Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century

Mehmet Nezir Ceylan

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century

Mehmet Nezir Ceylan^*

Published in International Journal of Science, Technology and Society (Volume 13, Issue 6)

Received: 27 September 2025 Accepted: 10 October 2025 Published: 12 November 2025

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Abstract

This study examines the theological and intellectual debates that took place between the renowned Ashari scholar Al-Baqillani and Byzantine clerics in the 10th century, offering an in-depth analysis of their religious, political, and diplomatic significance. During a period when the Byzantine Empire was entering a phase of decline, while the Islamic Caliphates were expanding their political and intellectual influence, these debates reflected the broader tensions between the two civilizations. The research explores Al-Baqillani’s dual role as both a theologian and a diplomat, emphasizing that his arguments not only defended Islamic theology but also served to reinforce the political authority of the Buwayhid dynasty within the Islamic world. The study addresses the principal theological issues raised in these debates—such as the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Islam’s rejection of the divinity of Jesus. Through the examination of historical sources, diplomatic correspondences, and theological treatises, the paper demonstrates that Al-Baqillani’s defense of monotheism and critique of Christian dogmas were strategically positioned within the political dynamics of the time. Moreover, it reveals that these debates had a lasting impact on Muslim-Christian relations, shaping the intellectual discourse of the medieval period and influencing subsequent diplomatic strategies. By providing a meticulous analysis of these exchanges, this study illustrates how religious argumentation was employed not merely to assert doctrinal superiority but also as a tool for navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. Situating these discussions within their political and cultural contexts, the research underscores the intricate role of theological discourse in the inter-civilizational diplomacy of the medieval world.

Published in	International Journal of Science, Technology and Society (Volume 13, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11
Page(s)	240-247
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Al-Baqillani, Byzantine Court, Interfaith Dialogue, Islam, Christianity, Medieval Relations, Diplomacy, Theology

References

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[3]	Ibn Asakir, A. Q. (1969/1389 AH). Tabyin kadhib al-muftari (2nd ed.). Dar al-Fikr.
[4]	Ibn Kathir, A. F. (1990). Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya (Vols. 1-15). Maktabat al-Ma’arif.
[5]	Ibn Khallikan, A. A. S. A. (1978). Wafayat al-A‘yan (Vols. 1-8). Dar Sadir.
[6]	Ibn al-Athir, I. A. D. (1987). Al-Kamil fi’l-Tarikh (Vols. 1-11). Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyya.
[7]	Karadas, C. (2009). “A Muslim-Christian Debate in the Byzantine Court: The Discussion Between the Buwayhid Envoy Baqillani and Emperor Basil II.” Islamic Studies Journal, 22, 1-35.
[8]	Qadi Iyad. (1983). Tartib al-Madarik (2nd ed., Vols. 1-8). Al-Matba‘a al-Malikiyya.
[9]	Altuntaş, H., & Şahin, M. (Eds.). (2009). The Qur’an: With annotated interpretation in modern Turkish [Turkish translation of the Qur’an]. Ankara, Turkey: Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı Publications. (Original work published in Arabic).
[10]	Sukuni, A. A. O. (1976). ‘Uyun al-Munazarat. Publications of the University of Tunisia.
[11]	Al-Zarkashi, B. (1992). Al-Bahr al-Muhit fi Usul al-Fiqh (2nd ed., Vols. 1-6). Dar al-Kufa.
[12]	Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Communication Directorate. (2022). Turkey’s Soft Power Instrument as Cultural Diplomacy and Communication. Presidency Publications.
[13]	Gozubuyuk, S. (2018). “The Element of Diplomatic Protocol as a ‘Chair’ in Ottoman-French Relations (16th-17th Centuries).” Eurasian Journal of Social and Economic Research (ASEAD), 5(6), 98-117.
[14]	Al-Maqdisī, M. (1877). Aḥsan al-taqāsīm fī maʿrifat al-aqālīm (M. J. de Goeje, Ed.). Leiden: Brill, pp. 147-148.
[15]	Avcı, C. (2010-11). Muslim Arab sources on the Byzantine capital Constantinople (İstanbul). Akademik Araştırmalar Dergisi, 12(47-48), 73-98.

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Ceylan, M. N. (2025). Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. International Journal of Science, Technology and Society, 13(6), 240-247. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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Ceylan, M. N. Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. Int. J. Sci. Technol. Soc. 2025, 13(6), 240-247. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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Ceylan MN. Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. Int J Sci Technol Soc. 2025;13(6):240-247. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11,
  author = {Mehmet Nezir Ceylan},
  title = {Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century
},
  journal = {International Journal of Science, Technology and Society},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {240-247},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  abstract = {This study examines the theological and intellectual debates that took place between the renowned Ashari scholar Al-Baqillani and Byzantine clerics in the 10th century, offering an in-depth analysis of their religious, political, and diplomatic significance. During a period when the Byzantine Empire was entering a phase of decline, while the Islamic Caliphates were expanding their political and intellectual influence, these debates reflected the broader tensions between the two civilizations. The research explores Al-Baqillani’s dual role as both a theologian and a diplomat, emphasizing that his arguments not only defended Islamic theology but also served to reinforce the political authority of the Buwayhid dynasty within the Islamic world. The study addresses the principal theological issues raised in these debates—such as the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Islam’s rejection of the divinity of Jesus. Through the examination of historical sources, diplomatic correspondences, and theological treatises, the paper demonstrates that Al-Baqillani’s defense of monotheism and critique of Christian dogmas were strategically positioned within the political dynamics of the time. Moreover, it reveals that these debates had a lasting impact on Muslim-Christian relations, shaping the intellectual discourse of the medieval period and influencing subsequent diplomatic strategies. By providing a meticulous analysis of these exchanges, this study illustrates how religious argumentation was employed not merely to assert doctrinal superiority but also as a tool for navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. Situating these discussions within their political and cultural contexts, the research underscores the intricate role of theological discourse in the inter-civilizational diplomacy of the medieval world.
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 year = {2025}
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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century

AU  - Mehmet Nezir Ceylan
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PY  - 2025
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JO  - International Journal of Science, Technology and Society
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EP  - 247
PB  - Science Publishing Group
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11
AB  - This study examines the theological and intellectual debates that took place between the renowned Ashari scholar Al-Baqillani and Byzantine clerics in the 10th century, offering an in-depth analysis of their religious, political, and diplomatic significance. During a period when the Byzantine Empire was entering a phase of decline, while the Islamic Caliphates were expanding their political and intellectual influence, these debates reflected the broader tensions between the two civilizations. The research explores Al-Baqillani’s dual role as both a theologian and a diplomat, emphasizing that his arguments not only defended Islamic theology but also served to reinforce the political authority of the Buwayhid dynasty within the Islamic world. The study addresses the principal theological issues raised in these debates—such as the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Islam’s rejection of the divinity of Jesus. Through the examination of historical sources, diplomatic correspondences, and theological treatises, the paper demonstrates that Al-Baqillani’s defense of monotheism and critique of Christian dogmas were strategically positioned within the political dynamics of the time. Moreover, it reveals that these debates had a lasting impact on Muslim-Christian relations, shaping the intellectual discourse of the medieval period and influencing subsequent diplomatic strategies. By providing a meticulous analysis of these exchanges, this study illustrates how religious argumentation was employed not merely to assert doctrinal superiority but also as a tool for navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. Situating these discussions within their political and cultural contexts, the research underscores the intricate role of theological discourse in the inter-civilizational diplomacy of the medieval world.

VL  - 13
IS  - 6
ER  -

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Mehmet Nezir Ceylan

Gazi Anadolu Imam Hatip High School, Batman, Türkiye

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http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0314-3309

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APA Style

Ceylan, M. N. (2025). Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. International Journal of Science, Technology and Society, 13(6), 240-247. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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ACS Style

Ceylan, M. N. Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. Int. J. Sci. Technol. Soc. 2025, 13(6), 240-247. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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AMA Style

Ceylan MN. Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century. Int J Sci Technol Soc. 2025;13(6):240-247. doi: 10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11,
  author = {Mehmet Nezir Ceylan},
  title = {Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century
},
  journal = {International Journal of Science, Technology and Society},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {240-247},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijsts.20251306.11},
  abstract = {This study examines the theological and intellectual debates that took place between the renowned Ashari scholar Al-Baqillani and Byzantine clerics in the 10th century, offering an in-depth analysis of their religious, political, and diplomatic significance. During a period when the Byzantine Empire was entering a phase of decline, while the Islamic Caliphates were expanding their political and intellectual influence, these debates reflected the broader tensions between the two civilizations. The research explores Al-Baqillani’s dual role as both a theologian and a diplomat, emphasizing that his arguments not only defended Islamic theology but also served to reinforce the political authority of the Buwayhid dynasty within the Islamic world. The study addresses the principal theological issues raised in these debates—such as the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Islam’s rejection of the divinity of Jesus. Through the examination of historical sources, diplomatic correspondences, and theological treatises, the paper demonstrates that Al-Baqillani’s defense of monotheism and critique of Christian dogmas were strategically positioned within the political dynamics of the time. Moreover, it reveals that these debates had a lasting impact on Muslim-Christian relations, shaping the intellectual discourse of the medieval period and influencing subsequent diplomatic strategies. By providing a meticulous analysis of these exchanges, this study illustrates how religious argumentation was employed not merely to assert doctrinal superiority but also as a tool for navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. Situating these discussions within their political and cultural contexts, the research underscores the intricate role of theological discourse in the inter-civilizational diplomacy of the medieval world.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Al-Baqillani and the Byzantine Palace: A Theological and Diplomatic Encounter in the 10th Century

AU  - Mehmet Nezir Ceylan
Y1  - 2025/11/12
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11
T2  - International Journal of Science, Technology and Society
JF  - International Journal of Science, Technology and Society
JO  - International Journal of Science, Technology and Society
SP  - 240
EP  - 247
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7420
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijsts.20251306.11
AB  - This study examines the theological and intellectual debates that took place between the renowned Ashari scholar Al-Baqillani and Byzantine clerics in the 10th century, offering an in-depth analysis of their religious, political, and diplomatic significance. During a period when the Byzantine Empire was entering a phase of decline, while the Islamic Caliphates were expanding their political and intellectual influence, these debates reflected the broader tensions between the two civilizations. The research explores Al-Baqillani’s dual role as both a theologian and a diplomat, emphasizing that his arguments not only defended Islamic theology but also served to reinforce the political authority of the Buwayhid dynasty within the Islamic world. The study addresses the principal theological issues raised in these debates—such as the nature of Christ, the doctrine of the Trinity, and Islam’s rejection of the divinity of Jesus. Through the examination of historical sources, diplomatic correspondences, and theological treatises, the paper demonstrates that Al-Baqillani’s defense of monotheism and critique of Christian dogmas were strategically positioned within the political dynamics of the time. Moreover, it reveals that these debates had a lasting impact on Muslim-Christian relations, shaping the intellectual discourse of the medieval period and influencing subsequent diplomatic strategies. By providing a meticulous analysis of these exchanges, this study illustrates how religious argumentation was employed not merely to assert doctrinal superiority but also as a tool for navigating the complex diplomatic landscape of the era. Situating these discussions within their political and cultural contexts, the research underscores the intricate role of theological discourse in the inter-civilizational diplomacy of the medieval world.

VL  - 13
IS  - 6
ER  -

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