The Transformation and Functions of the Concept of Ahl al-Buyūtāt (3rd–6th Centuries AH)

Document Type : Review Article

Author

PhD in Iranian History of the Islamic Period, Al-Zahra University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30465/shc.2026.55216.2710
Abstract
Ahl al-Buyutat is one of the widely used designations in historical sources of the medieval period, referring to families distinguished by social status, established family background, and local influence. Nevertheless, the referents and functions of this designation were not uniform across different periods, but changed in response to transformations in the social and political structures. This study examines the transformation of the concept and functions of Ahl al-Buyutat in Islamic Iran up to the end of the Seljuk period and seeks to explain the changing nature of its referents. Adopting an analytical approach, the study comparatively examines the use of the term in historiographical, geographical, and administrative sources and explores its transformation in relation to changing sources of social status. The findings demonstrate that Ahl al-Buyutat did not constitute a fixed concept referring to a closed social group during the period under study. Rather, its range of referents extended from families distinguished by wealth and aristocratic standing to judicial, administrative, and political families. During the Seljuk period, the designation acquired an effective role in political and administrative relations in addition to signifying established family background and prestige. It was used to identify influential families with a history of service to the government and society. Therefore, the transformation of the concept of Ahl al-Buyutat can be understood as a consequence of changes in the sources through which family status was produced and reproduced, as well as transformations in the position of influential families within the social and political structure of Iran.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 05 September 2026

  • Receive Date 20 July 2026
  • Revise Date 02 September 2026
  • Accept Date 05 September 2026