The Fatimid Caliphate was an Ismaili Shia Muslim caliphate that existed from 909 to 1171 CE. It was founded by Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah in North Africa and played a significant role in the Islamic world during the medieval period. The Fatimids claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali, and they established their own caliphal line distinct from the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate.

Key features of the Fatimid Caliphate include:

1. Foundation and Rise (909–969 CE):
   • The Fatimid Caliphate was founded in 909 by Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah in North Africa, with its capital initially established in Mahdia, Tunisia. The Fatimids aimed to establish an Ismaili Shia state in opposition to the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate.
   • The first Fatimid caliph, al-Mahdi, was succeeded by his son, al-Qa’im, and later by al-Mansur. The caliphate expanded its territories in North Africa, including Egypt, and sought to consolidate its power.
2. Conquest of Egypt (969 CE):
   • One of the most significant events in Fatimid history was the conquest of Egypt by the general Jawhar al-Siqilli in 969. The establishment of the new capital, Cairo, marked the beginning of the Fatimid rule over Egypt.
3. Golden Age and Cultural Achievements (969–1072 CE):
   • Under the rule of the Fatimid Caliph al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah (reigned 953–975), the caliphate experienced a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Cairo became a center of learning, and the Fatimids supported the translation of classical Greek and Roman works into Arabic.
   • The Fatimid rulers were known for their patronage of the arts, literature, and sciences.
4. Religious Policies and Ismaili Shia Doctrine:
   • The Fatimids followed the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam and subscribed to the Nizari Ismaili doctrine. They considered their caliphs as divinely appointed leaders (Imams) and promoted the Ismaili Shia interpretation of Islam.
   • The Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (reigned 996–1021) is particularly notable for his sometimes controversial policies, including the construction of the al-Hakim Mosque in Cairo and his sudden disappearance, which led to various speculations about his fate.
5. Decline and Conflicts (1072–1171 CE):
   • The later period of the Fatimid Caliphate witnessed internal conflicts, including succession disputes and power struggles. The caliphate faced external threats from Sunni powers, including the Seljuks.
   • In 1071, the Fatimids suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Manzikert, which further weakened their position.
6. Ayyubid Conquest (1169–1171 CE):
   • In 1169, the Ayyubid general Salah al-Din (Saladin) took control of Egypt on behalf of the Fatimids but soon established his own rule. In 1171, the last Fatimid Caliph, al-Adid, was forced to abdicate, marking the end of the Fatimid Caliphate.

The fall of the Fatimid Caliphate and the rise of the Ayyubids marked a crucial transition in the political and religious landscape of the Islamic world. The Fatimids left a lasting impact on Cairo’s architecture and culture, and their legacy is remembered in various historical and cultural contexts.