The city of Baghdad (Arabic: بغداد Baġdād) was established by the Abbasid dynasty as its capital in the 8th century, marking a new era in Islamic history after their defeat of the Umayyad Caliphate.

Founded in 762 AD by al-Mansur on a site with settlement dating back to at least the Neo-Babylonian period, Baghdad became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and its most notable development project. The city evolved into an intellectual and cultural center.

The city was founded in 762 as the capital of the Abbasid dynasty of caliphs, and for the next 500 years it was the most significant cultural center of Arab and Islamic civilization.

In 1258, the Mongols conquered Baghdad and Iraq, bringing an end to the Abbasid caliphate. While Baghdad remained an important regional center throughout the following centuries, it did not attract the same level of economic resources as it did as the capital of the Abbasid empire.

Baghdad was founded in 762 A.D. by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mansur, who sought to create a new capital to reflect the glory and achievements of his dynasty. The city was strategically located along the Tigris River, making it ideal for trade and cultural exchanges.

The true founding of the city, however, dates to 762, when the site, located between present-day Al-Kāẓimiyyah and Al-Karkh and occupied by a Persian village called Baghdad, was selected by al-Manṣūr, the second caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, for his capital.

Explore the rich history of Baghdad from its founding in 762 AD through the Islamic Golden Age, Mongol invasion, Ottoman era, and modern revival.

Baghdad was founded to establish a new seat of power for the Abbasid Caliphate, strategically located near former Persian capitals to symbolize a new era of imperial authority and cultural synthesis.

Baghdad was founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur on the banks of the Tigris River. The city was strategically located between the empires of the East and West, and it quickly grew to become a major center of trade, culture, and learning.

Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur founded Baghdad on July 20, 762 C.E., intending it to serve as the capital of Islam and calling it “Madinat-us-Salaam,” or City of Peace.