Rus’ vs Qarmatians: a New Look at the Events of the Bardha’a in the 40s of the 10th Century

The article is dedicated to the Rus’ military campaign against Bardha’a, a major political center in Azerbaijan era of Abbasid Caliphate. This was action Caspian region, which found most complete consecration written sources East. In context events, arrival should be attributed August 944, and departure from there at turn summer–autumn 945. likely participants were contingents army Prince Igor Kyiv, who 944 went on Byzantium, ended peace negotiations. Bardha’a took place with support Khazaria. arrived by ship, so their route is: Black Sea – Kerch Strait – Sea Azov – Don – portage Sarkel – Volga – Kura. version about land through North Caucasus not valid, lands Byzantine vassals Abkhazia, Kakheti, Hereti confirmed source information. became possible serious crisis that Caliphate experiencing. One manifestations growing popularity opposition religious trends. Ismailism occupied special among such trends, including form Qarmatian teaching. Emir Marzuban, an opponent Rus considered himself as belonging this Countering Ismaili one main tasks policy Sunni ruling elites Samanid, Khwarazm, Shirvan, Derbent States. middle 10th century, it these Islamic policies had stable ties Khazars. circumstance explains neutrality Muslim community Khazaria providing squadron opportunity enter attack possessions Marzuban.