Franks and Arabs in the Middle Ages
By Lyric Ludwig / Arab America Contributing Writer
When most picture the medieval Franks interacting with the people of the Middle East, it is clear why peace isn’t what comes to mind. In the 8th century AD, the Umayyad Caliphate invaded Spain and pushed into Gaul (modern day France). At this time, Gaul was under control of the Frankish Kingdom, ruled by Charles Martel, the predecessor to the Carolingian dynasty of Charlemagne. This Umayyad army was defeated at the battle of Tours in 732 AD, halting further Arab expansion into Western Europe and marking an important turning point in relations between Europe and the Middle East. The decisiveness of the battle of Tours can’t be understated as a historical turning point and the same can be said of further interactions with Frankish and Norman people and Arabs, such as the Crusades. This article will explore the lesser known facets of Frankish relations with the Arab world.
Charlemagne and Harun al-Rashid are both immensely important historical figures in their own right. However, unbeknownst to many is the relationship and alliance between these influential rulers. To frame this alliance, one must consider Charlemange’s strategic interest. The Emperor had an interest in conquering Spain, which was ruled by a mutual enemy of the Abbasids and Franks, the Umayyads. Even before Charlemange, there were plans between the two Empires to campaign against Spain. Some even say this alliance was also to buffer against Eastern Roman interest as well.
The relationship between the Emperor and the Caliph began in 798 AD, when Charlemagne sent diplomats to the court of Harun al-Rashid. This resulted in a sort amity between the two rulers, with Harun al-Rashid sending many lavish gifts to Charlemagne such as chess set, wares of gold and ivory, a robe and tent inscribed with the phrase “there is no God but God” from the Shahada, an intricate water clock and many other splendors from the sophisticated and cultured Arabs. Most famously, Charlemagne received a white elephant, which drew the wonder of the people, even historians of the Frankish Empire. Charlemagne’s embassy gained much for his empire besides expensive gifts and a celebrity elephant. Economic relations were established and medieval architects may have even been inspired by Islamic architecture, incorporating many facets including coloring into their own style.
Even long after Charlemagne and Harun al-Rashid’s reigns had come to an end, the diplomatic ideology established by Charlemagne remained in the Frankish Empire. The Carolingian Queen Bertha also sought an embassy with al-Muktafi in the 10th century, stating her admiration for the Arabs and disdain for the Eastern Romans. This resulted in the Empire sending weapons, clothing, animals and slaves to the Abbasid court. This not only reaffirmed the earlier relation between the two empires initiated by Charlemange, but is a symbol of little known and underemphasized cooperation between Europe and the Middle East. Cooperation that stands in the face of many narratives modern people tend to place on history for political gain.
The Carolingian and Abbasid embassies do certainly have political and sociological relevance to this day. Even preceding the era of the Crusades and beyond, authors, anthropologists and various politicians and talking heads push the orientalist narrative of “East vs. West” or “Islam vs. Christianity” or even “clash of civilizations” as Fox “News” might put it. The truth is history is never as black and white as the ignorant people pushing this narrative may have you believe. Conflict between empires was certainly a fact of life in antiquity and the middle ages, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t instances within these political entities where Christians, Jews and Muslims didn’t live side by side as they do in the U.S. for example. This was true of the Crusader states as much as it was for the enlightened Abbasid Caliphate. Hatred and division is often pushed by elites such as Kings, Popes or Presidents for their own gain, with religion as a thin veneer for mass appeal. Understanding history with these facts in mind in a holistic manner may help heal divisions that plague society today.
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