2021-03-31 Wed

Abu Ja'far Ahmad ibn Muhammad was the amir of Sistan from 923 until his death in 963. He is responsible for restoring Saffarid rule over Sistan, and was a great patron of the arts.

Abu Ja’far Ahmad's rise to power began in May 923, when the people of Zarang proclaimed him amir. Sistan at that time was ruled by 'Abdallah ibn Ahmad, who was unpopular in Zarang due to his harsh taxes. Taking advantage of his ties to the Saffarids, Abu Ja’far Ahmad gained the support of the city ‘ayyars, who stopped an attempt by ‘Abdallah's son ‘Aziz to maintain control of the town.

Abu Ja’far Ahmad's rule soon expanded outside Zarang; ‘Abdallah's representative in al-Rukhkhaj defected to him and the citizens of Bust threw their support behind the Saffarid as well. ‘Abdallah was defeated in battle by Abu Ja’far Ahmad's supporters, forcing him to make for Samanid Khurasan. He was captured, however, and brought back to Zarang in October 923. His capture ended his rule for good.

During the reign, he issued silver Dirham and gold Dinar. These coins were issued from various mints such as Sijistan, Andaraba, and Zaranj. Depicted above is a gold Mohur issued during his reign.

Image Source: Wikipedia.org