The Death of the Muktedî

When Sultan Berkyaruk arrived in Baghdad, he requested from the caliph a sultanic decree (ferman) to be written for himself. This decree was written. The robes of honor (hilʿāt) were prepared, and the decree was presented to the caliph for confirmation. The caliph signed this decree on the fourteenth of Muharram, on a Friday. Then the meal was brought. As was customary, he ate his meal and was in excellent health. Afterwards, he washed his hands. After sitting down and signing, he looked at the decree. A woman who was the manager of the palace affairs and the concubines was sitting beside him. The woman says: "The caliph looked at me and said, 'Who are these people who have come to me without permission?' When I turned to look, I saw no one. I saw that the caliph's condition had changed. He let his hands and feet go limp. His strength and power dissolved. He fell to the ground. I thought he had fainted. I undid the buttons of his clothes. I saw that he did not respond to calls. I locked the door behind me and went outside. I informed the heir apparent (velīʿah) of the situation. The commanders and the great state officials came to the velīʿah and consoled him on the death of his father and offered condolences. They also congratulated him on the caliphate and expressed their allegiance (bayʿah)."