Buyid Dynasty

The Buyid dynasty was an Iranian dynasty of Daylamite origin that ruled central and western Iran, and Iraq from 934 to 1062. Founded by Imad al-Dawla, the Buyids were initially Zaydi and later Twelver Shi'a. They established Shiraz, Ray, and Baghdad as their capitals. The dynasty is considered part of the "Iranian Intermezzo" and consciously revived symbols and practices of the Sasanian Empire, with some rulers using the title Shahanshah. The Buyid realm reached its peak under Adud al-Dawla, stretching from the Byzantine border to Khorasan. They were known for supporting the Sunni Abbasid caliphs and being tolerant of the Sunni population.