Also known as Medina al-Salam (City of Peace), Baghdad lies along the banks of the Tigris river at roughly 33.386 N Latitude and 44.3939 E Longitude. The modern city of Baghdad was founded in the 8th century CE as the capital of the `Abbasid Caliphate by the caliph al-Mansur. It remained the capital of the `Abbasid Caliphate until the invasion of the Mongols in 1258. During this time the city also acted as the cultural center of the Islamic world, bringing together scholars of all fields from across the lands of Islam.
In 220/834-835, the caliph al-Mustasim moved the capital to Samarra, looking to limit conflict between the urban population of Baghdad and the Turkish Central Guard. This move led to the domination of the Turkish Central Guard over the caliphate. In 251/865-866, when the caliph al-Musta`in fled from Samarra to Baghdad fearing for his safety, Baghdad received the brunt of the Turkish military effort to capture al-Musta`in. Samarra remained the `Abbasid capital until 279/892 when the center of power returned to Baghdad.
Baghdad was home to a mint which produced coins in the name of the `Abbasids throughout the period of study (254-282).
Rulers named on Baghdadi coins during the period of study:
Map taken from Encyclopedia of Islam article "Baghdad" by A.A. Duri.
Duri, A.A. "Baghdad" in EI2.