Introduction
In the Disney cartoon series Aladdin, Jafar, the Sultan’s wazir, is shown as a seemingly
trustworthy counsel, but in reality, he is a malevolent individual scheming to seize control of the
country. Jafar’s inspiration is derived from 1001 Arabian Nights, a compilation of tales from the
Islamic golden age. In the Arabian Nights, Jafar is portrayed as a sagacious wazir who adeptly
resolves enigmatic issues, such as the tale of “the three apples.” Jafar ibn Yahya, also referred to
as Jafar ibn Barmak, held the influential position of wazir under Abbasid Caliph Harun Al
Rashid. He was a member of the Al Barmaki Family, renowned for their service as influential
wazirs and administrators to Abbasid monarchs during the period from 705 to 803 CE.
The early years of the Barmakids
The Barmakid family, named after the Sanskrit term pramukha, was one of the most influential
families in Khurasaan. Their ancestor was the head priest of the Buddhist temple at Nowbahaar.
The last Barmak, Khalid’s father, became an Islamist and supported the Abbasid Revolution.
Khalid, who was well-educated in Arabic and Islam, was his roommate. Barmak studied
medicine, astrology, and philosophy in Kashmir. Most notably, he healed Hesham’s child. His
publications in Sanskrit were part of the Translation Project of Dar Al Hikmah in Baghdad. After
returning to Khurasaan, Barmak and his son Khalid fought for Islamic supremacy on a
worldwide scale. Khalid played a crucial role in the uprising and the consolidation of their
authority. As-Saffah appointed him the first Abbasid Caliph and the army and land tax divan. By
providing bound books instead of loose documents, Khalid earned the caliph’s confidence and
went on to become top counselor. Khalid, a skillful administrator of Mosul, the Euphrates, Fars,
Ray, and Tabaristan, was appointed by Caliph Abu Jaafar Al Mansur. Khalid served in the same
capacity under Caliph Al Mahdi once again.
Yahya became the highest ranking official in the administration after inheriting his father’s
management and leadership abilities. He was responsible for overseeing the actions of Caliph Al
Mahdi and for Prince Harun’s attendance.
A plot to harm Barmakids
Yahya was imprisoned during the brief reign of Caliph Al Hadi (785-86) because he opposed his
attempts to depose Harun. Yahya was freed following Al Hadi’s demise and appointed wazir to
Caliph Harun Al Rashid.
The Grandeur Years of the Barmakids
Yahya Barmaki was given full power by Al Rashid, a notable Caliph in Abbasid history. The
Abbasid state was run by his sons Al Fadl and Jafar, with Al Fadl occupying important roles.
The Barmaki family saw themselves as one and had a strong relationship with the Abbasids.
A well-educated and powerful family, the Barmakis were referred to as “people of the pen” or
ahl-al-qalam for their support of the humanities and sciences. They were a major force in pre-
Islamic commerce and knowledge transmission, coming from the Tokharistan area. They drew
Persian experts and assisted in the dissemination of knowledge to Abbasid Baghdad after
embracing Islam. The Prophet ﷺ prophesied that those with moral qualities and religious
discernment would fare well in Islam.
During the time of Caliph Al Mansur, Khalid ibn Barmak was the wazir and had a major
influence on how Baghdad became a center for knowledge and intellectuals. He counseled Al
Mansur to construct Madinat As Salaam, the capital that would subsequently become Baghdad.
Additionally, Khalid introduced Sindhind, one of the first astronomical works, to Al Mansur’s
court. His son Yahya Al Barmaki invited Indian philosophers and medical specialists to Baghdad
and was a patron of academics and poets. Because of his family’s Tokharistani origins, he was
drawn to the Persian philosophers Masha’Allah ibn Athari and Sahl ibn Tabari, who translated
Greek works such as Euclid’s Elements, laying the groundwork for further mathematical
advancements throughout the Islamic Golden Age.
Under Al Rashid’s rule, Yahya and his sons Al Fadl and Jafar were active in almost every
governmental issue, and Baghdad developed into a center for intellectuals, scientists, and
information. The early Abbasids’ effective taxes, strong leadership, and empire management are
credited with making Baghdad the center of learning and science.
The collapse of Barmakids
The Barmaki family, whose services and kindness brought them prominence and power, had an
impact on the Caliph. The Caliph felt powerless in many state affairs, and this jealously led to
animosity against him. The Barmakis became more well-known and their impact expanded.
Sensing danger, the Caliph took action, banishing all Barmakis occupying important positions,
taking their belongings, and detaining Jafar and his sibling Al Fadl.
Storytellers spread a false rumor that Jafar had an affair with the Caliph’s sister, leading to her
becoming pregnant. Given that the narrative is purely based on rumors and has no foundation, it’s
possible that Disney’s Aladdin was inspired to depict Jafar as wicked. The Caliph decided to take
action as the Barmakis’ influence and authority increased. This bogus tale may have served as the
inspiration for Jafar’s affair story with the Caliph.
Ibn Khaldūn (Rosenthal Franz) The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History
al-Ṭabarī Muḥammad Faḍl Ibrāhīm Tārīkh al-rusul wa-l-mulūk
Encyclopedia Iranica,
Encyclopedia Britannica
Etc.