remained in the hands of the Turkic guardsmen who rose under Nuha. The message about the murder of the governor Khorasan Bekr ibn Melik in Bukhara in front of the palace gates is characteristic. Abd al-Malik's premature death was caused by a fall from his horse during a polo game. His son Nasr, according to Makdisi, was recognized as ruler only one day.

The appearance of Abd al-Malik is a mixture of Caucasoid and Mongoloid characters with a predominance of the latter. The nose was convex, which is very characteristic of the Western Turks , in particular for the Oghuz Turks of Khorasan . A bone protruded in the upper part of the face, which is characteristic of the Kipchaks . The eyes are large elongated, almond-shaped with strongly swollen eyelids ^[1] .