Historical Figures
Harun al-Rashid
Also Known As Abu Ja'far Harun ibn Muhammad ar-Rashid
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Harun al-Rashid was the fifth Abbasid caliph, reigning from September 786 until his death in March 809. His reign is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the Islamic Golden Age. He established the legendary library Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad, and during his rule Baghdad flourished as a world center of knowledge, culture and trade. In 799 a Frankish mission came to offer him friendship, and Harun sent presents including a clock to Charlemagne's court. Portions of the fictional One Thousand and One Nights are set in his court.
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Disputed
Birth YearSources give two candidate birth years, 17 March 763 or February 766; the exact year is unresolved. RoleFifth caliph of the Abbasid Caliphate, reigned 786 to 809 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
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