Sectarian quarrels; that happened under particular religious, political and economic conditions, were the most important factor in shaping Baghdad's history between 232 to 656 A.H. With the establishment of the Abbasid caliphs in Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate soon turned into a center for various ethnicities and religions. From the very begining, the incohernet mix of the population and political and economic rivalries created fertile grounds for many urban conflicts and riots among the Arabs, Iranians and Turks. With official birth of Shi'ah and Sunni branches of Islam, efforts starded by scholars of both sects to infiltrate the power structure in the capital. Competition gain a bigger share of power exacerbated the disputes and consequently led to many religious quarrels and conflicts. On the other hand, religious inclination by the caliphs and their functionaries towards specific sects also intensified the rivalries. During the 4th and 5th centuries A.H., a relative balance of power existed between the two Shi'ah adn Sunni sects; while each group was trying to muster greater influence and power through attracting the support of the caliph, technocrats, military commanders or even various urban groups. This article deals with the role of the caliphs, government officials, military commanders, religious scholars and the masses of the people in the creation and intensification of religious conflicts in the specified period.
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