How did military factions weaken the Fatimid government in Egypt?

The Fatimid government in Egypt was significantly weakened by internal military factionalism, which eroded the caliphs' authority and shifted power toward military autocrats.

The Rise of Factionalism

Initially, the Fatimid caliphs maintained a civilian government with full personal control. However, as the army's influence grew, deep-seated divisions emerged among the Amazigh, Turkish, Sudanese, and Nubian troops. These factional differences escalated into violent conflicts, particularly during the reign of al-Ḥākim, whose own erratic behavior contributed to the decline of the caliphate's religious prestige and personal authority.1

Transition to Military Rule

During the long reign of al-Mustanṣir, this internal strife plunged Egypt into a cycle of anarchy and tyranny, exacerbated by plague and famine. The caliphs were eventually reduced to puppets under the control of their generals and viziers.1

In 1073, the general Badr al-Jamālī seized power, purging rival officials and establishing a military regime. This created a permanent system where military autocrats held the true authority, keeping the caliphs in tutelage until the end of the dynasty.12