The Governors of al-Shām and Fārs in the Early Islamic Empire – A Comparative Regional Perspective

: This paper compares patterns of gubernatorial appointments in early Islamic al-Sh ā m and F ā rs until the reign of al-Mu ʿ tamid. The provincial, sub-provincial and super-provincial governors it identifies are listed in the attached appendix. By examining their backgrounds, the paper locates appointment patterns. Finally, the patterns in both provinces are compared and their divergence interpreted as an indication of an imperial strategy adapted to local cir-cumstances.