Baghdad played a significant role in Islamic history. It was founded in 762 CE by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur as the new capital of the Islamic empire, replacing the previous capital of Damascus.

Baghdad became a center of Islamic culture, learning, and trade, attracting scholars, artists, and merchants from around the Islamic world. The city was home to many prominent institutions, including the House of Wisdom, which was a center of scholarship and research, and the Grand Mosque of Baghdad, which was a major center of Islamic worship.

During the Abbasid period, Baghdad was also known for its cosmopolitan culture, with a thriving intellectual and artistic scene. Many famous works of Islamic literature, including the Thousand and One Nights, were composed in Baghdad.

However, Baghdad's history is also marked by periods of conflict and political turmoil, including invasions by foreign powers and internal political unrest. Despite these challenges, Baghdad remained a major center of Islamic culture and learning throughout much of Islamic history.