Recruitment of Intellectuals in an Early Islamic Society Mainly in the Buwayhid Period

抄録

This paper examines the relationship between intellectuals and the rulers in reference to securing human resources. Intellectuals made use of their specialised disciplines and skills to serve the caliphs and warlords, but they also often served outside their own areas of specialisation. Thus, the act of gathering intellectuals, providing allowances, protecting them and supporting their work meant that the rulers, when they encountered political, diplomatic or administrative needs, were able to use the abilities of specialists both within and outside their fields of specialisation and their personal connections to address the issues they were facing.

And this paper indicates that the majlis were used to secure such human resources. It was a place or an opportunity where monarchs, high officials, academics with various specialisations and other influential people gathered, discussed specific topics, indulged in table-talk and exchanged information. In this way, talented people were found and recruited.

The results of this paper were obtained by deciphering historical materials such as chronicles, biographies, and anecdotes. Much of the information on the relationship between intellectuals and rulers preserved in various historical materials may not yet be available. This paper provides a starting point for collecting such information.