Turkish soldier who took part in the conspiracy which led to the caliph al-Mutawakkil's death in 247/861. He was the caliph al-Musta`in's initial choice as vizier. While the day-to-day administration of the caliphate was probably performed by Utamish's secretary Shuja' b.al-Kasim, Utamish acted as virtual regent for the caliph. In 249/863, Utamish and the Turkish generals Wasif and Bugha al-Saghir defeated a rebellion which started after the defeat of the `Abbasid army by the Byzantines. Shortly after this, Utamish was killed by Bugha al-Saghir. His murdered caused al-Must`in to flee Samarra for Baghdad in Muharram 251/Febuary 865 which led to the release of al-Mu`tazz and al-Musta`in's abdication and eventual murder on 3 Shawwal 252/17 October 866.
Zettersteen, K.V. "al-Musta`in". Trans. C.E. Bosworth. EI2.
247 - Utamish is part of the conspiracy to assassinate the caliph al-Mutawakkil.
248 -
249 - Utamish and the Turkish generals Wasif and Bugha al-Saghir put down a rebellion which began after the defeat of the `Abbasid army by the Byzantines. Utamish killed by Bugha al-Saghir.