Khālid ibn Barmak

Khālid ibn Barmak was an Iranian noble from Balkh who converted to Islam and became a supporter of the early Abbasid caliphate. He was instrumental in the distribution of spoils during the Abbasid army's advance and later shared ministerial authority, overseeing the army and land tax collection. He was also entrusted with the upbringing of the caliph's daughter.1

Khālid served as governor of Fars and Tabaristan, where he distinguished himself by capturing a town and building a new one. Despite facing dismissal and a heavy fine, he was later reappointed governor of Fars during al-Mahdī's reign. His son, Yaḥyā, became a key figure in the administration, notably as a tutor and advisor to Caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd. The Barmakid family, including Khālid, was known for their patronage of arts and sciences and for promoting public works.12