حصارات المدن في عهد الخليفة الوليد بن عبد الملك بن مروان (٨٦-٩٦هـ) جبهة المشرق انموذجاً

Abstract

The study focuses on the sieges of cities during the reign of the Umayyad caliph al-Walīd ibn ʿAbd al-Malik ibn Marwān (86–96 AH). During the period of territorial expansion, the Umayyad state witnessed numerous city sieges that played a significant role in its geographic expansion, extending its borders to China in the far east and to the Maghreb and al-Andalus in the far west. These sieges were not merely military operations aimed at seizing cities; they also served as a means of demonstrating the power of the state, reinforcing its authority, and subduing cities that resisted entry into Islam or served as centers of opposition movements. Thus, siege warfare functioned as a tool for suppressing revolts and opposition to Umayyad rule, especially in regions fortified with strongholds, castles, and robust defenses. Capturing such locations required careful study of their geographic position and the development of strategic military plans, the most prominent of which was long-term siege warfare designed to cut off supplies, exhaust the defenders, and ultimately make surrender the most logical outcome for the Umayyad forces.