Evaluate the effectiveness of the military reforms of two of the following: al-Mu’izz (953–975); al-Hakim (996–1021); al-Mustansir (1036–1094).

Candidates are required to make an appraisal of the effectiveness of the military reforms of two Fatimid caliphs. In the case of al-Mu'izz candidates may refer to the reforms carried out to reorganize the army with a standing force and a militia, and the formation of a naval fleet trained to protect coastal trade from pirates. These changes proved to be effective against both the Berbers of Morocco and the Umayyads of Spain, and facilitated a series of raids on Italy. Regarding al-Hakim, candidates may consider the introduction of slave troops on a large scale, a useful policy to extend Fatimid power, especially in Syria. Nevertheless, they had a destabilizing effect on the relations with the civilian population and did not solve the rivalry among factions in the army. In the case of al-Mustansir, candidates may highlight the increment in the number of Turks. The payments they received ended up draining the dynasty’s treasure and allowed the Turks to take control over important cities.

Candidates were required to make an appraisal of the military reforms of two Fatimid caliphs. There were some effective responses, although there was a tendency to describe the reforms and not analyse effectiveness.